The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Eye-catching response to Scottish Budget with major income tax and rates moves
by ian.mcconnell@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Ian McConnell
13 Jan 2026 at 7:25pm
The Scottish Budget, featuring income tax and rates moves, drew an eye-catching response


Keir Starmer scraps mandatory digital ID in 13th u-turn of his government
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
13 Jan 2026 at 6:54pm
The Prime Minister abandoned the mandatory aspect of the scheme amid concerns it would undermine public confidence in the wider ID programme.


The Scottish Budget confirms that education is no longer a top priority
13 Jan 2026 at 6:00pm
Education writer James McEnaney responds to the Scottish Government's final budget announcements before the 2026 Holyrood election.


Why Labour is abstaining on the SNP Budget at Holyrood
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Jan 2026 at 6:05pm
Does Labour?s decision to abstain from this year's budget debate remove the drama and leave the SNP fully exposed to the consequences in an election year? Or does it make them look silly?


Scottish Budget 2026: The changes to your money, tax and spending you need to...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
13 Jan 2026 at 5:25pm
The Scottish Budget contained key announcements on income tax, welfare, council tax and the NHS. But how does it impact you and your money?


How the Barnett formula works and why it is so important to the Scottish Budget
by joe.donnelly2@newsquest.co.uk | Joe Donnelly
13 Jan 2026 at 4:05pm
How the Barnett formula works, how it funds Scotland and why UK spending decisions directly affect the Scottish Budget.


Seized Russian oil tanker heading towards Scottish mainland after US capture
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
13 Jan 2026 at 3:38pm
Photographs snapped on Tuesday show the tanker, formerly known as Bella-1, being escorted into the firth by an US Coast Guard ship and several UK tug boats.


Robison brings in private jet tax and confirms new council tax bands for man...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Jan 2026 at 3:06pm
Shona Robison has confirmed new council tax bands for Scotland?s most expensive homes alongside a new private jet tax, arguing the measures will make the system fairer while raising extra revenue for councils and public services.


'It has saved lives': Glasgow's drug consumption room used 11,000 times in 2025
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
13 Jan 2026 at 3:00pm
Councillor Allan Casey, city convener for workforce, homelessness and addictions, said the first year ?has been very encouraging?. 


Scottish Child Payment to increase to £40 per week for babies under one
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
13 Jan 2026 at 2:39pm
The Scottish Child Payment will increase in 2027-28 for children under one, the Finance Secretary said.


The Scottish Budget 2026: How is it different from the UK Budget?
by joe.donnelly2@newsquest.co.uk | Joe Donnelly
13 Jan 2026 at 7:00am
The key differences between the Scottish Budget and the UK Budget, including tax powers, spending decisions and who controls what.


What time is the Scottish Budget today?
by joe.donnelly2@newsquest.co.uk | Joe Donnelly
13 Jan 2026 at 10:30am
When the Scottish Budget is expected to be delivered at Holyrood, including the likely timings and what the statement will cover.


Scottish Budget 2026 live as Shona Robison sets out tax and spending plans
13 Jan 2026 at 9:47am
Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivers the Scottish Budget. It is her final one before she steps down from Holyrood in May. Full details of the tax and spending plans.


Redundancy notices issued across Glasgow after UK Government funding blow
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Jan 2026 at 5:00am
Hundreds of Glasgow jobs are at risk as third sector organisations issue 90-day redundancy notices following sharp cuts to UK Government funding.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Scottish budget as it happened: Income tax, mansion tax and breakfast clubs
13 Jan 2026 at 6:17pm

Scottish budget as it happened: Income tax, mansion tax and breakfast clubs

Kemi Badenoch, who once looked like she was in trouble, is giving the Conservatives ? and everyone who wants to stop Nigel Farage becoming Prime Minister ? fresh hope

Scottish wind developments will find out on Wednesday if they have been successful after bidding for a UK government contract.

?Given the extent of the increases small businesses are facing, with rises of up to 400 per cent, this is effectively a drop in the ocean? ? Guy Hinks, FSB Scotland

The Finance Secretary?s statement was the last Budget before the Holyrood election in May

The Budget will see additional funding for the King?s Theatre and the Art Works project

New rail station at Winchburgh to be ?delivered?

The Scottish Government has announced more help for struggling families as part of their latest budget.

A mansion tax will be rolled out, while low and medium earners will see income tax thresholds increase

The move comes after pressure across the islands to scrap the extra cost.

A new interim chair has been appointed to the party

The Scottish Government defended the wait times and said they showed some improvement during the busy first week of the year.

