The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Watch as Douglas Ross is booted out of Scottish Parliament in impartiality row
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
24 Feb 2026 at 7:06pm
Former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross was ejected from Holyrood after questioning the impartiality of the presiding officer


Peter Mandelson lawyers hit out at Met Police following arrest
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
24 Feb 2026 at 6:39pm
Lawyers acting for Peter Mandelson has hit out at the police force which arrested him, having been accused of misconduct in public office


James Hamilton was worried his report into Nicola Sturgeon risked being ?dish...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
24 Feb 2026 at 6:29pm
Independent adviser James Hamilton warned he could not complete his investigation into Nicola Sturgeon without naming key figures, newly released papers reveal.


Leading Catholic group 'deeply concerned' by Scottish Greens policy
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
24 Feb 2026 at 5:30pm
A leading Catholic organisation has condemned the Scottish Greens for looking to 'impose' secular education with an amendment to a much-debated bill which passed last week


Analysis: Swinney won?t do Bute House 2.0 with Greens or Lib Dems. Here?s why
24 Feb 2026 at 4:00pm
Over recent days there has been much talk about whether the SNP might do a deal after the Holyrood election with the Scottish Greens or the Lib Dems.


What are the Salmond files and what is in the documents released on Tuesday?
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
24 Feb 2026 at 3:30pm
The Scottish Government has released the first batch of the so-called 'Salmond Files', having been ordered to do so by a court


Scottish Government finally publishes ?Salmond Files? after FOI ruling
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
24 Feb 2026 at 2:30pm
Thousands of pages of internal Scottish Government emails and legal notes have been released following a lengthy freedom of information battle.


Scottish attainment gap 'widened' in past year as pupil pass results released
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
24 Feb 2026 at 12:59pm
Figures show that the difference in the proportion of school leavers from the most and least deprived areas obtained passes continued to widen.


Scottish Government rejects controversial Flamingo Land resort on Loch Lomond
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
24 Feb 2026 at 12:14pm
The plans resulted in widespread public backlash, with more than 150,000 people signing a  Scottish Greens-organised petition against the resort.


Scotland's state-funded bank hails £1 billion investment 'milestone'
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
24 Feb 2026 at 11:58am
Bank's £10m deal to back Inverness-based Aurora means it has now invested more than £1bn


Loch Lomond viewpoint dismantled due to severe timber rot
by amy.myles@newsquest.co.uk | Amy Myles
24 Feb 2026 at 11:06am
The An Ceann Mor viewpoint at Loch Lomond has been dismantled due to severe timber rot. Structural flaws and poor drainage led to its removal in 2024.


Maternity Services: Do they deliver? All stories from our latest investigation
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
24 Feb 2026 at 10:30am
The Herald launches a four-day investigation into Scotland?s maternity services, examining safety, staffing pressures and access to care nationwide.


Scotland has ?unwavering solidarity? with Ukraine after years of war ? Swinney
by Neil Pooran
24 Feb 2026 at 8:03am
John Swinney has pledged Scotland?s ?unwavering solidarity? to Ukraine, as the country marks four years of the full-scale war with Russia.


Lord Mandelson released on bail pending further investigation
by craig.williams@newsquest.co.uk | Craig Williams
24 Feb 2026 at 6:14am
The Metropolitan Police said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for interview on Monday.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Anas Sarwar warns Scots not to 'press FU button' by backing Reform - as Labou...
23 Feb 2026 at 4:45pm

Anas Sarwar has urged Scots to refrain from voting for Reform as a protest vote - warning public services could be put at risk.

Business owners are asking the Scottish Government to ?pause and rethink? their business rates revaluations.

Wings over Scotland

When the law breaks the law
19 Feb 2026 at 1:33pm
There is a not particularly funny joke that is sometimes told in legal circles about why a law student failed to finish his coursework ? because he had no conviction. With rare exceptions lawyers aren?t renowned for their sense of humour but I can?t help thinking someone, at the highest levels of our justice system, …

The Future Is Yesterday
18 Feb 2026 at 2:10pm
So on the one hand there’s obviously very little point paying attention to the SNP’s regional list candidates for May’s Holyrood election, because as this website has comprehensively demonstrated over recent months, the chances of the SNP having any list MSPs elected are remote. However, nothing is impossible, so let’s take a look at the …

Scotland In Numbers
17 Feb 2026 at 11:30pm
Cost of keeping vital rape crisis services in Glasgow operating: £500,000. Amount of money wasted by the Scottish Government fighting and losing court cases to try to remove women’s rights: £1.14 million. Angry yet?

