The Herald

The Herald | Politics


This could be the most consequential term in Holyrood's history. Support our ...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30pm
Trust in news is at its lowest recorded level as social media overtakes publishers for the first time. But established titles like The Herald still hold an edge, if we keep doing the hard work.


Second Conservative councillor quits party with 'personal integrity' statement
by clare.buchanan@newsquest.co.uk | Clare Buchanan
30 Jul 2026 at 3:47pm
A FIFE councillor has confirmed he is to become an independent councillor after quitting the Conservative party.


BBC complaint upheld after Israel ties of Palestine Action critic not mentioned
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
30 Jul 2026 at 2:42pm
A complaint has been upheld after the BBC failed to identify a critic of Palestine Action as a campaigner to ban it with ties to the defence industry and a pro-Israel group


Scottish Government research links wood and coal burning to 160 deaths a year
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
30 Jul 2026 at 1:49pm
A Scottish Government-commissioned study has, for the first time, put a figure on the health toll of domestic solid fuel burning.


Nicola Sturgeon?s book tour is about to resume - and the SNP won't be happy
30 Jul 2026 at 1:35pm
With UK Labour and Scottish Labour taking centre stage in the politics news agenda over the Holyrood recess, it's been a pretty quiet recess for the SNP.


Union demands next Scottish Labour leader must defeat SNP?s plans for 20,000 ...
30 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scotland's largest trade union Unison has said the next leader of Scottish Labour must stop the Scottish Government's plans to cut up to 20,000 public sector jobs.


Police slam Celtic in confidential briefing sent to ministers before title de...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
30 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Internal Police Scotland documents reveal Celtic FC failed to agree any alternative to unauthorised street celebrations despite nearly a year of talks, as riot officers were deployed and two were seriously injured following the club's fifth successive title win.


?Out of touch? minister under fire after questioning funds for struggling ser...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
30 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
The Herald can reveal Maree Todd questioned extra cash for alcohol services despite warnings patients were being left to navigate treatment alone.


Scotch whisky chiefs raising a glass in celebration, but for how long?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Distillery bosses will be hoping President Trump's tariff reversal will not be short-lived


Mental health patients failed by Scotland's integrated care system, psychiatr...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
30 Jul 2026 at 12:00am
Scotland's psychiatrists have delivered a stark verdict on a decade of reform that has left no single organisation responsible for patient safety, and £1.5bn in annual spending that almost nobody can properly trace.


Andy Burnham's mistake in shutting SNP out of National Care Service talks
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
29 Jul 2026 at 3:42pm
The SNP could show Andy Burnham what not to do when attempting to create a National Care Service.


Reform deputy leader reports Aamer Anwar to police over Glasgow protest ?hate...
by donald.erskine@newsquest.co.uk | Donald Erskine
29 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm
A top lawyer has been reported to the police for "hate speech" by Reform UK's deputy leader in Scotland.


New flight routes connecting Glasgow, Aberdeen and Highlands in £2.4m investment
by donald.erskine@newsquest.co.uk | Donald Erskine
29 Jul 2026 at 2:28pm
New flight routes connecting Glasgow and Aberdeen to the north of Scotland will begin next month after a £2.4 million investment by the Scottish Government and Highland Council.


Controversial guga hunt recommened against licence for 2026 by NatureScot
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
29 Jul 2026 at 12:34pm
The controversial guga hunt should not go ahead in 2026, the body in charge of licensing has ruled

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


How union support could be crucial to Scottish Labour leadership candidates
30 Jul 2026 at 3:28pm

A popular candidate could be blocked from standing without union support

The new app has been branded a ?shambles? and a ?nonsense? by frustrated passengers.

Neil Bibby, who has been an MSP since 2011, has announced he is supporting Mr Fagan in his bid to succeed Anas Sarwar

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland is now calling for a Holyrood inquiry

Cordon could be reduced, allowing Boots to reopen at weekend

Staircase and stained glass window ?relatively unscathed?

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

Scottish Independence: Set the Date!
29 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

  The Scottish Government urgently needs a bold and radical approach to achieving Independence in spite of the firm London veto on a referendum. It is plain that there is no plan at present. The Scottish Parliament has a pro-Independence majority and government. This is how to achieve Independence consistent with international law and practice. …

Scottish Independence: Set the Date!

