The Herald

The Herald | Politics


King Charles urges MSPs to 'protect Scotland's extraordinary environment'
by Tom Jeffreys
27 Jun 2026 at 2:23pm
The King told the Scottish Parliament to protect ?Scotland?s extraordinary natural environment? as he and the Queen attended the opening of its new session on Saturday


'Intolerance and conspiracy' fuelling division and fear after Edinburgh attacks
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
27 Jun 2026 at 8:45am
People who 'promote intolerance and conspiracy' are making Muslims feel less safe and fuelling division, two MSPs have said


Labour tax rises blamed as Scottish construction firms 'on the brink'
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
27 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
Nearly half of construction machinery hire firms expect to cut entry-level jobs as tax rises and soaring costs threaten apprenticeships and housing targets.


'He was abused instead of loved': Partner says Tony's life shows why care mus...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
27 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
Nicola Ferguson's late partner Tony McDonald suffered years of physical and emotional abuse in Scotland's care system.


Council which spent £75k to avoid public consultation will hold public consul...
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
27 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
A Scottish council spent close to £75,000 fighting a court battle to avoid holding a public consultation over the sale of a piece of land - only to announce it would hold one anyway


Parties respond to Holyrood remote working crackdown
27 Jun 2026 at 5:02am
Political parties have responded to a crackdown by Holyrood's new Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson on remote working by MSPs.


CalMac's new ferries bought early as Turkish yard faces financial pressure
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
26 Jun 2026 at 1:08pm
Two of the ferries are due to be delivered this year - with the third coming in 2027


Burnham's move to No 10 could be 'game changer' for Glasgow says SNP council ...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
26 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken believes Andy Burnham's expected move to Downing Street could finally secure a £400 million-a-year devolution deal for the city.


'Piece of nonsense': Holyrood's Presiding Officer cracks down on remote working
26 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
Holyrood's new Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson has introduced a crackdown on remote working with a raft of new measures brought in to ensure MSPs work in the building.


SNP sends £2.1bn Monklands hospital back to drawing board weeks after election
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
25 Jun 2026 at 4:37pm
The £2.1bn Monklands hospital plan has been sent back for redesign, casting doubt on its 2031 opening just weeks after the SNP election campaign.


John Swinney defends Nicola Sturgeon against bullying allegations in SNP row
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
25 Jun 2026 at 3:51pm
John Swinney has defended Nicola Sturgeon after whistleblowers accused her of 'bullying' when they tried to raise concerns over Peter Murrell and SNP finances.


Presiding Officer defends Holyrood media pen amid editors' backlash
25 Jun 2026 at 2:57pm
Holyrood's Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson has defended the parliament's decision to put up a media "pen" after a backlash from journalists.


First Minister considers new rules for 'hungry' AI data centres
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
25 Jun 2026 at 2:35pm
John Swinney is considering new planning guidance for hyperscale AI data centres as Greens press for a moratorium over energy and climate concerns.


Poll: 'Scots would rather SNP works with Sinn Féin than Burnham's Labour'
by Katrine Bussey
25 Jun 2026 at 1:15pm
Ipsos Scotland managing director Emily Gray said the polling ?sums up the scale of the challenge facing Andy Burnham in Scotland?.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


In pictures: King Charles formally opens seventh session of Scottish Parliament
27 Jun 2026 at 1:12pm

The ceremony marked the beginning of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999.

When Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, the UK?s armed forces had around 315,000 active personnel

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

The UK Joins the Pirates
15 Jun 2026 at 1:21pm

I was genuinely surprised by the Starmer regime’s refusal to state that the Israeli boarding of the Global Sumud flotilla on the High Seas was illegal. I did not realise it was because the UK was planning to undertake similar illegal seizure itself. The Gaza Flotilla seizure was illegal: while for obvious reasons freedom of …

The UK Joins the Pirates

Sentencing the Innocent
13 Jun 2026 at 4:41pm

Judge Johnson had proved his fascist credentials through rulings much earlier in the Filton trial than his vicious sentencing. Indeed, he had arguably already shown them when he released Tommy Robinson from a prison sentence, or when as a barrister he had chosen to work for the intelligence services and Ministry of Defence. But in …

Sentencing the Innocent

The Joy of Resistance
6 Jun 2026 at 9:51am

Just a quick note to say that I am very aware that lately I have been rather bitter, which is not good for anybody, especially me. The disappointments and state outrages have been no worse than usual; my frustration at my poor health, and the subsequent constraint of my ability to fight back, has rather …

The Joy of Resistance

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland
28 May 2026 at 7:50am

I went through yesterday’s preliminary hearing in the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action with a sense of mounting horror. We had the same judge as at the permission hearing, Lord Young. We had exactly the same arguments and the same case law being deployed again by the UK government as at …

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland

Palestine Action Scottish Judicial Review ? Stitch-Up Incoming?
27 May 2026 at 12:58am

The proscription of Palestine Action was sold to MPs and the media on the basis of a deliberate campaign of lies, fronted by Yvette Cooper, then Home Secretary, and Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan police. Both have deep commitment to Israel. Cooper is owned by the Israel lobby. What is worse, they then attempted …

Palestine Action Scottish Judicial Review – Stitch-Up Incoming?

Dr Manivannan
14 May 2026 at 6:00pm

The furore around the election of Dr Manivannan to the Scottish Parliament is deeply troubling. There is no argument whatsoever that they were eligible to stand for election. The law was changed specifically in order for those on temporary visas to be able to stand in Scottish parliamentary elections. I confess I am not sure …

Dr Manivannan

BBC Scotland

King urges MSPs to help build a 'fair and prosperous society'
27 Jun 2026 at 1:13pm
The ceremony, which featured pageantry, poetry, drama and music, marked the beginning of the seventh session of Holyrood.

Ferries agency pays in full for unfinished CalMac ships built in Turkey
26 Jun 2026 at 3:31pm
CMAL has taken legal ownership of three ships as the shipyard faces economic challenges.

SNP whistleblowers were 'intimidated' for raising finance concerns
25 Jun 2026 at 6:23pm
Cynthia Guthrie and Allison Graham said they had been blocked from carrying out their jobs auditing the party's finances.

Why is the King opening the Scottish Parliament during summer recess?
26 Jun 2026 at 6:20am
King Charles and Queen Camilla will be at Holyrood on Saturday to mark the official start of the 7th session of the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish government rejects £2bn hospital replacement plans
26 Jun 2026 at 4:20pm
The health secretary said the Scottish government was unable to approve the plans in the current financial climate.

Big changes proposed to reduce Scotland's prison population
26 Jun 2026 at 7:25am
The changes would see fewer criminals jailed and hundreds of prisoners get out of jail earlier in an attempt to tackle the prisons overcrowding crisis.

Further delay to completion of £209m HMP Highland
25 Jun 2026 at 5:22pm
The new jail being built in Inverness was originally to be finished in 2020.

New SNP MP vows to 'serve the people' after Commons oath row
24 Jun 2026 at 7:56pm
Lara Bird appeared to have her fingers crossed as she was sworn in as the new MP for Arbroath & Broughty Ferry.

Dundee council leaders urge ministers to prevent further university cuts
24 Jun 2026 at 11:49am
The university has already cut 675 jobs through voluntary redundancies since it revealed it was facing a financial crisis.

Mugs in drawers and watches in cupboards: What police pictures say about Pete...
24 Jun 2026 at 6:30am
Dozens of new images released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service now show some of the items he purchased illegally.

Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds
23 Jun 2026 at 1:29pm
The former party chief executive had admitted embezzling more than £400,000 over a 12-year period.

New pictures show dozens of items bought illegally by Peter Murrell
23 Jun 2026 at 10:59am
The images include a range of luxury bags, watches and pens, as well as fresh pictures of a £124,550 motorhome.

Scot Goes Pop

Scotland immune to Burnham effect? SNP buoyed by stellar subsample result in ...
26 Jun 2026 at 9:27am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Andy Burnham's plan to rip up the Barnett Formula means he is ri...

How it is still mathematically possible for Scotland to qualify for the secon...
25 Jun 2026 at 2:12pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Andy Burnham's plan to rip up the Barnett Formula means he is ri...

REVEALED: Andy Burnham wants to rip up "The Vow", making a second independenc...
24 Jun 2026 at 3:47am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Grim news for Labour, but good cheer for the SNP, in first poll ...

Grim news for Labour, but good cheer for the SNP, in first poll of the Burnha...
23 Jun 2026 at 2:27pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister has made Scottish i...

Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister has made Scottish independence I...
22 Jun 2026 at 3:17pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: SNP settle for one by-election win out of two - but Keir Starme...

SNP settle for one by-election win out of two - but Keir Starmer will only be...
19 Jun 2026 at 2:27pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: New low for BBC as they abuse Scottish World Cup coverage as a ...

By-election analysis
19 Jun 2026 at 10:50am
Just a quick note to let you know that I have a new article at The National analysing last night's three by-election results, which you can read HERE.  I'll try to make a video later on as well, al...

Burnham still in the danger zone in Makerfield by-election, say two out of th...
17 Jun 2026 at 7:49am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: New low for BBC as they abuse Scottish World Cup coverage as a ...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

King calls for debate with ?respect? at opening of Scottish Parliament session
27 Jun 2026 at 2:27pm
Charles and Camilla also met local heroes nominated by MSPs for their ?extraordinary contribution? to communities

How are Scottish Labour MPs handling Keir Starmer?s resignation?
26 Jun 2026 at 6:42pm
Andy Burnham is the party's latest MP, and also looks set to take the reins from Starmer

John Swinney blasts ?baseless claims? of SNP ?cover-up? over Peter Murrell?s ...
25 Jun 2026 at 3:49pm
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay had insisted the First Minister was ?at the heart of the cover-up?.

John Swinney to face FMQs following Peter Murrell sentencing for SNP embezzle...
25 Jun 2026 at 2:02pm
MSPs will pose questions to the First Minister in the final FMQs before summer recess

?Concerning gap? between intent and progress in post-school education reform
25 Jun 2026 at 6:48am
A new report said the Scottish Government?s intentions for reform lack a clear delivery plan and progress is slow

Keir Starmer bats away criticism of front and backbenchers in PMQs bout
24 Jun 2026 at 4:55pm
Kemi Badenoch launched barbs at members of Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet on Wednesday

Scotland breaking UN rules on prisoner rights, says inspector
24 Jun 2026 at 1:10pm
It comes as the prison estate has struggled with overcrowding issues in recent years

Scottish Government to exclude vape shops from business rate relief
24 Jun 2026 at 9:45am
Deputy first minister Jenny Gilruth revealed a proposal to make vape businesses exempt from relief as of April 1, 2027

SNP urges Burnham to give ?straight answers? on Downing Street plans
24 Jun 2026 at 6:51am
The former Manchester mayor is the leading candidate to take over from Keir Starmer, who announced on Monday he would stand down

Keir Starmer to face PMQs for first time since he announced resignation
23 Jun 2026 at 11:03pm
The prime minister is likely to face questions about the scope of what his government can now achieve in his final weeks in office.