The Longest Road
16 Feb 2026 at 1:23pm
As the six-year fight for justice for Alex Salmond continues, we thought you might like to see this clip from this morning’s Mike Graham Show, interviewing Paul McManus, the businessman and drummer in Glasgow rock band Gun who’s stepped up to fund the Salmond family’s case against the Scottish Government despite disagreeing with much of …

The Modern Politician
10 Feb 2026 at 5:17pm
A play in three acts: And you thought ours were spineless. Poor old Anas, though. If 24 hours is a long time in politics these days, a week is forever. And a month hardly even bears thinking about. As for a year and a half, well, the less said the better.

A Dumber Nation
9 Feb 2026 at 3:52pm
In politics, readers, evil and stupidity aren’t the same thing. But nor are they exclusive. Before we ask you to consider which of the terms applies to the Scottish Government led by John Swinney, we’d like you to read this letter sent to Wings by the auntie of two women imprisoned in Scottish jails. “I …

Echoes of history
8 Feb 2026 at 5:26pm
The Sunday National’s front page today elicited a sigh of “So what?” from most. We’ve already GOT a “pro-indy” majority at Holyrood and have done for the last 10 years, for all it’s been worth. But to be fair there was a paragraph in the article that at least raised a quizzical eyebrow. Because, y’know, …

A Stitch In Timing
5 Feb 2026 at 4:09pm
Readers will probably be aware that literally as you read this, the Scottish Government is in court trying to defend its policy of letting male murderers be housed in women’s prisons by arguing that the Equality Act 2010 (as ruled on by the Supreme Court in the For Women Scotland case) is incompatible with the …

The Marshalling Plan
2 Feb 2026 at 1:25pm
Another month has passed, so we suppose it must be time for the third of our polling-analysis pieces for the Scottish Parliament election in May. (Last time round we assessed the grotesque rank idiocy of voting SNP on the list if you want a pro-indy majority, and the time before that we considered the possible …

Shield Of The Phantom
26 Jan 2026 at 1:02pm
Well, we gave it a go. It seems that it’s fine to farm important judgments out to mysterious shadowy figures who just make important chunks of them up out of thin air, and then issue them in your own name. Back in your boxes, plebs.

Craig Murray

Rival Demonstrations in Caracas
23 Feb 2026 at 8:28am

There are two things which are extremely difficult to find in Venezuela – government repression and opposition support. I am pretty long in the tooth and very experienced in understanding politics and people around the world, and I have found it difficult to locate either. I would particularly warn you against accepting the political prisoners …

Rival Demonstrations in Caracas

Two Little Caracas Videos
17 Feb 2026 at 6:34am

I hope to write a serious article shortly about the position of Venezuela, which is rather that of a hostage with a gun to their head, attempting to appease a psychopath. But for now here are a couple of small videos illustrating that it is a lie that the country is failed, starving or repressive. …

Two Little Caracas Videos

Postpone The Celebrations
14 Feb 2026 at 7:46am

On the face of it the English High Court ruling that the Palestine Action proscription is unlawful makes the decision that the proscription remains in place pending appeal utterly illogical. But what if the High Court ruling is deliberately designed to fail at appeal? I believe that it is. They chose an extremely narrow path …

Postpone The Celebrations

Is The USA Controlling Venezuela
7 Feb 2026 at 5:54pm

My first video report from Venezuela: My being here reporting is entirely possible due, as is all my journalism and activism, to your individual subscriptions and donations. We now have a Venezuela reporting crowdfunder. I have simply edited the Lebanese GoFundMe crowdfunder, because that took many weeks to be approved and I don’t want to …

Is The USA Controlling Venezuela

Filton Acquittals Demolish Starmer and Cooper Lies About Palestine Action
5 Feb 2026 at 6:49pm

As the trial finished at Woolwich Crown Court of the six Palestine Action activists who entered the Filton factory to destroy Israeli killer drones, Starmer, Cooper, Lammy and Mahmood are left bereft of a single guilty verdict in the case on which they relied heavily to label Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. I could …

Filton Acquittals Demolish Starmer and Cooper Lies About Palestine Action

Trump, Pirate of the Caribbean
3 Feb 2026 at 11:14am

I have now been here a week and I think that I have absorbed enough to attempt a little analysis, as opposed to the simple impressions I gave shortly after arrival. Those impressions remain valid however: this is not a repressive state. I was on the Randy Credico show live on WBAI New York on …

Trump, Pirate of the Caribbean

BBC Scotland

Top law officer told Swinney of Murrell charge nearly a year ago
24 Feb 2026 at 3:22pm
Documents show the lord advocate first informed John Swinney that Peter Murrell had been charged with embezzlement in March.

Sturgeon accused Salmond of 'revenge mission' against her government
24 Feb 2026 at 6:04pm
Sturgeon made the remark during an interview when she was being investigated over claims she misled parliament.

Domestic abuse and indecent messages on the rise in Scotland
24 Feb 2026 at 1:49pm
Crimes reported to police in Scotland rose by 3% between 2024 and 2025, according to new government data.

Scotland's attainment gap wider than before the pandemic
24 Feb 2026 at 5:12pm
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the government had already invested £1.75bn but admitted that the new data showed there was more to do.

MSPs reject plan to allow voters to remove them
24 Feb 2026 at 7:29pm
The legislation was voted down by the SNP and the Greens, while the Scottish Conservatives abstained.

Locations of GP walk-in clinics to 'cut 8am rush' revealed
24 Feb 2026 at 2:20pm
The first minister said the centres would ease capacity pressures on family doctors.

'Ukraine will always be home - but Scotland is now home too'
24 Feb 2026 at 6:16am
After moving because of the war, Ukrainian students describe how Scotland became their second home.

Alba's financial difficulties due to fraud, leader claims
23 Feb 2026 at 3:40pm
Police have been investigating alleged financial 'irregularities' in the pro-independence party since May.

Scottish government deletes data from school 'sex survey'
22 Feb 2026 at 11:08am
The survey asked pupils as young as 14 about their sexual experiences but parents said they were not told about the nature of the questions.

Are MSPs undermining the rule of law in Scotland?
21 Feb 2026 at 9:27am
How a very political court case sparked a huge row - and questions about the separation of powers.

Scottish Greens pledge to expand childcare hours and free bus travel
21 Feb 2026 at 3:14pm
The Scottish Greens have promised the "biggest expansion to childcare in a generation" and free buses for all.

Regional ballot is the 'secret weapon' to defeat SNP - Findlay
21 Feb 2026 at 12:35pm
Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay said Tory votes will prevent the SNP from gaining a majority at Holyrood.

Scot Goes Pop

Introducing your daily constituency profiles for the 2026 Scottish Parliament...
24 Feb 2026 at 2:38am
Later in this video I also make an offer to Sara Salyers of a video debate, given that she and her supporters suddenly seem to have such an almighty bee in their bonnet about me.  But I strongly su...

The sickening hypocrisy of Sara Salyers
22 Feb 2026 at 11:26pm
I was half-thinking of making a video in direct response to the unhinged personal attack Sara Salyers of "Salvo" launched against me earlier today, but in spite of the character limit on Twitter, I...

Typical Alba: They can't even abolish themselves without it turning into a to...
22 Feb 2026 at 7:40am

The Alba Party's final betrayal of its own members: having justified a DOUBLI...
21 Feb 2026 at 1:23pm
This is the email Kenny MacAskill has just sent to Alba members, who yet again have been made total mugs of by a self-appointed and self-serving party elite - "Dear friendLet me, firstly, thank you...

The SETTLED WILL KLAXON is sounding across Scotland this morning as yet ANOTH...
21 Feb 2026 at 4:56am

Drama as yet more details of the rigged 2023 Alba NEC election emerge: key Sa...
19 Feb 2026 at 6:27am
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Analysis of new More In Common poll showing the SNP on course for big victory
18 Feb 2026 at 4:09pm
Just a quick note to let you know that I have a new article at The National about the freshly-released More In Common poll, which has the SNP on course for 64 seats - the same as in 2021, but on a ...

REVEALED: The secret results of Alba's rigged 2023 NEC elections, and the hig...
17 Feb 2026 at 7:14pm

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

First Minister was told of Peter Murrell?s SNP embezzlement charge nearly a y...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:51pm
Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband is accused of embezzling £460,000 from the SNP

Scottish Government releases thousands of Nicola Sturgeon inquiry files
24 Feb 2026 at 3:54pm
The SNP Government had missed two deadlines to release files from an ethics investigation

Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ to be regulated by Ofcom in UK
24 Feb 2026 at 1:12pm
The biggest streaming services will be brought under ?enhanced regulation? by the watchdog

Scottish Government rejects Flamingo Land plans for Loch Lomond
24 Feb 2026 at 11:25am
The long-running saga has seen the controversial proposals scrapped and revived

Martin Lewis apologises to Kemi Badenoch for ?gate crashing? GMB interview
24 Feb 2026 at 9:00am
Badenoch said she loves a ?feisty debate? and is looking forward to seeing Lewis again soon

Scotland has ?unwavering solidarity? with Ukraine after years of war ? Swinney
24 Feb 2026 at 8:08am
The First Minister said his government would continue to support the thousands of Ukrainians who came to Scotland.

