The Herald

The Herald | Politics


JK Rowling centre says Amnesty apology does not solve ?reputational damage?
1 Aug 2026 at 9:14am
A sexual violence support centre backed by JK Rowling has welcomed an apology from Amnesty International, but said it does not rectify the ?reputational damage? from a controversial briefing.


Glasgow and Edinburgh city region leaders in 'second stage' devolution plea t...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am
The SNP chair of Glasgow City Region and her Labour counterpart in Edinburgh have written jointly to Andy Burnham demanding Scotland's cities share in the new wave of English devolution deals ? warning a funding gap only Westminster can fix.


Scotland risks being left behind amid Andy Burnham social care reforms, SNP told
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am
Andy Burnham's social care reform plans are a warning that the Scottish Government risks being left behind without immediate action, the SNP has been told.


Wind farms hit by huge delays over 'abnormal load' rule that only applies in ...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am
Firms building Scotland's onshore wind farms are waiting up to eight months for police escorts for turbine blades because of a constitutional quirk.


How Scottish Labour hopefuls responded to Unison's demand to stop SNP job cuts
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am
Unison said on Thursday that the next leader of Scottish Labour must defeat the Scottish Government's plans to cut up to 20,000 public sector jobs.


Inside SNP?s £500m First Homes Fund secrecy row - and who pays
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am
SNP ministers are under fire for redacting the full risk assessment and value-for-money case for their £500m First Homes Fund, raising fresh questions over secrecy, and who really benefits from Scotland?s flagship help-to-buy scheme.


What does BP exit say about future of the North Sea and Aberdeen?
by scott.wright@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Scott Wright
31 Jul 2026 at 4:00pm
Decision by BP to sell up North Sea assets poses big questions about future of Aberdeen


'Nobody's puppet': Joe Fagan's camp hits back at jibe as Labour contest heats up
31 Jul 2026 at 3:51pm
Allies of the newly-elected Scottish Labour MSP Joe Fagan have said he is 'nobody's puppet' after the jibe was used against him.


Amnesty UK apologises to JK Rowling's Beira's Place for 'anti-rights' reports
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
31 Jul 2026 at 11:39am
Amnesty International UK has apologised for describing JK Rowling's Beira's Place as 'anti-rights' as the charity withdraws a second report.


'Disastrous net-zero dogma': PM under pressure as BP to sell North Sea business
31 Jul 2026 at 11:18am
Andy Burnham is under growing pressure to act to protect the North Sea oil and gas industry after energy giant BP announced it was selling its North Sea operations.


Members of SNP tax advisory group say it was only kept alive to avoid bad hea...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
31 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Documents released through Freedom of Information reveal Scotland's Tax Advisory Group members privately concluded the body had no influence on real decisions, with one saying it survived only because axing it might have made the news.


Vulnerable Scots stranded in 'credit deserts' as ministers warned over health...
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
31 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
Scottish ministers are accused of leaving vulnerable Scots in ?credit deserts?, adding financial stress in communities with the poorest health.


Civil servants criticise Burnham 'sidelining' Kirsty McNeill role amid dispute
31 Jul 2026 at 5:00am
The PCS trade union which represents rank and file civil servants is the latest organisation to criticise the Prime Minister's downgrading of a key ministerial role given to Scottish Labour MP Kirsty McNeill.


Domestic Abuse Protections Leave Private Renters Behind, Shelter Scotland Warns
by gl-heraldnews@newsquest.co.uk | Eva Milne
31 Jul 2026 at 2:25pm
New powers allow social landlords to remove abusers from tenancies and help victims stay in their homes, but Shelter Scotland warns private renters lack equivalent protections.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Iraq veteran and wheelchair-bound wife to be made homeless by MoD cuts
1 Aug 2026 at 6:01am

Mr Harraughty and his veteran wife Tina are set to be evicted from their home due to MoD job cuts.

The Social Security Scotland bill for hire cars has soared to more than £1 million since the devolution of disability benefits

?I am firmly committed to working urgently to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery? - Jenny Gilruth

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

Amnesty apologises to JK Rowling's sexual violence support centre
31 Jul 2026 at 6:50pm
The centre, funded by the Harry Potter author, had threatened Amnesty with legal action after it was labelled "anti-rights".

