The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Justice secretary urges caution over Lord Advocate reform
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
10 Mar 2026 at 5:28pm
Scotland?s justice secretary has urged caution over changing the powerful role of the Lord Advocate, as a long-awaited government review reignites debate about whether the country?s top prosecutor should also sit at the heart of government.


70,000 instances of school meal debt cancelled by Scottish Government
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
10 Mar 2026 at 5:05pm
The School Meal Debt Fund was launched in May 2024, when funds were distributed to 30 councils to clear debt accrued up to 31 March 2024. 


Two-thirds in favour of Scottish cruise ship tax, consultation reveals
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
10 Mar 2026 at 4:13pm
The Scottish Greens have welcomed the results after the party commissioned the report whilst in government in 2023.


The Strait of Hormuz could shape Scotland?s election
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
10 Mar 2026 at 4:12pm
A new poll shows the cost-of-living crisis dominates Scottish voters? concerns ahead of the May election. But events far beyond Holyrood may shape household bills far more than campaign promises.


Glasgow Central fire vape shop was not legally registered to sell vapes
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
10 Mar 2026 at 2:05pm
The vape shop where Sunday?s devastating Glasgow city centre fire began was missing from Scotland?s legally required register of tobacco and vape retailers. The discovery raises fresh questions as investigators examine the blaze that tore through a historic Union Street building.


No guarantee over further Glen Rosa ferry delays from Ferguson Marine
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
10 Mar 2026 at 12:55pm
'That doesn't fill me with confidence': Committee grills Ferguson boss


Government official accused of being 'scared' to discipline civil servants
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
10 Mar 2026 at 12:37pm
Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin admitted concessions on the hybrid working policy had to be made following significant criticism from trade unions.


Leadership of Scottish council plunged into doubt as pivotal Lib Dem quits
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
10 Mar 2026 at 10:48am
Desmond Buchanan said he would stand down from his position in the ruling SNP-Lib Dem partnership on April 2, more a year before the 2027 elections. 


Poll: Scots fear assisted dying could put domestic abuse victims at risk
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
10 Mar 2026 at 5:00am
Almost seven in ten Scots fear victims of domestic abuse could feel pressured into ending their lives if assisted dying becomes legal, new polling suggests. The findings come as MSPs prepare for a decisive Holyrood vote on Liam McArthur?s Assisted Dying Bill.


Demands for more historic buildings protections as another 'treasure' lost to...
10 Mar 2026 at 5:00am
A leading architect has called for greater protection for historic buildings as another Glasgow 'treasure' is lost to fire.


Police Scotland failing to take fingerprints of 12,000 people a year, says wa...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
10 Mar 2026 at 12:01am
A watchdog review has warned Police Scotland may be failing to take fingerprints in more than 12,000 arrests a year, potentially missing chances to identify suspects or link them to unsolved crimes.


John Swinney: Glasgow will flourish again after Union Street fire
10 Mar 2026 at 1:50pm
First Minister John Swinney has said his government will 'stand with Glasgow' after Union Street fire.


Swinney warns of 'difficult decisions' over Union Street building restoration
10 Mar 2026 at 3:51pm
John Swinney was unable to say if a building which was gutted in a fire on Union Street in Glasgow will be faithfully restored as it was built as he warned of "difficult decisions".


Ministers open to reviewing vape shop safety rules after devastating Glasgow ...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
9 Mar 2026 at 5:16pm
A devastating blaze that began in a vape shop beside Glasgow Central has gutted a historic building, halted rail services and sparked urgent questions about fire risks linked to e-cigarette batteries. Ministers say safety rules will now be examined.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Every Council Tax Rise in Scotland 2026: How much all 32 Scottish local autho...
10 Mar 2026 at 9:49am

There are significant hikes in council tax across the whole country this year.

Fears have been raised over the amount of funding the Scottish government has handed firefighters in the wake of the Glasgow city centre fire.

