All Sections
Scotland's National Newspaper
Edit Account-Sign Out
My AccountSign Out
BREAKING
2 days ago King Charles III and Queen Consort’s state trip to France cancelled
1 hour ago New look Deal or No Deal returning on ITV without Noel Edmonds
1 day ago Man arrested on suspicion of blackmailing Alison Hammond
1 day ago Daniel Radcliffe expecting first child with Erin Darke
1 day ago Queen’s pallbearers recognised in King Charles III special honours
2 days ago Westminster Abbey’s Cosmati Pavement opened to public for coronation

First Minister

SNP leadership candidates Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan

Brutal and divisive: the twists and turns of the SNP leadership race

Nicola Sturgeon's successor as First Minister must work to end child poverty in Scotland (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/WPA pool/Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon's successor as First Minister must work to end child poverty in Scotland (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/WPA pool/Getty Images)

Sturgeon’s anti-poverty legacy must continue

The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images
The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images

New SNP leader and next First Minister set to be named

The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images
The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images

New leader must ‘pick up the pieces’ of Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘woeful record’

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, leaves BBC Broadcasting House after his appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on March 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, leaves BBC Broadcasting House after his appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on March 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

Michael Gove refuses to lists Nicola Sturgeon's achievements as First Minister

Kate Forbes is the new favourite at the bookies with Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan also running
Kate Forbes is the new favourite at the bookies with Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan also running

Leadership odds for next SNP leader at the bookies

The three SNP leadership candidates - Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan
The three SNP leadership candidates - Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan

When will the next SNP leader be announced?

Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has backed the introduction of the deposit return scheme. Picture: John Devlin
Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has backed the introduction of the deposit return scheme. Picture: John Devlin

Irn-Bru maker urges next FM to make deposit return scheme 'top priority'

Nicola Sturgeon highlighted the increasing 'brutality' of political life as a factor in her decision to quit as First Minister. Picture: Getty
Nicola Sturgeon highlighted the increasing 'brutality' of political life as a factor in her decision to quit as First Minister. Picture: Getty

Why we must address brutality of digital culture for women in Scottish politics

One of the three leadership candidates is set to become First Minister this week.
One of the three leadership candidates is set to become First Minister this week.

What happens after the next SNP leader is elected?

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, is seen leaving the chamber following her final First Ministers Questions. Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, is seen leaving the chamber following her final First Ministers Questions. Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images

Next leader cannot bank on goodwill held by Nicola Sturgeon - Euan McColm

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

Anas Sarwar says Scotland deserves better than whoever wins SNP leadership race

Nicola Sturgeon (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

SNP leadership contest: Nicola Sturgeon starts driving lessons

Humza Yousaf is seen during the First Ministers Questions (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Humza Yousaf is seen during the First Ministers Questions (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Humza Yousaf hopes to have Nicola Sturgeon ‘on speed dial' if he wins

The First Minister met with patients at the state of the art facility at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital
The First Minister met with patients at the state of the art facility at Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital

Nicola Sturgeon opens National Treatment Centre in Fife

The Policy Planning Staff in the US, whose first job was designing the Marshall Plan, is staffed by a mix of civil servants and outside experts (Picture: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The Policy Planning Staff in the US, whose first job was designing the Marshall Plan, is staffed by a mix of civil servants and outside experts (Picture: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

US model could help improve governance of Scotland – Stewart McDonald

Lorna Slater
Lorna Slater

SNP-Green deal 'would end if Kate Forbes pushed ahead with key pledge'

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for her last First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for her last First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Swinney said he tried to leave Government years ago, but Sturgeon stopped him

SNP leadership candidate Humza Yousaf tweeted this image along with a promise to advance women’s rights
SNP leadership candidate Humza Yousaf tweeted this image along with a promise to advance women’s rights

Yousaf's pink heart reveals he’s got a lot to learn about sexism – Susan Dalgety

Nicola Sturgeon could have achieved much more during her time as First Minister (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)
Nicola Sturgeon could have achieved much more during her time as First Minister (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)

Nicola Sturgeon is highly talented but she was a failure as First Minister

Poverty in Scotland has hit a 20 year high
Poverty in Scotland has hit a 20 year high

Number of Scots in poverty rises to highest level for two decades at 1.1m

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Divisions in Scottish politics on full display as Sturgeon era draws to a close

On Friday, the First Minister will carry out her last official engagement after her her final 286th FMQs.
On Friday, the First Minister will carry out her last official engagement after her her final 286th FMQs.