Narratives of Moral Conflict: Karim Khan and Delcy Rodriguez
26 Jul 2026 at 6:09am

Social media is not conducive to nuance. In the interest of reach, cut and dried positions are more effective and binary moral judgement expected. This leads to over-simplification of complex issues, and to skipping over facts inconvenient to your chosen narrative. There are issues affecting two high-profile people where it is worth considering the detail …

Narratives of Moral Conflict: Karim Khan and Delcy Rodriguez

Where Are We Going?
20 Jul 2026 at 1:25pm

An advert for the RNLI caught my attention because it indicated that the majority of their income comes from bequests in wills. The pitch was that, after you provide for your loved ones, you should leave money to the RNLI. I have no problem with this, having generations of lifeboatmen in my ancestry, but it …

Where Are We Going?

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata
14 Jul 2026 at 5:02pm

Unsurprisingly, today at the Court of Session Lord Young refused to lift his suspension or “sist” of the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. He did however grant us leave to appeal against this decision. What was surprising was an extreme extension of the UK government’s argument. The UK government stated that …

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata

The Ditching of Nigel Farage
11 Jul 2026 at 8:36am

Nigel Farage is the most consequential British politician of the 21st century. Certainly a more important historic figure than any of the last eight Prime Ministers. Tony Blair is the only realistic rival. Without Farage, the UK would never have left the European Union. Farage’s role in forcing the issue to the top of the …

The Ditching of Nigel Farage

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back
1 Jul 2026 at 12:50pm

I publish below in full the Note we have submitted to Court today to re-establish the separate Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. Not only is the state doubling down on prosecution of pro-Palestine activists, a new National Security State Threats Bill is being fast tracked through parliament to extend the attack …

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back

BBC Scotland

Burnham says he 'can't ignore resource' of North Sea oil and gas
30 Jul 2026 at 5:19pm
Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.

Which MSPs believe they can turn Scottish Labour's fortunes around?
29 Jul 2026 at 4:45pm
Nominations to be the next leader of Scottish Labour officially open on Monday.

Joe Fagan becomes third MSP to join Scottish Labour leadership race
28 Jul 2026 at 8:12pm
The South Scotland MSP said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent by-election victory demonstrated that Labour could "win back trust".

GP walk-in clinics see low attendance leading to accusations of failure
28 Jul 2026 at 3:44pm
Scotland's health secretary says it's early days for the scheme and she is enouraged "thus far" - but critics say it should be scrapped.

Michael Marra joins race to become Scottish Labour leader
27 Jul 2026 at 7:40pm
It comes as the party confirmed they will have a new leader in place by its conference in September.

Minister defends decision to reject UK military help to fight wildfire
27 Jul 2026 at 2:42pm
Neil Gray said the military was unable to fulfil a "specific request" to send waterbombing helicopters to the Cairngorms.

Lennon launches Scottish Labour leadership bid
26 Jul 2026 at 5:03pm
The incoming West of Scotland MSP said her party was in the "last chance saloon" and needed "radical and fast change".

Scottish councils 'starved of cash and powers' by SNP, says Alexander
24 Jul 2026 at 11:46am
The Scottish Secretary also said he wanted "mutual respect" between governments at Holyrood and Westminster.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to accept trade minister job
23 Jul 2026 at 8:50am
Sarwar will leave the Scottish Parliament and his leader role, and take up a seat in the House of Lords.

Burnham tells Swinney independence is 'off limits' at Commonwealth Games meeting
23 Jul 2026 at 6:49pm
The heads of the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments came together ahead of the opening of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Scottish Labour at a crossroads again as Sarwar jumps ship
22 Jul 2026 at 11:41pm
Anas Sarwar has never made a secret of his desire to hold high office, but where does it leave Scottish Labour?

Swinney says Scottish and UK relations 'haemorrhaged' with Douglas Alexander
22 Jul 2026 at 3:50pm
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that Douglas Alexander would remain as Scottish Secretary in his government.

Scot Goes Pop

John Swinney's strong denunciation of Burnham's outrageous "off-limits" comme...
27 Jul 2026 at 7:37pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.I'm delighted to say I now have fourteen regular monthly Ko-Fi supporters, as a resu...

