The Herald

The Herald | Politics


Auditors to examine ScotWind offshore leasing amid claims money ?squandered?
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
21 Feb 2026 at 3:42pm
Opponents have accused the Scottish Government of ?squandering? the proceeds from the June 2022 ScotWind leases


Alba Party withdraws from Scottish election with questions over 'viability'
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
21 Feb 2026 at 2:34pm
Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said the decision was a "bitter blow"


Ed Davey: 'Lib Dems back removal of Andrew from line of succession'
by Katrine Bussey and Neil Pooran
21 Feb 2026 at 12:01pm
Sir Ed said it would be ?intolerable? for Andrew to succeed to the throne


John Swinney: Independence ?within reach? after positive poll
by jody.harrison@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Jody Harrison
21 Feb 2026 at 10:06am
A survey by More in Common this week projected that the SNP would win 64 seats after May,


What has gone wrong with the M8 and will it ever be fixed?
21 Feb 2026 at 9:00am
More than 150,000 vehicles crawl along the M8 at Charing Cross in Glasgow each day and the road is bedevilled by roadworks and traffic jams. So what went wrong?


HES reviews overseas travel after watchdog concerns about international trips
21 Feb 2026 at 5:01am
The government's troubled heritage agency Historic Environment Scotland has revealed it is reviewing staff overseas travel following concerns by the public spending watchdog Audit Scotland.


SNP would be taking 'a huge step backwards' if it does a deal with Lib Dems
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
The SNP would be taking 'a huge step backwards' if it does a governing deal with the Lib Dems after the election, according to the Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer.


'Most expensive imaginary card in history': Cost of scrapped digital ID plan ...
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
The UK Government's scrapped mandatory digital ID scheme cost taxpayers £843,743 before ministers were forced into a U-turn.


What every celebrity chef and ex-Prime Minister wants: an ego boost
by alison.rowat@theherald.co.uk | Alison Rowat
21 Feb 2026 at 9:28am
A candid Gordon Ramsay doc, Channel 5?s dystopian thriller The Curfew, and a revealing Tony Blair series make for a gripping week in TV. Here?s what worked ? and what didn?t.


Maternity Services: Do they deliver? The Herald investigates
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
The Herald launches a four-day investigation into Scotland?s maternity services, examining safety, staffing pressures and access to care nationwide.


Scottish Labour letting down its voters, says MP suspended for saying what he...
21 Feb 2026 at 6:30am
I asked Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, where his party is going wrong. He didn't hold back


Charity calls on Holyrood parties to 'end, not manage' child poverty
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
Aberlour is urging political parties to commit to go "further and faster" in tackling child poverty ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.


Provost who fought for and won city status for Perth dies
21 Feb 2026 at 6:00am
Dr John Hulbert, who has died aged 86, was a former provost of Perth and Kinross, GP, author and historian with an unwavering commitment to his community.


UK Government 'considering' removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from succession
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
20 Feb 2026 at 6:08pm
The UK Government is reportedly considering legislation which would remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, from the line of succession

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


SNP's flagship ScotWind projects being investigated by Scotland's spending wa...
21 Feb 2026 at 6:01am

The SNP government?s ScotWind projects will be looked at by Scotland?s spending watchdog.

Wings over Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craig Murray

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

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

Two Little Caracas Videos

Postpone The Celebrations
14 Feb 2026 at 7:46am

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

Postpone The Celebrations

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

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

Is The USA Controlling Venezuela

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

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

Filton Acquittals Demolish Starmer and Cooper Lies About Palestine Action

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

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

Trump, Pirate of the Caribbean

Palestine Action Judicial Review
29 Jan 2026 at 6:59pm

I attach the full text of Lord Young’s decision granting the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine. A few points. Judicial Review can only be granted where the judge believes it has a realistic chance of success. Lord Young evidently believes that we have a realistic chance of success on our three grounds …

Palestine Action Judicial Review

BBC Scotland

Alba Party 'unlikely' to stand in Scottish Parliament election
21 Feb 2026 at 3:49pm
Leader Kenny MacAskill said the party faced an "immediate crisis" and it was unlikely it would be able to register for the Holyrood elections.

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

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

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

Scottish Lib Dems 'squeezed every penny' out of budget deal, says Cole-Hamilton
20 Feb 2026 at 1:22pm
He says an agreement with SNP ministers will see £300m of Holyrood money funding his party's priority issues.

Swinney backs lord advocate after corruption claim
19 Feb 2026 at 3:44pm
The accusation which involves Dorothy Bain was repeated during exchanges at First Minister's Questions in Holyrood.

Double-digit council tax rises proposed for second year in a row
19 Feb 2026 at 1:59pm
Aberdeenshire and Moray councils are both considering 10% council tax increases.

Healthy life expectancy falls across Scotland
19 Feb 2026 at 12:07pm
New figures show people in Scotland are spending a greater proportion of their life in poor health than previously.

Swinney was told of Murrell charges weeks before they became public
18 Feb 2026 at 3:43pm
Former SNP chief executive Murrell is accused of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

'No guarantee' bus driver's killer will have free pass removed
17 Feb 2026 at 1:22pm
MSPs are demanding assurances Keith Rollinson's attacker will not get concessionary travel upon his release.

Free tuition under threat without revenue boost, report warns
17 Feb 2026 at 6:42am
Scotland's more generous benefits and public policies may have to be reconsidered, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Officers call for police cars to be equipped with guns
16 Feb 2026 at 2:38pm
The Scottish Police Federation wants the country to follow New Zealand in allowing officers to quickly access weapons in emergencies.

Scot Goes Pop

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

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

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

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

"Harken, brothers, what is that irritatingly persistent yet strangely compell...
16 Feb 2026 at 4:03pm

REVEALED AT LAST: What Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh NEVER wanted you to know - the "s...
14 Feb 2026 at 3:36pm
In October 2023, Alex Salmond took to the stage of Alba's 2023 conference in Glasgow, theatrically brandishing what he claimed was a "black dossier" containing unspecified evidence of unspecified w...

REVEALED: It was the Alba Party's acting Chair, DEBBIE EWEN, who was behind t...
12 Feb 2026 at 6:52pm

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord Advocate denies giving First Minister ?political advantage? in Murrell case
18 Feb 2026 at 6:14pm
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC faced questions over why details of the charge were given to John Swinney

John Swinney vows to respect court ?independence? amid Peter Murrell charge q...
18 Feb 2026 at 12:42pm
The First Minister declined to comment on why he was given sight of the indictment weeks before it was made public

Calls for answers about Lord Advocate?s email to FM on Peter Murrell charge
18 Feb 2026 at 8:59am
The Conservatives say the First Minister received a ?private warning? about the charges against the former SNP chief executive

From the mines to the North Sea: Workers fear history is repeating itself 
18 Feb 2026 at 6:33am
Workers in the energy industry believe the transition to renewables is pushing the sector towards collapse

Displaced workers scheme could create 30,000 hours of social care each month
18 Feb 2026 at 6:33am
The scheme helps employers recruit international workers who are already in the UK, but who have lost their sponsored employment.

Holyrood backs FOI reform but any changes will be after May election
17 Feb 2026 at 9:37pm
While the Scottish Government did not support the Bill, MSPs voted by 85 votes to 30 with eight abstentions.

Scottish Government denies involvement in delay to Peter Murrell court appear...
17 Feb 2026 at 5:19pm
The next hearing for the former SNP chief executive has been moved to after the Holyrood election

?No guarantee? teen who killed bus driver will have free travel pass removed
17 Feb 2026 at 1:39pm
The boy who killed Keith Rollinson could be released within weeks after two years in secure accommodation

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Retired Scots struggling to access pensions face 'considerable financial dist...
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00pm
EXCLUSIVE: A senior MSP has written to the DWP to demand answers on when a massive backlog of complaints will be finally cleared.

Alba leader warns party founded by Alex Salmond may not fight Holyrood electi...
21 Feb 2026 at 3:03pm
Former SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who leads Alba, issued the bleak update to party members.

Labour Government urged to push ahead with equal minimum wage for younger wor...
21 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer hit out at reports suggesting Ministers could delay the reform.

Scottish politics today: Tories and Liberal Democrats hold their pre-election...
20 Feb 2026 at 7:56pm
The Daily Record brings you its daily 5pm briefing of the top stories in Scottish politics.