Scotland MP Joani Reid readmitted into Labour Party after suspension
31 Jul 2026 at 7:39am
She voluntarily suspended herself after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China but no further action is being taken against her

Burnham says he 'can't ignore resource' of North Sea oil and gas
30 Jul 2026 at 5:19pm
Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.

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.

Scot Goes Pop

The Craig Murray and Xander Elliards blueprints for securing Scottish indepen...
30 Jul 2026 at 9:20pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.I currently have fourteen regular monthly Ko-Fi supporters.  I reckon if I could get...

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...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Prime Minister Andy Burnham: UK offering Spain ?what help we can? to deal wit...
1 Aug 2026 at 1:41pm
The Prime Minister said he had spoken with Pedro Sanchez after around 60,000 migrants breached the border of its territory in north Africa

Nicola Sturgeon: Women expected to ?carry the can for the behaviour of a man?
30 Jul 2026 at 9:45pm
Ms Sturgeon also said Prime Minister Andy Burnham has a ?very southern view of what it means to be northern?.

Joani Reid readmitted to Labour Party after investigation into husband
30 Jul 2026 at 8:59pm
The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP was formally suspended following the arrest of her partner David Taylor

When will the Scottish Labour leadership election begin?
30 Jul 2026 at 1:58pm
Nominations will open on August 3, but three MSPs have already signalled their plans to run for leader

£8.4 billion investment in UK?s Dreadnought nuclear submarines
30 Jul 2026 at 10:50am
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said tens of thousands of jobs will be supported with the money

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

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Leaders must back this vital industry as BP puts North Sea business up for sale
1 Aug 2026 at 4:30am
Record View says BP?s departure feels like a hammer blow to the struggling sector.

'Scottish Labour tearing themselves apart before their leadership contest has...
31 Jul 2026 at 12:10pm
In an analysis, Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says Monica Lennon's likely failure to make the ballot will see two male MSPs slug it out.

Labour and SNP governments blast BP decision to quit North Sea after 60 years
31 Jul 2026 at 11:38am
The GMB trade union said the decision was the "sadly predictable consequence of the failure of successive governments to encourage and protect offshore industries".

Scottish Labour leadership frontrunner says party has 'failed' working class ...
31 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Marra also said Scottish Labour had to ditch "knee jerk SNP bad reactions" in the Parliament.

MP Joani Reid has Labour suspension lifted after husband?s arrest on suspicio...
30 Jul 2026 at 8:15pm
The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP will be a Labour parliamentarian again after a fourth month probe by the party.

Andy Burnham says UK 'can't ignore' North Sea oil as pressure grows for u-turn
30 Jul 2026 at 3:29pm
The Labour Prime Minister made the comment during a conversation with President Trump.

Trade union boss says Anas Sarwar's reputation 'in bits' after 'thoughtless' ...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Louise Gilmour of the GMB, which funds Labour, tore into Sarwar after he quit before conducting a review into his party's Holyrood election defeat.

Turning Point charity rent blow puts lives at risk as crisis centre faces clo...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
Record View says Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government must thrash out a rescue package for the livesaving charity.

Major M8 roadworks misery to continue as transport bosses have 'no end date'
30 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: An MSP has warned the M8 repair scheme has become "a colossal financial drain on the public finances" and branded the Woodside viaducts an "obsolete 1970s eyesore".

'Scottish Labour is needlessly hurtling into a leadership contest when it nee...
30 Jul 2026 at 4:29am
Writing for the Record, GMB Scotland chief Louise Gilmour warns Scottish Labour stands on "sand" if it doesn't represent the interests of working men and women.

The National

The National | Politics

Labour blasted over MoD caretaker job cuts leaving 110 military workers homeless
1 Aug 2026 at 11:25am

THE UK Government has been accused of betraying military workers after it emerged that 110 caretakers are facing being made homeless after being made redundant due to plans by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to scrap their roles ...

Death toll in Spain-Morocco border crisis in Ceuta reaches 67
1 Aug 2026 at 10:47am

THE death toll in Spain?s Ceuta border crisis with Morocco has climbed to 67, the Spanish Government confirmed on Saturday ...

Donald Trump threatens more strikes on Iran saying 'US just wants to win'
1 Aug 2026 at 10:40am

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has threatened more strikes on Iran as the United States presses for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ...

Two Scottish city leaders demand UK Government devolution funding deal
1 Aug 2026 at 9:07am

TWO of the leaders from Scotland?s largest city regions have demanded that the UK Government deliver a ?second stage devolution? settlement for the Central Belt in a letter to the Prime Minister, with Douglas Alexander also coming under fire ...