An emotional Nicola Sturgeon delivers final address to Scottish Parliament as FM

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves the main chamber after her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves the main chamber after her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

12 pictures as Sturgeon given standing ovation after final Holyrood speech

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney hug before leaving the main chamber after her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney hug before leaving the main chamber after her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Sturgeon makes plea for SNP unity as she is accused of lies in stormy final FMQs

The number of Scots living in poverty has reached its highest for almost 20 years, with “disturbing” figures showing more than 1.1 million adults, children and pensioners are affected. .
The number of Scots living in poverty has reached its highest for almost 20 years, with “disturbing” figures showing more than 1.1 million adults, children and pensioners are affected. .

Number of Scots in poverty rises to highest level for two decades at 1.1m

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrive for her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrive for her last First Minster's Questions (FMQs) in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

Row over SNP membership figures dominates Nicola Sturgeon's final FMQ's

Nicola Sturgeon is to face her final First Minister’s Questions on Thursday after more than eight years as head of the Scottish Government.
Nicola Sturgeon is to face her final First Minister’s Questions on Thursday after more than eight years as head of the Scottish Government.

Nicola Sturgeon to face final First Minister’s Questions today

Nicola Sturgeon visits the Ferguson Marine shipyard in 2015 with the then owner Jim McColl (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA)
Nicola Sturgeon visits the Ferguson Marine shipyard in 2015 with the then owner Jim McColl (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA)

There are lessons to learn from Sturgeon’s ferries contract blunder

Scotland's Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney MSP, sat next to First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, as he delivers the Scottish Budget to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney MSP, sat next to First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, as he delivers the Scottish Budget to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Report details a sorry saga the Scottish Government must learn lessons from

Ferguson Marine shipyard, where two ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides network are being built.
Ferguson Marine shipyard, where two ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides network are being built.

SNP ministers and Sturgeon heavily criticised in damning report on ferry fiasco

Scottish Parliament handout photo of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon making a statement to Scottish Parliament apologising for Historical Adoption Practices in Scotland where many young women were forced to give their babies up for adoption against their will.
Scottish Parliament handout photo of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon making a statement to Scottish Parliament apologising for Historical Adoption Practices in Scotland where many young women were forced to give their babies up for adoption against their will.

Nicola Sturgeon offers ‘heartfelt’ apology for forced adoptions

Whoever takes over as Scotland's First Minister, Ash Regan, Humza Yousaf or Kate Forbes, must focus on the economy (Picture: Peter Devlin For Sky News via Getty Images)
Whoever takes over as Scotland's First Minister, Ash Regan, Humza Yousaf or Kate Forbes, must focus on the economy (Picture: Peter Devlin For Sky News via Getty Images)

Winner of SNP leadership contest must urgently focus on Scotland's economy

Why isn't more known about Peter Murrell, who has just quit as SNP Chief Executive, wonders reader (Picture: Andy Buchanan/Getty Images)
Why isn't more known about Peter Murrell, who has just quit as SNP Chief Executive, wonders reader (Picture: Andy Buchanan/Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: It’s time to lift veil on mystery man Murrell

SNP leadership candidates Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan
SNP leadership candidates Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan

Next First Minister urged to forge 'honest and open partnership' with business

So many SNP figures have resigned that it reminds Murdo Fraser of the carnage in the last act of Hamlet (Picture: Denis Sinyakov/AFP via Getty Images)
So many SNP figures have resigned that it reminds Murdo Fraser of the carnage in the last act of Hamlet (Picture: Denis Sinyakov/AFP via Getty Images)

