The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Commons: 'No concerns raised' about Murrell stealing taxpayer money
by Craig Meighan
2 Jul 2026 at 6:34am
The Electoral Commission also said there was no evidence Murrell misused public funds


Should Glasgow have a mayor? Pressure grows on John Swinney to reconsider stance
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, says a Glasgow metro mayor could help deliver major infrastructure projects such as Clyde Metro and the Clyde Tunnel


Can Scottish Government tackle major business concern in first 100 days?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
2 Jul 2026 at 4:32am
The Scottish Government has pledged to 'urgently' address business rates concern - but will it be enough?


£18bn North Sea investment at risk from bad Government policy choices
by mark.williamson@newsquest.co.uk | Mark Williamson
2 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Expert report highlights importance of decisions next prime minister will make about North Sea tax and regulatory regimes


Closer EU UK ties can benefit Scotland's defence industry, says top diplomat
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scotland's defence industry can benefit through closer co-operation between the European Union and the UK, according to the EU's ambassador to the UK.


Glasgow Reform MSP accused of 'racist' politics during council meeting
1 Jul 2026 at 4:40pm
A Glasgow MSP and his party have been accused of racist politics and singling out communities over crimes.


Analysis: What's behind Kenneth Gibson's crack down on Holyrood remote working?
1 Jul 2026 at 3:56pm
What is behind the crackdown on remote working by the new Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson?


Plan revealed to hike water charges by over inflation for six years after 8.7...
1 Jul 2026 at 11:06am
Scottish households and businesses are facing annual inflation busting rises to water charges for the next six years under a plan published the sector's regulator.


Trump earning tens of millions from Scottish golf courses - here's how much
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
1 Jul 2026 at 6:53am
The US President's finances have been revealed


Ambassador warns of post Brexit drop in EU students at Scots universities
1 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
The European Union's Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano has underlined concerns about a decline in the number of EU students at Scottish universities in the wake of Brexit.


'The scandal of millions spent on Monklands hospital before a brick is laid'
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
30 Jun 2026 at 3:38pm
Ministers call it a reset, but millions have already been spent on Monklands hospital plans now facing redesign. So how much public money has been wasted?


John Swinney says Andy Burnham has ?a lot to live up to? on devolution
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
30 Jun 2026 at 2:26pm
John Swinney has said he hopes to work constructively with Andy Burnham on strengthening the powers of the Scottish Parliament if he becomes Prime Minister.


Scotland 'missing out' on nuclear or are renewables the future? Energy row re...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
30 Jun 2026 at 2:00pm
UK energy minister Michael Shanks says Scotland is missing out on nuclear jobs and investment, as the SNP insists the country?s future lies in renewables.


Keir Starmer's delayed defence plan and what it means for Scotland
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
30 Jun 2026 at 11:54am
John Swinney says Trident spending hampers conventional defence as GMB Scotland warns Starmer?s £15bn plan must deliver Scottish jobs.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Geothermal energy: Ignoring 'significant' power source 'risks Scotland's ener...
2 Jul 2026 at 6:00am

Despite several options for developing geothermal energy in Scotland, the Scottish Government says it has no plans to progress this.

Labour MP Richard Baker said the Navantia yard in Methil, Fife should be given a new Ministry of Defence contract to build huge dry docks for the UK?s nuclear submarine fleet.

Industry chiefs have warned the UK?s energy security is being put at risk by relying on maintaining gas imports while banning North Sea oil and gas drilling.

Scotland?s Buildings at Risk register is expanding as a ?crisis? in caring for historic properties emerges, it has been warned

Correspondence revealed that the SNP had received more than £10 million of taxpayers? money in the period that Peter Murrell carried out his crimes.

Plea comes after the SNP?s 2021 Holyrood manifesto included a commitment to consult on whether the Lord Advocate?s dual role ?should be separated?

Wings over Scotland

[CaRP] XML error: Invalid document end at line 1 - Unknown document format.

Craig Murray

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

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

BBC Scotland

Burnham showed 'lack of knowledge' about Scotland - Swinney
1 Jul 2026 at 12:07pm
The first minister has criticised the Labour MP after he suggested power north of the border was too centralised.

What does the Royal Navy's drone warship plan mean for Scotland?
1 Jul 2026 at 6:15am
The UK government's long-awaited defence spending plans are out, but is it good or bad news for Scottish shipbuilders?

Charges for hate crimes in Scotland soar to record high
30 Jun 2026 at 11:55am
A total of 7,115 charges with at least one element of hate crime were recorded in 2025-26.

Andy Burnham vows to decentralise power in Scotland
29 Jun 2026 at 2:18pm
The Labour MP, who is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, said he wants to take power away from devolved parliaments and empower communities.

Scottish Labour's election 'disaster' due to unpopular PM - Lennon
28 Jun 2026 at 12:43pm
Former Labour MSP Monica Lennon says voters could not get beyond Keir Starmer's unpopularity.

