Jim Murphy, the new Secretary of State for Scotland, has started an online blog, which you can read here. 

Writing in his first post, Jim Murphy says:

"When I was Minister for Europe I had a regular blog. I found it a useful way of letting people know what was going on in Europe, and I got a lot of good feedback. Now I’m Secretary of State for Scotland I’m going to carry on blogging and I look forward to having a dialogue about the really important issues that face our country. 

"I’m very proud to have been appointed as the Secretary of State. I doubt that I can ever match their legacies, but I am proud to follow in the footsteps of some truly towering political figures. Willie Ross who set up the SDA, Tom Johnston who gave Scotland its hydro-schemes – a key part of our lead in producing renewable energy, Donald Dewar who delivered devolution. The role of  Scottish Secretary has changed, but it is still vital. I will be Scotland’s man in the Cabinet, representing and defending Scotland’s interests at the highest levels.

"As Secretary of State I will be relentless in my pursuit in the interests of Scotland. I will be out and about, criss-crossing the country. Travelling from north to south, to cities, towns and villages to meet businesses and voluntary groups, to visit workplaces and factories, to host round-tables and hold debates. I will listen, learn and act. I will passionately put the case for our current constitutional settlement. Ours is a great nation, with a proud history and a great future. I look forward to meeting you and talking to you – and most of all hearing from you. This is the first of what will be a regular blog."