The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Scottish Government 'yet to pay For Women Scotland legal bill'
8 Oct 2025 at 4:28pm
The final amount the Scottish Government must pay is not known; however, it is believed to be between £250,000 and £400,000


Russell Findlay accuses SNP of being ?out of touch? on immigration
8 Oct 2025 at 3:56pm
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay accuses the SNP and left-wing politicians of being out of touch with ?mainstream Scotland? on immigration during a heated Holyrood debate.


Scots on Global Sumud Flotilla to arrive at Glasgow Airport this evening
8 Oct 2025 at 3:22pm
The pair are expected to be greeted by their families and supporters at 7.40 PM this evening, when their plane is due to land at Glasgow Airport.


Key takeaways from Scottish Government's latest independence blueprint
8 Oct 2025 at 1:57pm
The Scottish Government?s new paper, A Fresh Start with independence sets out why the SNP administration believes Scotland should leave the UK, and ?what an independent Scotland could look like?.


Could Swinney's £10,000 indy promise to Scots work ? or could it backfire?
8 Oct 2025 at 12:38pm
John Swinney has unveiled a new paper on independence with a promise Scots will be £10,000 a year better off under independence. Can it help the First Minister win a majority next year?


?We?ve reached the limits of devolution?: Swinney says Holyrood has hit 'ceil...
8 Oct 2025 at 12:28pm
First Minister says Scotland can no longer achieve its ambitions within the UK as new independence paper outlines economic case for leaving.


NHS Scotland doctor detained by Israel after latest flotilla intercepted
8 Oct 2025 at 11:05am
Dr Suhaimi was aboard the Conscience, one of nine ships which were intercepted by Israeli forces overnight.


Keir Starmer to 'beat the drum for Scotland's finest products' in India visit
8 Oct 2025 at 7:33am
Sir Keir Starmer will be ?beating the drum for Scotland?s finest products? during a visit to India, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has said


Amnesty calls on minister to ban Police Scotland from using live facial recog...
8 Oct 2025 at 5:00am
Amnesty International has urged ministers to ban live facial recognition, warning Police Scotland?s plans amount to mass surveillance.


Hopes for Scotch whisky sales as industry leaders join trade mission to India
8 Oct 2025 at 12:01am
Top whisky bosses are to join Keir Starmer on a state visit to India this week, as the UK Government claims a trade deal between the two nations will unlock £1bn in new sales.


Swinney promises 'fresh start' for Scotland with independence plan
8 Oct 2025 at 12:00am
The First Minister will publish new policy proposals which he says will outline how an independent Scotland could ?thrive and grow?.


Nicola Sturgeon made a promise to care-experienced kids ? and now it?s breaking
8 Oct 2025 at 12:00am
Nicola Sturgeon?s emotional pledge to transform Scotland?s care system gave hope to thousands of young people. But a damning new report reveals missed deadlines, weak leadership and a lack of urgency.


Douglas Ross brands John Swinney ?delusional? over SNP education record
8 Oct 2025 at 4:22pm
Douglas Ross branded First Minister John Swinney ?delusional? during a heated Holyrood debate, challenging him to name a failure in Scotland?s education system, while Swinney defended the SNP?s record.


Scottish Conservative defections to Reform expected 'in weeks', source says
8 Oct 2025 at 5:00am
Scottish Conservative defections to Reform expected 'in weeks' as Nigel Farage plans pre-Christmas visit to Scotland ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Nicola Sturgeon 'shocked' to learn Myleene Klass stalker sent her letter sign...
8 Oct 2025 at 6:12pm

Nicola Sturgeon was unaware of a letter signed in blood sent by a man convicted of stalking Myleene Klass

Kemi Badenoch wants to scrap stamp duty for people?s primary homes - and there is a push to axe a similar tax in Scotland

The Conservative Party leader also pledged to scrap stamp duty on homes in England and Wales - with the Scottish Tories calling for the devolved equivalent to be abolished

Union boss Roz Foyer says it is ?not hypocritical? of her to call for the proposed taxes

Prosecutors said they could not obtain evidence from the UK Government that China was a national security threat.

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

I?m Still Standing
1 Oct 2025 at 3:57pm

Apologies for break am very tied up with a legal case we are bringing I will tell you about in a day or two.

I’m Still Standing

What Fresh Hell is This?
26 Sep 2025 at 11:31am

Yesterday saw two announcements. Starmer is to introduce compulsory digital ID cards in the UK, and Tony Blair is put forward by the White House to be the colonial administrator of Gaza for five years. The political economy of the world appears locked in a vertiginous downward spiral. You don’t have to scratch very hard …

What Fresh Hell is This?

Staggering Hypocrisy
22 Sep 2025 at 11:26am

The outgoing Head of MI6 Richard Moore has formally admitted in a public speech in Istanbul that MI6 has been cooperating with HTS in Syria – a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act – for years. The government is arresting little old ladies for holding signs supporting one proscribed organisation, Palestine Action, while it admits …

Staggering Hypocrisy

It?s Your Party and I?ll Cry If I Want To
13 Sep 2025 at 9:47am

There are serious threats to “Your Party” from those attempting to exert undemocratic control, and they attack as trying to destroy the party, anyone who tries to improve things. The Labour Party is now centre-right and the large majority of us to the left of it were delighted when Jeremy took the plunge to launch …

It’s Your Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To

Herzog and Haynau
10 Sep 2025 at 1:28pm

“President” Isaac Herzog last night entered his hotel – the Intercontinental Park Lane – through a service door and kitchens. He did not transit any of the public areas of the hotel, where I was stationed disguised as an elderly Scottish drunk at the bar. I carried out this role with great dedication. It also …

Herzog and Haynau

AI and the Urgent Need for a Politics of Altruism
4 Sep 2025 at 8:49pm

Humans are naturally cooperative creatures. The ability of people to dominate other life forms on the planet, to produce a built environment structured to their needs, to ensure food and water supply, to develop complex civilisations and produce all kinds of structures and objects designed to enhance interest and comfort, and to interact on a …

AI and the Urgent Need for a Politics of Altruism

BBC Scotland

Government care plan progressing 'too slowly' - watchdogs
8 Oct 2025 at 6:19am
A joint report has found confusion over care reform delivery and a lack of clarity around funding.

Teachers to vote on strike action over workload
8 Oct 2025 at 5:04pm
The EIS said it had been years since the SNP pledged to reduce teachers' class contact time.

MSPs back new law to review domestic abuse deaths
7 Oct 2025 at 5:04pm
The reforms are designed to help prevent murders and suicides and modernise the justice system.

Scotland's deaths outnumber births - so why is the population still rising?
8 Oct 2025 at 6:13am
Deaths have outnumbered births in Scotland for a decade but record levels of immigration mean the population is still rising.

Swinney heckled at vigil for victims of Hamas attacks
6 Oct 2025 at 4:03pm
Members of the crowd shouted "shame on you" as Swinney spoke about the 2023 attacks at an event outside Holyrood.

Shipyard's promised investment is 'conditional' - Forbes
6 Oct 2025 at 6:09pm
The government confirms only £570,000 out of £14.2m of promised investment has so far been handed over to Ferguson Marine.

Robison warns of 'difficult choices' as Budget date set
6 Oct 2025 at 5:29pm
The Scottish government will outline its tax and spending plans for the year on 13 January, more than a month later than usual.

Suspended Campbeltown sailings will not return in 2026
7 Oct 2025 at 6:24am
The route was suspended because of the problems the company was facing maintaining lifeline services.

SNP hurting Scotland with 'wacky and woke' policies, says Findlay
5 Oct 2025 at 4:09pm
The Scottish Tory leader delivered his speech to the Conservative party conference in Manchester.

Michelle Mone has 'no wish' to return as Tory in House of Lords
3 Oct 2025 at 5:04pm
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said Mone should be stripped of her peerage over the Covid PPE scandal

Sole islander forced off ferries agency board after ship launch row
3 Oct 2025 at 10:08am
Murdo Maclennan was ousted weeks after complaining that civil servants rather than islanders had been invited to launch new ferries.

Scottish Parliament backs plan for dog theft law
2 Oct 2025 at 6:02pm
A new bill aims to create a special criminal offence, but lawyers have raised concerns about the proposals.

Scot Goes Pop

Just THREE days to save independence: the John Swinney strategy motion MUST b...
8 Oct 2025 at 3:24am
*. *. *With less than three months of the year to go, the 2025 Scot Goes Pop fundraiser is still short of its target figure.  If you'd like to help keep the lights on during the several months it w...

Vote James Kelly #1 for the SNP National Executive Committee: why I'm standin...
7 Oct 2025 at 6:37am
As you may already have seen on a certain other blog, I've put my name forward for the forthcoming SNP internal elections, which will take place over the weekend.  I'm standing for election to thre...

The Alba Party's days could be numbered as the disgraced former General Secre...
6 Oct 2025 at 2:47am
Back in the spring, I exclusively broke the news on Scot Goes Pop (based on what I'd been told by a reliable source) that the Alba Party's disgraced former General Secretary Chris McEleny was refus...