No. 10 North: How Burnham is signalling with his choice of name that "England...
26 Jul 2026 at 1:56pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.More people have become Ko-Fi supporters of my content over the last twenty-four hou...

Scottish poll DISASTER for Burnham: SNP have massive lead in his first YouGov...
25 Jul 2026 at 12:33pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Many thanks to the several people who became Ko-Fi supporters of my content yesterda...

Scotland is now in a FORCED union, not a "voluntary" one: Burnham makes it of...
24 Jul 2026 at 1:35pm
There is no unambiguous outcome to yesterday's readers' poll about the future of Scot Goes Pop as the result currently stands - so far traditional text-blogging is somewhat more popular than videos...

A poll for Scot Goes Pop readers and viewers - please respond if you can
23 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
So I'm completely stumped, to be honest.  Just over a year ago, I switched my focus from conventional blogging to YouTube videos in the hope that I would no longer be lurching from mini-crisis to m...

The case for optimism that the next general election WILL be used as a de fac...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:51pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Scottish independence could now be just one or two years away fr...

A progress report on the Scot Goes Pop video channel - plus a question for it...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:40am
I was planning to make a video tonight about Andy Burnham's first day as Prime Minister, but then I thought back to how hilariously off-beam some of the reactions to Liz Truss and Keir Starmer were...

On the day Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, Scottish independence could n...
20 Jul 2026 at 11:10am
If you'd like to support my YouTube channel and help it to grow further, please visit my Ko-Fi page, where you can either make a one-off donation of any amount you choose, or set up a small recurri...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

When will the Scottish Labour leadership election begin?
30 Jul 2026 at 1:58pm
Nominations will open on August 3, but three MSPs have already signalled their plans to run for leader

£8.4 billion investment in UK?s Dreadnought nuclear submarines
30 Jul 2026 at 10:50am
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said tens of thousands of jobs will be supported with the money

Can the SNP learn from Andy Burnham?s social care reforms?
29 Jul 2026 at 4:58pm
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to reform the care sector

I get policy ideas from speaking to people in Greggs and pubs, Andy Burnham t...
29 Jul 2026 at 2:45pm
The new Prime Minister told This Morning on STV that he is about to get around the country to 'chat to people'

Hitman who targeted Scottish Conservative leader in acid attack to be release...
29 Jul 2026 at 11:08am
In December 2015, the MSP, who was investigations editor of the Scottish Sun at the time, had sulphuric acid thrown in his face by a hitman

SNP attacks Burnham for leaving party out of talks on English social care
29 Jul 2026 at 10:40am
The party said it was unfair to be left out of discussions if they result in UK-wide taxes

Who cares who leads Scottish Labour?
29 Jul 2026 at 6:56am
Anas Sarwar has stepped down as leader of Scottish Labour for a seat in the House of Lords and a job in Andy Burnham's UK Government

GP walk-in clinics see low attendance with some receiving only three patients...
28 Jul 2026 at 2:29pm
The Scottish Government launched the pilot with the promise of a million extra doctors appointments

Reform councillor defends speaking at anti-immigration ?Unite the Clans? rally
28 Jul 2026 at 1:14pm
Other speakers included a prominent member of a 'neo-Nazi' group and a self-proclaimed white nationalist

Michael Marra enters Scottish Labour leadership contest
28 Jul 2026 at 9:02am
The North East MSP is the second politician to enter the race to succeed Anas Sarwar, after Monica Lennon

Former US President Barack Obama to visit Glasgow on upcoming speaking tour
27 Jul 2026 at 11:30am
The 44th President of the United States will discuss the future of America as it celebrates its 250th anniversary

Monica Lennon to stand in Scottish Labour leadership contest
26 Jul 2026 at 7:04pm
The former MSP, who is set to return to Holyrood, is the first politician to enter the race to succeed Anas Sarwar.