Scottish Parliament restores online gender search for MSPs
29 Jun 2026 at 5:45pm
Visitors to the Holyrood website are able to search for parliamentarians by their sex and trans status.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scot Goes Pop

"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...

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...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Starmer must say what he will cut to fund £15bn defence rise, SNP says
2 Jul 2026 at 6:57am
Dave Doogan, the party?s Westminster leader, warned the PM's 'unfunded' plans could take 'vital' money away from schools and hospitals

Westminster asks Holyrood about joint inquiry into SNP Murrell scandal
1 Jul 2026 at 5:25pm
The Scottish Affairs Committee is writing to MSPs in a bid to work together

Former MSP to face trial accused of causing crashes while drink-driving
1 Jul 2026 at 2:33pm
Colin Smyth, 53, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday

Starmer accuses SNP of ?pretending? not to know about Peter Murrell crimes
1 Jul 2026 at 1:45pm
Murrell was jailed for five years and three months for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Swinney rejects Burnham?s claim Scots feel distant from Holyrood
1 Jul 2026 at 10:56am
The First Minister accused the Labour leadership hopeful of trying to ?lecture? him and described his comments as ?polemics?

Nigel Farage declares £270,000 payment for promoting gold bullion
30 Jun 2026 at 8:23pm
This is Farage's single biggest payment for work outside his role as an MP.

Cancer patients ?waiting longer than they should? as treatment targets missed
30 Jun 2026 at 1:39pm
No health board in Scotland achieved the goal of having 95% of patients urgently referred start their treatment within two months

Energy and road projects axed to fund £15bn defence investment plan
30 Jun 2026 at 1:22pm
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had to be prepared for war

Asylum seekers to pay £10,000 towards cost of accommodation and support
30 Jun 2026 at 6:51am
Under new plans, asylum seekers will have to pay off the full amount before they can be eligible for settled status

What does Andy Burnham?s vision mean for Scotland?
29 Jun 2026 at 6:13pm
Labour's newest MP has called for Westminster's powers to be decentralised and expand devolution

How is Andy Burnham planning to ?fix politics??
29 Jun 2026 at 4:05pm
The likely next prime minister has said "Westminster is broken" and vowed to "do things differently".

Scottish Government failed to provide legally required health checks for arou...
29 Jun 2026 at 2:17pm
The Health and Safety Executive found that the Government made two breaches linked to statutory health surveillance of staff

First Minister John Swinney opens Glasgow?s first walk-in GP service
29 Jun 2026 at 1:01pm
The Cardonald Centre is the ninth practice opened across the country

Andy Burnham won?t take questions after speech setting out vision
29 Jun 2026 at 10:57am
The senior Labour politician is on course to become prime minister in three weeks? time

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Peter Murrell scandal risks making Scottish Parliament 'laughing stock' if in...
2 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: A Scottish political veteran said he "really resented" the damage being done to Holyrood's reputation by the fall-out from the Murrell affair.

Prosecutors deny Sturgeon was spared 'embarrassment' after women's items dele...
1 Jul 2026 at 3:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: One of the first complainers in the Branchform case said it "beggars belief" the items were not removed to spare the former SNP leader's blushes.

Keir Starmer accuses SNP of 'pretending' to know nothing about Peter Murrell ...
1 Jul 2026 at 1:39pm
The Prime Minister claimed Nationalists "couldn't even see the motorhome parked in the driveway".

John Swinney insists Glasgow is 'looking great' as city prepares to host 2026...
1 Jul 2026 at 12:09pm
Several parts of Glasgow city centre are currently undergoing significant renovation works which were signed-off before the Commonwealth Games were relocated to Scotland at short notice.

Scotland's generous universal benefits 'affordable' despite £5bn blackhole
1 Jul 2026 at 7:29am
EXCLUSIVE: Ivan McKee insisted the Scottish Government can reduce public sector headcount without the need for compulsory redundancies.

Scots shipyards face competing with each other to secure UK Government naval ...
30 Jun 2026 at 5:00pm
Some industry experts fear a return to the 1990s when yards in Scotland were forced into competition with those in England, with job losses the inevitable outcome, says Chris McCall

Higher defence spending must secure shipbuilding jobs in Scotland, UK Governm...
30 Jun 2026 at 2:35pm
Defence experts warned there were now "question marks" over the future of Scottish shipbuilding after it was confirmed a new fleet of destroyers would not be built.

Scotland's housing emergency causing 'misery for families' as SNP 'breaks pro...
30 Jun 2026 at 12:34pm
Shelter warned rising homelessness in Scotland is "caused by the political choice not to build enough social homes".

Operation Branchform cops' decision to drop SNP donations probe could face ju...
30 Jun 2026 at 10:41am
A decision by detectives in 2023 to focus their probe on Peter Murrell has left some complainers unhappy.