New legal housing provisions begin to give domestic abuse victims more rights
1 Aug 2026 at 8:25am

The Scottish Government has said domestic abuse must be ?eradicated from our society? as new legal provisions to protect victims? housing comes into force ...

Owen Jones: Vultures on the right won?t let facts get in the way of racism
31 Jul 2026 at 8:15pm

IT was the perfect opportunity for the anti-migrant right. News that 60,000 migrants had swept into Spanish territory made headlines across Europe. Many readers probably had no idea that Ceuta is in fact on the coast of North Africa, a vestige of

70 organisations unite as Mull and Iona reject hate after Pride online abuse
1 Aug 2026 at 5:00am

MORE than 70 businesses, organisations and community groups across Mull and Iona have issued a rare joint statement condemning hate and affirming their support for the LGBT+ community after this year?s Pride celebrations were targeted with online abuse

Scottish Duke given private meeting to lobby for £2bn data centre, leaked ema...
31 Jul 2026 at 5:56pm

A SCOTTISH aristocrat looking to build a £2 billion data centre on his estate has been given a private meeting to lobby decision-makers at the local council ? including those in charge of planning, The National can reveal ...

Andy Burnham bets you hate the media as much as he does. Will his luck finall...
31 Jul 2026 at 5:24pm

LABOUR prime ministers have a strange relationship with the media.

Is it time to fire Douglas Alexander and scrap the role of Scottish Secretary?
31 Jul 2026 at 4:56pm

WHAT exactly is the point of Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander? That is a question that people in Scotland should be asking anyway ...

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Action call as BP announces North Sea sell-off
31 Jul 2026 at 1:53pm
The Scottish Government has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take ?urgent action? to save jobs after BP announced plans to sell its North Sea operations

Joani Reid has Labour whip restored
31 Jul 2026 at 12:50pm
The MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven voluntarily stepped back from the party over the arrest of her husband David Taylor on suspicion of spying for China

Sovereignty, AI and Matthew Broderick
30 Jul 2026 at 7:00am
In the modern business landscape, there is no option to sit this out.

Joe Fagan announces intention to run in Labour leadership election
29 Jul 2026 at 11:20am
Joe Fagan has said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham?s by-election win in Makerfield showed that the party can ?win back trust? when it is ?serious about changing people?s lives?

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

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

Burnham?s mini bounce
1 Aug 2026 at 1:39pm
Our visitors have left now. It was lovely to see them. As far as the blog is concerned I’m able to type again. There was a problem with the keyboard on my laptop which has now been repaired. Top tip, don’t spill tea on your laptop. So it’s back to blogging as usual. Andy Burnham …

Why you should subscribe to The National
1 Aug 2026 at 1:15pm
The National’s summer sale is running until Thursday 6 August. During this limited time period you can purchase an annual subscription to Scotland’s only pro-independence newspaper for the bargain price of £20. You might not agree with everything published by The National, but that’s inevitable in a publication which carries the weight of an entire …

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 …

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

As wildfire approaches Suffolk nuclear power station, the heatwave starts to ...
31 Jul 2026 at 11:02am
Thanks to Frances McKie for alerting us to this. Electricité de France (EDF) shut down the Golfech-2 nuclear reactor in southern France amid a heat wave pushing temperatures toward 40°C in parts of Europe. This is the latest in a record number of heat-related outages for France?s nuclear fleet this summer, reducing output from a key part of Europe?s electricity system. EDF also warned that the ...

As Labour?s Joani Reid MP sneaks back in under a media fog a reminder of what...
31 Jul 2026 at 9:18am

As media today try to blame SNP for wildfires, how they have increased firefi...
31 Jul 2026 at 9:04am

Reposted as media headline a prison video in a desperate effort to fan the dy...
31 Jul 2026 at 8:46am

Prisons in England and Wales with only half the probation officers, releasing...
31 Jul 2026 at 8:35am
Thanks to Dottie for alerting us to this. From the Parole Board for Scotland Annual Report 2024/2025 (2025/2026 not yet released), 2 386 prisoners were released. Of these, 282 were recalled to prison within 12 months, an 11.8% recidivism rate overall. https://scottishparoleboard.scot/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Annual-Report-2024-2025.pdf All things being equal in terms of influencing facts such...

