The Herald

The Herald | Politics


John Swinney pledges £500m on childcare in bid to be returned as First Minister
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Mar 2026 at 5:32pm
John Swinney urged voters to return him as First Minister as he pledged to spend more than £500 million on boosting childcare for families.


Union Cross fire: John Swinney announces £10m rebuild fund for Glasgow
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
14 Mar 2026 at 4:13pm
The Scottish Government will give the city and businesses million to help recovery


Sick pay arrangements tightened for police officers in Scotland amid budget c...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Mar 2026 at 3:06pm
Police officers on long-term sick leave have been told they will not receive special pay arrangements as Police Scotland grapples with budget constraints.


SNP announce Sally Donald replacement in Holyrood election following benefits...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Mar 2026 at 2:45pm
Sally Donald, the who was told to repay £20,000 in benefit following a probe, has been replaced as an SNP candidate by a former MP.


Argyll and Bute councillor defects to Reform UK from Scottish Tories
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
14 Mar 2026 at 11:50am
A councillor who represents Oban and the Scottish islands has defected to Reform UK.


'Open secret': Senior Tories warn MSP could face allegations of sexual miscon...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Mar 2026 at 11:41am
Conservative politicians have warned an MSP colleague could be part of sexual misconduct allegations unearthed in a Holyrood report.


First Minister makes Old Firm family admission following Ibrox chaos
by Craig Paton, PA
14 Mar 2026 at 11:33am
The First Minister has said he would not take his teenage son to an Old Firm game, following clashes between fans last weekend.


FM urged to address MSPs after Commissioner 'challenges government's reputation'
14 Mar 2026 at 5:00am
Fergus Ewing has called for John Swinney to address Holyrood after the Information Commissioner said he could "no longer trust the government" in handling freedom of information requests relating to an ethics inquiry into Nicola Sturgeon.


Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' c...
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
14 Mar 2026 at 12:01am
John Swinney's political career has been branded a "catastrophic failure" ahead of SNP conference.


Swinney to pledge end to ?rent trap? with £10,000 first time deposit support
by Craig Paton
13 Mar 2026 at 6:05pm
Speaking ahead of his party?s final conference before May?s election, the First Minister announced he would create a £100 million First Homes Fund if the SNP are re-elected


School strikes averted in Scotland as union comes to agreement
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
13 Mar 2026 at 2:43pm
Proposed strikes in Scottish schools have been called off after an agreement was reached with the trade union


Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Mar 2026 at 10:57am
A new poll suggests just one in 12 Scots want another independence referendum to be the next Scottish Government?s priority, with voters instead focused on the cost of living and NHS pressures. The findings come as John Swinney prepares to address the SNP conference.


Sturgeon criticised for missing Holyrood questions about Union Corner fire
13 Mar 2026 at 5:02am
Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised for failing to appear in the Holyrood chamber during discussions about the Glasgow fire.


Psychiatrists and pharmacists warn MSPs over assisted dying bill
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
13 Mar 2026 at 12:48pm
Psychiatrists in Scotland have moved to oppose the Assisted Dying Bill after MSPs removed legal protections allowing doctors to refuse participation. The Royal College warns the change leaves clinicians exposed and safeguards uncertain before a decisive Holyrood vote.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


UK Government funds £14m Scots nuclear research involving 100 students
14 Mar 2026 at 6:01am

Four annual cohorts of PhD students at Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt universities will ?work on the cutting edge future of nuclear technology.?

A grieving mother who claims Fiona McQueen bribed her family after the death of her daughter has labelled her resignation from public office as ?an admission of guilt?.