Alba party leader claims financial woes are ?result of fraud?
23 Feb 2026 at 5:39pm
The pro-independence party faces the prospect of being unable to field candidates when Scots go to the polls in May.

Government funding of £620,000 will help Gaelic language thrive ? Kate Forbes
23 Feb 2026 at 6:36am
It comes as research shows that Gaelic media supports 340 jobs across Scotland, including 160 in island communities.

US global tariffs will rise to 15%, Donald Trump says
21 Feb 2026 at 6:38pm
The US President initially said he would impose a 10% levy after the Supreme Court struck down his previous import taxes on Friday.

Financial woe means Alba Party ?unlikely? to fight election, leader says
21 Feb 2026 at 4:07pm
The pro-independence party, launched by Alex Salmond in 2021, faces the prospect of being unable to field candidates

Be honest about scale of financial challenges ahead of Holyrood election, pol...
20 Feb 2026 at 6:33am
The Fraser of Allander Institute's report warns of the need for stark choices by whoever takes power.

John Swinney vows ?absolute confidence? in Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain amid ro...
19 Feb 2026 at 3:38pm
Dorothy Bain KC has been accused of giving the SNP leader political advantage with a minute about the case against Peter Murrell

Award launched to ?commemorate life and values? of late SNP minister Christin...
19 Feb 2026 at 6:31am
Christina McKelvie died last year after receiving treatment for secondary breast cancer.

May elections: Scotland?s pensioners have their say on the issues facing Scot...
19 Feb 2026 at 6:31am
The NHS, housing, rising living costs and immigration are among the top concerns when it comes to older voters in Scotland

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

The 'Salmond files' lay bare the most toxic feud in Scottish political history
24 Feb 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the publication of thousands of pages underlines the need for the SNP to move on from the Sturgeon-Salmond wars.

Alex Salmond claimed Nicola Sturgeon was 'calm and collected' during bombshel...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:41pm
In an interview only now published, the former first minister describes his shock after the SNP Government refused a mediation process after complaints were levelled against him by civil servants.

Nicola Sturgeon says Alex Salmond warned of 'floodgates' opening after claims...
24 Feb 2026 at 3:38pm
The so-called "Salmond files" include Sturgeon talking about her deep unease at the allegations levelled against Alex Salmond by women.

Alex Salmond files published LIVE as SNP Government releases 5,000 documents
24 Feb 2026 at 2:22pm
Thousands of documents were finally uploaded to the Scottish Government website today after Nat ministers initially blocked their publication.

Alex Salmond files finally published by SNP Government following long-running...
24 Feb 2026 at 2:11pm
Scotland's Information Commissioner forced the publication of the 5,000-page document after taking Nationalist ministers to court.

Lord Advocate briefed John Swinney about Peter Murrell charge 10 months befor...
24 Feb 2026 at 1:59pm
Dorothy Bain, the Lord Advocate, insisted it was normal procedure to provide updates on "significant prosecution decisions" to the first minister.

Sexual crime up by 10% in a year as SNP Government under pressure on law and ...
24 Feb 2026 at 10:31am
Official stats revealed police in Scotland recorded 308,532 crimes in the year ending December 2025, 3% higher than twelve months earlier.

Reform UK Holyrood tax cut plan would hand massive cash boost to millionaires
24 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
The party's Holyrood "tax calculator" reveals low income Scots on £15,000 would not receive a penny more.

Scottish Tory Holyrood candidate sacked by MTV after lying about her age
24 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
Marie-Clair Munro was ditched after her real birth certificate showed she was nearly five years older than she claimed to be.

SNP independence papers branded 'dismal' as fewer Scots read John Swinney's c...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The First Minister revived the long-running series of Government white papers on independence despite waning public interest.

The National

The National | Politics

Police acted on 'unambiguous' Donald Trump threat during Scotland visit, file...
24 Feb 2026 at 7:36pm

POLICE took action over a ?specific? and ?unambiguous? threat against US president Donald Trump during his visit to Scotland in 2025, files released by the country?s top law officer have revealed

Opposition parties mirror Trump by deploying the politics of smear
24 Feb 2026 at 7:30pm

TAKING a broader look at recent criticism voiced by the opposition of the Scottish Government, both in Scotland and with some echoes at Westminster, it is possible to see trends about public discourse that should worry us all.