The supposed £22m SNP tax blunder is not true but Labour?s £48 billion tax av...
30 Jul 2026 at 1:43pm
Details at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/30/how-the-snps-22m-tax-blunder-is-not-certain-but-pm-andy-burnhams-up-to-48bn-tax-avoidance-is/

Now this Suffolk wildfire only 3 miles away, across a tinder-dry nature reser...
30 Jul 2026 at 12:48pm
The wildfire at Dunwich Heath is in an area of coastal lowland just south of the village of Dunwich in Suffolk. It is about 25 miles (40km) north-east from the county town of Ipswich but less than 3 miles from Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station. The sites are separated by the Minsmere nature reserve area, with Sizewell B (and the adjacent Sizewell A/C sites) to the south. The Minismere area was i...

How the ?SNP?s £22m tax blunder? is not certain but PM Andy Burnham?s up to £...
30 Jul 2026 at 10:01am
From reader derekscott1953, the above, and: A rounding error, possibly, if people bother to read the Dan Neidle report. An earlier Dan Neidle report drew attention to the billions (not a mere £22m) being lost annually to the UK through tax evasion. From How Andy Burnham could raise £15bn ? without a tax rise, published 1 July 2026: It?s the UK?s biggest and least discussed tax problem. There?s ...

Reposted as gutter press in Scotland feed on dubious research suggesting ?£22...
30 Jul 2026 at 9:35am

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Former diplomat unveils Scottish independence plan that could trigger war wit...
31 Jul 2026 at 2:29pm
Former diplomat unveils Scottish independence plan that could trigger war with UK  The National Scot

UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits - Al Jazeera
23 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

Nicola Sturgeon: United Ireland more likely than new independence vote - The ...
31 Jul 2026 at 12:20pm
Nicola Sturgeon: United Ireland more likely than new independence vote  The Times

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - rnz.co.nz
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  rnz.co.nz

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

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

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - bbc.com
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  bbc.com

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

North star - Monocle
18 Jul 2026 at 4:38am
North star  Monocle

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

SNP Schneider Neureither And Partner (XTRA:SHF) Stock Rises On Profit Surge Y...
31 Jul 2026 at 8:00pm
SNP Schneider Neureither And Partner (XTRA:SHF) Stock Rises On Profit Surge Yet Forecasts Caution  simplywall.st

Inside SNP?s £500m First Homes Fund secrecy row - and who pays - The Herald
1 Aug 2026 at 5:59am
Inside SNP?s £500m First Homes Fund secrecy row - and who pays  The Herald

How Andy Burnham has exposed the SNP as enemies of true devolution ? Brian Wi...
1 Aug 2026 at 6:00am
How Andy Burnham has exposed the SNP as enemies of true devolution ? Brian Wilson  The Scotsman

SNP calls for ?decisive action? as BP reveals plan to sell North Sea operatio...
1 Aug 2026 at 11:30am
SNP calls for ?decisive action? as BP reveals plan to sell North Sea operations  London Evening Standard

Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike' - BBC
30 Jul 2026 at 6:32am
Scotland's papers: Body in suitcase probe and SNP tax 'hike'  BBC

MP Lillian Jones: 'SNP should take inspiration from Andy Burnham' - Cumnock C...
1 Aug 2026 at 3:06pm
MP Lillian Jones: 'SNP should take inspiration from Andy Burnham'  Cumnock Chronicle

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: Strong cash flow and strategic project progress offset regulatory and ma...
31 Jul 2026 at 6:19am
SNP: Strong cash flow and strategic project progress offset regulatory and market challenges  TradingView

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

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

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 8:00am
UK?s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits  Al Jazeera

Former diplomat unveils Scottish independence plan that could trigger war wit...
31 Jul 2026 at 2:29pm
Former diplomat unveils Scottish independence plan that could trigger war with UK  The National Scot

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

New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Sc...
23 Jul 2026 at 8:00am
New Scottish independence referendum ?off limits,? UK prime minister tells Scottish leader  Anadolu Ajans?

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - bbc.com
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  bbc.com

Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform - rnz.co.nz
10 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish leader John Swinney calls for independence to thwart Reform  rnz.co.nz

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

Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote - NZ Herald
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote  NZ Herald

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

Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum - ...
11 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scotland's head of government vows to hold another independence referendum  ConstitutionNet