A global energy expert has warned an obsessive row over supply of power from the North Sea is risking the UK lagging behind other global powers in the transition

Angus Robertson was questioned over ministerial involvement in Historic Environment Scotland

Scotland 2050 set out a range of reforms in a document sent to MSPs

Professionals join opposition to controversial legislation over legal protections ahead of final vote by MSPs next week

Wings over Scotland

Looking up at the stars
10 Mar 2026 at 6:24pm
A fascinating line from the BBC this evening: The number of parties who got MSPs elected at the last election is? five. (Though in fairness there are now six, Reform having a single MSP after Graham Simpson defected from the Tories. The Lib Dems are even outnumbered by independents, of whom there are seven.) Also …

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 …

Craig Murray

Radicalism and Scottish Independence
14 Mar 2026 at 4:18pm

There is no place like home, and a few hours after arriving back in Scotland I was in Glasgow giving a talk to Pensioners fo Independence. I still covered quite a wide sweep, but my focus came back to what I care about more than anything – the freedom, prosperity and just position in the …

Radicalism and Scottish Independence

Has Venezuela Abandoned Socialism?
13 Mar 2026 at 5:48pm

I interviewed a prominent academic who is a profound critic of the Venezuelan government, and in contrast a strong academic supporter. The conversations were relaxed, open and I believe worthwhile. There is no serious dispute that the Venezuelan government shifted to some degree towards economic liberalism under President Maduro. The question is to what extent …

Has Venezuela Abandoned Socialism?

Fighting Back Against Zionist Control of the UK
12 Mar 2026 at 8:06am

I today met our legal team and instructed them to submit an application for interim relief in the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action. If successful this will immediately lift the proscription in Scotland, pending the review. Scores of people in Scotland face imminent conviction for terrorist offences simply for exercising free …

Fighting Back Against Zionist Control of the UK

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

BBC Scotland

Swinney promises £500m childcare boost and more GP walk-in clinics
14 Mar 2026 at 4:42pm
The first minister told his party's spring conference he will extend childcare if re-elected in May.

MSP says assisted dying bill is 'bullet proof' after 175 amendments
13 Mar 2026 at 8:18pm
MSPs will vote next Tuesday on whether to allow terminally ill adults to seek medical help in ending their lives.

Teachers' union calls off strikes after workload deal
13 Mar 2026 at 2:50pm
Strike action in six Scottish council areas next week has been called off after a deal was agreed.

Parliament misconduct allegations reported to police
13 Mar 2026 at 11:42am
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone told MSPs that parliament police had been made aware of the report.

NHS Scotland chief executive Caroline Lamb to step down
13 Mar 2026 at 11:24am
During the Covid pandemic she oversaw the Test and Protect contact tracing system and the vaccination programme.

Watchdog says he 'can't trust ministers' with Sturgeon inquiry files
12 Mar 2026 at 8:12pm
The information commissioner has threatened the government with more legal action over the release of files.

Swinney seeks UK meeting over US military use of Prestwick Airport
12 Mar 2026 at 4:15pm
Three American military refuelling aircraft that previously stopped at the airport are believed to be supporting US-Israeli airstrikes.

Ex-chief nurse steps down from police role after 'Disneyland' row
12 Mar 2026 at 12:25pm
Fiona McQueen was criticised over alleged comments about families affected by a hospital infection scandal.

I've lost friends since joining Reform, says Offord
12 Mar 2026 at 10:12am
The ex-Conservative peer says he has made a "sacrifice" to join Nigel Farage's party as its leader in Scotland.

Glen Sannox ferry needs £3.2m repairs after one year in service
11 Mar 2026 at 1:58pm
MSPs have been told the troubled CalMac vessel needs new propellors as part of multi-million pound repairs.

Starmer said ministers can go against wishes of Welsh and Scottish government...
10 Mar 2026 at 5:15pm
The memo was obtained by Plaid Cymru, which has accused Labour of turning its back on devolution.

MSPs back six-month amendment to assisted dying bill
10 Mar 2026 at 10:24pm
Holyrood members will wade through about 300 proposed changes to the law before a final vote.

Scot Goes Pop

SNP conference, and a housekeeping note
14 Mar 2026 at 1:08pm
Never let it be said that I don't take my SNP membership seriously, because I've given up on watching the rugby today in order to attend the SNP campaign conference in Edinburgh.  (And there's prec...