Andy Burnham urged to help Scots councils 'starved of cash' under SNP Government
30 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: A Scottish Labour MP told the Record he wanted to "see less power concentrated in Edinburgh, and more power given to the country's 32 local authorities".

The National

The National | Politics

Peter Mandelson seen as 'significant achievement' for Russian intelligence
2 Jul 2026 at 8:18am

A LEAKED intelligence dossier alleges that Peter Mandelson was treated as a ?privileged contact? by Russian intelligence

Donald Trump?s personal profiteering makes a mockery of America?s birthday
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

Is it any wonder that America today is bitterly divided?

America?s treatment of Iranian team shames Fifa and Trump?s fetid regime
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

Most football fans would agree, I?m sure, that the 2026 World Cup has, thus far, been a pleasure to watch

Damning new report shows how UK is 'defying legal obligations' in arms export...
2 Jul 2026 at 5:00am

The UK Government has been accused of 'defying legal obligations' in its arms exports to the United Arab Emirates in a damning new report

Donald Trump?s crowing about 'ceasefire' quickly switched to threats
1 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

IN light of the USA?s renewed bombing of Iran, as against the failure of the world and the American system to curb this lunacy and the wider mess at every turn, it seems hard to understand the unchecked behaviour of the petulant enfant terrible in the White House.

'No evidence' Peter Murrell stole public money, watchdogs tell Scottish Labou...
1 Jul 2026 at 5:25pm

THERE is ?no reason to believe? weaknesses in the system may have allowed Peter Murrell to embezzle public money and ?no evidence? he did so, two public bodies have told a Westminster committee ...

'Pro-independence interns' hired to push campaign to the 'next level'
1 Jul 2026 at 5:21pm

Believe in Scotland has launched a number of internship opportunities for its Scottish independence campaign

I am an asylum seeker. The UK Government is punishing us with new rules
1 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm

AN asylum seeker who fled Nigeria after facing political violence in his home country has said the UK Government's new immigration rules feel like "sheer punishment".

Andy Burnham says 'Holyrood is as distant as Westminster'. The data shows he'...
1 Jul 2026 at 4:42pm

ANDY Burnham?s ?pitch to Scotland? failed to even acknowledge his promise of more devolution, let alone provide any details of what it meant ...

Nigel Farage 'fears facing Clacton by-election' amid £5 million gift scandal
1 Jul 2026 at 4:42pm

NIGEL Farage fears he will face a by-election if he is found to have broken rules over a £5m gift from a crypto-billionaire, he has reportedly told friends.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Murrell scandal: MPs call on Holyrood committees to help investigate
1 Jul 2026 at 5:50pm
Scottish Affairs Committee decides next steps

ScotlandIS appoints new chief executive
1 Jul 2026 at 2:44pm
ScotlandIS has appointed Andrew Weir as its new chief executive

Scottish Government publishes new guidance for phone-free classrooms
1 Jul 2026 at 12:07pm
The new?advice encourages schools to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national?guidance, published this week

Hate crimes reach record levels in Scotland
30 Jun 2026 at 12:41pm
The lord advocate said the increase ?should concern us all?

Fewer than half of MSPs disclose whether they are male or female
30 Jun 2026 at 11:29am
Equalities efforts becoming harder, senior Scottish Parliament official warns

Andy Burnham: ?Broken? Westminster needs ?radical change?
29 Jun 2026 at 1:34pm
The MP pledged to deliver further devolution, including to cities and towns in Scotland

Crime gang members who used encrypted devices sentenced to nearly 350 years b...
29 Jun 2026 at 12:54pm
Operation Venetic, which Police Scotland has been working on alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other international partners, has seen 76 people?sentenced during the six years it has been running

Beyond the Medals: Why Scotland Must Protect Its Pools
29 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
By acting now, we ensure that when Scotland applauds its next generation of sporting heroes, we can also celebrate the thriving community pools that helped foster their success.

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

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

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...

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...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

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 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 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

Should have thought of this years ago
1 Jul 2026 at 8:39pm
Should have thought of this years ago -If there is an issue where you think we should have been debunking or revealing before but have not, suggest it below or email it to talkingupreminders@gmail.comJohn Watson Robertson

Researchers cast serious doubt on reality of hate crimes ?surging? in Scotla...
1 Jul 2026 at 12:02pm
BBC Scotland today try to have it both ways in this headline. What percentage of the population is, like TuS readers, media students and other perceptive folk out there, thinking ‘Ah it’s just charges. It might not really be soaring at all?’ It’s not. Hate crimes in Scotland are not ‘soaring.’ I’m as certain as I can be. Why? First, from the same report: A new law introduced in 2024 created a n...