Michelle Anna Moffatt, a former nurse, called assisted dying plans ?destructive?

The Prime Minister said he is ?working with others to mitigate the risk? of the ?likely impact? on households and businesses.

The door has been opened for a recovery fund to be set up following a huge fire in Glasgow city centre.

Wings over Scotland

Scotland?s Most Frightened
4 Mar 2026 at 5:52pm
This was just two months ago. (Longer version here.) ? And we’ll bet you anything you like he’s already wishing he hadn’t said it. Because a recent study suggested that Swinney might just achieve the impossible task he set for himself, and if he does then he’s REALLY screwed. Now, we don’t actually think that’ll …

Two Men Unalike
28 Feb 2026 at 1:41pm
So Cathy Newman of Channel 4 News got herself a scoop last night. And to be honest, readers, we were a bit confused. “Gender critical views” are not only lawful things to hold and express, they’re one of a small subset of opinions that are explicitly protected as such in law. And why would a …

The Tactics Of Suicide
26 Feb 2026 at 1:48pm
Sorry, readers, we’ve been too busy boiling with rage at revolting, cretinous Americans for the last few days to trust ourselves with writing a full-length article, but we’ve just about calmed down enough in time for this month’s polling analysis. Which is handy, because today is also the day of the Gorton and Denton by-election …

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, …

Craig Murray

Metro Workers of Caracas
10 Mar 2026 at 6:39am

President Nicolás Maduro is a working-class man, a bus driver who worked his way to office through the trade union movement. Compare that to the Western “elite”. In Caracas I joined a rally of his fellow Metro workers, many of whom know him personally, demanding his release after kidnap by the US. I intend to …

Metro Workers of Caracas

Joy at Death and Destruction
7 Mar 2026 at 12:39pm

The United States and Israel are both revelling in inflicting the maximum possible death and suffering on Iran. After the genocide in Gaza, on a far larger field in Iran, those in power in Israel and the USA have a lust to kill and they revel in impunity. The Epstein files reveal the same dynamic. …

Joy at Death and Destruction

The War for Greater Israel
1 Mar 2026 at 2:21pm

There has scarcely been an attempt to pretend any justification in international law for the attack on Iran and murder of its leader. The response of the UK government, focusing almost entirely on condemning Iran for exercising its legitimate right of self-defence, takes the Starmer dishonesty meter further off the scale. The RAF has been …

The War for Greater Israel

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

BBC Scotland

Government rules out changes to lord advocate dual role
10 Mar 2026 at 3:53pm
Opposition politicians criticised Dorothy Bain after it emerged she had briefed the first minister on the Peter Murrell case.

Cole-Hamilton defends Labour support plan for Holyrood election
10 Mar 2026 at 5:01pm
Alex Cole-Hamilton says he would rather resign as party leader than allow John Swinney to return to Bute House.

Grieving Dunblane dad says gun laws are still too lax
10 Mar 2026 at 6:37am
Mick North, whose daughter was shot dead in 1996, wants UK ministers to be more aware of firearms dangers.

Alba Party to be wound down amid 'dire financial plight'
8 Mar 2026 at 4:51pm
Leader Kenny MacAskill says the party's membership had haemorrhaged and its income has plummeted.

Families challenge Swinney over hospital apology claim
8 Mar 2026 at 3:35pm
Relatives of patients infected at Glasgow's flagship hospital say they did not receive a formal apology during a meeting with the first minister.

Swinney would 'consider' US military plane ban from Prestwick Airport
7 Mar 2026 at 5:38pm
The first minister says he wants clarity from the UK government about whether the planes were involved in the US-Israeli action in the Middle East.

Teachers could strike in mid-March as workload talks continue
7 Mar 2026 at 11:54am
The EIS union has issued formal notice of strike plans as ministers have not yet delivered a pledge to reduce classroom time for teachers.