Why should Brexit architect Nigel Farage be rewarded with votes?
24 Feb 2026 at 7:30pm

?DO you know where I could get a copy of the Reform manifesto?? I asked the busy shop assistant, who the day before had enthused about Nigel Farage?s latest business venture masquerading as a a political party. ?No idea,? came the rejoinder.

Douglas Ross kicked out of Holyrood over 'inappropriate' attack on presiding ...
24 Feb 2026 at 7:21pm

FORMER Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has been kicked out of the Holyrood parliament chamber after an ?inappropriate? attack on the chair

Peter Mandelson attacks police force after arrest 'on baseless evidence'
24 Feb 2026 at 6:17pm

LABOUR grandee Peter Mandelson has issued a statement attacking the Metropolitan Police after he was arrested amid a probe into alleged misconduct in public office.

Bafta winner tackles immigration, poverty and drugs in bold new thriller series
24 Feb 2026 at 5:48pm

A BAFTA-winning film director is aiming to challenge some of society's most ?polarising and taboo? topics, ranging from immigration to drug use in a series of short crime drama thrillers ...

Pause on renewable energy developments 'not sustainable', says minister
24 Feb 2026 at 5:42pm

A TEMPORARY pause on renewable energy developments is not a "sustainable position?, according to a Scottish Cabinet Secretary

What would Reform's war on universities mean for Scotland? Experts weigh in
24 Feb 2026 at 5:34pm

REFORM UK?s attacks on universities have sparked concern among Scottish academics who warned the party?s war on higher education would be ?punishing? to their deindustrialised target seats

Top pollster on why Scots should watch Gorton and Denton by-election closely
24 Feb 2026 at 5:00pm

VOTERS in the Greater Manchester constituency of Gorton and Denton will hit the polls on Thursday in a by-election that top pollster Mark Diffley has described as ?one of the most important in recent times?.

'After 13 years in Scotland, Labour's new immigration rules could force me out'
24 Feb 2026 at 5:00pm

JULIAN Grant has lived in Scotland so long that he speaks with a soft Edinburgh accent ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Lord Advocate gave John Swinney information on Peter Murrell case 10 months a...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:25pm
Bain wrote to Swinney in March 2025, telling him that Murrell had been charged with embezzling around ?460,000 from the SNP between 2010 and 2023

Scottish Government releases Salmond files
24 Feb 2026 at 3:53pm
Thousands of pages spanning 18 batches are now available

Reddit hit with ?14.5m fine over children's privacy failures
24 Feb 2026 at 2:47pm
The social media platform said it intended to appeal the decision from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Domestic abuse and sex crimes on the increase, official figures show
24 Feb 2026 at 12:15pm
Justice secretary 'very concerned' over new crime stats for Scotland

Peter Mandelson released on bail after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in p...
24 Feb 2026 at 6:50am
Mandelson is under investigation over allegations he shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein

Connectivity: the role of transport in growing Scotland?s visitor economy
24 Feb 2026 at 12:03am
By working collaboratively across sectors, we can strengthen connectivity and support more sustainable travel, ensuring the visitor economy continues to grow and thrive into the future.

Costs of Cairngorm funicular may outweigh benefits, warns committee
24 Feb 2026 at 12:02am
The concerns over the costs were published in a new report by the Holyrood committee today

MSPs must not water down health worker protections in assisted dying bill, me...
23 Feb 2026 at 3:56pm
Ministers have expressed concerns about legislative competence

Alba?s financial difficulties due to fraud, Kenny MacAskill claims
23 Feb 2026 at 2:58pm
MacAskill announced over the weekend that it was unlikely to put forward candidates for the Scottish Parliament election in May, because of a lack of funds

Gillian Martin: I will absolutely not be SNP leader ? but there are other wom...
23 Feb 2026 at 9:00am
Nicola Sturgeon said last year she could not see another woman becoming leader ?any time soon?

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

The Guardian view on Scottish Labour: Keir Starmer needs Anas Sarwar?s act of...
22 Feb 2026 at 5:30pm
The leader of Scottish Labour will use its spring conference to demonstrate that he is his own man. Ironically, the prime minister?s survival may depend on his successAt Scottish Labour?s spring conference last year, Sir Keir Starmer bullishly addressed mounting discontent at his government?s per...