Labour Holyrood List candidates revealed as former Alba member pulls off stun...
20 Feb 2026 at 3:41pm
EXCLUSIVE: Irshad Ahmad shocked party figures by defeating long-standing MSPs Daniel Johnson and Martin Whitfield to top the Edinburgh and Lothians East list.

Peter Murrell case row raises serious questions but will have no impact on th...
19 Feb 2026 at 5:00pm
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says voters are fascinated by the Murrell case, but will fall asleep over the Lord Advocate row.

John Swinney comments on arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
19 Feb 2026 at 1:21pm
Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is in custody.

Swinney defends Lord Advocate over Murrell briefing amid corruption claim
19 Feb 2026 at 12:33pm
The First Minister said he was "disgusted" at the behaviour of the leader of Scottish Conservatives leader after he suggested Dorothy Bain was corrupt.

Bus driver's widow hits out over killer's free travel pass amid calls for it ...
19 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Sue Rollinson, whose husband Keith died after being attacked by a thug, has criticised Agriculture and Connectivity Minister Jim Fairlie for refusing to guarantee the killer will not hav...

Reform UK continue to delay announcement of Holyrood candidates with weeks to...
19 Feb 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: The Reform website says their candidates are "to be announced" - despite the other parties announcing their own hopefuls.

The National

The National | Politics

SNP slam 'cost of chaos' from Keir Starmer's digital ID U-turn
21 Feb 2026 at 5:21pm

The SNP have slammed the UK Government for its ?botched? digital ID rollout after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that almost £1 million was spent on the failed policy

Trump to impose 15% global tariff on imports in spite of Supreme Court vote
21 Feb 2026 at 4:51pm

US President Donald Trump has said he is planning to impose a 15% global tariff, up from the 10% he had announced on Friday

WIll Zack Polanski campaign for the Scottish Greens? Ross Greer gives update
21 Feb 2026 at 4:28pm

Ross Greer has given an update on whether Zack Polanski could campaign for the Scottish Greens in the upcoming Holyrood election

I went to the Scottish Greens conference ? here's what it was like
21 Feb 2026 at 4:25pm

Scottish Greens members have met for the final time before voters head to the polls in May

Alba staff not informed of decision to ?de-register? party
21 Feb 2026 at 3:52pm

Staff of the Alba Party were not given prior warning of the decision to "de-register" and not contest the Scottish Election.

'The dream shall never die': Kenny MacAskill's statement to Alba members in full
21 Feb 2026 at 3:36pm

Members of the Alba party have received an email from the party's leadership saying it may not be possible to contest the upcoming Scottish Election

Alba party will not contest Scottish election seats following leadership vote
21 Feb 2026 at 2:56pm

Members of the Alba Party's board have voted not to contest the upcoming Scottish Elections

3 things which were announced at the Scottish Greens conference
21 Feb 2026 at 11:36am

With 75 days to go until the Holyrood election, the Scottish Greens have unveiled a number of key manifesto policies

Spending probe launched into flagship Scottish Government energy project
21 Feb 2026 at 9:21am

The Scottish Government's flagship ScotWind project, the Government-run auction of Scotland?s offshore wind licenses, is set to be probed by the nation?s spending watchdog

Scots give damning verdict on Anas Sarwar's call for Keir Starmer to quit in ...
21 Feb 2026 at 5:00am

MOST Scots think Anas Sarwar was right to call for Keir Starmer to resign as Prime Minister but the vast majority say it has had "no effect" on whether they will vote Scottish Labour

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

EDF power solutions UK - Removing barriers, unlocking opportunity
20 Feb 2026 at 6:00am
Delivering on these priorities will remove critical barriers and unlock the investment necessary to secure Scotland?s long-term energy independence and drive down costs for consumers.

John Swinney defends lord advocate over Peter Murrell memo
19 Feb 2026 at 1:40pm
The first minister said he had ?absolute confidence? in Dorothy Bain KC

Turning the Tide ? Scotland?s? Preventative ?Healthcare Journey
19 Feb 2026 at 6:00am
The return on investment is immediate and compounding: every percentage point reduction in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia and obesity frees up tens of millions of pounds that can be reinvested into frontline care.

Lack of ?just transition? progress risks Grangemouth repeat, expert commissio...
19 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
'There is no just path to net zero through deindustrialisation'

SNP one seat short of majority, new poll finds
18 Feb 2026 at 2:00pm
John Swinney has said a majority could lead to another referendum on Scottish independence

Demand for answers after John Swinney ?tipped off? about Peter Murrell case
18 Feb 2026 at 1:02pm
Details of the charges were made public on 13 February ? but the first minister was made aware on 19 January

National Crime Agency: War on online child abuse is becoming tougher
18 Feb 2026 at 10:48am
Tech firms and regulator must do more, NCA says

All to play for: Scottish games industry unveils election asks
17 Feb 2026 at 4:57pm
Chris van der Kuyl: 'The global industry is changing rapidly, and we cannot stand still'

Douglas Ross:?Peter Murrell adjournment ?stinks?
17 Feb 2026 at 3:14pm
SNP minister says government did not intervene on scheduling

Techscaler sets sights on New York as programme expands
17 Feb 2026 at 5:00am
Kate Forbes announces investment drive

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starmer says he ?will never walk away? as Burnham joins Labour figures backin...
10 Feb 2026 at 6:12pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereKemi Badenoch has said that Keir Starmer just received a ?stay of execution? yesterday. Speaking to reporters on a visit this morning, she said:Starmer is in a very dangerous place. The Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the quie...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billionaire tax evader blames poor people for Britain?s problems
13 Feb 2026 at 1:05pm
73 year old billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, the UK’s own racist granddad, moved to the tax haven of Monaco in 2020 in order to avoid paying his fair share of taxes. He’s doubtless one of those English people living abroad who considers himself an ‘expat’ and not an immigrant. It’s equally likely that he doesn’t speak …

Labour?s real problem in Scotland is that Sarwar and Starmer are the same.
12 Feb 2026 at 9:10am
It’s hard to overstate just how much of a shambles the Labour party in Scotland has got itself into. On Wednesday The Herald was reporting that branch manager Anas Sarwar had doubled down on his call for Keir Starmer to stand down as Prime Minister while at the very same time The Guardian’s Scottish correspondent …

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

No Royal in the future will be heard ?purring down the line? over Scotland
21 Feb 2026 at 8:36pm
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 A huge factor in the flawed part of Gordon Brown?s past ?plot? to encourage Prince William to help in persuading (gullible) Scots to stay within their UK, as in William the future heir ...

CalMac ferries are getting better ? short video
21 Feb 2026 at 5:40pm
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 Evidence at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotland Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or di...

Breast cancer among mature women far higher living near nuclear power station...
21 Feb 2026 at 5:13pm
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 Evidence at: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/02/20/french-owned-somerset-nuclear-power-station-delayed-by-13-years-with-construction-costs-soaring-from-18bn-to-more-than-50bn-and-to-produc...

Herald reveals 97% of CalMac sailings were NOT affected by mechanical issues...
21 Feb 2026 at 4:31pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From the Herald last week, the above, and: More than 18,000 CalMac ferries have been cancelled due to technical faults over the last five years, it has been revealed Bobbie (10) is that big numb...

There are currently NO publicly detailed specific cases of child rape ?groomi...
21 Feb 2026 at 10:07am
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON From BBC Stoke & Staffordshire yesterday, the above and: Council leaders have given their backing to their county’s first ever community safety strategy. The document sets out how Staffordshire ...

Scotland?s Maternity Services ? We already know they ?deliver?
21 Feb 2026 at 9:21am
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON The Herald today with an investigation designed to drag Scotland’s maternity units into the same glare as those in England. It’s a redundant exercise and they know it but you can be sure it will...

French owned Somerset nuclear power station delayed by 13 years with construc...
20 Feb 2026 at 10:24pm
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 Thanks to Dottie for alerting me to this: From the Guardian today: Britain?s first new nuclear plant in a generation at the Hinkley Point C site will face further delay, at a cost of ?2.5bn to t...