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

A Step Towards Sanity
13 Jan 2026 at 6:50pm

To my great surprise, the video recording of yesterday’s Court of Session hearing on the a judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action is still active on the court’s website and you can watch it. I do not know how long this will last. https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/livestream/court-of-session/case-p1017-25/#6dcfe87a-d9b7-49ba-9f01-ad69b8ad9c45 I have been used to the ludicrous restrictions on …

A Step Towards Sanity

Court of Session Tomorrow on Palestine Action
11 Jan 2026 at 1:45pm

In the Western world today, fighting for freedom feels Quixotic, but I shall nevertheless wake early tomorrow to be at the Court of Session in Edinburgh by 9am to fight the proscription in Scotland of Palestine Action. I remain extremely concerned for the lives of the Palestine Action hunger strikers. As I predicted, Starmer’s government …

Court of Session Tomorrow on Palestine Action

Venezuela and Truth
4 Jan 2026 at 10:21am

The mainstream media covered Venezuela non-stop yesterday. They many times mentioned Delcy Rodríguez, Vice President, because Trump stated she is now in charge. They never mentioned that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the torture to death of her father, socialist activist Jorge Rodríguez, by the CIA-backed security services of the US-aligned Pérez regime in …

Venezuela and Truth

Hunger Strikes and Court Cases
16 Dec 2025 at 9:15pm

Fighting the proscription of Palestine Action has become more urgent as eight brave activists enter the crucial period of their hunger strike. 12 January has finally been set for the court hearing on holding a Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. I am frankly terrified for the hunger strikers. Qesser Zuhrah Amu …

Hunger Strikes and Court Cases

The Skripal Novichok Hoax
12 Dec 2025 at 9:58am

I did not anticipate that an open public meeting in Salisbury itself would be 95% sceptical of the official Novichok hoax – but it was. Thanks to UK Column for putting this on. I hope you find it enlightening – there is information which goes beyond my previous articles on the subject. In about a …

The Skripal Novichok Hoax

Your Party, and Its Conference
9 Dec 2025 at 1:14am

It is probably no bad thing that health struggles have delayed my writing up Your Party’s extraordinary Liverpool founding conference. Perspective is definitely helpful to process something unique. Personally, I could not help but be struck by the number of participants who approached me as regular readers of my blog, certainly well into three figures. …

Your Party, and Its Conference

BBC Scotland

Income tax changes and mansion tax on £1m homes in Scottish Budget
13 Jan 2026 at 6:06pm
Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveils the government's tax and spending plans for the coming financial year.

Scottish Budget 2026-27: Key points at a glance
13 Jan 2026 at 6:21pm
A summary of the main points from the Scottish government's draft budget for the coming financial year.

Emergency services lose out on extra funding in Scottish Budget
13 Jan 2026 at 11:06pm
The police, fire service and prison service had all asked for extra funding to strengthen their numbers and resources.

'The tax changes will help me manage my household budget'
13 Jan 2026 at 5:59pm
People in Scotland tell BBC News what they need to hear in Shona Robison's Scottish Budget.

UK's first legal drug consumption room registers almost 600 users
13 Jan 2026 at 1:57pm
The Thistle in Glasgow has been used for 7,827 injections of illegal drugs in its first year.

How tough choices will shape the Scottish Budget
12 Jan 2026 at 6:09am
Finance Secretary Shona Robison will announce her plans just months before the next Scottish election.

Scottish budget will see hard choices - Social Justice Secretary
11 Jan 2026 at 4:14pm
The Scottish government's 2026-27 Budget is set to be announced at Holyrood on Tuesday.

Doctors strike called off as union backs latest pay deal
9 Jan 2026 at 4:06pm
Medics had been set to go on the first national walkout staged by NHS workers on Tuesday in a dispute over pay.

Ministers 'concealed' they had no money to build bypass - MSP
9 Jan 2026 at 2:16pm
The claim was made by former SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, who broke away from the party after falling out with colleagues over oil and gas, gender and roads.

Swinney would send Scots troops to Ukraine if peace agreed
9 Jan 2026 at 6:19am
The first minister also warned that the post-war peace in western Europe could be under threat.

Labour's plans to get Anas Sarwar into Bute House
9 Jan 2026 at 4:45pm
Scottish Labour faces a tough fight to win at Holyrood in May but party insiders believe Bute House is within their reach.

Scottish Parliament backs new tax on housebuilding
8 Jan 2026 at 5:42pm
MSPs have voted in favour of the general principles of a bill that aims to raise money to repair unsafe cladding.

