The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Andy Burnham's mistake in shutting SNP out of National Care Service talks
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
29 Jul 2026 at 3:42pm
The SNP could show Andy Burnham what not to do when attempting to create a National Care Service.


Reform deputy leader reports Aamer Anwar to police over Glasgow protest ?hate...
by donald.erskine@newsquest.co.uk | Donald Erskine
29 Jul 2026 at 3:34pm
A top lawyer has been reported to the police for "hate speech" by Reform UK's deputy leader in Scotland.


New flight routes connecting Glasgow, Aberdeen and Highlands in £2.4m investment
by donald.erskine@newsquest.co.uk | Donald Erskine
29 Jul 2026 at 2:28pm
New flight routes connecting Glasgow and Aberdeen to the north of Scotland will begin next month after a £2.4 million investment by the Scottish Government and Highland Council.


Controversial guga hunt recommened against licence for 2026 by NatureScot
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
29 Jul 2026 at 12:34pm
The controversial guga hunt should not go ahead in 2026, the body in charge of licensing has ruled


SNP ministers may have been 'stupid' or 'cynical' over 48p tax rate, ex-advis...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
29 Jul 2026 at 11:54am
Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates and former member of the Scottish Government's Tax Advisory Group, says ministers never sought advice before introducing the 48p rate.


HMRC Personal Allowance explained as pressure grows over State Pension tax
by jade.wright@newsquest.co.uk | Jade Wright
29 Jul 2026 at 9:38am
A new House of Commons Library report has laid out the growing debate over whether Britain's State Pension tax rules need reform, as ministers come under pressure to rethink how older people are taxed.


Scottish Government refuse to commit to emergency funding for capital followi...
by Josh.Pizzuto-Pomaco@newsquest.co.uk | Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
29 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
On Monday, the council?s transport convener Stephen Jenkinson told The Herald he was disappointed with the Scottish Government?s lack of support.


Andy Burnham under fire as Scots left with ?rent shortfalls? over Labour poli...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
29 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Andy Burnham's pledge to end homelessness has come under fire as new data reveals a Labour policy is leaving 33,000 Scots short on rent.


'Deeply disappointing': Anger grows at downgrading of foreign office minister...
29 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scotland's alliance of organisations which tackle global poverty have now joined the criticism of the Prime Minister's decision to downgrade a key ministerial role in the foreign office.


Crisis-hit HES faces shake-up as ministers consider 'options' for reform
29 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
A crisis-hit heritage agency faces a major shake-up under the Scottish Government's public service reform strategy.


Will Burnham's push for more devolution mean Glasgow falls further behind?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
29 Jul 2026 at 4:33am
Greater Manchester has greater powers and flexibility to make decisions locally than Glasgow


Burnham urged to slash 'Labour's crippling whisky tax?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
MSP for the Scotch whisky heartland of Moray says 'our greatest export deserves better'


What links Scotland stars McTominay and Gilmour to Italy?s greatest TV export?
by alison.rowat@theherald.co.uk | Alison Rowat
29 Jul 2026 at 5:31am
TV review: Sky Atlantic's Gomorrah: the Origins tells in explosive detail the story of the crime clan's early days in post-war Naples, spotlighting one young gun who would plot and kill his way to the top.


Scotch distiller says 'benefits won't happen overnight' after US tariffs axed
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
29 Jul 2026 at 4:31am
Co-founder of Wemyss Family Spirits offers verdict on US tariff breakthrough

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Andy Burnham must finally meet 64-year-old challenge about Britain?s lost pla...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:45pm
As Andy Burnham seeks to address problems with the UK?s internal political systems, he also needs to look to Europe to ?find a role? for the country on the world stage


Monica Lennon confirmed as MSP and 'has numbers for leadership race'
29 Jul 2026 at 3:05pm

Ms Lennon officially became an MSP for the Glasgow region on Wednesday.

Dan Neidle, a former member of the Scottish Government?s Tax Advisory Group, said he was not consulted on the SNP?s decision to raise the top rate of income tax to 48 per cent.

Joe Fagan entered the race to replace Anas Sarwar on Tuesday evening

Group calls for measures including 50 hours of funded childcare and a Minimum Income Guarantee for unpaid carers

Figures show fewer than 7,000 people have used the pilot service

Joe Fagan has promised to ?shake up? politics as he said his party will only be trusted when it is ?rooted in communities?

Wings over Scotland

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Craig Murray

Scottish Independence: Set the Date!
29 Jul 2026 at 6:30pm

  The Scottish Government urgently needs a bold and radical approach to achieving Independence in spite of the firm London veto on a referendum. It is plain that there is no plan at present. The Scottish Parliament has a pro-Independence majority and government. This is how to achieve Independence consistent with international law and practice. …

Scottish Independence: Set the Date!

Narratives of Moral Conflict: Karim Khan and Delcy Rodriguez
26 Jul 2026 at 6:09am

Social media is not conducive to nuance. In the interest of reach, cut and dried positions are more effective and binary moral judgement expected. This leads to over-simplification of complex issues, and to skipping over facts inconvenient to your chosen narrative. There are issues affecting two high-profile people where it is worth considering the detail …

Narratives of Moral Conflict: Karim Khan and Delcy Rodriguez

Where Are We Going?
20 Jul 2026 at 1:25pm

An advert for the RNLI caught my attention because it indicated that the majority of their income comes from bequests in wills. The pitch was that, after you provide for your loved ones, you should leave money to the RNLI. I have no problem with this, having generations of lifeboatmen in my ancestry, but it …

Where Are We Going?

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata
14 Jul 2026 at 5:02pm

Unsurprisingly, today at the Court of Session Lord Young refused to lift his suspension or “sist” of the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. He did however grant us leave to appeal against this decision. What was surprising was an extreme extension of the UK government’s argument. The UK government stated that …

Extreme Unionism and Res Judicata

The Ditching of Nigel Farage
11 Jul 2026 at 8:36am

Nigel Farage is the most consequential British politician of the 21st century. Certainly a more important historic figure than any of the last eight Prime Ministers. Tony Blair is the only realistic rival. Without Farage, the UK would never have left the European Union. Farage’s role in forcing the issue to the top of the …

The Ditching of Nigel Farage

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back
1 Jul 2026 at 12:50pm

I publish below in full the Note we have submitted to Court today to re-establish the separate Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. Not only is the state doubling down on prosecution of pro-Palestine activists, a new National Security State Threats Bill is being fast tracked through parliament to extend the attack …

Palestine Action Proscription: We Fight Back

BBC Scotland

Which MSPs believe they can turn Scottish Labour's fortunes around?
29 Jul 2026 at 4:45pm
Nominations to be the next leader of Scottish Labour officially open on Monday.

Joe Fagan becomes third MSP to join Scottish Labour leadership race
28 Jul 2026 at 8:12pm
The South Scotland MSP said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent by-election victory demonstrated that Labour could "win back trust".

GP walk-in clinics see low attendance leading to accusations of failure
28 Jul 2026 at 3:44pm
Scotland's health secretary says it's early days for the scheme and she is enouraged "thus far" - but critics say it should be scrapped.

Michael Marra joins race to become Scottish Labour leader
27 Jul 2026 at 7:40pm
It comes as the party confirmed they will have a new leader in place by its conference in September.

Minister defends decision to reject UK military help to fight wildfire
27 Jul 2026 at 2:42pm
Neil Gray said the military was unable to fulfil a "specific request" to send waterbombing helicopters to the Cairngorms.

Lennon launches Scottish Labour leadership bid
26 Jul 2026 at 5:03pm
The incoming West of Scotland MSP said her party was in the "last chance saloon" and needed "radical and fast change".

Scottish councils 'starved of cash and powers' by SNP, says Alexander
24 Jul 2026 at 11:46am
The Scottish Secretary also said he wanted "mutual respect" between governments at Holyrood and Westminster.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to accept trade minister job
23 Jul 2026 at 8:50am
Sarwar will leave the Scottish Parliament and his leader role, and take up a seat in the House of Lords.

Burnham tells Swinney independence is 'off limits' at Commonwealth Games meeting
23 Jul 2026 at 6:49pm
The heads of the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments came together ahead of the opening of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Scottish Labour at a crossroads again as Sarwar jumps ship
22 Jul 2026 at 11:41pm
Anas Sarwar has never made a secret of his desire to hold high office, but where does it leave Scottish Labour?

Who could be the new Scottish Labour leader?
22 Jul 2026 at 2:06pm
The party are still reeling from their worst Holyrood election result in Scottish Parliament history.

Swinney says Scottish and UK relations 'haemorrhaged' with Douglas Alexander
22 Jul 2026 at 3:50pm
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that Douglas Alexander would remain as Scottish Secretary in his government.

Scot Goes Pop

John Swinney's strong denunciation of Burnham's outrageous "off-limits" comme...
27 Jul 2026 at 7:37pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.I'm delighted to say I now have fourteen regular monthly Ko-Fi supporters, as a resu...

No. 10 North: How Burnham is signalling with his choice of name that "England...
26 Jul 2026 at 1:56pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.More people have become Ko-Fi supporters of my content over the last twenty-four hou...

Scottish poll DISASTER for Burnham: SNP have massive lead in his first YouGov...
25 Jul 2026 at 12:33pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Many thanks to the several people who became Ko-Fi supporters of my content yesterda...

Scotland is now in a FORCED union, not a "voluntary" one: Burnham makes it of...
24 Jul 2026 at 1:35pm
There is no unambiguous outcome to yesterday's readers' poll about the future of Scot Goes Pop as the result currently stands - so far traditional text-blogging is somewhat more popular than videos...

A poll for Scot Goes Pop readers and viewers - please respond if you can
23 Jul 2026 at 11:59am
So I'm completely stumped, to be honest.  Just over a year ago, I switched my focus from conventional blogging to YouTube videos in the hope that I would no longer be lurching from mini-crisis to m...

The case for optimism that the next general election WILL be used as a de fac...
21 Jul 2026 at 2:51pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos:Scottish independence could now be just one or two years away fr...

A progress report on the Scot Goes Pop video channel - plus a question for it...
21 Jul 2026 at 12:40am
I was planning to make a video tonight about Andy Burnham's first day as Prime Minister, but then I thought back to how hilariously off-beam some of the reactions to Liz Truss and Keir Starmer were...

On the day Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, Scottish independence could n...
20 Jul 2026 at 11:10am
If you'd like to support my YouTube channel and help it to grow further, please visit my Ko-Fi page, where you can either make a one-off donation of any amount you choose, or set up a small recurri...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Can the SNP learn from Andy Burnham?s social care reforms?
29 Jul 2026 at 4:58pm
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to reform the care sector

I get policy ideas from speaking to people in Greggs and pubs, Andy Burnham t...
29 Jul 2026 at 2:45pm
The new Prime Minister told This Morning on STV that he is about to get around the country to 'chat to people'

Hitman who targeted Scottish Conservative leader in acid attack to be release...
29 Jul 2026 at 11:08am
In December 2015, the MSP, who was investigations editor of the Scottish Sun at the time, had sulphuric acid thrown in his face by a hitman

SNP attacks Burnham for leaving party out of talks on English social care
29 Jul 2026 at 10:40am
The party said it was unfair to be left out of discussions if they result in UK-wide taxes

Who cares who leads Scottish Labour?
29 Jul 2026 at 6:56am
Anas Sarwar has stepped down as leader of Scottish Labour for a seat in the House of Lords and a job in Andy Burnham's UK Government

GP walk-in clinics see low attendance with some receiving only three patients...
28 Jul 2026 at 2:29pm
The Scottish Government launched the pilot with the promise of a million extra doctors appointments

Reform councillor defends speaking at anti-immigration ?Unite the Clans? rally
28 Jul 2026 at 1:14pm
Other speakers included a prominent member of a 'neo-Nazi' group and a self-proclaimed white nationalist

Michael Marra enters Scottish Labour leadership contest
28 Jul 2026 at 9:02am
The North East MSP is the second politician to enter the race to succeed Anas Sarwar, after Monica Lennon

Former US President Barack Obama to visit Glasgow on upcoming speaking tour
27 Jul 2026 at 11:30am
The 44th President of the United States will discuss the future of America as it celebrates its 250th anniversary

Monica Lennon to stand in Scottish Labour leadership contest
26 Jul 2026 at 7:04pm
The former MSP, who is set to return to Holyrood, is the first politician to enter the race to succeed Anas Sarwar.

