I am probably going to get pelters for this. But here we go. Scottish politicians as WW2 British Aircraft...
Jackson Carlaw - Fairey Albacore.
A big, imposing appearance but old-fashioned looking. Distinctly underpowered. Tried its best and had a few small successes but its career at the top was very short. Had the ignominy to be outlived by its own predecessor.
A big, imposing appearance but old-fashioned looking. Distinctly underpowered. Tried its best and had a few small successes but its career at the top was very short. Had the ignominy to be outlived by its own predecessor.
Ian Blackford - Short Sunderland.
Had a long development in the commercial sector in the service of the wealthy. Proved to be adaptable into a into a tough, effective workhorse that could take a lot of punishment from its opponents. At home off the west coast of Scotland.
Had a long development in the commercial sector in the service of the wealthy. Proved to be adaptable into a into a tough, effective workhorse that could take a lot of punishment from its opponents. At home off the west coast of Scotland.
Willie Rennie - Miles Libellula
Its own side hoped it might be a world beater, but in retrospect best remembered for looking rather bizarre in press photos. An interesting idea but ultimately failed to serve any real purpose.
Its own side hoped it might be a world beater, but in retrospect best remembered for looking rather bizarre in press photos. An interesting idea but ultimately failed to serve any real purpose.
Patrick Harvie - Westland Lysander
Might look small, harmless and a bit old fashioned, but appearances can be deceiving and thoroughly modern on the inside. Not suited to a direct attack role, came into its element and proved quite effective working behind the lines
Might look small, harmless and a bit old fashioned, but appearances can be deceiving and thoroughly modern on the inside. Not suited to a direct attack role, came into its element and proved quite effective working behind the lines
Jack McConnell - Fairey Barracuda.
Had a protracted development, took a couple of attempts to get onto the front line. Rushed into service when its predecessor proved disappointing. Had a successes but a bit of a lacklustre performer. Looked silly next to the Americans.
Had a protracted development, took a couple of attempts to get onto the front line. Rushed into service when its predecessor proved disappointing. Had a successes but a bit of a lacklustre performer. Looked silly next to the Americans.
Adam Tomkins - Blackburn Firebrand
The "Firebrand" was powerful and modern-looking, it changed roles early in its development and this dogged it for the rest of its career. Big and noisy and saw itself as a heavy hitter but never really performed quite as hoped for
The "Firebrand" was powerful and modern-looking, it changed roles early in its development and this dogged it for the rest of its career. Big and noisy and saw itself as a heavy hitter but never really performed quite as hoped for
George Galloway - Vickers Vildebeest.
Surprisingly there was a time when this was modern and cutting edge, now appears anachronistic and bizarre. 2 or 3 generations out of its time yet somehow still around. Hopelessly outclassed when faced with modern opponents. Big. Slow. Noisy
Surprisingly there was a time when this was modern and cutting edge, now appears anachronistic and bizarre. 2 or 3 generations out of its time yet somehow still around. Hopelessly outclassed when faced with modern opponents. Big. Slow. Noisy
Douglas Ross - Blackburn Roc
Looked fresh and modern relative to the older models around it, but already outdated. Found itself on the front line anyway for lack of suitable competitor. Its fundamental conceptual flaw was it couldn't decide what role it actually wanted to serve
Looked fresh and modern relative to the older models around it, but already outdated. Found itself on the front line anyway for lack of suitable competitor. Its fundamental conceptual flaw was it couldn't decide what role it actually wanted to serve
Richard Leonard - Fairey Battle
Not unattractive from certain angles, in principle a sound design. But it was underpowered and by the time it was on the front-line seemed out of date. Struggled to perform but stuck to its guns and tried hard regardless.
Not unattractive from certain angles, in principle a sound design. But it was underpowered and by the time it was on the front-line seemed out of date. Struggled to perform but stuck to its guns and tried hard regardless.
John Mason - Folland Fo.108
The "Frightener". A real curiosity, quite, quite odd. Frequently dangerous to its own side. Tested various experimental ideas. Could be noisy.
The "Frightener". A real curiosity, quite, quite odd. Frequently dangerous to its own side. Tested various experimental ideas. Could be noisy.
Paul Sweeney - Westland Whirlwind
Sharp-looking and quite revolutionary, had real potential. Ultimately let down by troubles under the bonnet not of its own making and had a short frontline career as a result. Grudgingly respected by its opponents, a real “what if”
Sharp-looking and quite revolutionary, had real potential. Ultimately let down by troubles under the bonnet not of its own making and had a short frontline career as a result. Grudgingly respected by its opponents, a real “what if”
Ruth Davidson - Boulton Paul Defiant
Initially seen as revolutionary and a moderniser, its opponents quickly got its number and easily flew rings around it. When attacked either circled the wagons or dived for cover and ran away. Soldiered on longer than it should have
Initially seen as revolutionary and a moderniser, its opponents quickly got its number and easily flew rings around it. When attacked either circled the wagons or dived for cover and ran away. Soldiered on longer than it should have
Jim Murphy - Hawker Tornado
Lean and aggressive and looking. Warlike and noisy. Seriously complex and unreliable under the bonnet. Long term questions about its structural soundness, it never quite made it to the top despite a protracted development
Lean and aggressive and looking. Warlike and noisy. Seriously complex and unreliable under the bonnet. Long term questions about its structural soundness, it never quite made it to the top despite a protracted development
Jim Sillars - Vickers Welllington
Tough and long-serving it was there on the front line at the beginning. Kept on going in a variety of roles as more modern designs replaced it on the front line. An overly rigid structure ultimately meant it was hard to keep on adapting it
Tough and long-serving it was there on the front line at the beginning. Kept on going in a variety of roles as more modern designs replaced it on the front line. An overly rigid structure ultimately meant it was hard to keep on adapting it
Gordon Brown - Short Stirling
Very big, struggled when flying high. Generally lacking in vices, it did have a tendency for exhibiting sudden, challenging behaviours. In theory a hard hitter but held back by design compromises. Kept popping up in different roles after retirement
Very big, struggled when flying high. Generally lacking in vices, it did have a tendency for exhibiting sudden, challenging behaviours. In theory a hard hitter but held back by design compromises. Kept popping up in different roles after retirement
John Swinney - Bristol Blenheim
Sleek-looking, another promising design that didn't quite live up to expectations. Tried its hands at a variety of roles in which it had a mixed bag of success and failures, but kept on going in some perhaps longer than it really should have.
Sleek-looking, another promising design that didn't quite live up to expectations. Tried its hands at a variety of roles in which it had a mixed bag of success and failures, but kept on going in some perhaps longer than it really should have.
Stewart Stevenson - Supermarine Walrus
Some may see it as old fashioned and comical looking, but a workhorse that should not be taken for granted. Gave long service in a variety of roles both frontline and supporting. Well thought of by many.
Some may see it as old fashioned and comical looking, but a workhorse that should not be taken for granted. Gave long service in a variety of roles both frontline and supporting. Well thought of by many.
Donald Dewar - Fairey Swordfish
Looked old fashioned while still young, it was hard working and long serving. It may have appeared pedestrian but opponents would be advised not to take it for granted. Made a big contribution to pivotal events. Fondly remembered.
Looked old fashioned while still young, it was hard working and long serving. It may have appeared pedestrian but opponents would be advised not to take it for granted. Made a big contribution to pivotal events. Fondly remembered.
Nicola Sturgeon - Hawker Hurricane
Ill-informed detractors criticise its appearance. Underestimated by opponents at their peril and will shoot you down in flames. A sound and solid design, hard to bring down. Has few vices, an adaptable workhorse.
Ill-informed detractors criticise its appearance. Underestimated by opponents at their peril and will shoot you down in flames. A sound and solid design, hard to bring down. Has few vices, an adaptable workhorse.
Alex Cole-Hamilton - Supermarine Spiteful
Modern and flash in appearance, a lot of expense was put in to trying to get it into service. Seemed promising but was overtaken by other developments. Noisy and temperamental. Looked good in promo photos.
Modern and flash in appearance, a lot of expense was put in to trying to get it into service. Seemed promising but was overtaken by other developments. Noisy and temperamental. Looked good in promo photos.
Mhairi Black - Gloster E.28/39
Quite revolutionary when it appeared on the scene, instantly made what it replaced look out of date. A pocket rocket. Quite noisy. Utterly unique.
Quite revolutionary when it appeared on the scene, instantly made what it replaced look out of date. A pocket rocket. Quite noisy. Utterly unique.
Ross Thomson - Westland Welkin
A potential high-flyer, its own side had great hopes for it. Had a long and difficult entry into service. It proved to be fundamentally flawed. Probably more dangerous to its own side than potential opponents. Really quite odd looking.
A potential high-flyer, its own side had great hopes for it. Had a long and difficult entry into service. It proved to be fundamentally flawed. Probably more dangerous to its own side than potential opponents. Really quite odd looking.
Derek Mackay - Blackburn Botha
Looked modern, there were high hopes for it. Made it to the front line for a while where it soon revealed dangerous vices and had to be quickly and ignominiously retired. Ultimately far more harmful to its own side than the opposition.
Looked modern, there were high hopes for it. Made it to the front line for a while where it soon revealed dangerous vices and had to be quickly and ignominiously retired. Ultimately far more harmful to its own side than the opposition.
Winnie Ewing - Miles M52
Utterly goundbreaking and years ahead of its time. Its place in the annals of history is assured.
Utterly goundbreaking and years ahead of its time. Its place in the annals of history is assured.
Kezia Dugdale - Handley Page Hampden
Swept into service as a moderniser, it was hoped it could be a fighter. Tried hard wherever it was deployed but could never quite land killer blows on its opponents. Suffered from a lack of crew communication. Moved on to other things.
Swept into service as a moderniser, it was hoped it could be a fighter. Tried hard wherever it was deployed but could never quite land killer blows on its opponents. Suffered from a lack of crew communication. Moved on to other things.
Ian Murray - Gloster Gladiator
A tough fighter. Usually outnumbered. Despite everything its opponents struggled to bring it down. Often found itself as the only thing opposing the other side. Never gave up.
A tough fighter. Usually outnumbered. Despite everything its opponents struggled to bring it down. Often found itself as the only thing opposing the other side. Never gave up.
Alison Thewliss - De Havilland Tiger Moth
George Foulkes - Saro Lerwick
Had once promised to be a moderniser. Underneath the rotund and cuddly exterior lay a poor performer that was difficult to control and a liability to its own side.
Had once promised to be a moderniser. Underneath the rotund and cuddly exterior lay a poor performer that was difficult to control and a liability to its own side.
Jo Swinson - Martin Baker MB 3/5
Showed real initial promise, positioned as a 3rd alternative to 2 established incumbents. Disastrous first attempt ended in failure. Soon reappeared looking different and more modern but quickly cancelled again.
Showed real initial promise, positioned as a 3rd alternative to 2 established incumbents. Disastrous first attempt ended in failure. Soon reappeared looking different and more modern but quickly cancelled again.
Ian Duncan - Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
Wasn't wanted, but was pressed into service "off the drawing board" anyway. Found to be less than ideal and not very useful. Forgotten about by most.
Wasn't wanted, but was pressed into service "off the drawing board" anyway. Found to be less than ideal and not very useful. Forgotten about by most.
Marco Biagi - Avro Anson
Caused quite a stir when it entered into service. Had a shorter frontline career than many had hoped for, but proved more than capable of applying itself to other things. A flying classroom
Caused quite a stir when it entered into service. Had a shorter frontline career than many had hoped for, but proved more than capable of applying itself to other things. A flying classroom
Margo Macdonald - Gloster Meteor
A trailblazer. Burst onto the scene and made its contemporaries look instantly old fashioned. Had a remarkably long career. Proved capable even when newer models came along. Had a bit of a habit for doing its own thing. Well respected.
A trailblazer. Burst onto the scene and made its contemporaries look instantly old fashioned. Had a remarkably long career. Proved capable even when newer models came along. Had a bit of a habit for doing its own thing. Well respected.
David Coburn - General Aircraft Hamilcar
Big and bulky. Totally lacking in power. Slow and an easy target. Was beset by management difficulties. Proved a dissapointment in service and rarely found a use. Not well known and long forgotten about
Big and bulky. Totally lacking in power. Slow and an easy target. Was beset by management difficulties. Proved a dissapointment in service and rarely found a use. Not well known and long forgotten about
Phillipa Whitford - Bristol Bombay
An adaptable design. Made in Belfast. Could be used for medical purposes but was armed and could go on the attack as required. Did much good work in the Middle East.
An adaptable design. Made in Belfast. Could be used for medical purposes but was armed and could go on the attack as required. Did much good work in the Middle East.
Tommy Sheridan - Supermarine Stranraer
"The Whistling Shithouse". An anachronistic hangover from a previous generation. Incredibly noisy. Uncomfortable to spend much time around. Somehow kept on going for far longer than it should have.
"The Whistling Shithouse". An anachronistic hangover from a previous generation. Incredibly noisy. Uncomfortable to spend much time around. Somehow kept on going for far longer than it should have.
Michael Gove - Blackburn B-20
Funny looking and prone to flutter. A complicated technical solution looking for a problem. Unreliable and complicated under the bonnet, proved quite lethal to those nearest to it. Never made it to the top. People surprised it was made in Scotland.
Funny looking and prone to flutter. A complicated technical solution looking for a problem. Unreliable and complicated under the bonnet, proved quite lethal to those nearest to it. Never made it to the top. People surprised it was made in Scotland.
Alyn Smith - Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV
Saw much hard work over Europe although ultimately forced to withdraw. Found a new lease of life as a capable fighter. Quite tough and adaptable. Had a slightly jaunty, asymmetric appearance when viewed from the front.
Saw much hard work over Europe although ultimately forced to withdraw. Found a new lease of life as a capable fighter. Quite tough and adaptable. Had a slightly jaunty, asymmetric appearance when viewed from the front.
Mike Watson - Short Shetland
Grandiose and lofty in appearance. Consumed a lot of taxpayer's money with not much to show for it. Suffered control issues and poor lateral stability. Career cut short by fire.
Grandiose and lofty in appearance. Consumed a lot of taxpayer's money with not much to show for it. Suffered control issues and poor lateral stability. Career cut short by fire.