"Brexit 2 - This Time It's The Kitchen Sink" is coming - and we mustn't squan...
5 Oct 2025 at 6:03pm
Given how consistently the Tories have been trailing in a poor third place in the vast majority of GB-wide polls, it's easy to dismiss anything they say or do these days as a total irrelevance.  Bu...

Objectively, by far the most effective way of making Scotland's and the UK's ...
3 Oct 2025 at 3:10pm
Below is my video response to the despicable comments that have been made by Netanyahu sympathisers in the mainstream media, and on social media, suggesting that anyone who marches for Palestinian ...

Could the *real* support for Scottish independence be 60% or higher? The SHO...
1 Oct 2025 at 2:55pm
The data tables for the new Norstat independence poll were released yesterday - and as expected they confirm that the poll was weighted by recalled 2014 referendum result, a practice that other pol...

A pro-independence majority for the FOURTH Norstat poll in a row - meaning th...
29 Sep 2025 at 1:58pm
I've gone old-school and reverted to audio-only for my commentary on the new Norstat poll, which shows a substantial pro-independence majority (Yes 53%, No 47%) and a commanding SNP lead in Scottis...

53% back independence in BOMBSHELL poll: panic grips Westminster as Norstat k...
28 Sep 2025 at 9:29am
Incredibly, after a summer of practically no Scottish polls, we've now had four in the last week, and three have had voting intentions numbers.  The latest is from the regular Norstat series for th...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Scottish teachers to consider strike action over ?crippling workload?, EIS says
8 Oct 2025 at 6:02pm
Scotland's largest teaching union accused the Scottish Government and local authorities of 'dithering and delaying' over plans to cut the time teachers spend in classrooms.

Russell Findlay backs withdrawing UK from ECHR to tackle ?unsustainable? ille...
8 Oct 2025 at 5:09pm
The Scottish Tory leader spoke out during a debate at Holyrood.

Tories pledge to scrap Scotland?s equivalent of stamp duty to ?help Scots get...
8 Oct 2025 at 3:21pm
The Scottish Tories said they want Badenoch's stamp duty pledge rolled out in Scotland to help people get on the property ladder.

Scottish independence could make people £10,000 better off, Swinney says
8 Oct 2025 at 9:46am
The First Minister laid out his plans for the country if it were to become independent of the UK.

MSPs pass law to review potential domestic abuse deaths
7 Oct 2025 at 6:13pm
The Bill was passed unanimously with the backing of 115 MSPs.

?Scottish Tories have been written off, but we?ll beat expectations? says MP ...
7 Oct 2025 at 5:55pm
Scottish shadow secretary Andrew Bowie spoke to STV News as the party's conference continues in Manchester.

Thousands of operations cancelled at short-notice in August
7 Oct 2025 at 3:43pm
Data from Public Health Scotland shows 2,110 operations were cancelled the day before or on the day the patient was meant to be treated.

Scottish Government announces £2m for residential rehab programmes
7 Oct 2025 at 3:22pm
The Additional Placement Fund aims to help local alcohol and drug partnerships ensure placements are available in areas of high demand.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser faces police complaint over Rangers social media post
7 Oct 2025 at 3:11pm
Murdo Fraser, a well-known supporter of the Ibrox club, celebrated Russell Martin?s departure on X in a series of messages.

?No more vegans, Buddhists or Greens? after Rangers boss sacked, urges Tory MSP
6 Oct 2025 at 1:38pm
Russell Martin previously revealed that he is a vegan and supported the Green Party.

Tories to set out plans to cut £47bn from government spending
6 Oct 2025 at 10:45am
Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride will unveil proposals at the Tory party conference.

Russell Findlay criticises SNP ?woke? policies at UK Tory conference
5 Oct 2025 at 8:12pm
The Scottish Conservative leader gave a speech on the main stage on Sunday.

Falkirk councillor removed as convener of planning committee after sending ?b...
3 Oct 2025 at 4:06pm
A watchdog found the communication sent by Baillie Billy Buchanan about a member of Falkirk Council's planning staff broke the code of conduct.

Flags flown at half-mast as Swinney expresses sympathy to Jewish community
3 Oct 2025 at 2:58pm
The First Minister was speaking after two people were killed in a car and knife attack outside a synagogue in Manchester.

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Former prostitute who was raped backs Bill to hit sex buyers with £10,000 fi...
8 Oct 2025 at 3:06pm
One woman said selling sex ?can never be made safe? and claimed prostitution ?thrives on silence and thrives on violence?.