Scot Goes Pop

The party of Tas-beens: Alba's notorious unelected dictator finally departs -...
13 Jan 2026 at 4:20pm
Scot Goes Pop: The Final Fundraiser is underway (you can read more about why I anticipate it being the final one HERE) and it's already a bit over halfway towards its target figure of £1700.  A mil...

Has Trump ushered in an American FASCISM? His administration now has SEVEN o...
11 Jan 2026 at 9:45am
I know we were all keen for RevStew to finally put a sock in it about the trans issue, but given that he's replaced that obsession with 24/7 apologism for a woman's murder, perhaps he should be enc...

SNP have FOUR TIMES as much support as Labour in YouGov's astounding first su...
9 Jan 2026 at 1:35am
In the video below, I also give my thoughts on Stuart Campbell's frankly disturbing reaction to the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, which has shocked even his habitual supporters and defenders to th...

Alba's death-throes UPDATE: party insider makes explosive allegation that Ken...
7 Jan 2026 at 3:12pm
Scot Goes Pop: The Final Fundraiser is underway (you can read more about why I anticipate it being the final one HERE) and it's already a bit over halfway towards its target figure of £1700.  A mil...

Through their craven silence on Venezuela, the leaders of European countries ...
5 Jan 2026 at 9:44am
Scot Goes Pop: The Final Fundraiser is underway (you can read more about why I anticipate it being the final one HERE) and it's already a bit over halfway towards its target figure of £1700.  A mil...

An update about the Great Scot Goes Pop Video-Blogging Experiment, and the pr...
3 Jan 2026 at 4:31pm
A few minutes ago, my phone spontaneously managed to escape from my pocket onto the road outside my house for the second time in the space of six months, smashing the screen yet again.  I thought I...

Professor John Curtice projects the SNP *are* on course for Holyrood list sea...
3 Jan 2026 at 9:11am
The video below also briefly touches on an astoundingly ill-informed tweet from "RevStew" about Quebec politics, which rather calls into question the oft-heard claims that he's some sort of highly ...

New Year, NEW STEW? Controversial blogger dramatically ADMITS an average of ...
2 Jan 2026 at 9:38am
Scot Goes Pop: The Final Fundraiser is underway (you can read more about why I anticipate it being the final one HERE) and it's already pretty close to halfway to its target figure of £1700.  A mil...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Scottish Government to cut 11,000 public sector jobs as part of ?efficiency s...
13 Jan 2026 at 10:18pm
Finance Secretary Shona Robison stated that £1.5 billion in planned efficiencies and reforms would need to be made to "protect investment in frontline services".

All you need to know about changes to tax and benefits in Scottish Budget
13 Jan 2026 at 5:32pm
STV News looks at the winners and losers in the Scottish Government's latest tax and spending plans.

Proportion of A&E patients waiting more than 12 hours doubled in new year period
13 Jan 2026 at 11:33am
Figures released on Tuesday showed an increase in NHS A&E waiting times.

Families with babies to get £40 a week, Scottish Government announces
13 Jan 2026 at 11:13am
The First Minister promised that the Budget would focus on helping families with the cost of living crisis and provide 'strong investment' in NHS.

Lord Mandelson apologises to victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
13 Jan 2026 at 7:53am
The former British Ambassador to Washington made the remarks after refusing to do so in his first broadcast interview on Sunday since being sacked.

Increase Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week, campaigners urge
13 Jan 2026 at 6:51am
The Scottish Government will set out its tax and spending plans for the next financial year at Holyrood on Tuesday.

Scottish Government ?playing procedural games? to delay prostitution Bill, cl...
12 Jan 2026 at 7:02pm
The independent MSP claimed that delays to her proposed legislation risks breaching the human rights of women and girls.

What can we expect in the Scottish budget?
12 Jan 2026 at 4:05pm
The First Minister promised that the Budget will be focused on helping families with the cost of living crisis and providing 'strong investment' for the NHS.

Ex-Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK
12 Jan 2026 at 12:12pm
The former government minister said Britain 'really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister'.

What are the government?s new parental leave laws?
12 Jan 2026 at 11:51am
Parental leave from day one and expanded paternity laws are part of new reforms coming into effect this year.

One bad Budget could spell end of high street as we know it, says retail body
12 Jan 2026 at 7:25am
The SRC has urged Government to lay out a plan which would end the income tax divergence between Scotland and the UK in the top three tax bands.

Scottish Budget ?to focus on NHS and cost of living support?, vows Robison
11 Jan 2026 at 10:47am
Robison will set out the pre-election draft Budget to Holyrood on Tuesday.

Greens urge Scottish Government to bring in ?mansion tax? in Budget
10 Jan 2026 at 12:35pm
Party co-leader Ross Greer claims a tax on the three most valuable property bands could raise £125m for local services every year.