Burnham must go further and faster on cost of living, says SNP
25 Jul 2026 at 11:43am
In his inaugural Cabinet meeting, Andy Burnham told ministers they would be a 'cost-of-living Government'

Andy Burnham says he wants to ?get Britain hoping again? as he opens No 10 North
24 Jul 2026 at 6:38pm
The PM is expected to work at Heron House in Manchester once a week during his premiership

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Andy Burnham says UK 'can't ignore' North Sea oil as pressure grows for u-turn
30 Jul 2026 at 3:29pm
The Labour Prime Minister made the comment during a conversation with President Trump.

Turning Point charity rent blow puts lives at risk as crisis centre faces clo...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Record View says Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government must thrash out a rescue package for the livesaving charity.

Major M8 roadworks misery to continue as transport bosses have 'no end date'
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: An MSP has warned the M8 repair scheme has become "a colossal financial drain on the public finances" and branded the Woodside viaducts an "obsolete 1970s eyesore".

Trade union boss says Anas Sarwar's reputation 'in bits' after 'thoughtless' ...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Louise Gilmour of the GMB, which funds Labour, tore into Sarwar after he quit before conducting a review into his party's Holyrood election defeat.

'Scottish Labour is needlessly hurtling into a leadership contest when it nee...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:29am
Writing for the Record, GMB Scotland chief Louise Gilmour warns Scottish Labour stands on "sand" if it doesn't represent the interests of working men and women.

Scottish Labour left 'must unite behind one candidate' to replace Anas Sarwar...
29 Jul 2026 at 11:48am
EXCLUSIVE: Neil Findlay was scathing of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie after the party limped to its worst ever Holyrood election result in May.

John Swinney told to 'get his finger out' and reform Council Tax system after...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: A senior trade unionist warned Scots workers were being "failed" by politicians who refuse to meaningfully change the "regressive" council tax system.

Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Monica Lennon backs end to council coaliti...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Monica Lennon said a rethink is needed to help combat the rise of Nigel Farage's party.

New MSP announces bid to stand for the Scottish Labour leadership after Anas ...
28 Jul 2026 at 7:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: Joe Fagan told the Record Labour had to "reach out beyond the Holyrood bubble" and become rooted in communities.

Medics dismiss GP walk-in centres as 'politics over practicality' in blow to ...
28 Jul 2026 at 1:39pm
Dr Chris Provan described Swinney's flagship scheme as ?an unfortunate distraction?.

The National

The National | Politics

Concerns over far-right vigilante groups in Glasgow 'impersonating police off...
30 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm

CONCERNS have been raised that vigilante street patrol groups in Glasgow risk being mistaken for police officers ...

Lesley Riddoch on why you should subscribe to The National for £20 a year
30 Jul 2026 at 5:50pm

TWELVE years after the independence referendum it's extraordinary there's still just one newspaper supporting and exploring the political future half of Scotland wants to see. 

'We're peaceful': Palestine Action protesters on why they risk arrest
30 Jul 2026 at 5:43pm

PROTESTERS supporting people charged for backing Palestine Action have told The National their movement is non-violent and a campaign to protect freedom of speech.

Palestine Action can challenge UK Government ban in Supreme Court
30 Jul 2026 at 3:41pm

PALESTINE Action can challenge the UK Government?s ban on the organisation at the Supreme Court, it has emerged.

Give us a reason why we should trust Andy Burnham on devolution
30 Jul 2026 at 3:40pm

Amid reports of a new UK-wide tax that could hit Scotland, where's the evidence Andy Burnham is not just like his predecessors when it comes to respecting devolution?

Anas Sarwar's reputation 'in bits' after 'self-serving' Lords move, union bos...
30 Jul 2026 at 2:53pm

Anas Sarwar?s reputation is now 'in bits' after his 'self-serving decision to cut and run to London', a trade union leader has said

Robert Jenrick 'minimising' donor scandal questions arise over Posh George's ...
30 Jul 2026 at 2:49pm

ROBERT Jenrick has been accused of trying to play down Reform?s donations scandal as questions over Posh George?s gifts continue to mount.

Count Binface reveals full manifesto ahead of Clacton by-election
30 Jul 2026 at 1:51pm

Count Binface has revealed his full twenty-point manifesto for the 2026 Clacton By-Election, including standing in at Eurovision

Police arrest 77 people for backing Palestine Action at London demo
30 Jul 2026 at 1:13pm

PROTESTERS supporting Palestine Action have ?escalated? a demonstration to trigger their arrests.

A warning shot has been fired on council tax. The SNP must now act
30 Jul 2026 at 12:57pm

The Scottish Government just saw a warning shot fired that almost resulted in them being outflanked on progressive tax reform by the UK Government. That the shot wasn?t aimed over their own heads and that it missed its intended target should not detract from the warning it sent.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Sovereignty, AI and Matthew Broderick
30 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
In the modern business landscape, there is no option to sit this out.

Joe Fagan announces intention to run in Labour leadership election
29 Jul 2026 at 11:20am
Joe Fagan has said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham?s by-election win in Makerfield showed that the party can ?win back trust? when it is ?serious about changing people?s lives?

Michael Marra and Monica Lennon emerge as Scottish Labour frontrunners
28 Jul 2026 at 3:02pm
Timetable for contest agreed

Andy Burnham appoints eight Scottish MPs to enhanced PPS roles
27 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
The prime minister has given 16 Scottish MPs government jobs

Daniel Johnson: Time is running out for Scottish Labour
27 Jul 2026 at 12:10pm
MSP endorses Michael Marra for leader

Scottish businessman Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84
27 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
Sir Ian Wood's family confirmed he died ?peacefully at home, surrounded by his family? on Sunday evening at his home in Aberdeen

John Swinney says he will continue independence push despite Downing Street s...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:15pm
The first minister met Andy Burnham in Glasgow on Thursday afternoon

Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to become trade minister
23 Jul 2026 at 8:41am
Andy Burnham appoints more Scottish MPs to UK Government

Who could be Scottish Labour?s 11th leader since devolution?
22 Jul 2026 at 6:18pm
With Anas Sarwar set to quit so he can take up a post in the Lords, that leaves the party once more on the lookout for someone to take over the helm

Outdated technology impeding economic crime investigations, researchers warn
22 Jul 2026 at 11:35am
Poor data-sharing arrangements are hampering intelligence gathering

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

UK politics: Tories? Philp rejects French claim that shots fired from naval b...
28 Jul 2026 at 6:01pm
Shadow minister says there was no warning and ?it looked and sounded like deliberate intimidation?Conservative MP accuses French navy of firing shots near him in ChannelIt is not just the Russians firing on Brits in the English Channel; Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, has accused a French...

Poll shows Labour ahead of Reform UK for first time since Burnham became PM ?...
27 Jul 2026 at 5:45pm
New PM says he ?wouldn?t get carried away? by latest polling but says he is pleased if he has ?connected with people?I have already posted lines from Andy Burnham?s BBC interview on reforming social care (see 9.03am), making council tax fairer (see 10.03am), and ruling out an early election (see ...

Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts
25 Jul 2026 at 11:08pm
Scottish first minister thanks Nethy Bridge residents and aid workers after earlier requesting UK military aid to fight 10-day fireResidents of Nethy Bridge have been told they can return to their homes after a large fire broke out in the Cairngorms national park.Supt Judy Hill of Police Scotland...

Scottish Labour?s rivals decry ?chancer? Anas Sarwar for resigning to join An...
22 Jul 2026 at 11:17pm
New prime minister has made Sarwar ? the first senior Labour figure to call for Keir Starmer?s resignation ? a peerScottish Labour?s rivals in Holyrood have slammed Anas Sarwar?s shock decision to resign as leader to sit in Andy Burnham?s new government, calling him a ?chancer? and accusing him o...

Celtic leaders doubt Burnham?s devolution drive will go beyond England?s borders
6 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Would-be prime minister has made basic missteps in pitches to Wales, Scotland and Northern IrelandAndy Burnham?s devolution promises are yet to impress sceptical Celtic administrations hoping for a reset with Westminster, sources in Cardiff and Edinburgh have said.Burnham, who is expected to take...

Celtic nations begin to plan for breakup of UK in event of Reform election win
4 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
Politicians brace for constitutional turmoil if Nigel Farage?s party ends up in government ? or even as a strong oppositionThe rise of Nigel Farage has prompted political leaders across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to game the unthinkable: the breakup of the United Kingdom.Unioni...

Badenoch urges Burnham to condemn defence investment plan as No 10 says fundi...
1 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm
Minister and MPs have raised concerns that his ?poisoned chalice? plan will take cash from much-needed road projectsMinister and MP ?furious? over cuts to road projects to fund defence planDan Sabbagh is the Guardian?s defence and security editor.Andy Burnham is a ?true patriot? who will provide ...

The Guardian view on the politics of Scotland: like Labour, the SNP is in nee...
23 Jun 2026 at 6:25pm
The sentencing of Peter Murrell brings limited closure to a major scandal. But John Swinney?s government faces new challenges in a changing landscapeThe Scottish National party (SNP) is accustomed to presenting Westminster dysfunction as a boost to its case for independence. But the political dra...

Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNP
23 Jun 2026 at 2:29pm
Estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon is sentenced for stealing from party over 12-year periodMontblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spending habitPeter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in jail after he admitted embezzling more than £400,...

Montblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spe...
23 Jun 2026 at 1:37pm
Haul is only a fraction of what the former SNP chief executive bought using embezzled party moneyPeter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNPThe white police evidence tags on the unused Montblanc pens, picnic sets, Le Creuset ramekins and the chrome Alessi teapot tell a ...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Lord Sarwar of Brass Neck
21 Jul 2026 at 9:59pm
It seems to be a law of Scottish politics, or perhaps it’s more likely it’s just a personal curse, but whenever I try and take some time off from the blog a big story breaks and it’s back to the keyboard. What is most definitely a law of Scottish politics is that I’m not nationalist …

Silly season politics
17 Jul 2026 at 4:01pm
With Friday’s coronation of Andy Burnham as leader of the Labour party and his official accession to Ten Downing Street on Monday, the UK is now on its seventh prime minister in ten years. Meanwhile the man who wants to become prime minister after the next general election is fighting a by election with a …

Reform UK?s attack on Scottish languages
14 Jul 2026 at 4:44pm
It’s the greatest attempted Westminster assault on Scottish culture since the Jacobite wars. Reform UK has proposed an amendment to the UK Government’s elections bill which would criminalise the use of any languages other than English or Welsh on electoral material and impose a punishment of up to six months in prison and/or a fine. …

Ich bin ein Bin liner
12 Jul 2026 at 6:08pm
Last week, Nigel Farage announced that he was going to resign as the MP for Clacton in order to fight a by election to become the MP for Clacton. In a pity political broadcast from Reform UK headquarters which was broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News, Farage railed at the media for unfairly …

Alister Jack?s colonialism remains a threat to Scotland
9 Jul 2026 at 5:15pm
The former colonial governor of the northern province, Alister Jack, who was given a peerage by Rishi Sunak as part of a back room deal. Jack rejected an earlier nomination by Boris Johnson in 2023 to avoid triggering a by-election while he was still an MP, only later to stand down for the 2024 General …

The Farage facade cracks
7 Jul 2026 at 6:53pm
Poor Nigel Facade, sorry Farage, the wee lamb has had an almighty hissy fit at the sheer audacity of the media daring to subject him to a tiny fraction of the scrutiny that is par for the course for the SNP. It was all very Trumpian. In a self-pitying Reform UK party political broadcast during …

The junkies and their dealers
5 Jul 2026 at 4:40pm
A number of peculiar developments have taken place in Scotland since the Holyrood election in May. These have been disguised by the anti-SNP media feeding frenzy which took place after the conviction of Peter Murrell for the crime of embezzlement, a crime whose victim was the SNP, despite the efforts of the British media in …

Labour?s attempted theft of the Holyrood election is being aided by the media
3 Jul 2026 at 3:32pm
Something is seriously wrong with democracy in Scotland, but the media has told us vastly more about Peter Murrell’s cruet sets than it has about what can only be described as an attempt by the Labour party to steal the Holyrood election. In fact the attempted subversion of the result of the recent election has …

Labour?s nuclear power, an offer we can refuse
2 Jul 2026 at 3:30pm
It’s an offer we can refuse. The Labour government has identified a number of sites across Scotland on which it would like to build new nuclear power plants. A report was published this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the political ashtray Michael Shanks, the most disappointing MP in a …

Burnham, the GB Energy of devolution
29 Jun 2026 at 9:06pm
Andy Burnham’s big plan for the UK is still lacking in detail, but it’s already looking suspiciously like another of Westminster’s power grabs at the expense of the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Burnham’s big speech on Monday during which he unveiled his plans for a Number Ten North. No, Scotland, not THAT north, Burnham’s north. …

The Courier

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Scottish Politics News From Holyrood and Westminster | The Courier

Could Rosyth-Europe ferry set sail thanks to Brexit reset?
27 May 2025 at 6:01am
Hopes have been raised for a simple solution to a cross-border problem.

Kirkcaldy MP demands pro-suicide forum is torn down
26 May 2025 at 6:01am
Around 100 suicides have been linked to the sickening forum which provides guidance to people on ending their life.

UHI Perth aviation students warn of ?unsettling times? after training firm?s ...
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
Worried Samuel Hughes, 19, is among students sharing their fears at a time of crisis for Perth College.

Fresh Dundee University strike begins over compulsory Levehulme Centre job cuts
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
University staff are taking five days of industrial action as the institution pushes ahead with plans to axe the forensic research hub.

NHS Fife nurse at centre of controversial trans tribunal suing her own trade ...
25 May 2025 at 2:32pm
A&E medic Sandie Peggie is now taking legal action against the Royal College of Nursing.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University still to strike rescue deal with government
23 May 2025 at 5:46pm
Opposition MSPs have expressed concern at the time taken to agree a deal almost a month after the fresh recovery plan was unveiled.

6 senior figures who left Dundee University during financial crisis
23 May 2025 at 5:10pm
Several university chiefs have moved on since £30m financial black hole emerged.

Dundee University activist artist leads degree show protest over financial cr...
23 May 2025 at 4:45pm
Duncan of Jordanstone student Finn Millar says he wants to play a part in "keeping the university alive".

John Swinney admits constituents have expressed Perth leisure concerns to him
23 May 2025 at 6:01am
The first minister wants further talks between both sides of Perth leisure debate.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University chief operating officer Jim McGeorge quits
22 May 2025 at 1:58pm
Dr Jim McGeorge ? who was responsible for good governance - had been on a period of extended leave.

Talking up Scotland

The 'Unstoppable' Talking-up Scotland

The supposed £22m SNP tax blunder is not true but Labour?s £48 billion tax av...
30 Jul 2026 at 1:43pm
Details at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/30/how-the-snps-22m-tax-blunder-is-not-certain-but-pm-andy-burnhams-up-to-48bn-tax-avoidance-is/

Now this Suffolk wildfire only 3 miles away, across a tinder-dry nature reser...
30 Jul 2026 at 12:48pm
The wildfire at Dunwich Heath is in an area of coastal lowland just south of the village of Dunwich in Suffolk. It is about 25 miles (40km) north-east from the county town of Ipswich but less than 3 miles from Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station. The sites are separated by the Minsmere nature reserve area, with Sizewell B (and the adjacent Sizewell A/C sites) to the south. The Minismere area was i...

How the ?SNP?s £22m tax blunder? is not certain but PM Andy Burnham?s up to £...
30 Jul 2026 at 10:01am
From reader derekscott1953, the above, and: A rounding error, possibly, if people bother to read the Dan Neidle report. An earlier Dan Neidle report drew attention to the billions (not a mere £22m) being lost annually to the UK through tax evasion. From How Andy Burnham could raise £15bn ? without a tax rise, published 1 July 2026: It?s the UK?s biggest and least discussed tax problem. There?s ...

Reposted as gutter press in Scotland feed on dubious research suggesting ?£22...
30 Jul 2026 at 9:35am

27% more officers help Police Scotland cope with fewer, far smaller and far l...
30 Jul 2026 at 9:27am
is placing significant pressure on its officers. Another one of these stories that only appear in Reporting Scotland broadcasts and are not fully presented with evidence on the website – different editors? This one is based entirely on the opinion of a trade union leader. Anyhow, while not wishing to understate the importance and the pressures involved in dealing with anti-immigration protests ...