The Guardian view on Scotland?s housing crisis: supply has failed to keep pac...
18 Feb 2026 at 6:25pm
The country?s homelessness legislation is ambitious and humane. But too many people are still sleeping on the streets or in temporary accommodationRough sleeping in Scotland has risen by 106% over the past three years. Record numbers of children are now living in temporary accommodation, official...

?It?s betrayal?: Shetland?s scallop fishers brace for arrival of UK?s largest...
17 Feb 2026 at 12:00pm
Huge project by Norwegian-owned Scottish Sea Farms gets go-ahead amid concerns over the environmental cost of fish farming and threat to traditional way of lifeAt Collafirth, north Shetland, Sydney Johnson is unloading two-dozen bags of scallops by throwing them over his head like medicine balls ...

Tuesday briefing: The factors that will shape the future of Scotland
17 Feb 2026 at 7:55am
In today?s newsletter: As Scottish voters prepare to go to the polls, how can Labour, Reform and the Conservatives capitalise on weakening trust in the SNP?Good morning. The SNP has been in government since 2007, a phenomenal 19-year run, but polling suggests Scottish voters? trust in its ability...

Mick Duncan obituary
16 Feb 2026 at 8:39pm
My friend and fellow architect Mick Duncan, who has died aged 86, imbued his architecture with human scale and proportion, whether for the extensive buildings for Stirling University, at Victoria Quay housing the Scottish Executive in Leith, or in the modest yet stately headquarters for United Di...

Scottish Labour leader says he doesn?t regret calling for Starmer to quit ? U...
13 Feb 2026 at 4:30pm
Anas Sarwar said that he stood by what he said when he announced on Monday that he wanted the prime minister to stand downThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has welcomed a high court ruling defending the interim guidance it issued to organisations about the implications of the supreme court...

Jeane Freeman obituary
12 Feb 2026 at 5:57pm
SNP politician who served as Scottish health secretary and led the government?s response to the covid pandemicJeane Freeman, who has died aged 72, held two critical roles in the SNP government at Holyrood, leading the Scottish government?s response to the Covid pandemic alongside Nicola Sturgeon ...

Anas Sarwar says Starmer can campaign in Scotland after calling for him to quit
11 Feb 2026 at 5:59pm
Scottish Labour leader agrees PM can support party?s effort to win May?s Holyrood election in abrupt about-faceThe Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has agreed that Keir Starmer can campaign for the party in the Holyrood elections just days after calling for the prime minister to resign.In a m...

Anas Sarwar says Starmer welcome to campaign for Labour in Scotland, days aft...
11 Feb 2026 at 5:56pm
Two days ago, the Scottish Labour leader said he wanted the prime minister to avoid Scotland during the election campaign because of his deep unpopularity with votersFamilies of nurses and carers have said they fear being torn apart under an immigration crackdown condemned as ?an act of economic ...

No 10 confident Sarwar acted alone in call for Starmer to go
10 Feb 2026 at 8:17pm
Downing Street initially feared Scottish Labour leader?s move was part of a wider leadership challenge Downing Street is increasingly confident that Anas Sarwar?s call for Keir Starmer to stand down was not part of a coordinated plot by a leadership rival to bring down the prime minister, the Gua...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Cruelty built on lies, Reform?s immigration plans
23 Feb 2026 at 3:35pm
On Monday Reform UK’s home affairs spokes bigot the millionaire Zia Yusuf announced his party’s plans for the immigration system should we be unfortunate enough to see Reform UK take power after the next Westminster general election, which due to Westminster’s corrupt and undemocratic first past the post voting system could allow Farage and his …

Rejoining the EU looks set to get much easier for an independent Scotland
22 Feb 2026 at 2:52pm
According to former SNP MP and MEP Alyn Smith, who is well informed about developments within the EU, joining the EU looks set to become a whole lot easier for an independent Scotland. The EU Commission is proposing to revamp and speed up the process through which states which are candidates for EU membership accede …

Kenny MacAskill announces that the party is over for Alba
21 Feb 2026 at 3:48pm
So much for my afternoon off. Literally seconds after publishing my last blog piece I learned that the Alba party’s leader Kenny MacAskill had issued a statement in an email to Alba party members saying that the party will not after all be standing candidates at May’s Holyrood election. The statement blames the sudden decision …

New polling and Reform may have peaked
21 Feb 2026 at 1:47pm
I’ve been blogging a lot this week, which is what happens when there’s nothing on the telly except the Winter Olympics. All power to those who enjoy that sort of thing, but watching people sliding down a mountain in the snow with two planks strapped to their feet leaves me cold, pun intended. So my …

Labour Together: the authoritarian right wing rot at the heart of Starmer?s p...
20 Feb 2026 at 1:09pm
Having had personal encounters with people on the right of the Labour party the left wing comedian and Corbyn supporter Alexei Sayle said: “The right of the Labour Party are some of the most fucking horrible, vile, gruesome people. I’ve never met such awful people as those on the right of the Labour Party.” After …

Yes United and Independence Forum Scotland : Putting the band back together
19 Feb 2026 at 8:45pm
Please note that tickets for the daytime conference are now sold out, but tickets are still available for the evening event. Frustration at the lack of progress to secure better lives for current and future generations of Scots has raised the number of independence campaign groups working outside party politics. Campaigns focus on all sectors …

Corruption Westminster style
19 Feb 2026 at 1:16pm
The biggest news story today is one we can only talk around, not directly about. The King’s brother, the allegedly sweat free Andrew, will be sweating buckets today, after being arrested and taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on charges of misconduct in public office. This is a serious offence, and if found guilty …

The choice facing Scotland is independence or fascism.
18 Feb 2026 at 5:13pm
A major new poll was published on Wednesday which confirms other recent polls in showing that Scots are on track to elect a pro-independence majority to Holyrood in May’s election. Even better, this new poll, carried out by More in Common, shows that the SNP are within striking distance of winning an absolute majority in …

Westminster?s great Scottish energy rip off
17 Feb 2026 at 3:07pm
In news that hasn’t appeared anywhere on BBC Scotland to my shock and surprise, that’s shock and surprise as in “I was shocked and surprised to learn that the Pope believes in god.” A majority of MSPs have backed a campaign calling for an end to rip off energy bills in Scotland. Despite Scotland being …

Fundraiser update and a look to the election in May
14 Feb 2026 at 12:54pm
I thought I’d publish an update on the progress so far of the 2026 Wee Ginger Dug annual fundraiser. This is always an anxious time of the year as I ask other people to put their money where my mouth is. The blog is free to read for all and eschews advertising, paid content or …

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

NHS Grampian had its first case of measles for 12 years after 80% of Scotlan...
24 Feb 2026 at 6:44pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From BBC Scotland today: NHS Grampian is urging people to get vaccinated against measles after its first confirmed case of the illness in more than a decade. Measles is a highly contagious disea...

Scotland?s first Reform UK defecator must be hoping his own bill fails
24 Feb 2026 at 6:43pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From BBC Scotland Politics today: MSPs are to decide whether to give voters the power to effectively sack them. Holyrood parliamentarians automatically lose their seat if they are given a custod...

Total hours waiting for care at home package following an assessment falls fr...
24 Feb 2026 at 6:42pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From People requiring a social care assessment and care at home services Management information, published 24 February 2026 (Latest release) Of those people in Scotland (All Areas Submitted) wai...

Top Science research journal reports 115 000, especially middle-aged women li...
24 Feb 2026 at 12:01pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON Even the Telegraph has reported this shocking new research suggesting serious concerns for those living near nuclear power stations. The Telegraph has a strong editorial policy to support new nu...

As opposition parties claim ?mismanagement? of prisons in Scotland how Lammy ...
24 Feb 2026 at 10:49am
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON Alerted by the above from MSM Monitor, I thought I?d find out the answer to those in Scotland who will insist ? ?Aye it?s just as f*****g bad here, pal!? It?s not, by no means. First, England, w...

More than ten times as many, per head, early release prisoners being recalled...
24 Feb 2026 at 10:44am
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From the Guardian: Record numbers of offenders are being recalled to prison in England and Wales with union officials claiming that some are deliberately breaking the terms of their probation in...

Washington State?s ferry fiasco is so bad politician wants to return to the 1...
23 Feb 2026 at 7:19pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON Washington State and the cluster of islands around Seattle, with a GDP double that in Scotland, has been served by Washington State Ferries in a manner that would shock ferry users in Scotland. ...

Council tax in Labour-run Birmingham to rise by 50% more than in SNP-run Glas...
23 Feb 2026 at 2:59pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From BBC Scotland today: Council tax in Glasgow is set to rise by between 5% and 6%, after the SNP and Greens agreed a deal to pass a budget. Free school meals are expected to be extended to all...

Maternity negligence in NHS Scotland falls dramatically in last three years t...
23 Feb 2026 at 1:43pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON The Herald front page today is frankly disgusting. That’s a five year total added-up in an infantile attempt to get a big number. It was actually just 96.2m and far more important, they won’t sh...