Burnham must go further and faster on cost of living, says SNP
25 Jul 2026 at 11:43am
In his inaugural Cabinet meeting, Andy Burnham told ministers they would be a 'cost-of-living Government'

Andy Burnham says he wants to ?get Britain hoping again? as he opens No 10 North
24 Jul 2026 at 6:38pm
The PM is expected to work at Heron House in Manchester once a week during his premiership

Burnham meets Swinney for first time as Prime Minister
23 Jul 2026 at 5:13pm
It?s the first in-person meeting between the Scottish and UK leaders since Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.

Burnham to meet Swinney for first time as Prime Minister during Scotland visit
23 Jul 2026 at 7:39am
It?s the first in-person meeting between the Scottish and UK leaders since Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Scottish Labour left 'must unite behind one candidate' to replace Anas Sarwar...
29 Jul 2026 at 11:48am
EXCLUSIVE: Neil Findlay was scathing of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie after the party limped to its worst ever Holyrood election result in May.

Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Monica Lennon backs end to council coaliti...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Monica Lennon said a rethink is needed to help combat the rise of Nigel Farage's party.

John Swinney told to 'get his finger out' and reform Council Tax system after...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: A senior trade unionist warned Scots workers were being "failed" by politicians who refuse to meaningfully change the "regressive" council tax system.

New MSP announces bid to stand for the Scottish Labour leadership after Anas ...
28 Jul 2026 at 7:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: Joe Fagan told the Record Labour had to "reach out beyond the Holyrood bubble" and become rooted in communities.

Medics dismiss GP walk-in centres as 'politics over practicality' in blow to ...
28 Jul 2026 at 1:39pm
Dr Chris Provan described Swinney's flagship scheme as ?an unfortunate distraction?.

Australian Commonwealth Games athletes told not to wear team kit in Glasgow a...
28 Jul 2026 at 8:34am
Athletes have reportedly been warned to train in groups and ditch their distinctive green and gold uniforms after one runner stumbled across the scene of a murder and violent protests erupted in th...

Scottish Labour faces 'extinction' by 2040 unless it breaks away from UK party
28 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Candidates bidding to become the next leader of Scottish Labour are being urged to consider a radical restructure of the party after May's crushing election defeat.

"I can't go outside" Delivery driver attacked by racist mob at right-wing pro...
28 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob has been left too scared to leave his home following the sickening ordeal on Saturday.

Michael Marra announces bid to become Scottish Labour leader after resignatio...
27 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: The North East MSP said Scottish Labour had to "learn" and "change" after another Holyrood election defeat.

Monica Lennon rejects Scottish Labour breaking away from UK party and calls f...
27 Jul 2026 at 11:25am
Lennon, who is bidding to replace Anas Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader, admitted "the status quo simply isn?t working" - but stopped short of calling for the party to sever its ties with London.

The National

The National | Politics

Andy Burnham said he will 'open up the North Sea' for oil drilling, Donald Tu...
29 Jul 2026 at 8:42pm

DONALD Trump has said Prime Minister Andy Burnham told him that he would 'open up the North Sea' for oil drilling

Scots reject viral aqueduct proposal to give England water during drought
29 Jul 2026 at 8:08pm

A VIRAL social media post proposing the transfer of water from Scotland to drought-hit areas of south-east England has sparked a fierce online backlash

George Cottrell sent $2m to his mother days before her donations to Reform
29 Jul 2026 at 7:48pm

THE convicted fraudster who secretly funded Nigel Farage transferred more than $2 million to his mother shortly before she made large donations to Reform UK and an affiliated fundraising vehicle, according to reports

Israel boycott failure 'undermining Scotland solidarity with Palestine', say ...
29 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm

THE Scottish Government's failure to implement a boycott of Israel is undermining its claims of solidarity with Palestine despite ministers pledging an extra £500,000 in aid funding this week.

Reform UK councillor 'advised' Glasgow vigilante street patrol group
29 Jul 2026 at 5:00pm

A REFORM UK councillor who recently shared a stage with a member of a ?neo-Nazi? party at a Glasgow demonstration has also ?advised? a far-right vigilante street patrol group ...

Scotland 'miles behind' rest of UK on tackling social home fraud, expert warns
29 Jul 2026 at 4:30pm

THOUSANDS of Scottish social homes could be lost to tenancy fraud while authorities lack the powers to properly investigate the problem, an expert has warned.

Call for improved anti-racism strategy as ?hooded youths harass Glasgow shopk...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:29pm

AN SNP councillor has called on the Scottish Government to improve its youth anti-racism strategy after recent far-right disorder in Glasgow ...

How short-term lets are eroding centuries of Scottish tenement culture
29 Jul 2026 at 3:51pm

FOR generations, living in a Scottish tenement has meant more than simply sharing a building. but that sense of community is threatened by short-term lets, a historian has warned

Top lawyer?s full speech Reform MSP reported to police for ?hate speech?
29 Jul 2026 at 3:18pm

REFORM'S deputy leader in Scotland Thomas Kerr has reported top human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar to the police for "hate speech"

Andy Burnham 'blocking Scotland from talks on new UK-wide tax', SNP say
29 Jul 2026 at 3:10pm

ANDY Burnham has ?barred Scotland from talks about a substantial change to the UK tax regime?, the SNP have alleged ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Joe Fagan announces intention to run in Labour leadership election
29 Jul 2026 at 11:20am

Michael Marra and Monica Lennon emerge as Scottish Labour frontrunners
28 Jul 2026 at 3:02pm
Timetable for contest agreed

Andy Burnham appoints eight Scottish MPs to enhanced PPS roles
27 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
The prime minister has given 16 Scottish MPs government jobs

Daniel Johnson: Time is running out for Scottish Labour
27 Jul 2026 at 12:10pm
MSP endorses Michael Marra for leader

Scottish businessman Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84
27 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
Sir Ian Wood's family confirmed he died ?peacefully at home, surrounded by his family? on Sunday evening at his home in Aberdeen

John Swinney says he will continue independence push despite Downing Street s...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:15pm
The first minister met Andy Burnham in Glasgow on Thursday afternoon

Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to become trade minister
23 Jul 2026 at 8:41am
Andy Burnham appoints more Scottish MPs to UK Government

Who could be Scottish Labour?s 11th leader since devolution?
22 Jul 2026 at 6:18pm
With Anas Sarwar set to quit so he can take up a post in the Lords, that leaves the party once more on the lookout for someone to take over the helm

Outdated technology impeding economic crime investigations, researchers warn
22 Jul 2026 at 11:35am
Poor data-sharing arrangements are hampering intelligence gathering

Anas Sarwar to be made minister in Burnham government
22 Jul 2026 at 8:22am
He is expected to stand down as Scottish Labour leader and head to the Lords

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

UK politics: Tories? Philp rejects French claim that shots fired from naval b...
28 Jul 2026 at 6:01pm
Shadow minister says there was no warning and ?it looked and sounded like deliberate intimidation?Conservative MP accuses French navy of firing shots near him in ChannelIt is not just the Russians firing on Brits in the English Channel; Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, has accused a French...

Poll shows Labour ahead of Reform UK for first time since Burnham became PM ?...
27 Jul 2026 at 5:45pm
New PM says he ?wouldn?t get carried away? by latest polling but says he is pleased if he has ?connected with people?I have already posted lines from Andy Burnham?s BBC interview on reforming social care (see 9.03am), making council tax fairer (see 10.03am), and ruling out an early election (see ...

Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts
25 Jul 2026 at 11:08pm
Scottish first minister thanks Nethy Bridge residents and aid workers after earlier requesting UK military aid to fight 10-day fireResidents of Nethy Bridge have been told they can return to their homes after a large fire broke out in the Cairngorms national park.Supt Judy Hill of Police Scotland...

Scottish Labour?s rivals decry ?chancer? Anas Sarwar for resigning to join An...
22 Jul 2026 at 11:17pm
New prime minister has made Sarwar ? the first senior Labour figure to call for Keir Starmer?s resignation ? a peerScottish Labour?s rivals in Holyrood have slammed Anas Sarwar?s shock decision to resign as leader to sit in Andy Burnham?s new government, calling him a ?chancer? and accusing him o...

Celtic leaders doubt Burnham?s devolution drive will go beyond England?s borders
6 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Would-be prime minister has made basic missteps in pitches to Wales, Scotland and Northern IrelandAndy Burnham?s devolution promises are yet to impress sceptical Celtic administrations hoping for a reset with Westminster, sources in Cardiff and Edinburgh have said.Burnham, who is expected to take...

Celtic nations begin to plan for breakup of UK in event of Reform election win
4 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
Politicians brace for constitutional turmoil if Nigel Farage?s party ends up in government ? or even as a strong oppositionThe rise of Nigel Farage has prompted political leaders across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to game the unthinkable: the breakup of the United Kingdom.Unioni...

Badenoch urges Burnham to condemn defence investment plan as No 10 says fundi...
1 Jul 2026 at 6:00pm
Minister and MPs have raised concerns that his ?poisoned chalice? plan will take cash from much-needed road projectsMinister and MP ?furious? over cuts to road projects to fund defence planDan Sabbagh is the Guardian?s defence and security editor.Andy Burnham is a ?true patriot? who will provide ...

The Guardian view on the politics of Scotland: like Labour, the SNP is in nee...
23 Jun 2026 at 6:25pm
The sentencing of Peter Murrell brings limited closure to a major scandal. But John Swinney?s government faces new challenges in a changing landscapeThe Scottish National party (SNP) is accustomed to presenting Westminster dysfunction as a boost to its case for independence. But the political dra...

Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNP
23 Jun 2026 at 2:29pm
Estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon is sentenced for stealing from party over 12-year periodMontblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spending habitPeter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in jail after he admitted embezzling more than £400,...

Montblanc pens to Le Creuset ramekins: police photos show Peter Murrell?s spe...
23 Jun 2026 at 1:37pm
Haul is only a fraction of what the former SNP chief executive bought using embezzled party moneyPeter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNPThe white police evidence tags on the unused Montblanc pens, picnic sets, Le Creuset ramekins and the chrome Alessi teapot tell a ...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Lord Sarwar of Brass Neck
21 Jul 2026 at 9:59pm
It seems to be a law of Scottish politics, or perhaps it’s more likely it’s just a personal curse, but whenever I try and take some time off from the blog a big story breaks and it’s back to the keyboard. What is most definitely a law of Scottish politics is that I’m not nationalist …

Silly season politics
17 Jul 2026 at 4:01pm
With Friday’s coronation of Andy Burnham as leader of the Labour party and his official accession to Ten Downing Street on Monday, the UK is now on its seventh prime minister in ten years. Meanwhile the man who wants to become prime minister after the next general election is fighting a by election with a …

Reform UK?s attack on Scottish languages
14 Jul 2026 at 4:44pm
It’s the greatest attempted Westminster assault on Scottish culture since the Jacobite wars. Reform UK has proposed an amendment to the UK Government’s elections bill which would criminalise the use of any languages other than English or Welsh on electoral material and impose a punishment of up to six months in prison and/or a fine. …

Ich bin ein Bin liner
12 Jul 2026 at 6:08pm
Last week, Nigel Farage announced that he was going to resign as the MP for Clacton in order to fight a by election to become the MP for Clacton. In a pity political broadcast from Reform UK headquarters which was broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News, Farage railed at the media for unfairly …

Alister Jack?s colonialism remains a threat to Scotland
9 Jul 2026 at 5:15pm
The former colonial governor of the northern province, Alister Jack, who was given a peerage by Rishi Sunak as part of a back room deal. Jack rejected an earlier nomination by Boris Johnson in 2023 to avoid triggering a by-election while he was still an MP, only later to stand down for the 2024 General …

The Farage facade cracks
7 Jul 2026 at 6:53pm
Poor Nigel Facade, sorry Farage, the wee lamb has had an almighty hissy fit at the sheer audacity of the media daring to subject him to a tiny fraction of the scrutiny that is par for the course for the SNP. It was all very Trumpian. In a self-pitying Reform UK party political broadcast during …

The junkies and their dealers
5 Jul 2026 at 4:40pm
A number of peculiar developments have taken place in Scotland since the Holyrood election in May. These have been disguised by the anti-SNP media feeding frenzy which took place after the conviction of Peter Murrell for the crime of embezzlement, a crime whose victim was the SNP, despite the efforts of the British media in …

Labour?s attempted theft of the Holyrood election is being aided by the media
3 Jul 2026 at 3:32pm
Something is seriously wrong with democracy in Scotland, but the media has told us vastly more about Peter Murrell’s cruet sets than it has about what can only be described as an attempt by the Labour party to steal the Holyrood election. In fact the attempted subversion of the result of the recent election has …

Labour?s nuclear power, an offer we can refuse
2 Jul 2026 at 3:30pm
It’s an offer we can refuse. The Labour government has identified a number of sites across Scotland on which it would like to build new nuclear power plants. A report was published this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the political ashtray Michael Shanks, the most disappointing MP in a …

Burnham, the GB Energy of devolution
29 Jun 2026 at 9:06pm
Andy Burnham’s big plan for the UK is still lacking in detail, but it’s already looking suspiciously like another of Westminster’s power grabs at the expense of the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Burnham’s big speech on Monday during which he unveiled his plans for a Number Ten North. No, Scotland, not THAT north, Burnham’s north. …

The 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

The 'Unstoppable' Talking-up Scotland

Andy Burnham fails to put out Manchester wildfire after two weeks but luckily...
29 Jul 2026 at 6:12pm
For a reader in Scotland there are quite a few things missing in the above BBC Manchester report two days ago: Wildfires across Greater Manchester are still burning a fortnight after they first started, the fire service has said. More than 100 firefighters and volunteers have been tackling the blaze on two fronts at Dove Stone, after the fire in Saddleworth merged with a fire at Tintwistle, and...

The BBC should be shut down solely on the basis of its TV licence enforcement...
29 Jul 2026 at 5:22pm
By a friend of Talking-up Scotland who received the above letter. Dear Louise, Thank you for your (redacted) letter above which will be recognised by millions around the UK, proportionately more so in Scotland.  Thank you also for at least one preceding email which I noted deploys a surreptitious tracking pixel leading to my blocking any further emails from tv licensing (without prejudice to my...

Isle of Man ferry fiasco has not driven-off islanders it seems or encouraged ...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:44pm
By Liz S BBC website headline on main UK page: ?Main ferry out of action until late September? ?The Isle of Man main ferry will be out of action until late September for repairs, the operator has confirmed?. ?The Manxman has been in drydock since 13 July, with back-up passenger vessel the Ben-my-Chree carrying out sailings between the island and Lancashire? ?**The government-owned ferry operato...

Scottish Government to end risks to vulnerable by requiring social workers fr...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:34pm
From Community Care yesterday: Scottish Government proposals would end provision allowing social workers registered with other UK regulators to practise in Scotland, while it also is seeking views on whether social work assistants should be required to register. The Scottish Government proposal would end provisions allowing social workers practising in the country to be registered with another ...

SNP resilience in 2026 election in part explained as nearly 70% of Scots reje...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:31pm
I did wonder if BBC Scotland’s relentless propaganda against the SNP in the months before the May 2026 Holyrood election would have an effect but, in the end, we saw the party support still relatively resilient and, by contrast, support for Scottish Labour collapse regardless of the channel’s efforts to protect them and their leader from scrutiny. The graph above shows the lack of impact of the...

NHS Scotland waits of over 1 year plummet by 77% only one year after Swinney ...
29 Jul 2026 at 8:12am
From page 19 of Stage of treatment waiting times – new outpatients, inpatients and day cases published yesterday, the above graph which I feel sure you will never see on the pages of the media operating in Scotland. How have these dramatic falls starting a year ago in mid 2025, been made possible? In early November 2025, First Minister, John Swinney announced an additional £25.5m ‘to be given t...

Scottish Conservatives ignore Public Health Scotland warning on how to read w...
29 Jul 2026 at 7:45am
Posted here yesterday, an accurate reporting of the latest NHS waiting list figures for Scotland and England. On the same day, across social media, from Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr, this utterly misleading and dishonest claim: Here’s what the Public Health Scotland report said: At 30 June 2026, there were an estimated 580,545 individuals on at least one new outpatient, inpatient or day case w...

Reposted as the media front pages launch a feeding frenzy on ?SNP? GP Walk-in...
29 Jul 2026 at 7:22am
You know what to do.

BMA Scotland and BBC Scotland accused of barely undergraduate level of critic...
28 Jul 2026 at 11:35pm
BBC Scotland, Aimee Stanton, yesterday claimed, despite revealing the above graph in their own report: GP walk-in clinics see low attendance leading to accusations of failure – A series of walk-in GP clinics which the Scottish government said would end the “8am rush” for appointments have seen low attendance rates, first figures show. and: Dr Iain Morrison, chairman of the BMA’s Scottish GPs co...

Fantastic but hidden news as drug-related hospital admissions plummet to lowe...
28 Jul 2026 at 3:33pm
From Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) quarterly ?report July 2026 published today, the above revealing that Drug-related hospital admissions have dropped to around 75 in the last quarter. This is down from the previous lows of just over 100 and barely half of the March figures in 2024 and 2025. What has caused this very objective measure of Scotland’s drug problems, more reliable a...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits - Al Jazeera
23 Jul 2026 at 7:12pm
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

Burnham tells Swinney independence is 'off limits' at Commonwealth Games meet...
23 Jul 2026 at 6:49pm
Burnham tells Swinney independence is 'off limits' at Commonwealth Games meeting  BBC

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 7:20pm
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government

Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits' -...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:26pm
Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits'  The National Scot

Beyond Constitutional Groundhog Day: The 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election...
15 Jul 2026 at 9:48am
Beyond Constitutional Groundhog Day: The 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election  Verfassungsblog

Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP urged to review high tax rates ahead of budget - The Times
29 Jul 2026 at 7:35pm
SNP urged to review high tax rates ahead of budget  The Times

SNP ministers may have been 'stupid' over 48p tax rate, former adviser says -...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:42pm
SNP ministers may have been 'stupid' over 48p tax rate, former adviser says  heraldscotland.com

Andy Burnham 'blocking Scotland from talks on new UK-wide tax', SNP say - The...
29 Jul 2026 at 3:29pm
Andy Burnham 'blocking Scotland from talks on new UK-wide tax', SNP say  The National Scot

SNP income tax rise ?cost Scotland £22m? - The Telegraph
27 Jul 2026 at 2:36pm
SNP income tax rise ?cost Scotland £22m?  The Telegraph

SNP attacks Burnham for leaving party out of talks on English social care - s...
29 Jul 2026 at 4:33pm
SNP attacks Burnham for leaving party out of talks on English social care  standard.co.uk

Scottish councils 'starved of cash and powers' by SNP, says Alexander - BBC
24 Jul 2026 at 11:46am
Scottish councils 'starved of cash and powers' by SNP, says Alexander  BBC

Scotland?s economy could cruise faster without Westminster?s rusty anchor ? S...
29 Jul 2026 at 9:58am
Scotland?s economy could cruise faster without Westminster?s rusty anchor ? Scottish National Party  snp.org

The SNP?s hypocrisy on North Sea oil - Morning Star | The People?s Daily
29 Jul 2026 at 12:02am
The SNP?s hypocrisy on North Sea oil  Morning Star | The People?s Daily

SNP raised income tax because they are 'stupid', 'gamblers' or 'cynical', say...
29 Jul 2026 at 12:00pm
SNP raised income tax because they are 'stupid', 'gamblers' or 'cynical', says former SG adviser  The Scotsman

The SNP's confused message on oil and gas has already cost votes - Holyrood W...
27 Jul 2026 at 5:01am
The SNP's confused message on oil and gas has already cost votes  Holyrood Website

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits - Al Jazeera
23 Jul 2026 at 7:12pm
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 7:20pm
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum - BBC
6 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Andy Burnham would oppose second Scottish independence referendum  BBC

Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint - BBC
14 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
Yes Scotland hands accounts to police after 'missing £1.5m' complaint  BBC

UK Prime Minister Burnham has ruled out the possibility of a new referendum o...
24 Jul 2026 at 12:53am
UK Prime Minister Burnham has ruled out the possibility of a new referendum on Scottish independence  ?????????? ??????????? ?????? (???)

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - RNZ
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  RNZ

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits' -...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:26pm
Andy Burnham 'won't overrule devolution' ? but says referendum 'off limits'  The National Scot

John Swinney says he will continue independence push despite Downing Street s...
23 Jul 2026 at 7:15pm
John Swinney says he will continue independence push despite Downing Street saying referendum is ?off limits?  Holyrood Website

Scottish independence - Institute for Government
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish independence  Institute for Government