NHS England has second-worst month for 12-hour waits in Emergency Departments...
20 Feb 2026 at 5:02pm
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 stewartb In NHS Scotland – ?A&E performance around Christmas peak pressure suggests major improvements? ? not in NHS England it seems when it comes to the important ?over 12 hour waits? metri...

What was missing in all of today?s news reports on the police searches into t...
20 Feb 2026 at 5:01pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON By Liz S Did anyone see what was missing in all of today?s news reports on the police searches into the former residency (housing) of the Royal formerly known as a Prince, that is Andrew double ...

Clearly confused Labour Baroness ?blames? SNP for NHS Ayrshire & Arran?s drug...
20 Feb 2026 at 4:58pm
Please Support Talking-up Scotland at:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-talking-up-scotlandClick on the above.Or direct bank transfer at Sort Code 08-91-04 Account - 12266421 Name - JOHN ROBERTSON In the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, two days ago, Katy Clark, Baroness Clark of Kilwinning and MSP, so loaded, said: For nearly two decades, the SNP has presided over a drugs epidemic that ha...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

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

Zack Polanski's Green MPs could 'help secure Scottish independence referendum...
21 Feb 2026 at 8:01am
Zack Polanski's Green MPs could 'help secure Scottish independence referendum'  TheNational.scot

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

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

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

The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage - politico.eu
13 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage  politico.eu

Scottish 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

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

Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum - BBC
4 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum  BBC

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

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Regional ballot is the 'secret weapon' to defeat SNP - Findlay - BBC
21 Feb 2026 at 12:35pm
Regional ballot is the 'secret weapon' to defeat SNP - Findlay  BBC

Voting Tory on peach ballot ?secret weapon to kick SNP out?, Findlay to say -...
21 Feb 2026 at 9:10am
Voting Tory on peach ballot ?secret weapon to kick SNP out?, Findlay to say  Radio News Hub

Kingmakers: What the Greens or Lib Dems would demand of the SNP - The Times
21 Feb 2026 at 7:00pm
Kingmakers: What the Greens or Lib Dems would demand of the SNP  The Times

SNP slam 'cost of chaos' from Keir Starmer's digital ID U-turn - TheNational....
21 Feb 2026 at 5:35pm
SNP slam 'cost of chaos' from Keir Starmer's digital ID U-turn  TheNational.scot

SNP would be taking 'a huge step backwards' if it does a deal with Lib Dems -...
21 Feb 2026 at 9:37am
SNP would be taking 'a huge step backwards' if it does a deal with Lib Dems  The Herald

SNP 'inconsistency' row over Murrell case as top Nat releases Andrew statemen...
21 Feb 2026 at 7:13pm
SNP 'inconsistency' row over Murrell case as top Nat releases Andrew statement  The Scottish Sun

Exclusive: SNP's flagship ScotWind projects being investigated by Scotland's ...
21 Feb 2026 at 6:00am
Exclusive: SNP's flagship ScotWind projects being investigated by Scotland's spending watchdog  The Scotsman

SNP one seat short of majority, new poll finds - Holyrood Website
18 Feb 2026 at 2:08pm
SNP one seat short of majority, new poll finds  Holyrood Website

Russell Findlay?s keynote speech to Scottish Conservative Conference 2026 - S...
21 Feb 2026 at 2:47pm
Russell Findlay?s keynote speech to Scottish Conservative Conference 2026  Scottish Conservatives

Bitter SNP councillors try to stop pubs showing England games during the Worl...
21 Feb 2026 at 4:46pm
Bitter SNP councillors try to stop pubs showing England games during the World Cup  Scottish Daily Express

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Zack Polanski's Green MPs could 'help secure Scottish independence referendum...
21 Feb 2026 at 8:01am
Zack Polanski's Green MPs could 'help secure Scottish independence referendum'  TheNational.scot

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

Prince William 'urged Queen Elizabeth to intervene in Scottish independence r...
16 Feb 2026 at 4:28pm
Prince William 'urged Queen Elizabeth to intervene in Scottish independence referendum'  MSN

Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum - BBC
4 Sep 2025 at 8:00am
Swinney sets out latest plan for an independence referendum  BBC

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

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

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

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

The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage - politico.eu
13 Oct 2025 at 8:00am
The new hero of Scottish independence? Nigel Farage  politico.eu

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