The Herald

The Herald | Politics


'My son would rather die than go to school': Mums at 'breaking point' over at...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Parents have shared what it is like when their children fail to go to school, as The Herald reveals a rise in severe school absences.


Athens invented Democracy. Count Binface might just save it.
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
14 Jul 2026 at 12:44pm
As Count Binface challenges Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, Jon Harvey?s Athenian lesson shows why democracy demands scrutiny, not just votes, writes Political Correspondent Hannah Brown.


Covid inquiry finds ?vast? £10bn PPE waste and slams ?misguided? procurement ...
by Christopher McKeon, Press Association
14 Jul 2026 at 12:28pm
The scramble to buy PPE during the pandemic saw the UK waste almost £10 billion of taxpayers? money, the official inquiry into the handling of Covid-19 has found.


Yes Scotland denies wrongdoing and demands end to 'desperate' Peter Murrell l...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
Yes Scotland lawyers have claimed there is a "desperate attempt" to link the pro-independence organisation to Peter Murrell's crimes.


Scotland?s cancer postcode divide is growing - and the poorest are paying the...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
14 Jul 2026 at 11:15am
Cancer mortality is 74 per cent higher in Scotland?s most deprived areas, new figures show, as the gap with the least deprived communities continues to widen.


Male migrant detainees 'caught looking into women?s bedrooms'
by George Lithgow
14 Jul 2026 at 7:19am
The report warned that female asylum seekers are being put at risk of harm


Energy sector launches campaign urging new Prime Minister to back domestic dr...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
14 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
A coalition of energy firms and trade unions has launched a coordinated Westminster campaign, demanding incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham back domestic North Sea production over foreign imports.


Former MSYP challenges council to publish £53k probe into complaints
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
14 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Inverclyde Council has withheld a £52,750 investigation into a former MSYP?s complaints, despite the probe making three recommendations for reform.


Group of MPs and MSPs sign pledge to oppose Rosebank oil field
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
14 Jul 2026 at 12:01am
A group of more than 80 MPs and MSPs have signed a pledge to oppose the planned Rosebank oil field


McAllan appoints interim HES chair after Sir Mark Jones quits after nine months
14 Jul 2026 at 3:07pm
Ronnie Hinds has been appointed Interim Chair of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan after resignation of Sir Mark Jones.


Nicola Sturgeon's lawyer makes a major U-turn on her Operation Branchform sta...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Jul 2026 at 8:32pm
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will not release the detailed written statement she gave to Police Scotland during the Operation Branchform investigation, her lawyer has confirmed, despite previously claiming she would be content to make it public.


Ann Widdecombe was controversial - that is no excuse for demeaning her in death
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
13 Jul 2026 at 4:49pm
You don't have to admire Ann Widdecombe's political views to condemn the misogyny aimed at her in her death, Rebecca McCurdy writes.


Glasgow MP warns asylum hotels are fuelling intimidation and violence
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
13 Jul 2026 at 3:09pm
A Glasgow Labour MP has warned asylum hotels are fuelling 'right-wing intimidation and violence' as protests increase across the city.


Amnesty UK 'regrets' report which labelled JK Rowling centre 'anti-rights'
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
13 Jul 2026 at 2:56pm
Amnesty International has distanced itself from the UK arm which labelled Beira's Place - JK Rowling's women's abuse organisation - 'anti-rights'.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Lawyer: Peter Murrell 'never had access' to Yes Scotland cash
14 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm

Aamer Anwar said allegations £1.5 million was ?missing? from the group?s accounts were false

The SNP has accused Reform of a move ?all too reminiscent of the brutal anti-Gaelic laws of the Highland Clearances?.

Oil and gas bosses say choosing domestically produced oil over imports is a ?key policy choice?

Andy Burnham could be set to change Scotland?s representative in cabinet.

Opposition politicians had urged her to release the document

Beira's Place was listed as an ?anti-rights group? by the charity alongside other ?gender-critical organisations?

Wings over Scotland

Blue In The Face
14 Jul 2026 at 1:13pm
Before we start, let’s note that this took 37 days. As you’re about to read, it says almost nothing other than “Please go away now”. It takes quite a long time to say it, but nevertheless those four words are pretty much the sum total of the actual content. It does not in any way …

The Unstoppable Lie Machine
13 Jul 2026 at 7:00pm
Six weeks ago, Nicola Sturgeon said this: Today, on her behalf, her perpetually furious lawyer said this: So she was lying. Imagine literally nobody’s surprise. “I have nothing to hide, but I’m going to hide it anyway” is flawlessly in character. (Though we must take a moment to note that the idea of anyone bothering …

Step One
12 Jul 2026 at 3:05pm
Today’s Sunday Mail leads for the second weekend in a row on questions about the finances of Yes Scotland. But there’s a paragraph in the online version of the story that doesn’t make the print edition, and it’s a shame, because it’s a very telling one. This is it, from Yes Scotland’s former marketing director …

It just takes a beat
10 Jul 2026 at 12:58pm
Looks like we turned that round pretty fast, gang. Six weeks ago: And today: Amazing what a draft document and a KC opinion can do, eh? A casual observer might be forgiven for thinking that the SNP was absolutely cold-sweat desperate to avoid a civil case that would set a powerful precedent for a legal …

The Only Notes That Really Count
9 Jul 2026 at 8:01pm
Wings has this evening received a formal legal opinion from Roddy Dunlop KC with regard to the prospects of success of a claim of fraudulent breach of trust by the SNP against donors to the “ringfenced” referendum campaign fundraisers. We attach it below. We continue to seek more people to join the group – if …

Your Call Is Important To Us
9 Jul 2026 at 2:43pm
We’ve had TWO emails from the Crown Office already this week, neither of which says anything except “Please hold”. We’ve added them to our “in due course” collection, also featuring Police Scotland. We’re sure that the answers, whenever they eventually arrive, are going to be absolute bangers. Everyone’s certainly taking the time to have a …

The Interests Of The Many
7 Jul 2026 at 11:50am
As we told you last week, we’ve now had counsel draft our application for a group proceedings action on behalf of donors to the “ringfenced” independence referendum campaign funds which were stolen and spent by the SNP on party business. The draft can be read below. We’ve already gathered dozens of people who are unhappy …

Search And Replace
5 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm
Here’s a passage from Crown Agent John Logue’s recent BBC interview in which he described the crime for which Peter Murrell was just sentenced to five years and three months in prison. You’ll note that we’ve highlighted a few words and phrases in red. JOHN LOGUE: I think the best way I can describe it …

Narrowing the options
3 Jul 2026 at 12:12pm
We’ve just sent this letter to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Dear Sirs/Madams, Thank you for your response, which I have considered with care. I note you have advised that ?full consideration was given to whether the crime of fraud could be established. That investigation did not disclose sufficient evidence of fraud, or …

Fob, Fob, Fobbing Along
2 Jul 2026 at 4:49pm
We have received a further reply from the Crown Office. Alert readers may note that while Wings has repeatedly noted that the misappropriation of the fundraiser money by the SNP could constitute either fraud OR embezzlement (or both), entirely separate to the embezzlement FROM the SNP by Peter Murrell, the Crown Office continues – as …

Craig Murray

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

The Middle East, Hormuz and the New Mercantilism
29 Jun 2026 at 9:50am

The provisional surrender document signed by Donald Trump appeared to represent a triumph for Iran and indeed for the world; but neither the USA nor Israel has the slightest sense of honour and they cannot be trusted to negotiate in good faith. Iran knows this – after all, the USA twice attacked Iran actually during …

The Middle East, Hormuz and the New Mercantilism

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

BBC Scotland

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint
14 Jul 2026 at 2:22pm
The group which campaigned for independence in the 2014 referendum insists all its funds have been accounted for.

Sturgeon's police statement on SNP finances won't be released, says lawyer
13 Jul 2026 at 10:50pm
The former first minister exercised her right to give a "no comment" police interview, later sending a written statement to officers.

University investigates employee's comments on Ann Widdecombe's death
13 Jul 2026 at 11:32am
Aberdeen University's Heather Herbert had posted she hoped it was an "extremely painful death".

Bullying pupils protected more than victims, parents say
13 Jul 2026 at 6:23am
Lesley is one of a group of parents who believe existing school guidelines on bullying are not enough.

McGill's files legal action after £4.3m electric bus funding rejected
11 Jul 2026 at 4:39pm
The Greenock-based operator failed to secure support from the third phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund.

Police take no action against senior civil servant over Salmond inquiry evidence
10 Jul 2026 at 6:42pm
James Hynd was investigated over whether he gave a false statement under oath to the Alex Salmond inquiry in 2020.

Struggling pig farmers say £2m support package 'not enough'
10 Jul 2026 at 2:30pm
Farmers welcome the Scottish government funding but say it's not enough to stop them losing about £1m a month

Restore Britain leader describes Dunblane tragedy as 'one murder'
9 Jul 2026 at 4:02pm
Rupert Lowe criticised the ban of handguns in the UK, saying it was "because there was a murder in Dunblane".

Town's residents urged to drop 'destructive' negativity
10 Jul 2026 at 6:18am
Provost Tracey Little urges people in Dumfries not to believe the town's best days are behind it.

Farage is victim of by-election 'stitch-up', claims Reform's Scottish leader
8 Jul 2026 at 4:37pm
Malcolm Offord made the remark as major parties have confirmed they will not contest the vote triggered by Farage's resignation, describing it as a political stunt.

SNP suspends councillor who voted for rapist taxi driver to keep licence
8 Jul 2026 at 11:50am
Chris Birt was one of six male councillors who voted to take no action on David Brown's operator's licence

Police inquiry into Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim
7 Jul 2026 at 7:33pm
The group campaigned in favour of Scottish independence during the 2014 referendum.

Scot Goes Pop

SNP vote INCREASES in Larkhall by-election as Burnham FAILS his first Scottis...
13 Jul 2026 at 12:24am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov...

Why so many Scots want NORWAY to beat England in the World Cup: three CRACKIN...
10 Jul 2026 at 2:20pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov...

Disaster for Burnham as Labour languish in JOINT THIRD in YouGov Scottish sub...
8 Jul 2026 at 3:01pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Another stunning SNP by-election GAIN as the Tories go into FREE...

Another stunning SNP by-election GAIN as the Tories go into FREEFALL in the n...
4 Jul 2026 at 2:11pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE. A great reply semi-ruined by the final sentence. Stew? In Scotland?! The very ...

"IS THAT IT, ANDY?!" Only a 2% Burnham bounce for Labour with YouGov, as SNP ...
1 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Burnham in danger of making government from Manchester as remote...

King of the South: Andy Burnham will make rule from Manchester as detested in...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:42am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Yet another poll suggests Burnham surge is a damp squib - SNP do...

Yet another poll suggests Burnham surge is a damp squib - SNP are dominant in...
29 Jun 2026 at 2:28am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.As regular readers may recall, I've been an elected member of the SNP's Policy Devel...

By-election sensation as SNP *gain* seat in Aberdeen - John Swinney's party a...
27 Jun 2026 at 8:40pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Scotland immune to Burnham effect? SNP buoyed by stellar subsamp...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Cat microchipping should be compulsory, say animal charities
14 Jul 2026 at 1:05pm
Around 260,000 of cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped, says Cats Protection

Peter Murrell ?never at any time? had access to Yes Scotland funds, lawyer cl...
14 Jul 2026 at 12:17pm
Aamer Anwar issued a statement following newspaper reports claiming that £1.5 million was missing from the Yes Scotland accounts for 2013

Nicola Sturgeon?s statement to police will not be released, lawyer says
13 Jul 2026 at 10:08pm
After her arrest in 2023, Sturgeon exercised her right to give a 'no comment' police interview.

Burnham will be next prime minister after 349 MPs back him for Labour leadership
13 Jul 2026 at 7:34pm
Burnham is expected to formally take over the Labour leadership at a special party conference on Friday

Protests causing ?fear and alarm? to Scotland?s minority communities ? Gilruth
13 Jul 2026 at 6:54pm
The deputy first minister said MSPs at Holyrood should ?reflect? on their language after ?stoking? community tensions

What do Andy Burnham?s Scottish pals think of him?
13 Jul 2026 at 5:27pm
The former mayor of Manchester is set to become the UK's next Prime Minister

Insight: Can Andy Burnham avoid making the same mistakes as Sir Keir Starmer?
13 Jul 2026 at 12:33pm
The former Greater Manchester mayor looks set to take over as prime minister in the coming days

Burnham urged to reverse national insurance rise costing firms £1,000 per worker
11 Jul 2026 at 10:05am
For those on the real living wage of about £26,228 a year, employers are paying an average of £890 extra in tax a year, according to new analysis

Pig farmers say £2 million government support isn?t enough
10 Jul 2026 at 5:09pm
Prices have dropped because there?s too much pork in the market and not enough demand

Ann Widdecombe, former Tory MP and Reform UK member, dies aged 78
10 Jul 2026 at 7:12am
The death of the 78-year-old was announced on Friday

MP calls Dunblane massacre ?one murder? on Joe Rogan podcast
9 Jul 2026 at 10:28am
On March 13, 1996, 16 pupils and their teacher were shot dead at Dunblane Primary School

Burnham poised for coronation as last potential rival rules out leadership bid
8 Jul 2026 at 11:03pm
Al Carns, thought to be the final remaining potential challenger to the former Greater Manchester mayor, has ruled himself out of the running.

Chancellor accepts Nigel Farage?s resignation as MP for ?farce? by-election
8 Jul 2026 at 1:39pm
Rachel Reeves said she wouldn't stop Farage spending his summer "arguing with a bin".

Nigel Farage victim of by-election ?stitch-up?, says Reform?s Scottish leader...
8 Jul 2026 at 1:10pm
Parties from across the political spectrum have said they will not contest the Clacton by-election sparked by the Reform leader?s resignation

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Independence activist says Columbo not needed to show 'missing £1.5m' at Yes ...
14 Jul 2026 at 4:22pm
David Henry said he had handed in documents to police backing up concerns about Yes Scotland finances. The group has flatly rejected the claims.

Yes Scotland hands over accounts to police after claims of 'missing' £1.5m
14 Jul 2026 at 12:48pm
Yes Scotland lawyer Aamer Anwar said there was a "desperate attempt" to link Peter Murrell's "criminal conduct" in the SNP to the campaign group.

Bonuses at Glasgow council entertainment firm soar to £217,000 after budget cuts
14 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The total amount handed to executives at the Scottish Event Campus Ltd nearly doubled in a year.

Why Andy Burnham as Prime Minister will be good for Glasgow and Scotland
13 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm
In an article for the Daily Record, Labour MSP Paul Sweeney says plain-speaking Andy Burnham will be an antidote to the "liberal elite" that has "captured" Labour.

Campaigners to meet police over claims of 'missing £1.5m' from indy group lin...
13 Jul 2026 at 4:44pm
EXCLUSIVE: David Henry will be interviewed tomorrow at Fettes police station.

SNP Government blocks golden goodbye payments for councillors next year
13 Jul 2026 at 3:02pm
EXCLUSIVE: Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said there was ?insufficient time? for a new system to be brought in before the 2027 elections.

Summer of sport continues despite Scotland's World Cup adventure ending all t...
13 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Writing in his regular column for the Record, the First Minister looks forward to the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow.

UK must continue helping the Lebanese rebuild their country after devastating...
12 Jul 2026 at 2:19pm
Writing for the Record, the MP for Central Ayrshire recalls a recent visit to Lebanon as the country tries to rebuild after a series of devastating set-backs.

Glasgow City Council urged to drop demand for £42,000 from mum who opposed sc...
12 Jul 2026 at 12:14pm
Leanne McGuire has been hit with a personal demand for more than £42,000 in costs after she tried and failed to secure a judicial review of the council's annual budget.

Rupert Lowe 'insulted' Dunblane victims as Restore Britain leader told to apo...
12 Jul 2026 at 10:17am
A senior MSP told the Record the "proud legacy of the dreadful events in Dunblane must never be tarnished by the likes of Rupert Lowe"

The National

The National | Politics

Yvette Cooper admits UK too slow on Gaza ... but won't commit to further action
14 Jul 2026 at 3:27pm

FOREIGN Secretary Yvette Cooper has admitted that the UK Government was too slow to act on Israel's assault of Gaza, but would not commit to taking stronger action going forward.

Leading Scots activist compares Farage to Franco in language crackdown row
14 Jul 2026 at 3:06pm

PROPOSALS by Reform UK to criminalise election materials produced in Gaelic and Scots have been blasted by speakers, with the party being accused of ?incompetence and ignorance? over Scotland?s official languages.

Keir Starmer urges Scots to back England against Argentina in World Cup semi-...
14 Jul 2026 at 2:22pm

KEIR Starmer has said he would ?very much encourage? Scotland and Wales fans to get behind and support England in their World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina ...

Scotland 'a magnet' as thousands move up from rest of UK, figures show
14 Jul 2026 at 1:42pm

THOUSANDS more people are moving to Scotland from elsewhere in the UK than in the opposite direction, according to new statistics ...

Tory councillor fumes at 'idiot' Scots supporting Argentina in England semi-f...
14 Jul 2026 at 1:33pm

A TORY councillor has fumed at ?idiot? Scots who are too ?blinkered? to support England in the World Cup semi-final and are instead cheering on the ?cheating ?hand of god? Argies? ...

Read the full Reform UK amendment to criminalise Scots and Gaelic election le...
14 Jul 2026 at 12:59pm

REFORM UK have launched a bid to criminalise using Scots or Gaelic in election campaign materials and impose prison terms on anyone doing so ...

Yes Scotland chief executive issues statement on 'missing £1.5m' ? read in full
14 Jul 2026 at 12:39pm

THERE is no ?missing £1.5 million? in the Yes Scotland accounts and former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell never had access to the campaign group?s funding, Yes Scotland boss Blair Jenkins has said.

Covid Inquiry issues damning verdict as UK wasted £10bn on PPE
14 Jul 2026 at 12:38pm

THE scramble to buy PPE during the pandemic saw the UK waste almost £10 billion of taxpayers? money, the official inquiry into the handling of Covid-19 has found.

Andy Burnham should copy our plan on free bus travel, say SNP
14 Jul 2026 at 12:20pm

SCOTLAND'S policy of free bus travel for under-22s should be implemented in England by Andy Burnham, an independent inquiry has said.

Responses to the brutal killing of Ann Widdecombe were very saddening
14 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm

WHILE I disagreed with much of Ann Widdecombe?s politics, that does not change the horrifying fact that a 78-year-old woman has reportedly been brutally murdered in her own home.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Over half of children experience ?harmful? content online
14 Jul 2026 at 1:53pm
Research from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology shows that over half of children have seen or interacted with content not meant for them in the last three months

Nicola Sturgeon will not release police statement, says lawyer
14 Jul 2026 at 1:00am
Aamer Anwar said neither the written statement nor the police interview Nicola Sturgeon took part in as part of the Operation Branchform investigation would be released

UK sanctions ?destructive? Russian cyber hackers targeting critical services
13 Jul 2026 at 5:59pm
The UK government?has sanctioned 24 individuals?involved in cyber-attacks?linked to Russian intelligence agencies.?

University of Aberdeen investigating staff member?s comments about Ann Widdec...
13 Jul 2026 at 5:28pm
A Reform MSP has called on the university to suspend or dismiss employee Heather Herbert

AI scanner could reduce lung cancer diagnosis time to ?minutes?
13 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Scottish researchers?develop AI powered?method for accurately?predicting?lung cancer.

JK Rowling?s Beira?s Place responds to ?deeply offensive? Amnesty report
13 Jul 2026 at 3:15pm
Amnesty International UK identified a list of ?anti-rights organisations?, of which Beira?s Place was one

Social care crisis ?piling pressure on NHS ?, warns Jackie Baillie
13 Jul 2026 at 1:01am
Figures show over 9,300 Scots are waiting for a social care assessment or a care at home package

SNP face group legal action over ?ring-fenced? independence fund
10 Jul 2026 at 1:25pm
Legal advice concludes that a ?civil claim for fraudulent breach of trust is close to irresistible?

Football banning orders expanded to tackle pitch invasions
9 Jul 2026 at 4:12pm
It comes as the government published analysis of a recent consultation on FBO legislation, which received more than 900 responses including from fans, the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland.

Former Tory MSP advising new Reform group
9 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Maurice Golden stepped down from parliament at the election

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

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 ...

?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...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

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 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 Courier

[CaRP] Can't open remote newsfeed [403].
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

Boris Johnson?s government failed to anticipate and to react to pandemic thre...
14 Jul 2026 at 3:16pm
This from last year has popped up across social media, where it’s being seen in greater numbers than the Herald does, these days. So, it needs rebutting. First, How Boris Johnson?s top civil servant credited Nicola Sturgeon for showing them how to do it One more reason to be utterly disgusted by the current witch-hunt: From the National in May 2024: NICOLA Sturgeon was showing the Tory governme...

Burnham?s Manchester is the worst for homelessness in the north west
14 Jul 2026 at 2:30pm
By stewartb Ah but what about the supposed economic miracle that is Manchester? From the Manchester Evening News (December 11, 2025): ?Manchester is the worst for homelessness in the north west ? One in every 61 people in Manchester are homeless, according to the latest data. There are 4,678 children and a total of 9,589 people without a home in the Manchester city council area ? the most out o...

Protecting politicians ? do the Widdecombe lessons not apply to Nicola Sturge...
14 Jul 2026 at 2:28pm
By Liz S In Talking-up Scotland yesterday? BBC Scotland today, surprisingly, given the Widdicombe murder obsession of all the press… However on the BBC website headline today is this: ?Investigation into Widdecombe?s death rekindles debate over how to protect politicians? Also today on the BBC website is this headline: ?Sturgeon?s police statement on SNP finances won?t be released, says lawyer?...

Risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has plummeted in last ten years 
14 Jul 2026 at 2:27pm
From Cancer mortality Annual update to 2024 planned revision, published today: Let’s be clear what this means. Slightly more people died from cancer in 2024 than in 2015 but that is simply because there are more older people in the overall population. What really matters here, as a measure of how well NHS Scotland is performing, is the ratio of those dying, of the overall population – the risk ...

Six unique steps the SNP Government is taking to avert the claim that ?childr...
14 Jul 2026 at 2:26pm
You know what I’m going to say. Yes, no mention of Scotland in this, from the Guardian‘s Health Correspondent, Tobi Thomas. Do you think that means Tobi has done the research and knows that doomy claim applies equally to Scotland? Has s/he flip! The Scottish Government has taken several targeted actions on child nutrition, obesity, and related health issues, which could help mitigate aspects of...

Disability benefits ? Burnham only has to ask as Scotland already offers a la...
14 Jul 2026 at 2:25pm
In the Guardian today, once more, complete Anglocentrism as a writer does not think to ask if any other part of the UK has already done what she wants Andy Burnham to do. There’s not a mention of Scotland in the above but to what extent does the Scottish system already offer what is suggested? Scotland?s Adult Disability Payment (ADP) system already delivers a substantial portion of what the ar...

UK Home Office ?regularly? leaking confidential medical information to lawyer...
14 Jul 2026 at 9:35am
Thanks to Dottie for this: From the FT today: UK immigration lawyers say that they regularly receive confidential medical information meant for individuals whose work visa applications they handled, in an apparent breach of privacy rules that stretches back years.  The lawyers have received emails and text messages ranging from notifications of hospital appointments to messages about vaccinatio...

A more than 3 000 extra violent crimes surge in Scotland?s once low crime are...
14 Jul 2026 at 9:11am
BBC Scotland today, surprisingly, given the Widdicombe murder obsession of all the press, has headlined: Gang feud ended with ‘resolution of differences’ between rivals – police – Ross McGill (centre), the former head of Rangers Football Club’s ultras fan group the Union Bears, was a key figure in the feud – Police have revealed that a violent gangland feud spanning six months came to an end th...

SNP invests in further reducing homelessness already much less common and sev...
13 Jul 2026 at 7:17pm
From the Scottish Government but getting no attention from BBC Scotland, STV, Herald, Scotsman or Record so far as I can see today, ten hours later, the above, and: First 100 days commitments continue to be met. Halfway through the first 100 days of the Scottish Government formed in May, the rollout of an expanded 10-year £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund is underway. £1 million is being...

As youth violence and murder by minors plummet is this the Herald?s most inac...
13 Jul 2026 at 4:22pm

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint - BBC
14 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint  BBC

National Museum of Scotland Map Shows Taiwan as Part of China - dominotheory.com
14 Jul 2026 at 2:01am
National Museum of Scotland Map Shows Taiwan as Part of China  dominotheory.com

Yes Scotland chief executive issues statement on 'missing £1.5m' ? read in fu...
14 Jul 2026 at 12:47pm
Yes Scotland chief executive issues statement on 'missing £1.5m' ? read in full  The National Scot

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 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

Yes Scotland denies wrongdoing and demands end to 'desperate' Peter Murrell l...
14 Jul 2026 at 10:48am
Yes Scotland denies wrongdoing and demands end to 'desperate' Peter Murrell links  The Herald

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

Peter Murrell ?controlled Yes campaign funds?, says ex-director - The Times
12 Jul 2026 at 6:05pm
Peter Murrell ?controlled Yes campaign funds?, says ex-director  The Times

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

Burnham rules out second Scottish independence referendum - The Telegraph
5 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Burnham rules out second Scottish independence referendum  The Telegraph

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

These are dangerous times ? the SNP must not just sit back and watch - The Na...
14 Jul 2026 at 1:56pm
These are dangerous times ? the SNP must not just sit back and watch  The National Scot

Reform trying to criminalise use of Gaelic and Scots in election material ? S...
14 Jul 2026 at 3:43pm
Reform trying to criminalise use of Gaelic and Scots in election material ? SNP  The National Scot

Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money was driven only 4 miles, co...
2 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Motorhome bought by Murrell with stolen SNP money was driven only 4 miles, court told  The Guardian

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

Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter M...
30 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell  Sky News

SNP may have claimed back tax on Murrell's illicit purchases - Swinney - BBC
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
SNP may have claimed back tax on Murrell's illicit purchases - Swinney  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

Peter Murrell used fake invoices to cover up £400,000 spending spree - BBC
2 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Peter Murrell used fake invoices to cover up £400,000 spending spree  BBC

Luxury watches, iPads and a Jaguar: what Peter Murrell bought with embezzled ...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Luxury watches, iPads and a Jaguar: what Peter Murrell bought with embezzled funds | Scotland  The Guardian

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint - BBC
14 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint  BBC

Yes Scotland chief executive issues statement on 'missing £1.5m' ? read in fu...
14 Jul 2026 at 12:47pm
Yes Scotland chief executive issues statement on 'missing £1.5m' ? read in full  The National Scot

Police probe Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim - BBC
7 Jul 2026 at 7:33pm
Police probe Yes Scotland campaign's 'missing £1.5m' claim  BBC

Peter Murrell ?controlled Yes campaign funds?, says ex-director - The Times
12 Jul 2026 at 6:05pm
Peter Murrell ?controlled Yes campaign funds?, says ex-director  The Times

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 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

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

How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years s...
19 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years since the referendum?  YouGov

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