It might seem like politics is an unforgiving, unloved and a ruthless profession. The past month might re-enforce the assumption, what with Brexit vote, ministerial resignations and back stabbings on both sides of the Commons aisle, a new PM installed and a party turmoil that just couldn't conclude soon enough. Yet for those seeking a sliver lining, they must only focus their eyes north, into Scotland to see something extraordinary.
Far from the Palace of Westminster among the highlands, it seems fairytales do come true. The Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, 34, got engaged recently on a trip to Majorca. Ms Dugdale’s fiancée Louise Riddell, 33, is a lecturer at Edinburgh College. The two women have been in a relationship since 2008, yet it was only in April this year that the MSP made her relationship public in an interview. Ms Dugdale said “We hope this brings a smile to a few people’s faces and we’ll certainly be toasting all those campaigners and activists who made marriage equality possible.
On the other side the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, is due to marry her long term partner Jen Wilson after announcing their engagement in May this year.
Scotland was voted recently as the best place in Europe to be gay. The leader of Scottish Ukip, David Coburn and Patrick Harvie, co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party are also gay. It is perhaps the best testament to how inclusive Scottish politics is, far from the rigid system of Westminster.