Scots renters will have right to keep pets for first time animal welfare grou...
8 Oct 2025 at 12:46pm
Tenants will be able to request to keep cats, dogs and other animals in their home with landlords no longer allowed to 'unreasonably refuse'.

John Swinney 'appalled' by Tommy Robinson as he warns Scots of 'dangers' of U...
8 Oct 2025 at 11:59am
The First Minister said he wanted to champion a society in Scotland that was "tolerant, inclusive and welcoming".

Scotland 'reaching the limits of devolution' as John Swinney blames Westminst...
8 Oct 2025 at 11:01am
The First Minister denied the SNP was running out of steam after 18 years in power as he repeated his belief that only independence could fix the country's most serious problems.

Alex Cole-Hamilton says he wants to be Deputy First Minister as he talks up '...
8 Oct 2025 at 9:58am
EXCLUSIVE: The Scottish Lib Dem leader also said a Lib Dem/Labour Government would not be tarnished by Reform UK MSPs putting them into power.

Nicola Sturgeon's Promise to kids in care could be broken due to lack of SNP ...
8 Oct 2025 at 4:30am
Auditors warned there was still "confusion" about The Promise five years on after it was first announced.

Glasgow hit by 7,500 homeless applications from outside the city as housing '...
8 Oct 2025 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The huge number of applications from south of the border has prompted SNP council leader to call for action from the UK and Scottish Governments.

Grieving parents whose kids died abroad demand legal change to death probes
8 Oct 2025 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The SNP Government has been urged to close a legal loophole critics says acts as a block to getting a fatal accident inquiry.

John Swinney to unveil another white paper on Scottish independence and urge ...
8 Oct 2025 at 12:01am
The SNP Government previously shelved its long-running series of white papers on independence after the public lost interest.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser reported to police after 'no more Buddhists' Rangers tweet
7 Oct 2025 at 1:19pm
A Tory party spokesman claimed Fraser's tweet was aimed at Russell Martin and "obviously a joke".

The National

The National | Politics

Scottish Government scheme to abolish two-child cap open for applications fro...
8 Oct 2025 at 6:32pm

THE Scottish Government?s scheme to effectively abolish the two-child cap on some benefits will open for applications from March 2, John Swinney has confirmed

The National?s Q&A with Peter Oborne on UK Gaza complicity almost sold out
8 Oct 2025 at 5:00pm

THE National?s live, in-person event with leading political journalist Peter Oborne has almost sold out ...

'My new book shows how UK media and politicians are complicit in Gaza destruc...
8 Oct 2025 at 5:00pm

PETER Oborne was in a cafe in the city of Nablus in the West Bank last year when he decided to write his soon-to-be-released book: Complicit: Britain's Role in the Destruction of Gaza ...

Anti-racism campaigners 'threatened with having throats slit' whilst removing...
8 Oct 2025 at 5:05pm

ANTI-RACIST campaigners have said they were threatened with having their ?throats slit? whilst attempting to remove flags in Edinburgh

Why has John Swinney launched a rehash independence paper?
8 Oct 2025 at 4:00pm

You can get The National's Real Scottish Politics newsletter free and direct to your inbox every weekday. To sign up, click HERE and click the + button.

Pro-Palestine protester arrested for holding up magazine at train station
8 Oct 2025 at 1:31pm

A man has been arrested for holding up a magazine cover amid pro-Palestine protests in London.

Kemi Badenoch claims the Tories 'made life better for so many'
8 Oct 2025 at 1:07pm

KEMI Badenoch has claimed the Tories ?made life better for so many? as she delivered her keynote speech at the party?s conference.

Alex Cole-Hamilton wants to be deputy first minister in 'coalition' with Labour
8 Oct 2025 at 12:55pm

ALEX Cole-Hamilton has said he wants to be Scotland?s next deputy first minister and that he would be open to serving under Anas Sarwar in a coalition with Scottish Labour ...

Campaigners react to Scottish Government's latest independence paper
8 Oct 2025 at 12:24pm

CAMPAIGNERS and politicians have responded to the publication of the Scottish Government?s latest paper on independence.