Lib Dem MP ordered to apologise for grabbing staff member?s security pass
23 Jun 2026 at 3:01pm
Parliament?s complaints service found Angus MacDonald broke the rules by grabbing a contractor?s security pass

Andy Burnham to receive Government briefings as Keir Starmer looks to make po...
23 Jun 2026 at 2:30pm
Starmer has authorised Civil Service access talks to begin with 'prospective candidates'

Trans prisoners to be moved out of female jails in Scotland from today
23 Jun 2026 at 1:02pm
Ministers lost a legal battle last week over a policy of placing transgender prisoners in female jails at the Court of Session

First photos of Peter Murrell?s £124,000 motorhome parked outside mum?s house
23 Jun 2026 at 10:28am
Further details of the former SNP chief executive's embezzlement have been revealed

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

SNP 'fears' inquiry into Peter Murrell scandal as 'many members were complici...
27 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: An expert on the party said SNP whistleblowers who tried to speak out were "harassed, bullied and marginalised" by other members.

SNP accused of 'deception and betrayal' after axing Monklands hospital replac...
26 Jun 2026 at 10:39am
A former health secretary warned the decision to axe a £2.1 billion plan to build a new hospital in North Lanarkshire was a "hammer blow to one of the poorest communities in Scotland".

Ex-SNP branch secretary warned about party's 'financial problems' three years...
26 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The former Nationalist office bearer said John Swinney's refusal to support an independent inquiry into the Peter Murrell scandal made him "very suspicious".

Why Andy Burnham is Labour's best hope to tame nationalism across the UK
25 Jun 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says a Burnham premiership is Labour's last chance to stop Reform and the SNP.

Monklands hospital replacement delayed again as SNP Government rejects NHS bu...
25 Jun 2026 at 4:39pm
The crumbling 1970s Monklands hospital will require at least £45m-worth of repairs just to keep the vital facility open.

John Swinney refuses to apologise to former SNP members who tried to blow the...
25 Jun 2026 at 3:22pm
Cynthia Guthrie and Allison Graham quit the Nationalists' finance and audit committee in 2021 after alleging they were on the receiving end of a "hostile" backlash.

MSPs and Holyrood staff 'don't know which toilet to use' since new gender rul...
25 Jun 2026 at 1:39pm
Parliament chiefs were forced to rip-up the previous policy on access to toilets and changing rooms after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Anas Sarwar branded 'bed blocker' and 'squatter' over plan to stay on as Scot...
25 Jun 2026 at 11:00am
EXCLUSIVE: Senior Scottish Labour figures are furious Sarwar said it is his "intention" to stay on for another five years.

MPs to back joint Westminster and Holyrood investigation into Peter Murrell s...
25 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Members of the Scottish Affairs Committee want to explore the option of a joint inquiry before deciding whether to go it alone.

Nicola Sturgeon urged to publish written statement to Police Scotland after P...
25 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
The former first minister hit out this week after the Record revealed Operation Branchform cops had hoped to ask her more questions following her "no comment" interview in 2023.

The National

The National | Politics

Scottish construction firms 'pushed to the brink' by Labour government policies
27 Jun 2026 at 10:23am

THE Labour government has been warned that its tax rises and soaring costs are pushing Scottish construction firms ?to the brink? with hundreds of jobs on the line.

Donald Trump threatens 100 per cent tariff on UK over tax on US tech firms
27 Jun 2026 at 9:39am

DONALD Trump has threatened to slap a 100 per cent import tariff on the UK over its digital services tax on American social media firms ...

The SNP's newest MP Lara Bird is being vilified for something we all do
27 Jun 2026 at 5:00am

WITH every app I open at the moment, I find my feed quite frankly saturated with stories ? and subsequent comment monstering ? all about one woman, the new MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, Lara Bird

Pat Kane: Is UK?s centre of gravity tipping in direction of Manchester?
27 Jun 2026 at 5:00am

NEVER mind Manchesterism, I?ve long had a romance with Manchester. I?m filled with memories as we swing in through the endless red-bricked tenements to Didsbury

Mhairi Black: If you think Keir Starmer was bad, what's ahead will be even worse
27 Jun 2026 at 5:00am

IN the week when Peter Murrell was sentenced to more than five years in jail, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 charges of child sexual abuse and Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister, it is hard to know where to look.