Labour MP 'voluntarily suspends herself' amid China spy probe
5 Mar 2026 at 8:35pm
Joani Reid said she had temporarily stood down from the party after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Reform's Scottish leader denies fuelling racial tensions over stabbing
6 Mar 2026 at 4:57pm
Malcolm Offord has faced criticism after linking the incident in Edinburgh to an "insurge" of migration.

Families of cancer patients raise infection concerns with first minister
5 Mar 2026 at 9:28pm
Charly's dad says the public inquiry is not going to give patients and families the answers they are looking for.

SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim
4 Mar 2026 at 5:18pm
Sally Donald, who was selected to stand for the party in May's election, has denied any wrongdoing.

Teachers vote to strike over class contact time
4 Mar 2026 at 8:07pm
The EIS wants to cut the maximum time each teacher spends in front of a class by 90 minutes a week.

Scot Goes Pop

IT'S ON! Breakthrough as Allan Petrie of Barrhead Boy's "Liberate" faction A...
10 Mar 2026 at 11:41am
Allan, I understand why my post hit a raw nerve, given that you are an officer of Barrhead Boy's party, putting you in alliance with the far-right. If you want to ask me silly questions, I'll make ...

Barrhead Boy v Tommy Sheridan: who will win the battle of the egos for contro...
9 Mar 2026 at 9:36pm
You might remember that Barrhead Boy wrote a furious rant about me a few months ago, simply because he was so angered that I had pointed out the inescapable truth that his "Liberate Scotland" allia...

Why the dissolution of the Alba Party is GOOD NEWS for the independence movement
8 Mar 2026 at 9:23pm

The Alba Party: it's over. MacAskill sends Christina Hendry's wannabe Junta ...
8 Mar 2026 at 2:01pm
Kenny MacAskill's latest email to Alba party members:"Dear FriendI refer to my two previous communications detailing the financial crisis afflicting our party following a fraud perpetrated on it, a...

Alba are now so synonymous with vote-rigging and corruption that even vote-ri...
8 Mar 2026 at 11:01am
I literally burst out laughing a few minutes ago after clicking a link on the MSN homepage which read "Labour receives formal complaint over claims of voter irregularities in Holyrood selection con...

Huge poll breakthrough for the SNP as they surge to their highest regional li...
5 Mar 2026 at 11:18pm
My latest constituency profile for The National is Ayr, and it can be read HERE.

WAA WAA BRAHP AHOOGAH SCREEEEEEEECH - "All right, all right, you've made your...
4 Mar 2026 at 11:43pm
My latest constituency profile for The National is Argyll & Bute, and it can be read HERE.

Greens OVERTAKE Labour in sensational Britain-wide YouGov poll - and SNP have...
3 Mar 2026 at 8:34pm
In the second half of this video, I also take a look at the story in the Daily Record about a nameless former member of the Alba Party's Finance and Audit Committee, who suggests the party wasted £...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Ferry build bosses have ?high confidence? Glen Rosa will not face further delay
10 Mar 2026 at 12:22pm
The Glen Rosa and its sister ship have been at the centre of a political storm due to being late and over-budget

Assisted dying Bill reaches final stage at Holyrood
10 Mar 2026 at 6:43am
MSPs will this week debate more than 300 amendments to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, ahead of a final vote next week.

John Swinney announces £5.8m for child poverty groups
9 Mar 2026 at 11:57am
The funding announcement came on Monday

Internal polling convinced me to quit as first minister, Humza Yousaf says
9 Mar 2026 at 6:32am
The former SNP leader also suggested 'the men in grey kilts would have come' to force him out after election if he had not resigned when he did.

Alba Party to wind up and de-register amid financial crisis
8 Mar 2026 at 4:48pm
The pro-independence party, which was launched by Alex Salmond in 2021, announced the decision on Sunday.

Late MSP ?believed in women before they believed in themselves?
8 Mar 2026 at 10:40am
Christina McKelvie died in March 2025 from secondary breast cancer after having served as an MSP since 2007.