The SNP leadership contest looks like the last act of Hamlet – Murdo Fraser

Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister's Questions in Holyrood
Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister's Questions in Holyrood

SNP accused of 'shameful' attempt to shield new First Minister from scrutiny

Nicola Sturgeon will be told to provide evidence to the inquiry looking into the response to the coronavirus pandemic
Nicola Sturgeon will be told to provide evidence to the inquiry looking into the response to the coronavirus pandemic

UK Covid-19 inquiry to request that Nicola Sturgeon should give evidence

Humza Yousaf, seen at a community cafe in Dalkeith, claims there was a cock-up, not a conspiracy, over the SNP's membership figures (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Humza Yousaf, seen at a community cafe in Dalkeith, claims there was a cock-up, not a conspiracy, over the SNP's membership figures (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

SNP party membership scandal raises questions about Yousaf’s judgment

SNP candidate Ash Regan. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
SNP candidate Ash Regan. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

SNP rejects call to allow members to change their vote in leadership race

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon answers questions from the floor after delivering a speech to the RSA Fellowship in her final public event as Scottish First Minister. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon answers questions from the floor after delivering a speech to the RSA Fellowship in her final public event as Scottish First Minister. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire

Nicola Sturgeon tells SNP it must not "throw the baby out with the bathwater"

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

SNP is not in a mess, insists Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon will be delivering the keynote speech at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London today.
Nicola Sturgeon will be delivering the keynote speech at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London today.

How to watch Nicola Sturgeon's speech at RSA

Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell in 2017
Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell in 2017

Scotsman leader comment: SNP's culture of aggressive secrecy must be flushed out

Nicola Sturgeon with husband Peter Murrell
Nicola Sturgeon with husband Peter Murrell

We need fresh Holyrood elections and we need them now - Brian Monteith

SNP President Michael Russell
SNP President Michael Russell

SNP president Michael Russell says party in a 'tremendous mess'

Peter Murrell is under mounting pressure
Peter Murrell is under mounting pressure

Euan McColm: SNP took its supporters for granted, and the rest of us for fools

Nicola Sturgeon with husband Peter Murrell.
Nicola Sturgeon with husband Peter Murrell.

Sturgeon and Murrell: The husband and wife duo who had an iron grip on the SNP

Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell pictured in 2016
Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell pictured in 2016

Nicola Sturgeon says it was right for her husband to quit

Scotland can look to Singapore for a business community that is part of nation-building
Scotland can look to Singapore for a business community that is part of nation-building

Scotland needs a Singapore-style reset - Jeremy Grant

Peter Murrell is under mounting pressure
Peter Murrell is under mounting pressure

Scotsman comment: Peter Murrell should follow SNP media chief out of the door

Murray Foote resigned on Friday as SNP media chief
Murray Foote resigned on Friday as SNP media chief

SNP head of media resigns over membership figures debacle

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with her close aide Liz Lloyd
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with her close aide Liz Lloyd

Nicola Sturgeon's close adviser Liz Lloyd announces she will quit Government

Bute House
Bute House

First Minister's official residence in Edinburgh to close for repairs

Whatever happens in the SNP leadership contest, Humza Yousaf seems unlikely to continue as Health Secretary (Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Whatever happens in the SNP leadership contest, Humza Yousaf seems unlikely to continue as Health Secretary (Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Who would want the 'poison chalice' of Health Secretary? – Joseph Anderson

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: PA

Nicola Sturgeon says she has full confidence in SNP leadership race process

The Scotsman Top Stories

The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images
The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images

New SNP leader and next First Minister set to be named

The Scottish local authority has been embroiled in legal action against the sportswear giant, Under Armour, and its founder, Kevin Plank, since 2017. Picture: Molly Riley/UPI/Shutterstock
The Scottish local authority has been embroiled in legal action against the sportswear giant, Under Armour, and its founder, Kevin Plank, since 2017. Picture: Molly Riley/UPI/Shutterstock

Scots council goes to court to obtain US journalist's emails

The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images
The leadership candidates - (from left to right) Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf. Picture: Getty Images

New leader must ‘pick up the pieces’ of Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘woeful record’