The Great Scottish Land Grab Book 1: The Great Scottish Land Grab, #1

By Mark Anderson Smith

If politicians ignore you, what can you do? When tragedy derails the referendum on Scottish independence, Robert Castle decides to set up his own political party. Offering power to the people, will his Cafe Politics catch on and transform Scotland?

Book one of the trilogy that imagines a country without politicians, a country governed by the people, for the people. Imagine Cafe Politics and government by referendum where having your say on government policy is as easy as voting for your favourite contestant on The X Factor. The Great Scottish Land Grab is a vision of democracy, a blueprint of hope and optimism.

“In the land of fiction, independence is real. In the real world, Scotland has said no. But in the land of fiction, the Scots have gone one step further and have voted for a land grab as well as independence. Robert Castle intends to fulfil his promise to the Scottish nation, no matter what the cost. Yet again, Mark Anderson Smith has made the improbable believable. Indeed, after reading this, I thought independence would happen! Alex Salmond may have gone but there may be a real Robert Castle out there. Watch out Westminster - according to Mark Anderson Smith, it ain't over yet!” Joy Kluver

“Was looking forward to the second book in the series and it didn't disappoint. Found myself wishing that Scotland's future could really be like this. Another cliffhanger ending, that leaves you wanting to get book three as soon as it comes out.” Mary Douglas

“This book was excellent, very interesting and well put together. I couldn't put it down and it certainly made me think. Well done looking forward to book 3.” Susan McGrory

“Five Stars. Can't wait for the next two books Subtle and profound.” Moira Currie

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Anderson Smith
• Release date: Mar 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9780992988302

Book preview

BOOK ONE

PROLOGUE – FEBRUARY 1990

Can't pay! Won't pay!

Robert Castle looked from the uncompromising placard to the slim raven haired girl who was holding it. Normally he would have given the protesters a wide berth but she was stunningly beautiful and that seemed reason enough to slow and walk towards her.

She was standing in a loose group with six, no seven other protestors; most of a similar age to himself and who had likely never even paid any tax. A small number of people were standing slightly away but most were walking on – up or down Buchanan Street – on this bitterly cold Saturday in February.

She stopped her chanting as he approached.

Do you have time for an avowed sceptic? He asked.

Taken aback, she frowned. Sceptical about what? The Government’s chances of continuing to oppress the poorest in society? Margaret Thatcher’s likelihood of remaining in office?

Sceptical of people’s reticence to rise up and fight for a cause even when it will benefit them. Sceptical that this cause is even one worth fighting for.

Robert saw her eyes narrow, a hint of flare in her pupils and quickly continued. But I am open to persuasion. You look frozen though. May I buy you a coffee, or tea, while we discuss whether I should join you in this protest?

You want to join our protest?

Her tone mocked him and he smiled in return.

No. But if you will allow me to buy you a tea or coffee then I will stand here beside you for the rest of the day.

You don’t want to join our protest and you’re offering to stand with us?

I’m offering to buy you coffee. He rubbed his hands together and gave an exaggerated shiver. I’m offering to listen to your arguments and be open to changing my view on the Poll Tax. Regardless of whether you can persuade me or not, I will then also proudly hold one of your placards and out shout your loudest grandstander.

Oh, I can persuade you.

Robert held up his right arm in invitation. We’ll see.

Ten minutes later Helen Phillips had warmed up enough to take off her coat but had only half drunk her coffee. Robert nursed his empty mug as he tried to take in her arguments. Eventually he had had enough and held up his hands in surrender.

I don't agree with you but I would vote for you. He interrupted.

You... What?! That doesn't make any sense!

Robert leaned back in his seat. You're passionate, you're eloquent, you're knowledgeable. I think you are wrong, but at the same time you have good reasons for what you believe.

You've just contradicted yourself! How can I be wrong if I have good reasons?

It's not about your reasons. If everyone benefits from government then it makes sense that everyone who can afford to pays tax to provide the benefits we all receive.

But that is the problem – hundreds of thousands of people who can't afford it are being forced to pay, while thousands who are richer than you or I can imagine are having their bill cut! That is not just!

I agree, but to say that hundreds of thousands of wage earners should have to pay nothing is not just either.

The rich are only paying a token as it is. Why are you on their side?

Because I am rich and because I want to become richer someday. Don't you?

Not at the expense of others!

Quite right! Do you consider yourself rich?

Helen glared at him.

It is not a crime to be well off. It's also admirable to care passionately about anyone who is less well off than you are. Okay, my last argument – if anyone is able to work hard and make a lot of money – why should they be forced to give all of that up to help some people who are lazy? And before you go off on one, I'm not saying that all the poor are lazy but there are some and perhaps more than even I would want to admit who could do with being forced to work.

There are far more people out there who are working damn hard every day and only managing to scrape a survival.

I accept that.

The poorest should not have to give up buying their children clothes and being unable to afford insurance or send their children to good schools or universities to pay such a blatantly unfair tax!

I accept that.

The rich can and should pay more.

I accept that.

We're not asking for no-one to pay tax.

Robert stayed silent.

****

Helen sat back in her seat and studied this tall, dark young man. He had listened for so long she thought she had won him over. Right up until he had started flirting with her again: telling her he would vote for her even though he disagreed with what she had been telling him. She didn’t know whether to be insulted or complimented.

He was infuriatingly arrogant and sure of himself. She was tempted to storm out but that would imply she’d lost the argument. That the time spent with him had been wasted entirely.

Had it been a mistake to leave the group? They were having such trouble recruiting people to join the protests that when Robert offered to join them it seemed worth entertaining his offer for a coffee.

Robert Castle. The name seemed to sum him up completely. A tall rugged Scot. Thick black hair that he didn’t appear able to tame. He stooped a little as if embarrassed about his height. Something she knew a little about having shot up by almost a foot from ages 12 to 13.

His eyes were clear blue yet seemed to present a paradox. There was openness there but also a guardedness. In the way he acted, in what he said, he came across as completely open and honest. He was direct, almost threateningly so but she found it a relief to meet someone who simply got to the point with such clarity.

It wasn’t anything he had done or said that suggested the guardedness so why did she see that in his eyes? Eyes that right now were studying her.

He had been right not to agree with her statement. Some of the protestors were calling for an end to Government. They resented all taxes. She didn’t want to concede but...

****

Well, I'm not asking for that.

I accept that.

You are infuriating!

Can I buy you lunch? Robert asked.

No!

At least another coffee?

I don't want your money.

I'm offering you lunch. No strings attached. Though I should tell you that I want to invite you out for dinner tomorrow night?

Why are you flirting with me?

Robert became serious. I find you to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen or met. Intelligent, courageous, compassionate, well spoken, did I say passionate already? I plan to ask you to marry me.

I couldn't possibly marry someone who would vote for the poll tax!

I would vote for a more just tax.

Or someone I had only just met.

Then allow me to court you.

Court! Hah! Helen laughed. You're a dinosaur!

Rumbled. I also hold open the door for ladies and, well, I was going to say fight to protect their honour but I've never actually had to do that.

Have there been many ladies?

I've had three short relationships in the last two years. I confess I'm not a virgin.

Short?

I'm looking for something more substantial, more meaningful.

If you're looking for a virgin bride then I'm not the one.

In my eyes you are perfect.

And I would have to insist on a vow of celibacy before any betrothal...

Consider myself chaste.

And how would you keep your hands off me?

With great difficulty...

Helen leaned back. Campaign with me this afternoon.

Robert leaned forward. Would you accept me standing next to you shouting for a fairer tax?

I could live with that. Helen nodded.

Then I accept your date.

Hey!

Helen leaned forward, a look of mock outrage on her face and he kissed her before she could react. Standing quickly he announced: Two coffees! Before walking to the counter.

The whole way he had to force himself to keep from turning back to check she had not run out the door.

Helen finally dragged him out of the cafe at a little after One PM and by the time the sun had set, Robert had shouted himself hoarse.

****

CHAPTER ONE

As he walked over the summit of Newton Hill, Robert Castle saw the stag. Six feet from hoof to ear and another two feet of antler towering above it. It was only forty yards or so away from him. Robert stopped and – carefully moving one arm behind his back – motioned to Helen to slow down.

The stag was magnificent; and staring right at him. Robert ran through his options: stay where he was, remain still and hope the stag didn’t see him as a threat; back-up slowly and hope the stag didn’t charge; run, and hope the stag didn’t chase.

They were not great options.

There were no trees nearby to run for. Around him in Glen Fyne, there was simply grass covering the ground. Even the small wood they had passed earlier was only of Scottish Fir. No use for climbing and with the branches of the trees all squeezed together there would have been no way to enter the woods anyway.

What are you looking at? Helen asked. Whoa, look at that!

Be quiet. Robert