NHS Scotland doctor detained by Israel in second flotilla mission to Gaza
8 Oct 2025 at 12:24pm

An NHS Scotland doctor has reportedly been detained by Israel after sailing in a second flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Scottish Government still to pay For Women Scotland legal bill, according to ...
8 Oct 2025 at 6:00pm
In April, the UK?s highest court ruled in the campaign group?s favour, agreeing that the definition of ?woman? and ?sex? under the Equality Act referred to biological sex

Edinburgh-based tech start-up creates trading platform for food waste
8 Oct 2025 at 4:47pm
A trading platform for everything from food waste to agricultural residues has been created by an Edinburgh-based tech company

John Swinney launches latest paper on Scottish independence
8 Oct 2025 at 1:50pm
The SNP leader said independence could be a 'fresh start' for Scotland

John Swinney?s independence plans ?taking us nowhere?, says Kenny MacAskill
8 Oct 2025 at 12:13pm
MacAskill has criticised the first minister?s lack of a clear route to a referendum and said he was ?telling us yet again what we know all too well?

John Swinney: Scotland is at the limits of devolution
8 Oct 2025 at 11:57am
First minister unveils new paper linking independence to household living standards

Scottish businesses ?pessimistic? about growth outlook
8 Oct 2025 at 7:00am
Scottish businesses have become ?markedly more pessimistic? about their economic outlook according to recently published research

Planning failures slowing delivery of the Promise to children in care
8 Oct 2025 at 6:00am
Audit Scotland has said the lack of detail and direction, as well as a failure to assess resources and skills, has contributed to slow progress

A British scientist has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneerin...
8 Oct 2025 at 1:00am
British scientist, John Clarke, has been awarded The Nobel Prize in Physics along with his French and American scientific colleagues whose pioneering work paved the way for quantum computing

Murdo Fraser reported to police after calling for 'no more Buddhists' as Rang...
7 Oct 2025 at 5:12pm
The Tory MSP made the comment on social media following the sacking of the team?s manager Russell Martin

Artificial intelligence fuels major rise in child sexual abuse images
7 Oct 2025 at 3:25pm
Research shows a rise of 1,325 per cent rise in AI-generated images of child sexual abuse

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Tory plan to abolish stamp duty ?will benefit London and the wealthiest the m...
8 Oct 2025 at 4:13pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereVoting in the Labour deputy leadership election opens today. Lucy Powell, the former Commons leader, is seen as the favourite and, as Jessica Elgot reports, Powell told supporters yesterday that, if she is elected, she will use the post...

Scottish parliament votes in favour of allowing councils to cap rent increases
1 Oct 2025 at 9:09am
Legislation hailed as ?historic step for fixing rigged housing market? but campaigners say bolder action neededThe Scottish parliament has voted overwhelmingly for ?historic? long-term rent controls ? a first across the UK ? as part of a wide-ranging housing bill that campaigners argue has been ?...

Andy Burnham calls for UK to rejoin EU within his lifetime and rejects claim ...
29 Sep 2025 at 6:48pm
Mayor of Greater Manchester says he would have to be ?wrenched? out of city and says he wants UK to rejoin EU. This live blog is closedAndy Burnham live in conversation ? podcastIn her Today interview Rachel Reeves was asked about a FT report saying she will urge business leaders to highlight the...

Labour conference: Starmer calls Reform?s policy on immigration ?racist? and ...
28 Sep 2025 at 6:28pm
PM calls Reform?s policy immoral but says people who want to vote for them are not racist but frustratedKuenssberg ended her interview by asking about Andy Burnham, and the leadership.Starmer said Burnham was doing a very good job as mayor of Greater Manchester.Comments about leaders and leadersh...

Scottish Labour MSP suspended over inappropriate conduct allegation
27 Sep 2025 at 3:34pm
Foysol Choudhury, who represents Lothian, will sit as an independent while an investigation takes placeA Scottish Labour MSP has been suspended from the party over an allegation of inappropriate conduct.Foysol Choudhury, who has served as an MSP for Lothian since 2021, will sit as an independent ...

Menzies Campbell, former Liberal Democrat leader, dies at 84
26 Sep 2025 at 4:26pm
Campbell was North East Fife MP for nearly three decades before becoming a peer, and once held UK 100m recordMenzies Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat leader who was an MP for nearly three decades, has died aged 84, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum for his decency and sen...

?You don?t get to aim big when you are somewhere small?: A teenager?s fight t...
24 Sep 2025 at 6:00am
Groundswell of support for ban propels campaign of Tabby Fletcher, 17, from her island home on Jura to parliamentTabby Fletcher, a 17-year-old from the Isle of Jura, off the west coast of Scotland, lives in what many people would probably assume is a pristine wilderness. Yet she regularly sees de...

Reform UK?s immigration plans have ?no basis in reality?, say Labour ? as it ...
22 Sep 2025 at 6:20pm
Nigel Farage claims his party would save £234bn by scrapping indefinite leave to remainFarage vows to scrap indefinite leave to remainFarage and Yusuf are now taking questions.Q: From the BBC?s Iain Watson Will you withdraw the £230bn figure, because it has been withdrawn by the thinktank that ...