Andy Burnham fails to put out Manchester wildfire after two weeks but luckily...
29 Jul 2026 at 6:12pm
For a reader in Scotland there are quite a few things missing in the above BBC Manchester report two days ago: Wildfires across Greater Manchester are still burning a fortnight after they first started, the fire service has said. More than 100 firefighters and volunteers have been tackling the blaze on two fronts at Dove Stone, after the fire in Saddleworth merged with a fire at Tintwistle, and...

The BBC should be shut down solely on the basis of its TV licence enforcement...
29 Jul 2026 at 5:22pm
By a friend of Talking-up Scotland who received the above letter. Dear Louise, Thank you for your (redacted) letter above which will be recognised by millions around the UK, proportionately more so in Scotland.  Thank you also for at least one preceding email which I noted deploys a surreptitious tracking pixel leading to my blocking any further emails from tv licensing (without prejudice to my...

Isle of Man ferry fiasco has not driven-off islanders it seems or encouraged ...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:44pm
By Liz S BBC website headline on main UK page: ?Main ferry out of action until late September? ?The Isle of Man main ferry will be out of action until late September for repairs, the operator has confirmed?. ?The Manxman has been in drydock since 13 July, with back-up passenger vessel the Ben-my-Chree carrying out sailings between the island and Lancashire? ?**The government-owned ferry operato...

Scottish Government to end risks to vulnerable by requiring social workers fr...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:34pm
From Community Care yesterday: Scottish Government proposals would end provision allowing social workers registered with other UK regulators to practise in Scotland, while it also is seeking views on whether social work assistants should be required to register. The Scottish Government proposal would end provisions allowing social workers practising in the country to be registered with another ...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits - Al Jazeera
23 Jul 2026 at 7:12pm
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independenc...
21 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
New PM Burnham tells John Swinney 'agree to disagree' on Scottish independence  bbc.com

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 7:20pm
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Beyond Constitutional Groundhog Day: The 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election...
15 Jul 2026 at 9:48am
Beyond Constitutional Groundhog Day: The 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election  Verfassungsblog

Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits' -...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:26pm
Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits'  The National Scot

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

North star - Monocle
18 Jul 2026 at 4:38am
North star  Monocle

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike' - bbc.com
30 Jul 2026 at 6:32am
Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike'  bbc.com

Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike' - BBC
30 Jul 2026 at 6:32am
Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike'  BBC

SNP continues strong growth and delivers the best second quarter in its histo...
30 Jul 2026 at 6:30am
SNP continues strong growth and delivers the best second quarter in its history  TradingView

SNP urged to cut funds for ?Queer Milk? chestfeeding group - The Times
30 Jul 2026 at 5:20pm
SNP urged to cut funds for ?Queer Milk? chestfeeding group  The Times

Nicola Sturgeon?s book tour is about to resume - and the SNP won't be happy -...
30 Jul 2026 at 2:42pm
Nicola Sturgeon?s book tour is about to resume - and the SNP won't be happy  heraldscotland.com

A warning shot has been fired on council tax. The SNP must now act - The Nati...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:56pm
A warning shot has been fired on council tax. The SNP must now act  The National Scot

SNP income tax rise ?cost Scotland £22m? - The Telegraph
27 Jul 2026 at 2:36pm
SNP income tax rise ?cost Scotland £22m?  The Telegraph

How Andy Burnham inexplicably snubbed the SNP on their one area of expertise ...
30 Jul 2026 at 6:00am
How Andy Burnham inexplicably snubbed the SNP on their one area of expertise  The Scotsman

There?s little love for the SNP ? so why does the party look set to win in Sc...
6 May 2026 at 8:00am
There?s little love for the SNP ? so why does the party look set to win in Scotland?  The Conversation

Scotland?s economy could cruise faster without Westminster?s rusty anchor ? S...
29 Jul 2026 at 9:58am
Scotland?s economy could cruise faster without Westminster?s rusty anchor ? Scottish National Party  snp.org

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits - Al Jazeera
23 Jul 2026 at 7:12pm
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - bbc.com
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  bbc.com

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 7:20pm
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum - ...
11 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum  ConstitutionNet

Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scot...
31 May 2026 at 8:00am
Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scotland and Wales  Open Canada

Scottish Parliament backs plans for route to second independence referendum -...
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament backs plans for route to second independence referendum  Holyrood Website