Scottish doctors strike suspended after ?intense negotiations? amid fresh pay...
9 Jan 2026 at 12:16pm
Doctors were due to walk out between Tuesday, January 13 and Saturday, January 18 but negotiations have now led to a vote on a new offer.

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Keir Starmer accused of U-turn as government drops plans for digital ID
13 Jan 2026 at 9:43pm
The UK Government has sparked accusations of another U-turn after appearing to soften plans to require digital ID to prove the right to work.

Budget 2026 helps John Swinney edge towards a fifth SNP term
13 Jan 2026 at 4:01pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the Budget contains enough cost of living measures for the SNP to take into the election.

Private jet tax to be introduced in Scotland as millionaires told 'pay a fair...
13 Jan 2026 at 3:18pm
The Scottish Greens and other environmental campaigners have long called for a tax on the kind of small jets regularly used by stars like Taylor Swift.

Income tax changes for Scots announced by SNP Government in budget
13 Jan 2026 at 3:09pm
The move will see some Scots pay less income tax.

SNP Government announce £40 a week Scottish Child Payment for babies
13 Jan 2026 at 2:54pm
The increase will apply to the youngest children and breakfast clubs will also be rolled out.

Council tax rises for wealthier Scots under SNP Budget raid
13 Jan 2026 at 2:36pm
Two extra bands will be created in a bid to raise money for policies to help low income Scots.

UK Government says Faslane tugs won't be built in China as union demands clarity
13 Jan 2026 at 2:27pm
The UK Government faced a backlash from trade unions after it was revealed a £200m contract to build supply vessels for the Royal Navy would go overseas.

Labour MP urges SNP Government to support community takeover of landmark pub
13 Jan 2026 at 1:28pm
The historic former coaching inn once counted famous Scots like Iain Banks as regulars.

Alex Salmond ally stands down as chair of Alba Party for 'personal reasons'
13 Jan 2026 at 1:04pm
EXCLUSIVE: Alba leader Kenny MacAskill said Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh had temporarily stepped aside but looked forward to her return.

Scottish Budget LIVE as low earners handed tax cut to help cost of living crisis
13 Jan 2026 at 9:19am
Shona Robinson has announced the Scottish Child Payment will be increased to £40 per week for families with a child under one-year-old from next year.

The National

The National | Politics

Is Keir Starmer about to U-turn on digital ID?
13 Jan 2026 at 7:52pm

KEIR Starmer has been accused of ?spinelessness? amid reports the Government was preparing to water down its digital ID proposals

Unionist politicians respond to Budget with 2026 election pitches
13 Jan 2026 at 6:47pm

UNIONIST politicians responded to the Scottish Budget ? with Holyrood 2026 election pitches.

SNP seek to guarantee seats at the expense of a pro-indy majority
13 Jan 2026 at 6:56pm

I FIND myself responding to Tommy Sheppard?s column for the second week running because he persists in encouraging voters to vote for SNP in the second list vote (It is vital we understand list vote is not a ?second preference?, Jan 12).

Scottish Budget choices 'a stark contrast to Westminster', financial experts say
13 Jan 2026 at 6:24pm

THE ?biggest policy? in the Scottish Budget is a stealth tax rise on the highest earners in the country ? while tax cuts for lower earners represent a ?stark contrast to Westminster?, according to analysis from leading economists

SNP table bill to oust Labour peers with paedophile pals from Lords
13 Jan 2026 at 6:15pm

THE SNP have tabled a bill in a bid to strip Labour peers who are friends with paedophiles of their right to sit in the Lords

What the Scottish Budget tells us about SNP priorities for the 2026 election
13 Jan 2026 at 5:28pm

THE Scottish Government?s budget has been branded ?electioneering on steroids?, so what did it tell us about the SNP?s priorities going into the election?

'If America invades, we're all under attack,' warns Greenlandic minister
13 Jan 2026 at 5:21pm

A GREENLANDIC government minister has warned that ?we would all be under attack? if America invades the territory.

What are the Scottish Budget income tax changes and how do they affect you?
13 Jan 2026 at 4:56pm

SCOTLAND?S income tax bands are set to change. Here's what that means in practice

Time now to end our reliance on American technology
13 Jan 2026 at 3:00pm

I THINK we need to call a spade a spade: there is a possibility we might be at war with the United States. Even if this doesn?t turn out to be the case, America?s relationship with Europe is turning hostile.