Scottish minister Jamie Hepburn quits after Douglas Ross assault accusation
19 Sep 2025 at 5:38pm
Former Scottish Tory leader alleges Hepburn grabbed him amid row over SNP?s apparent failure to tackle gull attacksA Scottish minister has resigned after a row over aggressive gulls spilled over into an angry altercation with the former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.Jamie Hepburn, the...

Assisted dying bill gets second reading in Lords, but with peers also setting...
19 Sep 2025 at 4:52pm
Committee to conclude review of bill by 7 November. This live blog is closedThe UK is preparing to recognise the state of Palestine imminently, after Israel failed to meet conditions that would have postponed the historic step, including a ceasefire in Gaza, Patrick Wintour reports.YouGov has rel...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

The fork in the road
8 Oct 2025 at 3:07pm
It’s customary to describe every upcoming election as critical. That’s always been the case with Scottish independence, as should the pro-independence parties fail to win a majority in the Scottish Parliament, and we’re unfortunate enough to get a Labour – or god forbid – Tory first minister, independence would be off the political agenda for …

Getting the indy band back together
5 Oct 2025 at 3:14pm
It’s been a good couple of weeks for hopes of Scottish independence, with some very positive opinion poll results, and signs of a new assertiveness amongst the main pro-independence parties. It’s a glimmering of hope in the stormy skies of British politics, where the dark looming clouds of the far right threaten a torrent which …

The demographic time bomb that will end Westminster rule in Scotland
2 Oct 2025 at 3:39pm
We are now at the point which was predicted by a friend of mine in 2014 in the aftermath of that year’s independence referendum. After a careful study of the demographic breakdown of the referendum vote, in which voters belonging to the older generation were far more likely to break for No than younger age …

The real crisis of our age is one the media won?t talk about
29 Sep 2025 at 6:36pm
Not a day goes by without the BBC, Sky News or ITV News covering a story about what they insist on calling the “migrant crisis”. In this they are following the agenda of the right wing print media, which is obsessed with immigration and which covers the topic in an ever louder shriek of lurid …

Get your DIC out for Starmer
26 Sep 2025 at 1:04pm
With all the anger and controversy over the Labour government’s proposal to introduce mandatory digital ID cards for everyone legally resident in the UK, no one is now talking about the anger and controversy over Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and his dodgy undeclared donations, no murder tents are about to be parked on …

Good news on independence for a change
24 Sep 2025 at 11:33am
In these miserable and frightening times, it’s nice to be able to report some good news for a change, and not just that all over America all these Evangelical Republican Christians are currently demanding to speak to the Rapture manager, the Rapture having failed yet again to take place on its predicted date of Tuesday …

Starmer opens the door to the moral abominations of Farage
22 Sep 2025 at 6:44pm
It was always predictable that a Labour government led by Keir Starmer would get very unpopular very quickly. Starmer’s promise of “change” was always hollow. A corporate centrist hell bent on opening the NHS to privatisation was never going to deliver the meaningful and far reaching change that Labour voters in July 2024 were led …

Scotland risks being dragged down by the Anglo-British nationalist far right
18 Sep 2025 at 1:00pm
The far right rally which was organised by the criminal thug Stephen Yaxley-Lennon in London last weekend is an alarming harbinger of what is to come. Scotland needs to pay attention, because if we don’t take action to assert our right to self-determination, those far right demonstrators massed in the streets will be our future …

The free speech hypocrisy of the right
16 Sep 2025 at 7:44pm
In the wake of the killing of far right influencer Charlie Kirk, the right wing has revealed the truth about its attitude to free speech. The hypocrisy of the right on freedom of speech was there all the time, but the right’s response to the killing of Charlie Kirk has exposed it plainly for all …

The moral isolationism of Starmer in the face of the far right
13 Sep 2025 at 6:35pm
On Saturday in London there was the largest far-right rally that the UK has seen in decades. Called Unite the Kingdom, the march was organised by far right thug and convicted criminal Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and his supporters. Attended by over 100,000, the crowd, comprised overwhelmingly of white people, the great majority of whom were men, …

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

SNP bill passed to help prevent domestic homicides and suicides
8 Oct 2025 at 5:22pm
Professor John Robertson OBA Legislation to help reduce the number of domestic abuse-related homicides and suicides in Scotland has been passed unanimously by Parliament. The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill will legally require a new robust review process following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is known or suspecte...