This election is not a game. As yet another fringe pro-indy party starts bru...
12 Mar 2026 at 9:23pm
Until today, when he suddenly left the party after an angry tirade, Allan Petrie was the designated Nominating Officer of the "Alliance to Liberate Scotland".  (Indeed he technically still is, beca...

GB-wide YouGov poll: Greens STAY AHEAD of Labour, and SNP lead by 8 in Scotland
11 Mar 2026 at 11:02pm
Later in this video, I also provide some more information / offer some thoughts on why YouGov may be systemically underestimating independence support in their full-scale Scottish polls.

Questions mount over Stew's "I'm a fearsome journalist, can make mincemeat of...
10 Mar 2026 at 7:06pm
 But yeah, Allan, it *was* actually pretty rude of you to make Stew's involvement a condition of you taking part if you hadn't even bothered to check with him whether he was willing to do it.  Hope...

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...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

John Swinney promises ?transformational? help with childcare if SNP re-elected
14 Mar 2026 at 5:33pm
The SNP leader also promised help for those seeking to buy their first home if his party wins the Scottish Parliament election in May.

Better future possible for Scotland away from Westminster, John Swinney to say
14 Mar 2026 at 12:42pm
The First Minister will tell an SNP conference that Westminster?s economic model is ?totally broken?.

Scottish Government to give first-time buyers up to £10,000 to escape ?rent t...
13 Mar 2026 at 6:13pm
First Minister announced he would create a £100 million First Homes Fund if the SNP are re-elected

MSP ?witnessed? sexually assaulting young female members of staff
13 Mar 2026 at 3:20pm
A survey of workers at Holyrood revealed 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment

Rare Friday sitting at Holyrood as MSPs debate assisted dying Bill amendments
13 Mar 2026 at 6:56am
MSPs are seeking to conclude debating more than 300 amendments lodged to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

Scots have growing confidence in SNP, claims Swinney ahead of conference
13 Mar 2026 at 6:37am
Delegates will meet in Edinburgh for the one-day event on Saturday

More than 80 unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct a...
12 Mar 2026 at 6:24pm
The findings come from a Dignity at Work survey of all staff who work for MSPs, or for the Parliamentary Corporate Body

?Not enough? in new child poverty plan to meet 2030 target, warns charity
12 Mar 2026 at 6:21pm
Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville described the plan as a ?catalyst? to bring poverty rates down

Tories challenge John Swinney to discuss ?pubs crisis? over a pint
12 Mar 2026 at 6:21pm
Conservative leader Russell Findlay urged the First Minister to join him and a publican who could be forced to close

Anas Sarwar accused of ?inaccurate? information over lack of fire fighting re...
12 Mar 2026 at 6:11pm
The first high-reach appliance was on the scene within 19 minutes, the fire service said

MSPs back powers to withdraw free travel from badly behaved bus passengers
12 Mar 2026 at 12:18pm
The new rules will apply to anyone using concessionary travel schemes but come in the wake of pressure over youth behaviour

John Swinney to face FMQs following Glasgow fire and Old Firm violence
12 Mar 2026 at 12:11pm
The First Minister will be taking questions from the opposition

I?ve lost friends for joining Reform, says Scottish leader Malcolm Offord
12 Mar 2026 at 10:18am
The former Tory minister said it was a ?sacrifice? he had to make ?if I believe in the cause of what I?m trying to do?

Swinney intervenes as Holyrood debates amendments to assisted dying Bill
11 Mar 2026 at 9:57pm
The First Minister spoke out as MSPs debated hundreds of amendments to legislation brought forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Prison governors plead "we need your help" amid jail overcrowding
14 Mar 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Prison chiefs said overcrowding posed an "incalculable risk to the effective delivery of our entire justice system in Scotland".

Inside the Stirling hotel summit that hatched the SNP's Holyrood election cam...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:30am
As the SNP meet for a one day conference in Edinburgh, Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon reveals how a two day event in Stirling laid the foundations for John Swinney's Holyrood election ...