Reform's Zia Yusuf grilled on Question Time over failed bid to stand in by-el...
26 Jun 2026 at 8:55pm

REFORM UK's Zia Yusuf has failed to deny he put himself forward to stand as a party candidate for a by-election, but was not selected

The National journalists honoured at key awards ceremony
26 Jun 2026 at 6:10pm

I was feeling optimistic this week after attending the Refugee Media Awards, hosted by the Scottish Refugee Council.

Donald Trump threatens 100 per cent tariff on UK over digital tax on US tech ...
26 Jun 2026 at 5:59pm

Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100 per cent import tariff on the UK over its digital services tax on American social media firms

Awol Andy Burnham virtually silent before Labour coronation
26 Jun 2026 at 5:34pm

I AM posting a £50,000 reward for anyone who can give me the whereabouts of a certain Andrew Murray Burnham.

Over 150 Scottish businesses now boycotting Israel ? see the interactive map
26 Jun 2026 at 4:57pm

OVER 150 businesses and organisations across Scotland are now boycotting Israel amid the genocide in Gaza ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

John Swinney urged to apologise to former SNP members ?bullied into quitting?...
26 Jun 2026 at 6:00pm
Tory leader Russell Findlay raised the issue at FMQs

Kate Forbes: Christian viewpoints being squeezed out of UK politics
26 Jun 2026 at 11:28am
Former deputy first minister of Scotland gave speech at Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference

Why the summer of sport matters for businesses and communities in Scotland
26 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
Scotland's summer of sport creates an opportunity to strengthen communities and ensure the benefits of these events are felt long after the crowds have gone home.

John Swinney shortlisted for Holyrood?s MSP of the Year
25 Jun 2026 at 11:48am
Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson and Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie are also in the running

Reform councillor censured for ?aggressive? shouting at official
25 Jun 2026 at 10:49am
Alan Buchan found in breach of code of conduct

Why better environmental data matters for Scotland?s rural economy
25 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
Climate action and rural economic resilience are intrinsically linked. With better evidence, Scotland has an opportunity to shape better decisions for farmers, food production and rural communities.

Jenny Young: It can be easy to label the other side as bad people
25 Jun 2026 at 2:00am
The former teacher turned Labour MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West on how she hopes to improve education standards

Keir Starmer: SNP?s refusal to hold inquiry into Murrell scandal is ?totally ...
24 Jun 2026 at 3:38pm
The prime minister was asked to set up a UK inquiry into the matter at today's PMQs

SNP finance committee members who quit over accounts break silence after Murr...
24 Jun 2026 at 11:38am
The trio have confirmed they resigned from the committee after just six weeks over concerns over the party?s financial health and governance

The heartbeat of the Games: why volunteers make Scotland shine on the world s...
24 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
As the official Learning and Development Partner of Glasgow 2026, Allwyn is investing in the people who will shape the Games experience. Through its Social Value Fund, it is ensuring that every volunteer is equipped with the training, skills and confidenc

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

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 ...

?This changes everything?: how Brexit altered Scotland?s political landscape
21 Jun 2026 at 12:00pm
Former party leaders reflect on the turbulence that followed the referendum in which most Scottish voters backed the losing sideThe decision to quit the EU bolstered support for Scottish independence, which a decade after the Brexit referendum is at near record levels, according to Scottish Labou...

Burnham calls for ?new path for Britain? as Starmer vows to fight any leaders...
19 Jun 2026 at 6:30pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story here:Cabinet loyalists tell PM he has weekend to set out timetable for exit?Now is the change moment?: Burnham staff have no doubtsPodcast: will Burnham become prime minister?What would ?change? look like if Burnham becomes PM?David Blunket...

Scottish Conservatives win Aberdeen South in shock loss for the SNP
19 Jun 2026 at 12:29pm
Tories? Douglas Lumsden says city has spoken ?loud and clear? in support of the North Sea oil and gas industryThe Scottish National party has lost the formerly safe seat of Aberdeen South in a shock loss to the Scottish Conservatives.Douglas Lumsden beat the SNP?s Richard Thomson by 6,050 votes, ...

?No friends to the oil and gas industry?: Aberdeen South, the byelection wher...
17 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Peter Murrell affair may feature, but contest seen as straight fight between SNP and Tories over energy policyThe contest for Aberdeen South, a constituency that spans urban social housing and detached homes with sculpted gardens, has been dominated by one topic: the future of North Sea oil and g...

UK defence spending plan ?well short of what?s required? and harder choices n...
16 Jun 2026 at 6:08pm
Ex-defence secretary John Healey and ex-defence minister Al Carns have given resignation statements to MPsSpeaking to reporters at the G7, Keir Starmer also defended the defence investment plan (DIP) draft that led to John Healey?s resignation as defence secretary last week. Starmer confirmed tha...

France accuses Israeli firm of interfering in Scottish elections and targetin...
12 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Cyber agency says BlackCore targeted John Swinney, as well as interfering in New York and French electionsFrance?s cybersecurity agency has accused the Israeli tech company BlackCore of interfering in the Scottish elections earlier this year by targeting the first minister, John Swinney.The disin...

Dan Jarvis named new defence secretary as Al Carns quits government ? UK poli...
11 Jun 2026 at 10:53pm
Government confirms Jarvis?s move from role as security minister to replace John HealeyRyan Henderson, assistant chief constable for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is about to hold a press conference about last night?s rioting.Andy Burnham is facing criticism after saying that he thinks ...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

The feeding frenzy
26 Jun 2026 at 12:13pm
Peter Murrell was sentenced on Tuesday for a crime of which the SNP was the victim. That has not diminished the appetite of the media in Scotland to continue its witch hunt. Ever since Murrell pleaded guilty the media in Scotland has descended into a feeding frenzy. You’d be forgiven for thinking that it was …

Burnham?s threat to the Scottish budget
25 Jun 2026 at 1:18pm
While the media in Scotland continues to scrabble around in the bins in search of another desperate angle on the Murrell scandal, it’s looking almost certain that there will be no leadership contest in the Labour party. Close Starmer ally Darren Jones, who had been tipped to make a leadership bid, has said he will …

The burst socks of British politics
22 Jun 2026 at 3:49pm
Starmer has gone, a man whose main achievement as Prime Minister was to throw away a landslide majority in the House of Commons and make himself even more unpopular than Liz Truss. The UK is now heading for its seventh prime minister in ten years, meaning that British prime ministers don’t last as long as …

Three by elections and no one cared about the Murrell affair
19 Jun 2026 at 12:42pm
The Tories are celebrating their Westminster by election win in Aberdeen South today. But just as Labour celebrated its Holyrood by election win in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse in 2025 only to go on to lose this year’s Holyrood election, all this by election result really tells us is that tactical voting in by elections …

The world?s crappiest whodunnit
17 Jun 2026 at 12:20pm
I’ve had my cataract operation, the op was a couple of days early as there was a cancellation. The recovery period is four weeks, but I already notice a massive improvement in my eyesight. The fog has lifted and I’m now able to read much more comfortably. I’m hugely relieved it’s over. Right now, there’s …

Sarwar learns the law of unintended consequences
11 Jun 2026 at 11:52am
Anyone with two functioning braincells knows that the only reason the anti-independence parties and the SNP’s enemies are so keen on an inquiry into the Murrell scandal is because they seek to make political capital out of it, damage a party that keeps defeating them at the ballot box, and with it hinder progress to …

Westminster goes Trumpian and the media in Scotland jumps the SNPbad shark
7 Jun 2026 at 7:26pm
At the behest of Tory MP Andrew Six Chips Bowie, Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee is to vote next week on whether to hold an inquiry into the finances of the SNP. Bowie is of course only interested in good governance and looking after the best interests of the SNP members whose money was stolen by …

The historic failure of the media in Scotland
4 Jun 2026 at 1:28pm
The issues in my left eye, my better eye, seem to be getting a bit better so I’m only half blind now. Many thanks to everyone who left kind messages of support. Hopefully after 16 June when I have the cataract operation my eyesight will improve markedly. The Murrell scandal is of course still rumbling …

Seeing the path ahead clearly
31 May 2026 at 2:45pm
I’m not going to be blogging so much over the next couple of weeks. For the past year or so I’ve had a cataract in my right eye, which has rapidly worsened over recent months such that at an eye test at the opticians last week I found to my horror that I could not …

The first salvos have been fired in the latest stage of the independence camp...
27 May 2026 at 4:20pm
On Tuesday, the first working day of a new Scottish Parliament, with a record pro-independence majority, the fourth such majority in a row, MSPs voted by 72 to 55, a majority of 17 to adopt a motion calling on the Westminster government “to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve …

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

Talking-up Scotland

Such is BBC bias they gave as much effort to reporting an SNP figure who embe...
27 Jun 2026 at 11:41am
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, left, and Peter Murrell former CE of the SNP, right. Did you know Donaldson’s rape victim was a 7 or 8 year-old primary school pupil? That detail is being suppressed but the Telegraph, 5 days ago, did refer to it, if quietly: Would you expect these two, quite different cases, to get differing levels of media coverage? On the ...

Will the Scottish Labour MPs protest the tax breaks for the ?shameful? Palant...
27 Jun 2026 at 11:05am
From Open Democracy yesterday: Palantir is benefiting from millions of pounds of tax deductions that allow it to pay very little corporate tax in the United Kingdom despite soaring profits, an investigation by openDemocracy reveals. The controversial tech firm has won at least £670m in UK public contracts in recent years, which have helped to make the country its second-largest market by revenu...

Be Careful What You Sound Like
27 Jun 2026 at 10:36am
By Mark E. Saunders of ?The Scottish Minuteman? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61575625542197 When we read through today?s article abovefrom The Daily Express, it appears to be little more than comedy gold worthy of Armando Iannucci. Read it in the context of Scottish history, however, and it becomes something rather more sinister. The debate is supposedly about authenticity. But auth...

Scotland?s football decline attributed by researchers to loss of balance, rhy...
26 Jun 2026 at 2:06pm
It’s been suggested by leading Ayrshire academic dancer, Gavin Ochiltree, that: ‘Scotland’s football went backwards when Scottish country/highland dancing was done away with in schools. Balance and fleetness of foot were what gave us the edge when we had decent Scottish football teams.’ Is there evidence to support this? Scottish country dancing involves precise footwork, quick changes of direc...

Scotland?s ambulances between 2 and 3 tines faster thousands of times but Dai...
26 Jun 2026 at 10:42am
There are some minor problems in comparing the data for England and Scotland but you can be sure that were they to favour the former, they?d be widely reported. Here?s why they?re not: In January 2024, BBC UK made direct comparison possible: Via the BBC?s How long do patients wait for an ambulance? app, we can confirm that the average waiting time for a Scottish ambulance was 8 min and 46 secs:...

Prison deaths fall by 20% but BBC Scotland headline that they ?obtained previ...
26 Jun 2026 at 9:13am
There were 51 prison deaths in 2025, down 20% from 64 in the previous year. https://www.sps.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-05/DIC%202025%20(Quarter%204).xlsx The share of prison deaths due to aging (cancers, heart disease, circulatory issues, and respiratory conditions) has been increasing over time in both England & Wales and Scotland. This is driven by the steadily aging prison population. h...