Little delight as brand-new Turkish-built ferry doors last only 15weeks and t...
1 Jul 2026 at 9:55am
From BBC Scotland today: CalMac’s newest ship – the Turkish-built MV Isle of Islay – is to be withdrawn from service for repairs later this month, just 15 weeks after carrying its first passengers. The roll-on roll-off ferry entered service on 31 March, but six weeks later a hinge problem with its bow doors meant it has had to operate “single ended” ever since. The issue is understood to be the...

David Lammy?s shocking incompetence to be tested again? Remember when he over...
1 Jul 2026 at 9:34am
Prison security is a big story across UK media this morning, prompted by the above in the Telegraph, this morning. BBC Scotland have nothing on it but do have a piece on the QEUH not being able to report even one positive Ebola case. In April 2026, BBC Scotland were interested in the same story – prisoners released in error – as the UK media. As always, they failed to spot the main issue: Shock...

NHS Scotland has met the national drug and alcohol treatment waiting times st...
30 Jun 2026 at 5:14pm
From National drug and alcohol treatment waiting times 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 Accredited official statistics, published today: Source: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times-1-january-2026-to-31-march-2026/ Since 2021, when the current system of recording was put in place, NH...

NHS England waiting list queue is 300 000 or 5% longer than Scotland?s
30 Jun 2026 at 4:57pm
From Stage of treatment waiting times New outpatients, inpatients and day cases published today, the above graph and: At 31 May 2026, there were an estimated 579,814 individuals on at least one new outpatient, inpatient or day case waiting list. This is equivalent to around 1 in 10 of Scotland?s population (mid-2024 estimates).1 All things being equal, pro rata, the figure for England with 10 t...

NHS Scotland cancer treatment facing massive increase in referrals since pand...
30 Jun 2026 at 4:41pm
From Cancer waiting times 1 January to 31 March 2026 published today: There were 4,668 eligible referrals where the 62-day standard applied, a decrease of 2.7% from the previous quarter, but an increase of 25.4% from the quarter ending 31 December 2019, the last full quarter pre?pandemic. 72.2% of patients started treatment within 62 days, compared with 72.6% in the previous quarter. There were...

SNP Government builds 6 times as many and sells 18 500 times fewer council h...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:47pm
From Housing statistics quarterly update: new housebuilding and affordable housing supply published today, we see that Scotland’s local authorities built 1 707 council houses in 2025, down 17 from the previous year but up by nearly 600 on 1 123, ten years before, in 2016.1 All things being equal and now two years into a Labour government, you might expect England to be building around 17 00. Hm...

Scotland generates ?huge amount ? of surplus renewables electricity to transf...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:46pm
From Energy Statistics for Scotland – Q1 2026, published today, the above graph showing Scotland’s ever-increasing renewable electricity capacity and, of note, the levelling of on-shore and surging of off-shore capacity. Scotland?s capacity for electricity generation from renewable sources has increased substantially over the past 10 years and currently stands at 18.1 GW ? a 3.2% increase compa...

Glasgow becomes more lawful as youth violence falls amid anger over Scottish ...
30 Jun 2026 at 3:41pm
The Daily Express yesterday, based on anecdotal evidence gathered by the Scottish Conservatives has the above and: Furious Glasgow residents have claimed they are being subjected to a wave of terror by youth gangs wielding weapons such as knives, saws and axes. Locals in the Southside area of the city voiced concerns around youngsters in the Pollok, Crookston and Paisley Road West area of the c...

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

'Pro-independence interns' hired to push campaign to the 'next level' - The N...
1 Jul 2026 at 5:46pm
'Pro-independence interns' hired to push campaign to the 'next level'  The National Scot

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

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 11:08pm
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans - Scottish Greens
29 Jun 2026 at 1:07pm
Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans  Scottish Greens

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

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

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

Andy Burnham promises to devolve more power in 'pitch to Scotland' - The Scot...
30 Jun 2026 at 6:00am
Andy Burnham promises to devolve more power in 'pitch to Scotland'  The Scotsman

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Keir Starmer: SNP ?pretended? not to know Peter Murrell was stealing - The Times
1 Jul 2026 at 4:39pm
Keir Starmer: SNP ?pretended? not to know Peter Murrell was stealing  The Times

MPs push for joint Holyrood probe into embezzlement of SNP funds - The Scotsman
1 Jul 2026 at 4:35pm
MPs push for joint Holyrood probe into embezzlement of SNP funds  The Scotsman

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

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

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

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000 - R...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000  Reuters

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

Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans - Scottish Greens
29 Jun 2026 at 1:07pm
Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans  Scottish Greens

What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland? - BBC
28 Jun 2026 at 11:08pm
What could Andy Burnham as PM mean for Scotland?  BBC

Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figu...
28 Jun 2026 at 10:58am
Scottish Labour to rethink stance on independence and referendum, senior figure says  The National Scot

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 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

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 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

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