Scottish politics today: Glasgow fire appliance was in Germany during city blaze
13 Mar 2026 at 5:00pm
The Record brings you its regular 5pm round-up of the day's politics news.

Scotland's teaching strike called off after deal struck on classroom time
13 Mar 2026 at 3:18pm
An agreement by the Scottish Government, the trade unions and council chiefs.

One of Glasgow's high-reach fire appliances was in Germany during devastating...
13 Mar 2026 at 11:14am
EXCLUSIVE: Fire chiefs have admitted one of Glasgow?s two high-reach appliances was in maintenance 1000 miles away.

Scottish politics today: Swinney pledges financial support to fire-hit Glasgo...
12 Mar 2026 at 5:00pm
The Record brings you its regular 5pm round-up of the day's politics news.

SNP Government urged to launch investigation into fire service cuts after Gla...
12 Mar 2026 at 2:54pm
Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar hit out at cuts to the fire service over the years.

Anas Sarwar demands 'traitor' Peter Mandelson hands back £75,000 exit payment
12 Mar 2026 at 1:51pm
The Scottish Labour leader hit out at the disgraced peer for pocketing an exit payment.

John Swinney pays emotional tribute to Dunblane massacre victims on 30th anni...
12 Mar 2026 at 12:23pm
John Swinney and other political leaders made speeches three decades on from the deadliest mass shooting in British history.

Labour would stage nuclear power investment summit days after Holyrood election
12 Mar 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Energy Consumers Minister Martin McCluskey said the SNP Government is ?cutting ourselves off? from the rest of the world by opposing nuclear power.

The National

The National | Politics

Six key points from John Swinney's keynote SNP conference speech
14 Mar 2026 at 5:06pm

JOHN Swinney has used his keynote speech at the SNP conference to warn that an independent Scotland would ban both nuclear weapons and countries engaged in illegal war from its shores and waters ...

£10 million recovery fund for Glasgow Union Street fire pledged by John Swinney
14 Mar 2026 at 4:18pm

A RECOVERY fund of up to £10 million to help Glasgow City Council and local businesses rebuild after a huge fire ravaged a row of buildings on Union Street last weekend has been pledged by the First Minister ...

US and Israel 'would be banned from indy Scotland over illegal Iran war', FM ...
14 Mar 2026 at 3:46pm

THE US and Israel?s attacks on Iran breached international law ? so both nations? militaries would be banned outright from an independent Scotland, John Swinney has said.

SNP confirm two new Holyrood candidates after dual resignations
14 Mar 2026 at 3:01pm

THE SNP have confirmed new candidates for the Holyrood elections after seeing two resignations in recent weeks ...

SNP fundraiser passes £100k in 24 hours as minister says 'this is path to maj...
14 Mar 2026 at 2:39pm

THE SNP?s election campaign fundraiser topped £100,000 in less than 24 hours, the Culture Secretary has said, telling party members it will be used on the "path to winning a majority" ...

New Labour era minister Phil Woolas dies aged 66
14 Mar 2026 at 2:27pm

PHIL Woolas, a Labour former minister and MP, has died at the age of 66, his family and close friends have announced ...

Tory MSP faces allegations of sexual misconduct from own colleagues
14 Mar 2026 at 1:50pm

A CONSERVATIVE MSP is facing allegations of sexual misconduct following the publication of a report on workplace culture in the Scottish Parliament ...

Indy support should not be conditional on having a route map
14 Mar 2026 at 12:00pm

Whether or not the SNP win an overall majority at the next Holyrood election, the cause will not die

Stephen Flynn aims jibes at Anas Sarwar and right-wing media in SNP conferenc...
14 Mar 2026 at 11:44am

STEPHEN Flynn has opened the SNP conference with quips aimed at Anas Sarwar, right-wing media, and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander ...

The state of play in every Scottish constituency explained ? find yours here
14 Mar 2026 at 11:40am

The National is publishing a profile for every constituency in the upcoming Holyrood elections on May 7 ? here's how to find information about your area

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Swinney says independence 'within our grasp' as he unveils childcare plan
14 Mar 2026 at 12:24pm
Addressing the SNP's spring conference in Edinburgh, the first minister also set out details for a recovery fund following the fire in Glasgow city centre

Parliament survey finds evidence of bullying and sexual harassment
13 Mar 2026 at 9:06am
The parliament?s chief executive and the presiding officer said they were ?deeply concerned? by the findings, with the incidents only coming to light because of the review.

Local Authorities Guide: Fife Council
13 Mar 2026 at 6:00am
Council leader David Ross answers questions about local authority

Scottish Government ?can?t be trusted? with Salmond files, information commis...
12 Mar 2026 at 10:34pm
David Hamilton said he had been met with a series of 'excuses' from the government that were 'preposterous and unacceptable'?

Glasgow fire is ?wake-up call? to service cuts, says Anas Sarwar
12 Mar 2026 at 1:08pm
The Scottish Labour leader also called for an ?urgent investigation? into whether reductions to capacity may have had an impact

Local Authorities Guide: East Renfrewshire Council
12 Mar 2026 at 6:00am
Council leader Owen O'Donnell answers questions about local authority

UK Government releases first Mandelson files
11 Mar 2026 at 3:39pm
The disgraced peer demanded ?547,000 after being sacked as US ambassador

Techscaler programme helps raise more than ?250m for Scottish start-ups
11 Mar 2026 at 10:11am
Begun in 2022, Techscaler seeks to connect fledgling companies with investors and customers.

From connectivity to capability: enabling Scotland?s next phase of digital he...
11 Mar 2026 at 6:00am
Every health board, regardless of its current digital maturity, should have access to tools and support that enable it to move forward confidently and at pace to build a connected and capable health and care future for Scotland.

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

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

UK faces ?seismic moment? as nationalists target election wins, says John Swi...
14 Mar 2026 at 6:22pm
SNP leader hails prospect of success for parties in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that want to break up unionThe UK is facing an ?absolutely seismic moment?, John Swinney has said, with the prospect of the election of first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in May who are a...

Glasgow?s only high-ladder fire engine unavailable during office block inferno
12 Mar 2026 at 2:12pm
Revelation prompts questions over Scottish fire service?s capacity to deal with large fires after 2023 cutsConcerns have been raised about the capacity of Scotland?s fire service to deal with large fires like the one that gutted a Victorian office block in Glasgow as it emerged that the city?s on...

Starmer warned cabinet against ?overly deferential? relations with devolved g...
11 Mar 2026 at 10:46am
Leaked memo dates from shortly after Labour Senedd members raised alarm devolution is being rolled backUK politics live ? latest updatesKeir Starmer warned his cabinet against an ?overly deferential? approach to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish governments, according to a leaked memo.In the...

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...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Lessons from 2014 for next time round
14 Mar 2026 at 6:23pm
An important new academic book looking at the 2014 Scottish independence referendum has just been published. The snappily titled “Discourse, Voice, and the Politics of Participation in the Scottish Independence Referendum” by Dr Maike Dinger, a Lecturer in Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling is available on Amazon for £104.99 hardback or …

So-called muscular unionism is a sign of Westminster?s fragility
12 Mar 2026 at 4:30pm
The Labour party has responded to the leak of a memo from Starmer to cabinet ministers in which he tells them not to be “deferential” to the devolved governments and not to hesitate to override them even on devolved matters. Starmer was questioned about the memo by SNP MP Stephen Gethins at Prime Minister’s Questions …

Devolution has run out of road
10 Mar 2026 at 6:48pm
This always happens, every time I decide to take a bit of time off, a big news story breaks and it’s back to the keyboard. On Tuesday, a Labour government memo was leaked which proves that Keir Starmer is hell bent on undermining the devolution settlement. In the memo, sent to all members of the …

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 …

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

Some people need to think more about what they are singing when they sing ?Go...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:27pm
  Jimmy Saville was also a favoured celebrity of Margaret Thatcher, the former Tory PM, as it was reported that they had a ?close, friendly relationship during the 1980s, which included Saville visiting her at Chequers, her country residence, on multiple occasions?. (Saville?s charity work and his celerity popularity made him a magnet for politicians like Thatcher and also some others to try to...

Scottish Labour receives donations worth over half a million in just the last...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:14pm
By Liz S I see that democracy is still up for sale. It has been reported that: ?Scottish Labour has reported receiving significant donations in the run-up to the May 2026 Holyrood election, with over £550,000 recorded in the final quarter of 2025 alone? ?Billionaire businessmen Sandy and James Easdale are among the biggest donors, with a £150,000 cash donation recorded in December 2025 via thei...

Why is a £5.75m Scot Gov investment not newsworthy at all but a £0.25m Lotter...
14 Mar 2026 at 3:56pm
By stewartb The main Scotland page of the BBC News website today (Saturday 14 March) has a story with this headline: ?Historic Borders bridge secures £250,000 for restoration project?. It?s been ?elevated? from the South of Scotland local news page and reports on the awarding of a National Lottery Fund grant. The Scottish Government issued a press statement on Friday 13 March with the heading: ...

Swinney beats Starmer by 100 to 1 on days not lost to public sector strikes
14 Mar 2026 at 11:11am
According to the ONS, the UK has lost 993 000 days to strikes in the public sector, mainly in health and education, since Labour came to power in July 2024.1 In the same period, Scotland had no public sector strikes other than in HE/FE2, thus almost all of the above were lost in England & Wales. Why? In summary, Scotland avoided major disruptions in core public services like health and schools,...

As English prison governors warn of increasing violence of ?nothing-to-lose? ...
14 Mar 2026 at 10:40am
In the Guardian today: Longer sentences, overcrowding and inexperienced staff cited as factors in ?rising tensions? in prisons Notorious prisoners such as the Soham killer Ian Huntley are facing increasingly violent attacks from inmates with ?nothing to lose?, the head of the Prison Governors? Association has said. Tom Wheatley, the president of the PGA, which represents governors in England an...

England?s Royal Family and residual historical complacency among the members ...
14 Mar 2026 at 9:44am
The above image popping up in FB yesterday, shocked me. What follows is a quick AI starter for your thoughts. There are multiple photographs in the public domain of the current king when still the Prince of Wales in the company of the serial sex offender Jimmy Saville. In the light of the current issue with his brother and reports on Lord Mountbatten does this suggest the Royal Family has or ha...

As the QEUH witch-hunt continues, two experts say 100% mould-free large hospi...
14 Mar 2026 at 9:03am
In the Herald yesterday: Mould growth has been found in a cancer ward at a flagship hospital which was partially closed due to mould and dirty water ingress, the Health Secretary has confirmed. Neil Gray said he was made aware on Thursday morning that mould growth was found in one of the rooms on the bone marrow transplant ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. Is it...

Despair for BBC Scotland and Labour as Scottish Government avoids yet another...
13 Mar 2026 at 7:11pm
By Liz S In more news to disappoint Labour in Scotland and Labour HQ, including Daniel J , Anas S and Sir Keir Starmer???.. BBC website : Second story (for now) on Scotland main page Top story (for now) on Scottish Politics page. ?Teachers? union calls off strikes after workload deal? ?Strike action planned for schools in six Scottish council areas next week has been called off after a deal on ...

Short video on -Are hard-pressed Scots sick of homeworking hybrids?
13 Mar 2026 at 3:43pm
Major research funded by Conservative Government in 2020 reveals ‘home working generally supports productivity’ but Scottish Cons, all by themselves, are causing ‘mounting pressure’ on SNP ‘secrecy’ about it according to journalist who has not read it.

Labour?s Dismal Daniel Johnson so mansion-friendly even Paul Hutcheon called...
13 Mar 2026 at 3:37pm
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 (on fire today) Labour MSP Daniel Johnson regarding Council Tax on behalf of an area in Edinburgh that is more affluent , and that has houses that are valued far more than some other ar...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes v...
14 Mar 2026 at 11:28am
SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes vote'  Thenational Scot

SNP conference told independence means departing ?an abusive relationship? - ...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:31pm
SNP conference told independence means departing ?an abusive relationship?  Holyrood Website

?A whopping lie?: SNP claims Scotland props up UK economy - The Telegraph
14 Mar 2026 at 8:07am
?A whopping lie?: SNP claims Scotland props up UK economy  The Telegraph

Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland - BBC
2 Mar 2026 at 8:00am
Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland  BBC

Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' c...
14 Mar 2026 at 12:01am
Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' criticism  The Herald

Swinney ?out of touch? with independence call - Daily Business
14 Mar 2026 at 1:29pm
Swinney ?out of touch? with independence call  Daily Business

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

SNP still talks about independence ? but does little to pursue it - The Times
12 Mar 2026 at 9:53pm
SNP still talks about independence ? but does little to pursue it  The Times

Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority - Yahoo News UK
13 Mar 2026 at 10:57am
Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority  Yahoo News UK

SNP brutally mocked after members approve 'prepare for Scexit' plan containin...
14 Mar 2026 at 2:13pm
SNP brutally mocked after members approve 'prepare for Scexit' plan containing 'whopping lie'  Scottish Daily Express

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP conference told independence means departing ?an abusive relationship? - ...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:31pm
SNP conference told independence means departing ?an abusive relationship?  Holyrood Website

SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes v...
14 Mar 2026 at 11:28am
SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes vote'  Thenational Scot

John Swinney delivers keynote speech at SNP conference - BBC
14 Mar 2026 at 3:06pm
John Swinney delivers keynote speech at SNP conference  BBC

First Minister John Swinney?s speech to the SNP?s 2026 Campaign Conference - ...
14 Mar 2026 at 4:07pm
First Minister John Swinney?s speech to the SNP?s 2026 Campaign Conference  snp.org

?A whopping lie?: SNP claims Scotland props up UK economy - The Telegraph
14 Mar 2026 at 8:07am
?A whopping lie?: SNP claims Scotland props up UK economy  The Telegraph

SNP announce Sally Donald replacement in Holyrood election following benefits...
14 Mar 2026 at 2:56pm
SNP announce Sally Donald replacement in Holyrood election following benefits probe  The Herald

John Swinney promises to spend £500m on childcare if SNP wins election - The ...
14 Mar 2026 at 6:16pm
John Swinney promises to spend £500m on childcare if SNP wins election  The Scotsman

SNP brutally mocked after members approve 'prepare for Scexit' plan containin...
14 Mar 2026 at 2:13pm
SNP brutally mocked after members approve 'prepare for Scexit' plan containing 'whopping lie'  Scottish Daily Express

SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim - BBC
4 Mar 2026 at 8:00am
SNP candidate stands down after benefits fraud claim  BBC

John Swinney promises ?transformational? help with childcare if SNP re-electe...
14 Mar 2026 at 5:27pm
John Swinney promises ?transformational? help with childcare if SNP re-elected  The Independent

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland - BBC
2 Mar 2026 at 8:00am
Why independence is still a political dividing line in Scotland  BBC

SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes v...
14 Mar 2026 at 11:28am
SNP tell UK Government 'to prepare for loss of Scottish subsidies after Yes vote'  Thenational Scot

Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' c...
14 Mar 2026 at 12:01am
Swinney: Scottish independence is 'within grasp' as he shrugs off 'failure' criticism  The Herald

Swinney ?out of touch? with independence call - Daily Business
14 Mar 2026 at 1:29pm
Swinney ?out of touch? with independence call  Daily Business

Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority - Yahoo News UK
13 Mar 2026 at 10:57am
Only one in 12 Scots want independence vote as priority  Yahoo News UK

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

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

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

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

Nightmare poll for John Swinney as support for the UK soars and Scots give gr...
13 Mar 2026 at 11:42am
Nightmare poll for John Swinney as support for the UK soars and Scots give grim verdict on FM's performance  Scottish Daily Express