Strangers could easily be persuaded that Scottish education is an incestuous world. Brian Wilson at the Scottish Office is not to be confused with Gerry Wilson, the secretary, or indeed Anne Wilson, director in Dundee.
The Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee could be faced with Smith versus Smith (Bill, Shetland education convener, and Ronnie, EIS general secretary and son). Wilson (the minister) met Smith pere in Shetland recently but although Smith is a stalwart of the minority Labour interest in the Northern Isles did not know the connection with Smith fils.
The General Teaching Council seemed to go overboard on Wednesday. Sutherland (Dr David, better known as Ivor, the registrar) was commenting on a teacher education report by Sutherland (Professor Sir Stewart, Edinburgh University principal).
The vice-convener is no less than Professor Gordon Kirk, Moray House Institute principal, and merger partner of Sutherland (Sir Stewart). Small world, did you say?