Devolution was not designed to cope with disagreement
13 Jan 2026 at 3:00pm

ON Monday, January 12, something happened at the Court of Session that should unsettle anyone who believes Scotland has a functioning legal system. Strip away the live blogs, the chants outside, and the optimism or pessimism of the crowd, and what remains is something far more uncomfortable.

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Scottish Child Payment rises to ?40 per week under SNP ?budget for families?
13 Jan 2026 at 3:57pm
Reaction to Shona Robison tax and spend plan

Nuclear power: Scotland's energy elephant
13 Jan 2026 at 1:00am
The next Scottish government should take the leap of allowing investors to decide whether nuclear is a step worth taking.

Help single parents in the budget, Scottish Government is urged
12 Jan 2026 at 3:50pm
Call to raise Scottish Child Payment and Child Maintenance Service support

?Michael Forsyth elected as new House of Lords speaker
12 Jan 2026 at 3:21pm
Former Scottish secretary secures more than half of the vote share

X limits Grok AI image generation feature to paid users after reports of sexu...
9 Jan 2026 at 1:00pm
Earlier this week, the tool had been acting on requests by some X users to make ?sexualised images of children? and undress women

Robison facing ?1bn black hole ahead of Scottish budget
9 Jan 2026 at 6:00am
Analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute found a gap in the capital budget that is ?too large to fill?

Port of Aberdeen: Built for Scotland's energy future
9 Jan 2026 at 6:00am
The path Scotland chooses will have lasting implications for its energy, economic and environmental legacy.

John Swinney ?not living in real world? on delayed discharge
8 Jan 2026 at 2:52pm
Anas Sarwar said an Audit Scotland report was ?damning? and should "shame" the government

First minister questioned over ?secret? attempt to challenge Supreme Court ru...
8 Jan 2026 at 2:51pm
Michelle Thomson asked about a report in The Times that in November the Scottish Government wrote to the Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, who advises the UK Government

Former cabinet minister urges UK Government to abandon X
8 Jan 2026 at 2:39pm
Louise Haigh said using the platform was ?unconscionable? amid concerns its AI was generating sexualised images of children

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Scottish budget: SNP government cuts taxes for lowest earners
13 Jan 2026 at 7:06pm
Ministers will hope package of measures can aid efforts to retain power in May?s Holyrood electionsMinisters in Scotland have cut taxes for the lowest earners by a modest £11 a year, as the government dug into its reserves, cut spending and increased borrowing to fund new election pledges.With fo...

UK politics: Tories call for block on Chinese super-embassy amid claims of hi...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:11pm
Shadow home office minister Alicia Kearns says unredacted plans show 208 secret rooms and approving plans would be ?insanity?Q: Why are the Liberal Democrats still using X?Davey says he is not afraid to pick a fight with Elon Musk. He says Musk has interfered in British democracy ?in the most out...

?The response is a beautiful thing?: how Glasgow is squaring up to Reform
12 Jan 2026 at 5:36am
In the face of Nigel Farage, flag-waving and a longstanding housing crisis, some Glaswegians are taking on anti-immigration rhetoricSelina Hales has a thing about pineapples. She is talking in a quiet office, set aside from the bustle of Refuweegee, the charity she founded 10 years ago, and the w...

Software tackling deepfakes to be piloted for Scottish and Welsh elections
8 Jan 2026 at 6:07pm
Electoral Commission says tools to detect AI-generated content could be in place before campaigns beginElection officials are working ?at speed? with the Home Office on a pilot project to combat the use of deepfakes to target candidates standing in this year?s Scottish and Welsh elections.Officia...

Liz Kendall says Elon Musk?s X must urgently deal with ?appalling? sexualised...
6 Jan 2026 at 5:49pm
Science secretary says the deepfake content being produced on the platform is ?unacceptable in decent society?In her Today programme interview this morning Kemi Badenoch tried to outflank Nigel Farage on net zero scepticism by claiming (wrongly) that she started talking out this before he did.Ask...

No 10 suggests UK would not vote for UN security council resolution condemnin...
5 Jan 2026 at 6:10pm
PM?s spokesperson did not contest report claiming that the UK will abstain on a possible UN voteSpeaking to reporters this morning, Keir Starmer said Nicolás Maduro, who was president of Venezuela until he was arrested by the Americans on Saturday and taken to a US jail, was not a legitimate rule...

Scottish Labour urges Keir Starmer to stay out of Holyrood campaign
5 Jan 2026 at 2:53pm
Anas Sarwar says prime minister?s missteps have left party clear underdogs in run-up to May electionUK politics live ? latest updatesKeir Starmer and senior ministers have been urged by Scottish Labour to ?stay behind their doors? in Whitehall to avoid turning the next Holyrood election into a re...