Please support Talking-up Scotland, countering media bias with well-researche...
23 Feb 2026 at 12:05pm

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Scottish independence rally to move to iconic Edinburgh spot - TheNational.scot
24 Feb 2026 at 6:32pm
Scottish independence rally to move to iconic Edinburgh spot  TheNational.scot

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
26 Jan 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

Scottish independence is sneaking up on Westminster - New Statesman
20 Feb 2026 at 6:03am
Scottish independence is sneaking up on Westminster  New Statesman

'Scottish independence? Yes - but make it egalitarian' - The Herald
21 Feb 2026 at 4:32am
'Scottish independence? Yes - but make it egalitarian'  The Herald

Scottish first minister says a May majority means new independence push - Reu...
18 Jan 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish first minister says a May majority means new independence push  Reuters

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

SNP independence papers branded 'dismal' as fewer Scots read John Swinney's c...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
SNP independence papers branded 'dismal' as fewer Scots read John Swinney's case for ending Union  Daily Record

New book charts writer?s role in thwarting Scottish independence - gatescambr...
3 Feb 2026 at 10:32am
New book charts writer?s role in thwarting Scottish independence  gatescambridge.org

Twenty-five years of data shows how link between identity and views on Scotti...
9 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
Twenty-five years of data shows how link between identity and views on Scottish independence has grown stronger  The Conversation

Scottish independence ?within reach? as Westminster ?unravelling? amid scanda...
21 Feb 2026 at 12:01am
Scottish independence ?within reach? as Westminster ?unravelling? amid scandals, Swinney says  The Independent

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Scottish Government publishes 5000 pages linked to Nicola Sturgeon probe - Th...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:29pm
Scottish Government publishes 5000 pages linked to Nicola Sturgeon probe  TheNational.scot

Top law officer told Swinney of Murrell charge nearly a year ago - BBC
24 Feb 2026 at 3:22pm
Top law officer told Swinney of Murrell charge nearly a year ago  BBC

SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner SE: Release according to Article 40, Secti...
24 Feb 2026 at 9:07am
SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner SE: Release according to Article 40, Section 1 of the WpHG the German Securities Trading Act with the objective of Europe-wide distribution  TradingView

The SNP's next walk-in GP clinics to open 'in a matter of weeks' - The Scotsman
24 Feb 2026 at 4:45pm
The SNP's next walk-in GP clinics to open 'in a matter of weeks'  The Scotsman

Voting Tory on peach ballot ?secret weapon to kick SNP out?, Findlay to say -...
21 Feb 2026 at 9:03am
Voting Tory on peach ballot ?secret weapon to kick SNP out?, Findlay to say  Radio News Hub

Commerzbank dual trancher adds to heavy long-dated SNP supply - GlobalCapital
24 Feb 2026 at 6:59pm
Commerzbank dual trancher adds to heavy long-dated SNP supply  GlobalCapital

Exclusive - SNP group propose biggest council tax rise in Scotland for North ...
24 Feb 2026 at 12:57pm
Exclusive - SNP group propose biggest council tax rise in Scotland for North Ayrshire  Ardrossan Herald

SNP wealth tax plan targets property, pensions ? and jewellery - The Times
22 Feb 2026 at 8:55pm
SNP wealth tax plan targets property, pensions ? and jewellery  The Times

SNP demands BBC makes more 'authentically Scottish' shows after River City ax...
24 Feb 2026 at 3:24pm
SNP demands BBC makes more 'authentically Scottish' shows after River City axe  The Herald

?Game changer? new walk-in GP clinic set to make a difference to Moray patien...
24 Feb 2026 at 12:04pm
?Game changer? new walk-in GP clinic set to make a difference to Moray patients  Grampian Online

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

Scottish first minister says a May majority means new independence push - Reu...
18 Jan 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish first minister says a May majority means new independence push  Reuters

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
26 Jan 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

Majority of Scots would vote for independence in new vote, exclusive poll sho...
20 Feb 2026 at 12:03pm
Majority of Scots would vote for independence in new vote, exclusive poll shows  TheNational.scot

Scottish independence is sneaking up on Westminster - New Statesman
20 Feb 2026 at 6:03am
Scottish independence is sneaking up on Westminster  New Statesman

SNP independence papers branded 'dismal' as fewer Scots read John Swinney's c...
24 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
SNP independence papers branded 'dismal' as fewer Scots read John Swinney's case for ending Union  Daily Record

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

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

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

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