News you won?t hear ? Support for struggling households from SNP Government
8 Oct 2025 at 5:12pm
Professor John Robertson OBA From Scottish Government News today with only the Daily Record covering it: A record £99 million will be invested in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) this financial year to help thousands of households struggling to afford housing costs in Scotland. During Challenge Poverty Week, Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan highlighted the payments as a ?lifeline? for thous...

63 years of regular and repeated nuclear incidents at Dounreay safely 509 mil...
8 Oct 2025 at 4:47pm
By stewartb The public record of incidents at Dounreay from CHATGPT: ?Here is a chronological timeline of known official / media?reported pollution, health & safety, and regulatory incidents or concerns at the Dounreay nuclear site, from commissioning to the present, based on the sources I located. Some entries are major events; others are smaller leaks or findings. This is not guaranteed exhau...

The one-way flow of drugs and XL Bully dogs from England into Scotland
8 Oct 2025 at 2:35pm
Professor John Robertson OBA It’s probably best to check my facts first so, with Grok AI: Are there any media reports in 2025 of cocaine being smuggled from Scotland into England? Based on a review of news sources from 2025, there are no media reports of cocaine being smuggled from Scotland into England. Most cocaine smuggling incidents reported involve drugs entering the UK from abroad (e.g., ...

Inspectors raise Scottish nuclear plant with excess child leukaemia risk to a...
8 Oct 2025 at 11:36am
Professor John Robertson OBA From the Chief Nuclear Inspector?s annual report on Great Britain?s nuclear industry October 2025, page 28: In July 2024, we increased NRS Dounreay to an enhanced level of regulatory attention for safety because of unsatisfactory site performance across numerous areas: the current condition of a number of site assets (such as buildings, electrical systems, steam sys...

Homeless deaths in Scotland fall as they climb in other parts due to lack of ...
8 Oct 2025 at 10:11am
Professor John Robertson OBA Once again, I’m grateful to Brenda Robb for finding this and researching it for us. From BBC UK today but ignored by BBC Scotland, the above and: The figures show that 1,142 deaths were in England, an increase of 16% on the year before. London had the highest total number of deaths, but the largest increases were in Nottingham, where the number of deaths doubled to ...

NHS England has to pay out more than twice as much as NHS Scotland for ?mater...
8 Oct 2025 at 9:47am
Professor John Robertson OBA Many thanks to Brian McGowan for alerting us to this. How are things in Scotland you ask? £1.3 billion was paid out in 2024/205: https://www.cwj.co.uk/site/newsandevents/legalnews/costs_of_NHS_maternity_care_claims_revealed.html Per head, that £1.3 billion becomes £13 billion, less than half the NHS England pay-outs of £27 billion. Why might this difference exist? S...

Not one English river but nearly 60% of Scottish rivers in good health or bet...
8 Oct 2025 at 9:19am
Professor John Robertson OBA From BBC Wales and broadcast on BBC Breakfast, today: The biggest legal claim ever brought in the UK over environmental pollution in the country has been filed at the High Court. Almost 4,000 people have signed up to the lawsuit against major poultry producers and a water company over allegations of “extensive and widespread pollution” in three rivers – the Wye, Lug...

Massive fall in number of children in care as progressive policies work to re...
8 Oct 2025 at 8:44am
Scotland’s system for children in care. Professor John Robertson OBA There’s something important missing from the above ‘news‘ today on children in care in Scotland – how big a problem is this and is it growing or shrinking? Surely, we need to know the answers? Here’s why that is not on the agenda in the MSM in Scotland: Massive fall in number of children in care as progressive policies work to...

BBC Scotland and Audit Scotland understating the dark forces resisting the Sc...
8 Oct 2025 at 8:27am
Professor John Robertson OBA Popping up as he does on a regular basis to criticise the Scottish Government: Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said that initial planning about how The Promise would be delivered had not provided “a strong platform for success.” There’s an intriguing section in the full online BBC Scotland report: In 2022, Sturgeon sic unveiled an 80-step plan which i...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

'A fresh start': John Swinney unveils new Scottish independence plans - TheNa...
8 Oct 2025 at 11:41am
'A fresh start': John Swinney unveils new Scottish independence plans  TheNational.scot

With independence we can build a greener Scotland - Scottish Greens
8 Oct 2025 at 11:34am
With independence we can build a greener Scotland  Scottish Greens

?We?ve reached the limits of devolution?: Swinney says Holyrood has hit 'ceil...
8 Oct 2025 at 4:44pm
?We?ve reached the limits of devolution?: Swinney says Holyrood has hit 'ceiling'  The Herald

John Swinney launches latest paper on Scottish independence - holyrood.com
8 Oct 2025 at 9:11am
John Swinney launches latest paper on Scottish independence  holyrood.com

Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum - BBC
4 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum  BBC

Independence is the fresh start Scotland needs. - snp.org
8 Oct 2025 at 2:56pm
Independence is the fresh start Scotland needs.  snp.org

David Cameron - Scottish Referendum, 2015 Election, Brexit - Britannica
5 Oct 2025 at 6:00am
David Cameron - Scottish Referendum, 2015 Election, Brexit  Britannica

Why Swinney's new independence paper feels detached from political reality - ...
8 Oct 2025 at 8:13pm
Why Swinney's new independence paper feels detached from political reality  The Scotsman

Scots households would be £10,000 better off with independence, paper claims ...
8 Oct 2025 at 1:10pm
Scots households would be £10,000 better off with independence, paper claims  The Independent

A Fresh Start with Independence | Scottish Government - Wired-Gov
8 Oct 2025 at 3:10pm
A Fresh Start with Independence | Scottish Government  Wired-Gov

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Swinney?s ?fresh start? is a tired rehash of old SNP fantasies - The Times
8 Oct 2025 at 5:00pm
Swinney?s ?fresh start? is a tired rehash of old SNP fantasies  The Times

Russell Findlay accuses SNP of being ?out of touch? on immigration - The Herald
8 Oct 2025 at 4:23pm
Russell Findlay accuses SNP of being ?out of touch? on immigration  The Herald

Bank of England would help independent Scotland in a financial crisis, SNP le...
8 Oct 2025 at 2:24pm
Bank of England would help independent Scotland in a financial crisis, SNP leader claims  The Telegraph

SNP hurting Scotland with 'wacky and woke' policies, says Findlay - BBC
5 Oct 2025 at 4:09pm
SNP hurting Scotland with 'wacky and woke' policies, says Findlay  BBC

Scottish Government scheme to abolish two-child cap open for applications fro...
8 Oct 2025 at 6:33pm
Scottish Government scheme to abolish two-child cap open for applications from March  TheNational.scot

The burning question John Swinney must answer in Aberdeen on SNP net zero pol...
8 Oct 2025 at 5:20pm
The burning question John Swinney must answer in Aberdeen on SNP net zero policy  The Scotsman

NorthLink passengers share traumatic travel experiences to support SNP confer...
8 Oct 2025 at 6:41pm
NorthLink passengers share traumatic travel experiences to support SNP conference motion  The Shetland Times

Trust in Scottish Government plunges to all time low since devolution under t...
8 Oct 2025 at 7:42pm
Trust in Scottish Government plunges to all time low since devolution under the SNP  Daily Mail

SNP's Independence Paper - ALBA Reaction - albaparty.org
8 Oct 2025 at 11:25am
SNP's Independence Paper - ALBA Reaction  albaparty.org

UK budget delay will leave Moray with ?few short weeks' to plan essential ser...
8 Oct 2025 at 9:24am
UK budget delay will leave Moray with ?few short weeks' to plan essential services, say SNP co-leaders  Grampian Online

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

'A fresh start': John Swinney unveils new Scottish independence plans - TheNa...
8 Oct 2025 at 11:41am
'A fresh start': John Swinney unveils new Scottish independence plans  TheNational.scot

Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum - BBC
4 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum  BBC

Scotland?s ?immense resources? only available with independence, says Swinney...
8 Oct 2025 at 12:01am
Scotland?s ?immense resources? only available with independence, says Swinney  The Independent

Swinney promises 'fresh start' for Scotland with independence plan - The Herald
8 Oct 2025 at 12:02am
Swinney promises 'fresh start' for Scotland with independence plan  The Herald

First Minister John Swinney sets out latest plan for independence referendum ...
4 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
First Minister John Swinney sets out latest plan for independence referendum  Sky News

Campaigners react to Scottish Government's latest independence paper - TheNat...
8 Oct 2025 at 12:27pm
Campaigners react to Scottish Government's latest independence paper  TheNational.scot

Why Alberta?s push for independence pales in comparison to Scotland?s in 2014...
27 May 2025 at 8:00am
Why Alberta?s push for independence pales in comparison to Scotland?s in 2014  The Conversation

In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland indepen...
3 Jun 2025 at 8:00am
In the United Kingdom, prime minister rejects possibility of Scotland independence referendum  ConstitutionNet

Scottish independence poll 2025 - Statista
1 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish independence poll 2025  Statista

SNP majority only way to secure second referendum - Swinney - BBC
28 Jul 2025 at 8:00am
SNP majority only way to secure second referendum - Swinney  BBC