Nativism and the disintegration of the UK
1 Jan 2026 at 5:07pm
With the weakening of pro-integration parties, Ben Wellings warns that the continuation of the UK in its current form cannot be taken for grantedStalking your editorial on the new political geography emerging in Britain (25 December) is the fear of disintegration. This is a political outcome that...

The Guardian view on May 2026 elections: a new political geography is coming ...
25 Dec 2025 at 5:30pm
Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today we look at the impact of devolution on growing volatility of party political allegianceNext year will be pivotal in British politics, and 7 May will be the point around which things pivot. Elections ...

Keir Starmer planning new king?s speech after May elections
18 Dec 2025 at 1:19pm
Timing seen as moment to reset after potential loss of hundreds of council seats in England and defeat in Wales and ScotlandUK politics live ? latest updatesKeir Starmer is planning for a new king?s speech after crunch elections in May next year as a reset moment for the government amid speculati...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Farage?s new tartan puppet
12 Jan 2026 at 8:00pm
On Monday, Nigel Farage preened his insufferably smug way through a press conference at which he introduced the latest opportunistic Tory defector to Reform UK. This time it was Nadhim Zahawi, who was very briefly the Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson. Zahawi was later found to have paid a seven figure penalty to …

BBC Scotland, an anti-independence party in May?s Scottish election
11 Jan 2026 at 4:57pm
The parties are gearing up for May’s Scottish elections. On one side there’s the SNP and their frenemies the Scottish Greens – parties which disagree on many things but which share a common belief in the principle that the people of Scotland should be the sole arbiters of government policy in Scotland and the future …

The BBC?s shameful enabling of fascism
8 Jan 2026 at 3:56pm
The failure of the BBC to report fairly and without bias on Scottish politics is a regular theme in this blog and amongst other supporters of Scottish independence. The favouritism which the Corporation displays towards Nigel Farage and his ghouls is likewise well documented, especially on the disgrace to political broadcasting that is BBC Question …

A fake rebellion from a fake party
7 Jan 2026 at 11:28am
While we are distracted by Donald Trump’s attack on Venezuela, the kidnapping of its president and his threats to take over Greenland, here in Scotland the parties are getting into gear for the Holyrood election campaign. Anas Sarwar has got off the starting blocks with a carefully orchestrated ‘rebellion’ against his intensely unpopular boss, Keir …

Greenland, a nation, not an American possession
6 Jan 2026 at 4:46pm
With the Trump regime ramping up its threats against the Arctic nation of Greenland, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the history and culture of Greenland. Greenland is officially called Kalaallit Nunaat in the Greenlandic language, the language of the great majority of the country’s 57,000 population. Greenlandic, or Kalaallisut, is …

In May Scotland?s destiny is in our hands
5 Jan 2026 at 6:51pm
Speaking to SNP party members in Glasgow as the campaign for the Scottish elections in May starts to ramp up, First Minister John Swinney has said that the Scottish media should be ?livid? at the UK Government’s refusal to spell out the democratic route to a second independence referendum. If we lived in a normal …

The superpower of piracy
3 Jan 2026 at 5:22pm
The international rule of law has been on life support for some time. It was battered and bludgeoned by the West’s invasion of Iraq. Israel casually ignored international law as it pursued genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank while the West, most notably the USA and the UK, enabled Netanyahu and …

Making plans for Nigel in 2026
31 Dec 2025 at 2:37pm
It’s nice to end what has been at times a trying year with some good news. On a personal level, in 2025 my mum lost her battle with cancer, and my good friend and former neighbour Mary Docherty, a stalwart of the Glasgow North East SNP branch, passed away after a long illness. Both are …

It?s not just independence that?s at stake in May?s Scottish election
29 Dec 2025 at 7:33pm
Another opinion poll has suggested that the pro-independence parties are on track to win a convincing majority in Holyrood in May’s Scottish parliament election. The poll, by Find Out Now for The National, paints a grim picture for both Labour and the Conservatives, who seem set to return their worst results in the history of …

Hope will start to dawn in 2026
27 Dec 2025 at 2:34pm
Making predictions in politics is a mug’s game, particularly if those predictions concern a year ahead. It has famously been said that a week is a long time in politics, so a year is the equivalent of a geological aeon. All sorts of unforeseen events could transpire between now and the end of next year. …

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 'Albatraz'

12 000 babies to benefit from increase to £40 per week in SNP child benefit a...
13 Jan 2026 at 8:12pm
From Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027, published today: We will uprate the SCP in line with inflation to £28.20 per week per child. We will also begin the necessary work in 2026?27 to introduce a new SCP Premium for under ones in 2027?28. This will result in a total payment of £40 per week in respect of every child in the household under one. The additional payment is estimated to benefit the famil...

Senior BBC staff most upset by threat to their council tax bills and less fus...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:43pm
There are around 3 million taxpayers in Scotland. 55% of them (1.65m) will pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK but BBC Scotland chose to highlight the ‘Mansion Tax’ which will affect 11 330 – Anas Sarwar and few of their senior staff. Here’s a better report, from the AI assisted Policy Mogul: Changes to the basic and intermediate rate income tax thresholds will protect lower-income h...

Year after year NHS Scotland ready to fulfil 98% of all ops on time with less...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:20pm
From Cancelled planned operations Month ending 30 November 2025, published today: There were 25,996 operations planned to take place across NHS Scotland. This is 5% higher (+1,232) than the number planned in November 2024 (24,764). Overall, the number of planned operations has been increasing since COVID-19 affected services. Of all planned operations during November 2025 in NHS Scotland, the c...

Aberdeenshire SNP councillors tried to keep grit bins but were outvoted by Un...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:17pm
Aberdeenshire has just had one of the worst winters in recent years but not by any means that rare an event for them. In February 2025, by a vote of 43 to 21 the council voted for a budget including it its appendices a plan to remove 1 200 out of 2 100 grit bins. From the minute on page 39: Winter Maintenance Fund – Allocated for unexpected winter and emergency operations. The existing revenue ...

GPs get 33% more per patient* in Scotland than in England and the funding tre...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:15pm
How does funding per patient for GPs compare in NHS England and NHS Scotland? In NHS England it’s between £155 and £165.1 In NHS Scotland it’s around £210, a third, 33% higher.2 Is that it? Is the SNP now resting on it’s laurels? Nope, see this: General Practice in Scotland is set to receive a record £531 million investment over the next three years, marking the largest funding boost to core GP...

As UK Government fails 7 out of 10 targets for England, Scottish Government i...
13 Jan 2026 at 10:42am
In the Guardian today: The government will not meet its targets to save wildlife in England and is failing on almost all environmental measures, the Office for Environmental Protection watchdog has said. In a damning report, the OEP has found that seven of the 10 targets set in the Environment Act 2021 have little likelihood of being met by 2030, which is the deadline set in law. How is the Sco...

The embarrassing gap in intelligence, maturity and credibility between the wr...
13 Jan 2026 at 9:45am
I was going to write this myself and I will add some evidence of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s health below but, you know, we’re busy here and frankly, it’s not worth it, is it? So Grok AI – ‘Is it accurate to refer to NHS Ayrshire Arran as ‘crippled?’ No, it is not accurate to describe NHS Ayrshire and Arran as “crippled” in any objective, factual sense, though the term has appeared in some sensation...

?Begging the public to stay away from A&E?? No Scottish health board has actu...
13 Jan 2026 at 9:24am
From the Guardian today: Four NHS hospital trusts in England have declared critical incidents after a ?surge? in A&E admissions driven in large part by patients with flu, norovirus and respiratory viruses. Three trusts in Surrey and one in Kent sounded the alarm after a ?surge in complex attendances to A&E departments?. A critical incident, which is usually declared when A&E departments are not...

SNP?s more progressive taxation raised £4 billion for higher employment, lowe...
13 Jan 2026 at 9:04am
The Scotsman’s right-wing tabloid headline today is based on this from Audit Scotland published on 13 November 2025: Altogether, the net benefit to Scottish Budgets since the introduction of devolved taxes in 2015/16 is around £4.1 billion. https://audit.scot/publications/financial-sustainability-and-taxes Services not improved eh? What is the evidence in the Scotsman? It’s a Survation UK-wide ...

Labour Mayor welcomes murder rate falling but to still nearly 40% higher than...
12 Jan 2026 at 10:14pm
In the Guardian today: London?s murder rate has dropped to its lowest in more than a decade with police in the capital and the mayor saying it is now one of the safest cities in the western world. The figures come as those on the radical right criticise the city for having a crime problem, hoping to gain politically from such claims being believed. In 2025, the Metropolitan police recorded 97 h...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Iranian bots tied to Scottish independence go silent - The Jerusalem Post
13 Jan 2026 at 10:47am
Iranian bots tied to Scottish independence go silent  The Jerusalem Post

Scottish independence accounts go dark after Iran internet blackout - The Tel...
12 Jan 2026 at 4:07pm
Scottish independence accounts go dark after Iran internet blackout  The Telegraph

No independence referendum if SNP wins majority, Reeves says - BBC
27 Nov 2025 at 8:00am
No independence referendum if SNP wins majority, Reeves says  BBC

Pro-Scottish independence accounts on X go dark in Iran internet blackout - a...
13 Jan 2026 at 12:05pm
Pro-Scottish independence accounts on X go dark in Iran internet blackout - after experts revealed how thousands of posts are linked to Tehran regime  Daily Mail

Scotland would vote for independence in new referendum, exclusive poll finds ...
30 Dec 2025 at 8:00am
Scotland would vote for independence in new referendum, exclusive poll finds  TheNational.scot

Scottish Independence Accounts Go Silent Amid Iran Internet Blackout - Report...
13 Jan 2026 at 7:33am
Scottish Independence Accounts Go Silent Amid Iran Internet Blackout - Report  i24NEWS

The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage - politico.eu
13 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage  politico.eu

Farage is pushing Scotland to independence - The Times
30 Dec 2025 at 8:00am
Farage is pushing Scotland to independence  The Times

Network of Scottish X accounts go dark amid Iran blackout - The Herald
12 Jan 2026 at 3:30pm
Network of Scottish X accounts go dark amid Iran blackout  The Herald

Iranian-linked Scottish accounts fall silent again - UK Defence Journal
11 Jan 2026 at 10:04pm
Iranian-linked Scottish accounts fall silent again  UK Defence Journal

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Scottish budget: SNP government cuts taxes for lowest earners - The Guardian
13 Jan 2026 at 7:08pm
Scottish budget: SNP government cuts taxes for lowest earners  The Guardian

Scottish Budget 2026: Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveils SNP government'...
13 Jan 2026 at 5:15pm
Scottish Budget 2026: Finance Secretary Shona Robison unveils SNP government's spending and tax plans  Sky News

Scottish Budget: Income tax changes and mansion tax for £1m homes - BBC
13 Jan 2026 at 3:11pm
Scottish Budget: Income tax changes and mansion tax for £1m homes  BBC

Scottish Budget 2026: 100,000 Scots to be 'clobbered' by SNP tax tweaks - The...
13 Jan 2026 at 3:26pm
Scottish Budget 2026: 100,000 Scots to be 'clobbered' by SNP tax tweaks  The Scotsman

SNP seek to guarantee seats at the expense of a pro-indy majority - TheNation...
13 Jan 2026 at 7:05pm
SNP seek to guarantee seats at the expense of a pro-indy majority  TheNational.scot

Scottish ?mansion tax? raises big questions for £1m-plus homeowners - Mortgag...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:40pm
Scottish ?mansion tax? raises big questions for £1m-plus homeowners  Mortgage Professional America

SNP introduces Scottish mansion tax in latest budget - Channel 4
13 Jan 2026 at 7:48pm
SNP introduces Scottish mansion tax in latest budget  Channel 4

A budget for Scottish families ? full text of the 2026/27 budget statement - ...
13 Jan 2026 at 5:20pm
A budget for Scottish families ? full text of the 2026/27 budget statement  snp.org

The Scottish Budget confirms that education is no longer a top priority - The...
13 Jan 2026 at 6:01pm
The Scottish Budget confirms that education is no longer a top priority  The Herald

Scottish Child Payment rises to £40 per week under SNP ?budget for families? ...
13 Jan 2026 at 4:12pm
Scottish Child Payment rises to £40 per week under SNP ?budget for families?  Holyrood Website

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

No independence referendum if SNP wins majority, Reeves says - BBC
27 Nov 2025 at 8:00am
No independence referendum if SNP wins majority, Reeves says  BBC

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

'Referendum in ten years? That would be problematic' - The Herald
10 Jan 2026 at 6:35am
'Referendum in ten years? That would be problematic'  The Herald

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

Scotland casts fresh eye on independence vote as UK's political landscape shi...
24 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
Scotland casts fresh eye on independence vote as UK's political landscape shifts  Courthouse News

Part Two: What an independent Scotland could look like - A Fresh Start with I...
8 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
Part Two: What an independent Scotland could look like - A Fresh Start with Independence  The Scottish Government

Farage is pushing Scotland to independence - The Times
30 Dec 2025 at 8:00am
Farage is pushing Scotland to independence  The Times

Pro-Scottish independence accounts on X go dark in Iran internet blackout - a...
13 Jan 2026 at 12:05pm
Pro-Scottish independence accounts on X go dark in Iran internet blackout - after experts revealed how thousands of posts are linked to Tehran regime  Daily Mail

Scottish independence poll 2025 - Statista
28 Nov 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish independence poll 2025  Statista

The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage - politico.eu
13 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage  politico.eu