Affluent Canadian region hangs on to far older, unreliable and frankly pot ug...
25 Jun 2026 at 6:57pm
CalMac‘s oldest ferry, the MV Isle of Cumbrae (above) is 50, launched in 1976. the MV Isle of Arran is 43 and there are another 4 built in 1986, so 40 years-old. In British Columbia‘s (Canada) archipelago ferry service – BC Ferries – which operates in an economy with twice the GDP of Scotland, with only a fraction of government subsidy to keep ticket prices down and in warmer, less stormy, more...

Scotland need not be ashamed as colonialism explains world cup success
25 Jun 2026 at 4:41pm
Thanks to Kath for prompting this. There is a correlation between national football team success and countries with imperial/colonial pasts, especially those involved in the transatlantic slave trade and exploitation of West Africa. Recent research directly quantifies this. A University of Zurich AI study in 2026 simulated the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 1,500 times and found that colonial history con...

In the whole world only Norway has a murder rate just lower than Scotland aft...
25 Jun 2026 at 3:48pm
From Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report June 2026 released today, the above chart and: There were 45 homicide victims recorded by the police in Scotland in 2024-25, a 21% decrease from 2023-24 and a 24% decrease from 2015-16. https://www.gov.scot/publications/safer-communities-and-justice-statistics-monthly-data-june-2026/pages/statistics-on-crime-in-general/ That’s 0....

A one-year increase is pounced on by the media but overall crime in Scotland ...
25 Jun 2026 at 10:25am
From Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2025-26 published two days ago, the above line graph and: The total number of crimes recorded by the police in Scotland in 2025-26 was 315,357. This is 16,246 crimes (or 5%) higher than the level recorded in 2024-25. Over the past 10 years, total recorded crime in Scotland has increased by 6%. This represents a more stable period than the previous 10 years (2006...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

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

Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle? - The Australian
26 Jun 2026 at 9:10am
Why should Scots stick with UK after Starmer debacle?  The Australian

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

EU expert gives verdict on Scottish European relations ten years after Brexit...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
EU expert gives verdict on Scottish European relations ten years after Brexit vote  The Herald

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

Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium...
8 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium  Financial Times

Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds -...
3 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds  Ipsos

Is Scotland still divided on independence? - The Week
28 May 2026 at 8:00am
Is Scotland still divided on independence?  The Week

A tribute to Andy Anderson, a champion for Scottish independence - The Nation...
22 Jun 2026 at 3:55pm
A tribute to Andy Anderson, a champion for Scottish independence  The National Scot

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Scotland?s safety put at risk by Westminster?s armed forces cuts ? SNP - Peeb...
27 Jun 2026 at 5:17am
Scotland?s safety put at risk by Westminster?s armed forces cuts ? SNP  Peeblesshire News

Scottish MP?s accent is a sign of what we?re really like - The Herald
27 Jun 2026 at 7:50am
Scottish MP?s accent is a sign of what we?re really like  The Herald

Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unw...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unwrapped  BBC

How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled ...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled  BBC

We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled...
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled funds. What I?d like to know is why  The Guardian

Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both race...
19 Jun 2026 at 10:51am
Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both races  Sky News

SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis - SPICe Spotlight
9 May 2026 at 8:00am
SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis  SPICe Spotlight

Final YouGov MRP of the 2026 Holyrood election shows the SNP falling short of...
6 May 2026 at 8:00am
Final YouGov MRP of the 2026 Holyrood election shows the SNP falling short of a majority  YouGov

Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest -...
27 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest  BBC

Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry says...
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry says  BBC

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

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

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

Scottish Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence - Bloomberg.com
15 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence  Bloomberg.com

Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote - NZ Herald
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote  NZ Herald

Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium...
8 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Investors warn Scotland to avoid long-term debt to limit independence premium  Financial Times

How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years s...
19 Jun 2026 at 9:55am
How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years since the referendum?  YouGov

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

Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds -...
3 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds  Ipsos

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