Scottish Labour MP suspended after husband accused of spying for China
5 Mar 2026 at 8:07pm
This comes as the party confirmed they were investigating the East Kilbride and Strathaven MP following the arrest of her partner David Taylor.

Scottish Labour MP being investigated by party after husband accused of spyin...
5 Mar 2026 at 2:00pm
David Taylor, the husband of East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Joani Reid, was arrested by counter-terrorism officers

Benefits probe into SNP candidate shows system is working, Swinney claims
5 Mar 2026 at 1:06pm
Sally Donald stepped down as the candidate for Edinburgh Southern on Wednesday

John Swinney faces questions after teachers back strike action
5 Mar 2026 at 12:03pm
The education secretary said she hoped negotations would find a solution

Husband of Labour MP Joani Reid released on bail after arrest on suspicion of...
5 Mar 2026 at 9:38am
David Taylor, 39, whose wife is Joani Reid, was taken into custody on Wednesday

Husband of Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid questioned after arrest on suspicion...
5 Mar 2026 at 8:17am
David Taylor, 39, whose wife is Joani Reid, was taken into custody on Wednesday

MPs dance with Strictly stars as Middle East ?on brink of World War Three?
4 Mar 2026 at 8:58pm
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle danced with Rippon after welcoming the celebrities from the BBC programme to Westminster to promote the advantages of dance for the nation?s health and wellbeing.

Teachers across Scotland vote for strike action over ?excessive workloads?
4 Mar 2026 at 5:31pm
The education secretary said she hoped negotations would find a solution

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Scottish politics today: Marathon debate on assisted dying Bill begins
10 Mar 2026 at 5:00pm
The Daily Record brings you its regular 5pm round-up of the day's politics news.

John Swinney pledges financial support after vape shop fire in Glasgow
10 Mar 2026 at 2:49pm
The First Minister made a statement at Holyrood after the fire that started on Sunday.

MSP denies assisted dying vote win is slipping away after colleagues switch s...
10 Mar 2026 at 11:59am
Lib Dem Liam McArthur said he remains ?confident? the majority of MSPs recognise the status quo is not working.

Scottish politics today: John Swinney considering support package after 'colo...
9 Mar 2026 at 5:00pm
The Daily Record brings you its regular 5pm round-up of the day's politics news.

MSP behind assisted dying Bill is proposing to reduce jail sentences for coer...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:23pm
EXCLUSIVE: Liam McArthur has tabled the amendments after advice from the Scottish Government.

Old Firm violence at weekend match "utterly unacceptable? says First Minister...
9 Mar 2026 at 11:41am
Swinney hit out after fans of Rangers and Celtic spilled onto the pitch and clashed after Martin O'Neill's team won on penalties.

John Swinney says 'enormous' damage caused by vape shop blaze next to Glasgow...
9 Mar 2026 at 11:23am
The First Minister also attended the scene early on Monday afternoon.

John Swinney: 'I won't rest until child poverty is eradicated in Scotland'
9 Mar 2026 at 4:30am
In his Daily Record column, First Minister John Swinney says he will today unveil further steps to tackle child poverty.

Scotland's top trade unionist warns 'perilous' state of Royal Mail is Holyroo...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer contacted the UK Government amid mounting trade union concern about the looming ballot.

Keir Starmer and the UK benefit from saying no to President Trump
8 Mar 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the Prime Minister is correct to be more sceptical of US foreign policy interventions than his predecessors.

The National

The National | Politics

How Labour's digital ID plan just got kicked into the longest grass ever grown
10 Mar 2026 at 5:45pm

THERE is no need to panic: digital ID is never going to happen.

Off-grid Scottish homes facing heating bill crisis from Iran war oil price spike
10 Mar 2026 at 4:51pm

Concerns have been raised that households not connected to the gas grid will suffer from sharp increases to their heating bills as a result of the war in Iran

Reform MSP squirms as he's challenged to 'defend Brexit' during debate
10 Mar 2026 at 4:04pm

A REFORM MSP was left squirming trying to defend Brexit after he was heckled during a hustings in Edinburgh.

'Decolonise Scotland' group issues update after break-up with international l...
10 Mar 2026 at 3:44pm

A GROUP fighting to have Scotland ?decolonised? by the United Nations has said its fight is ?stronger than ever? after a dramatic break up with their legal representatives.

Keir Starmer accused of 'direct assault' on devolution after leaked memo
10 Mar 2026 at 3:21pm

KEIR Starmer has been accused of a "direct assault" on devolution after a leaked memo revealed him suggesting the UK Government should be prepared to go against the wishes of devolved nations when making decisions about them.

All the Union now has left to offer Scotland is Reform, fear and hate
10 Mar 2026 at 3:00pm

THE UK is at a crossroads as geopolitics have changed the world forever. The Unionist Brexit path leaves the UK as an isolated, diminishing power, in thrall to the whims of a right-wing US that ignores international law while treating the UK with complete contempt.

Praying Trump surrounded by ministers made for a nauseating spectacle
10 Mar 2026 at 3:00pm

I MUST comment on the grotesque and nauseating spectacle to which we were subjected this week of Trump being surrounded by a whole gaggle of Christian pastors and ministers in the White House praying to their God for His heavenly blessings on Trump in the name of Jesus Christ.

SNP ministers 'dragging feet' amid six-month silence on Highland golf course ...
10 Mar 2026 at 2:20pm

SNP ministers are under pressure to stop ?dragging their feet? and make a decision on plans for a golf course on a protected Highland beach after sitting on official recommendations for more than six months without action.

Tommy Sheppard: Don?t take your eye off Israel?s aim for Palestine
10 Mar 2026 at 1:56pm

AS war rages in the Middle East, attention is diverted from Palestine. Barely five months since the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the Israel-US war against Iran is being used as a pretext to abandon some of the pledges made in October

Labour promise 'government by app' in bemusing Digital ID consultation launch
10 Mar 2026 at 1:42pm

THE public will be asked for their views on the scope of Labour?s divisive plans to create a digital identification card as ministers were told the watered-down scheme was now useless ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

MPs reject Australian-style social media ban for under-16s
10 Mar 2026 at 1:42pm
MPs have backed flexible ministerial powers that could restrict or ban children of certain ages from accessing social media services or chat bots

Scottish Government publishes lord advocate dual role report
10 Mar 2026 at 12:00pm
There have been calls for the two roles to be separated

Scottish study shows AI increases cancer detection by more than 10 per cent
10 Mar 2026 at 10:00am
The evaluation found that the technology has the potential to reduce the workload of healthcare workers by more than 30 per cent compared to the current clinical process?

MSPs to begin to consider final amendments on assisted dying bill
10 Mar 2026 at 12:43am
MSPs are preparing to consider around 300 amendments to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill today

John Swinney signals ?willingness? to support council financially in dealing ...
9 Mar 2026 at 3:13pm
The first minister visited the site of the fire beside Glasgow Central station today, describing it as a ?colossal incident?

Malcolm Offord refuses to apologise for ?racist? knife incident comments
6 Mar 2026 at 11:58am
The Reform Scotland leader was announced as the candidate for Inverclyde

Joani Reid ?voluntarily suspends herself? from Labour Party amid China spy probe
5 Mar 2026 at 9:54pm
Reid's husband, David Taylor, was one of three men arrested by police on Wednesday

China spying arrest ?deeply concerning? says Anas Sarwar
5 Mar 2026 at 2:05pm
One of the men arrested is married to Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid

SNP candidate?s alleged benefits fraud shows system ?open to abuse?
5 Mar 2026 at 1:09pm
The Scottish Tory leader raised the case of Sally Donald at FMQs

China spy suspects released on bail
5 Mar 2026 at 12:02pm
Husband of Joani Reid MP and two others were arrested by counter-terror police

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

Alba party to wind up and not contest Scottish election
8 Mar 2026 at 8:28pm
Pro-independence party formed by Alex Salmond in 2021 had suffered membership fall and financial crisisThe Alba party has announced that it will wind up and not field any candidates for the 2026 Scottish parliament election.The pro-independence party was formed in 2021 by the late Alex Salmond as...

Scotland becomes first UK country to legalise water cremations
2 Mar 2026 at 3:24pm
Hydrolysis uses alkaline and water to break down body in a few hours and is part of demand for more sustainable funeralsScotland has become the first part of the UK to legalise hydrolysis, an environmentally friendly alternative to cremation or burial, reflecting increasing demand for more sustai...

PM vows to ?keep fighting? after Greens sweep past Labour and Reform to win b...
27 Feb 2026 at 5:57pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story here:Report: Labour MPs demand Starmer change directionAnalysis: clock is ticking for StarmerProfile: who is Hannah Spencer, new Green MP?Reform activists are ?hearing Matt Goodwin has all but conceded defeat to the Greens?, the UK poll agg...

Sarwar gambles on break with Starmer as Labour support slumps
26 Feb 2026 at 10:03am
Scottish Labour leader hopes distancing himself from PM will shift focus to SNP?s record, but voters remain unconvinced?People look at Holyrood and think: ?Lets give them all a bloody nose?,? says Alex, a betting shop manager. Speaking in a focus group of people who voted Labour at the 2024 gener...

Foreign Office denies minister?s claim the Chagos Islands deal has been pause...
25 Feb 2026 at 5:30pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereThe Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published figures showing that local authorities in England dealt with 1.26m flytipping incidents in 2024/25 ? 9% increase on the previous year.And there was an 11% increase in ...

Role of Scotland?s top law officer questioned after ?bombshell? over Peter Mu...
25 Feb 2026 at 2:52pm
Lord advocate Dorothy Bain informed first minister of embezzlement charges against former SNP chief executive a year before they were made publicSerious doubts have been raised about the dual role of Scotland?s top law officer after it emerged that the first minister was informed of criminal char...

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...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

What the end of Alba means for May?s election and the broader independence mo...
9 Mar 2026 at 5:35pm
Well that’s it. The Alba party has gone and will not be contesting the Holyrood election in May, or indeed any elections in the future. Unlike some, I am not gloating about the party’s demise even though I was never a supporter of it. I kept my thoughts about Alba largely to myself despite coming …

Labour?s dangerous plans for NHS Scotland
8 Mar 2026 at 4:33pm
The Holyrood elections are just eight weeks away. This will be a critical election for Scotland’s future and it is more important than ever that Scotland returns a pro-independence majority, ideally an SNP majority to the Scottish Parliament. It’s not just the future of hopes for independence which is at stake. This election is also …

A personal milestone and yet more good polling news
5 Mar 2026 at 4:19pm
I’m going to start on a personal note. Almost eight years after we got married and over ten years that we have been together, my husband has finally become a British, or should I say Scottish citizen. It’s been a long, expensive, and stressful journey, but we got there, and now we are immune to …

The BBC?s odd indy poll, more polls, and BBC Scotland?s double standards
4 Mar 2026 at 3:38pm
There are some very odd things going on with the BBC’s Savanta poll on Scottish independence. An analysis of the polling data by Independent Voices, @indyvoices.bsky.social on BlueSky, also pointed out by the regular poster Statgeek in the comments section of this blog, notes that the poll reports a peculiarly high percentage of those who …

Humiliation for BBC Scotland as its own poll shows a Yes majority
3 Mar 2026 at 3:26pm
BBC Scotland has done one of its pre-election polls to tell us what Scotland “really thinks” as we go into the Scottish election in nine weeks time. On Tuesday, BBC Scotland unveiled its findings on the crucial question of independence. Despite the BBC’s very own poll finding that support for independence is in the majority, …

Reform?s election denial is a cancer on democracy
3 Mar 2026 at 11:47am
Nigel Farage is not taking the electoral humiliation dished out to by the voters of Gorton and Denton at all well. Farage lied multiple times at his press conference on the Monday after the vote which saw his hand picked candidate trounced by the Greens. Farage claimed that no-one who voted Green in Gorton and …

Starmer?s support for Trump?s Epstein war may be the final blow to Labour in ...
1 Mar 2026 at 11:50am
America has gone to war in the Middle East at the behest of Netanyahu again, when Trump attacked Iran in June last year and assured us that Iran’s nuclear weapons programme had been completely destroyed it hadn’t really been completely destroyed at all. Trump lied. I’m shocked I tell you, shocked. I’m no fan of …

Goodwin ? Bad Loser, lessons from Gorton & Denton for Scotland
27 Feb 2026 at 2:23pm
Imagine being called Goodwin but being such a bad loser. This week’s by-election in Gorton and Denton in Manchester was initially portrayed in the British media as being a contest between Labour and Reform UK, with the expectation that Reform UK would coast to an easy victory. In recent days as the Greens pulled ahead …

57% support for independence in the most recent poll
26 Feb 2026 at 1:50pm
There has been another poll on voting intention in a Scottish independence referendum. The poll from Stonehaven polling for The Times newspaper which I reported on yesterday also included a question on independence. This poll had fantastic news for the SNP, reporting that an SNP majority is possible. It also has fantastic news for the …

Second poll in a month puts the SNP on track for a majority in Holyrood
25 Feb 2026 at 2:10pm
  In this bin-fire of a UK it’s nice to be able to report a glimmer of hope for a change. For the second time within a month, an opinion poll has put the level of support for the SNP at a level which would allow it to win an outright majority in its own …

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

Short video on ? England?s Pisa scores are based only on a tiny selective sam...
10 Mar 2026 at 12:11pm
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

Largs and Fairlie SNP Presentation 23 March 2026 ? Notes for those using pers...
10 Mar 2026 at 11:21am
I hope this is not vanity but, just in case there’s a big crowd and you can’t see my PowerPoint presentation at the back, it’s all (apart from my talking which you will hear) here for you to scroll over. Largs and Fairlie SNP 23 March 2026 Welcome words and outline Who shapes the story? Background Where are we now ? polls and biases in polls Q and A Biased media in 2014 and in 2026 ? has anythi...

Six or more rebuttals every day and good news you wouldn?t hear otherwise.
10 Mar 2026 at 11:01am
Six or more rebuttals and good news you wouldn’t hear otherwise. Less than a week to go. Please support at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotland or bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 Name – JOHN ROBERTSON

As they face a near extinction event in May, Scottish Labour desperately poli...
10 Mar 2026 at 10:47am
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 By Liz S So it seems that the fire in Glasgow is to be politicised. Both the BBC and certain client media of the Labour party are pandering to Labour MSP Paul Sweeney. Investigation on the fire ...

As the Herald maligns its home city, here are TWELVE reasons why Glasgow is r...
10 Mar 2026 at 9:34am
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 Is that from Ian MacWhirter’s daughter? If so, another apple not falling far from the tree. Shameful nonsense! Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talki...

Two minute video ? Three reasons why QEUH will never have a Grenfell-like ?to...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:20pm
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 Full story with evidence at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/03/09/three-reasons-why-qeuh-will-never-have-a-grenfell-like-towering-inferno/

More than 68 000 freedom of information requests in 10 years costing you the ...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:19pm
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 From Largest number of Freedom of Information requests made by a single person in one day: FOI release, published today: For the year 2023, the largest amount of FOI?s made to the Scottish Gover...

Shock as proportionally 4 times as many children in England & Wales face dome...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:18pm
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 In the Guardian today: A proposed law to restrict paedophiles? parental rights in England and Wales is too weak because it does not protect children of theirs born after their conviction, parlia...

One third of English patients using private dentists because they have only h...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:17pm
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 In the Guardian today: Almost a third of people in England now use private dentistry, with a sharp rise in the number of poorer households forced to pay for fillings and extractions. The scarcit...

Why NHS Scotland has not had to wait for Martha?s rule to deal with Labour?s ...
9 Mar 2026 at 4:16pm
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 In the Guardian today: More than 400 lives may have been saved as a result of Martha?s rule, which lets NHS patients request a review of their care, official figures reveal. Helplines received m...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland - BBC
3 Mar 2026 at 6:16am
Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland  BBC

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 8:00am
Scottish independence is sneaking up on Westminster  New Statesman

Independence vote would be Swinney?s 'priority' if SNP win majority - The Herald
8 Mar 2026 at 11:30am
Independence vote would be Swinney?s 'priority' if SNP win majority  The Herald

Brian Cox to speak at Scottish independence rally this month - Thenational Scot
6 Mar 2026 at 10:04am
Brian Cox to speak at Scottish independence rally this month  Thenational Scot

Scottish independence ? The NEN - The NEN - North Edinburgh News
5 Mar 2026 at 1:00pm
Scottish independence ? The NEN  The NEN - North Edinburgh News

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

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

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

Scottish political snapshot, November 2025 - YouGov
17 Nov 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish political snapshot, November 2025  YouGov

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim - BBC
4 Mar 2026 at 5:18pm
SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim  BBC

SNP ministers 'dragging feet' amid six-month silence on Highland golf course ...
10 Mar 2026 at 4:25pm
SNP ministers 'dragging feet' amid six-month silence on Highland golf course plan  Thenational Scot

SNP's top civil servant 'not scared' of unions despite not monitoring workers...
10 Mar 2026 at 4:45pm
SNP's top civil servant 'not scared' of unions despite not monitoring workers' return to office  The Scotsman

Sliding in popularity on a 'loveless landslide'... How are the SNP STILL in p...
10 Mar 2026 at 11:45am
Sliding in popularity on a 'loveless landslide'... How are the SNP STILL in poll position for Holyrood election?  The Scottish Sun

Independent review backs Fife Council handling of David Graham complaint - Ce...
10 Mar 2026 at 2:28pm
Independent review backs Fife Council handling of David Graham complaint  Central Fife Times

Stop SNP Congestion Charges - Scottish Conservatives
6 Mar 2026 at 10:09pm
Stop SNP Congestion Charges  Scottish Conservatives

SNP candidate quit Holyrood election after 'complaint of alleged misconduct' ...
8 Mar 2026 at 7:40pm
SNP candidate quit Holyrood election after 'complaint of alleged misconduct' made  The Herald

SNP called on to apologise for 'slurs' over David Graham scandal in Fife - Du...
10 Mar 2026 at 4:01pm
SNP called on to apologise for 'slurs' over David Graham scandal in Fife  Dunfermline Press

SNP Government slammed for 'insulting' £400k signs at Scotland's 'most danger...
10 Mar 2026 at 3:04pm
SNP Government slammed for 'insulting' £400k signs at Scotland's 'most dangerous junction'  Scottish Daily Express

Is the SNP's depute leader safe in this redrawn Holyrood seat? - Thenational ...
10 Mar 2026 at 10:24am
Is the SNP's depute leader safe in this redrawn Holyrood seat?  Thenational Scot

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland - BBC
3 Mar 2026 at 6:16am
Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland  BBC

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

Independence vote would be Swinney?s 'priority' if SNP win majority - The Herald
8 Mar 2026 at 11:30am
Independence vote would be Swinney?s 'priority' if SNP win majority  The Herald

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

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

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

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

Scottish political snapshot, November 2025 - YouGov
17 Nov 2025 at 8:00am
Scottish political snapshot, November 2025  YouGov

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

Swinney says SNP win would trigger new Scotland referendum | Daily Sabah - Da...
18 Jan 2026 at 8:00am
Swinney says SNP win would trigger new Scotland referendum | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah