All Sections
Scotland's National Newspaper
Edit Account-Sign Out
My AccountSign Out
BREAKING
15 hours ago Sky Atlantic drama Billions cancelled after its seventh season
8 hours ago Man found guilty of murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel, age 9
11 hours ago Charles Bronson to remain in prison
12 hours ago Northern Lights to be visible from parts of UK tonight
13 hours ago Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers gives heartbreaking cancer update
14 hours ago Disgraced MP Margaret Ferrier facing 30 day suspension

Supreme Court

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh where she has announced that she will stand down as First Minister of Scotland after eight years.

Nicola Sturgeon's speech represented the end of an era for Scottish politics

Helen Cordon, Partner and employment law specialist at Pinsent Masons
Helen Cordon, Partner and employment law specialist at Pinsent Masons

Holidays anomaly for part-year workers targeted for change - Helen Corden

Nicola Sturgeon's political energy may be further depleted if she has to backtrack on her plan to have a 'de facto referendum' on independence (Picture: Andy Buchanan/PA)
Nicola Sturgeon's political energy may be further depleted if she has to backtrack on her plan to have a 'de facto referendum' on independence (Picture: Andy Buchanan/PA)

Nicola Sturgeon's 'tank' may be closer to empty than she thinks – John McLellan

Scottish Greens co-leader Partrick Harvie at the 'Rally for Trans Equality' in Glasgow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson
Scottish Greens co-leader Partrick Harvie at the 'Rally for Trans Equality' in Glasgow. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Gender wars: A seminal moment in devolution's history

Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Poll: Support for SNP 'well below' that needed for de facto referendum success

Trans rights activists demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Trans rights activists demonstrate outside the Scottish Parliament (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Kenny MacAskill: Trans people being used as political football in SNP-Tory row

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack confirmed the use of Section 35 this week.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack confirmed the use of Section 35 this week.

UK Government in ‘strong position’ if Gender Reform goes to court, academic says

The UK Government blocked the bill on Tuesday.
The UK Government blocked the bill on Tuesday.

Gender row legal challenge likely to fail former judge claims

Stephen Flynn will make his first speech as SNP Westminster leader on Tuesday.
Stephen Flynn will make his first speech as SNP Westminster leader on Tuesday.

Stephen Flynn claims indy debate has become ‘full blown crisis of democracy’

Donald Trump refused to concede defeat to Joe Biden in the last US presidential election (Picture: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Donald Trump refused to concede defeat to Joe Biden in the last US presidential election (Picture: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Storming of Brazil's Congress shows Trumpian tactics are spreading

Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro invade the National Congress in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. - Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro broke through police barricades and stormed into Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court Sunday, in a dramatic protest against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration last week. (Photo by Sergio Lima / AFP) (Photo by SERGIO LIMA/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of Brazilian former President Jair Bolsonaro invade the National Congress in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. - Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro broke through police barricades and stormed into Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court Sunday, in a dramatic protest against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inauguration last week. (Photo by Sergio Lima / AFP) (Photo by SERGIO LIMA/AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds arrested after Brazil’s Congress stormed by Jair Bolsonaro supporters

The SNP conference due to be held in March will be the most consequential the modern party has held, writes Stewart McDonald.
The SNP conference due to be held in March will be the most consequential the modern party has held, writes Stewart McDonald.

My party will author a new path to independence in 10 weeks time

Picture: Andy Buchanan
Picture: Andy Buchanan

Decision over de-facto referendum 'must not be taken lightly', warns SNP MP

Scotland's civil servants need to demonstrate their impartiality on the independence question (Picture: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Scotland's civil servants need to demonstrate their impartiality on the independence question (Picture: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Scottish Government's civil servants must abandon their nationalist tendencies

A new poll by Savanta for The Scotsman shows a lead for No in regards to Scottish independence. Picture: PA
A new poll by Savanta for The Scotsman shows a lead for No in regards to Scottish independence. Picture: PA

First No lead since Supreme Court decision dents Scottish independence surge

The SNP independence conference will take place in the spring. Picture: PA
The SNP independence conference will take place in the spring. Picture: PA

Scottish Government spent more than £250,000 on indyref2 case

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivers her keynote speech to delegates at the Scottish National Party's spring conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Aberdeen. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 9, 2018. See PA story POLITICS SNP. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivers her keynote speech to delegates at the Scottish National Party's spring conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Aberdeen. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 9, 2018. See PA story POLITICS SNP. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Fifth poll puts Yes vote ahead since court ruling

The SNP hope to amend the Scotland act giving Holyrood the power to hold a second referendum.
The SNP hope to amend the Scotland act giving Holyrood the power to hold a second referendum.

SNP push for new bill on indyref2 in Westminster

The SNP hope to amend the Scotland act to bypass Westminster and hold a second independence referendum.
The SNP hope to amend the Scotland act to bypass Westminster and hold a second independence referendum.

Analysis: SNP plan bill to have indyref2 without Westminster backing

An Indyref march in Glasgow
An Indyref march in Glasgow

Salmond says next Holyrood election should be ‘vehicle’ for independence views

The poll is a boost for the First Minister.
The poll is a boost for the First Minister.

Support for Scottish independence rises to 56% in latest poll

Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green MSP, has a member's bill backing buffer zones around abortion clinics.
Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green MSP, has a member's bill backing buffer zones around abortion clinics.

'Crucial precedent' for Scotland as Northern Irish buffer zones bill backed

Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant, one of the four UK subs armed with Trident nuclear missiles, at HM Naval Base Clyde
Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant, one of the four UK subs armed with Trident nuclear missiles, at HM Naval Base Clyde

Readers' letters: We should be thankful that it’s a MAD world

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer (foreground) and Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, during a visit to the Stalks & Stem store, a small business in Shawlands, Glasgow. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer (foreground) and Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, during a visit to the Stalks & Stem store, a small business in Shawlands, Glasgow. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Starmer pledges change, but maintains firm indyref2 stance

Independence supporters gather in Glasgow on Saturday in light of Supreme Court decision on a second referendum. PIC: Lisa Ferguson.
Independence supporters gather in Glasgow on Saturday in light of Supreme Court decision on a second referendum. PIC: Lisa Ferguson.

New poll suggests Yes four points ahead after Supreme Court indyref ruling

Queen Anne receiving the Act of Union in 1707 in an illustration by Walter Mannington
Queen Anne receiving the Act of Union in 1707 in an illustration by Walter Mannington

Readers' letters: Scotland was forced into passing the Act of Union

Nicola Sturgeon is trying to use the UK Supreme Court judgement against her plans for a Scottish independence referendum to foster resentment (Picture: David Cheskin-Pool/Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon is trying to use the UK Supreme Court judgement against her plans for a Scottish independence referendum to foster resentment (Picture: David Cheskin-Pool/Getty Images)

Sturgeon's mis-leadership is no way to build a new nation – Murdo Fraser

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the role of the civil service in Scotland was now being looked at.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the role of the civil service in Scotland was now being looked at.

Civil servants role in Scotland being assessed after Supreme Court verdict

The Supreme Court ruled Holyrood does not have the power to legislate for an independence referendum.
The Supreme Court ruled Holyrood does not have the power to legislate for an independence referendum.

Group considers legal bid over Scottish Government independence spending

Keith Brown, Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party, said the UK Government was scared of a second vote.
Keith Brown, Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party, said the UK Government was scared of a second vote.

UK Government ‘scared’ of allowing Indyref as it will lose, SNP say

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

Supreme Court verdict rule against SNP, but both sides running out of options

Independence supporters gather in Glasgow on Saturday in light of Supreme Court decision on a second referendum. PIC: Lisa Ferguson.
Independence supporters gather in Glasgow on Saturday in light of Supreme Court decision on a second referendum. PIC: Lisa Ferguson.

First Minister claims independence movement 'galvanised' ahead of Glasgow rally

Toni Giugliano. Picture: TSPL
Toni Giugliano. Picture: TSPL

SNP policy chief: De-facto referendum win could be used to secure rerun of 2014

SNP MSPs could resign to force new elections, but then voters might punish them for a track record that includes unbuilt ferries at the state-owned Ferguson Marine yard (Picture: John Devlin)
SNP MSPs could resign to force new elections, but then voters might punish them for a track record that includes unbuilt ferries at the state-owned Ferguson Marine yard (Picture: John Devlin)

Scotland deserves better than SNP's perpetual politics of charade – Brian Wilson

Nicola Sturgeon attends a pro-independence rally outside the Scottish Parliament after the UK Supreme Court rejected her plans for a referendum (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon attends a pro-independence rally outside the Scottish Parliament after the UK Supreme Court rejected her plans for a referendum (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

Sturgeon should resign over mishandling of Indyref2 push – Alastair Stewart

Nicola Sturgeon at Wednesday's pro-Scottish independence rally outside parliament in Edinburgh (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty)
Nicola Sturgeon at Wednesday's pro-Scottish independence rally outside parliament in Edinburgh (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty)

Readers' Letters: Make SNP bigwigs pay for Supreme Court fail

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.

Analysis: Nicola Sturgeon's career-risking gamble now an unstoppable snowball

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael (Picture: Yui Mok)
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael (Picture: Yui Mok)

Supreme Court's ruling on SNP's independence referendum was democracy in action

People attend a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.
People attend a rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.

How the world's media reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on Indyref2

Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

15 pictures from Scottish independence rallies after Supreme Court ruling

Nicola Sturgeon cannot unilaterally decide what the next UK general election is about (Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon cannot unilaterally decide what the next UK general election is about (Picture: Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Independence issue must be resolved democratically and peacefully

Scottish independence supporters outside the Supreme Court in London listen to the referendum ruling being delivered (Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
Scottish independence supporters outside the Supreme Court in London listen to the referendum ruling being delivered (Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)

How Sturgeon scored two own goals that could haunt indy campaign for years

Nicola Sturgeon speaking at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament
Nicola Sturgeon speaking at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament

Watch: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addresses Holyrood rally

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faces a key moment as leader of the nationalist movement in Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon faces a key moment as leader of the nationalist movement in Scotland.

SNP should pause referendum even if Supreme Court backs it, says ex Yes chief

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have clashed in a heated exchange in the Commons following the Supreme Court ruling.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have clashed in a heated exchange in the Commons following the Supreme Court ruling.

Watch: Ian Blackford and Rishi Sunak clash in heated PMQs

People outside the UK Supreme Court in London, while they waited for the decision by Supreme Court judges to grant or refuse the Scottish Parliament power to hold a referendum on independence. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
People outside the UK Supreme Court in London, while they waited for the decision by Supreme Court judges to grant or refuse the Scottish Parliament power to hold a referendum on independence. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

Why a de-facto independence referendum is irrelevant - Ciaran Martin

Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Scottish Independence supporters are seen at a demo outside Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, on November 23, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Earlier today, the UK Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected the Scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: It’s time Independence was read Last Rites

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images

Sturgeon says Scotland 'will not be silenced' and ruling makes case for indyref2

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issues a statement at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issues a statement at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Nicola Sturgeon speech in full on Supreme Court indyref2 ruling

Rishi Sunak will “look to” avoid another Scottish independence referendum while he is Prime Minister, Downing Street said.
Rishi Sunak will “look to” avoid another Scottish independence referendum while he is Prime Minister, Downing Street said.

RECAP as Rishi Sunak says he will “look to” avoid Indyref2 as PM

The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court

Supreme Court rules Scottish Parliament cannot hold independence referendum

SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon issue a statement at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.
SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon issue a statement at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh following the decision by judges at the UK Supreme Court in London that the Scottish Parliament does not have the power to hold a second independence referendum. Picture date: Wednesday November 23, 2022.

Nicola Sturgeon says next general election will act as 'defacto' referendum

Scottish independence supporters were hoping for an Indyref2 vote to be held next year, but instead it is likely that a 2024 general election will be used to gauge opinion.
Scottish independence supporters were hoping for an Indyref2 vote to be held next year, but instead it is likely that a 2024 general election will be used to gauge opinion.

Scottish independence: What is a de facto referendum?

Former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson has responded to the UK Supreme Court decision. Picture: Lisa Ferguson
Former Scottish Tories leader Ruth Davidson has responded to the UK Supreme Court decision. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Davidson says SNP will leverage indy ruling to 'seek grievance' with Westminster

The Supreme Court normally sits in the Middlesex Guildhall in Westminster.
The Supreme Court normally sits in the Middlesex Guildhall in Westminster.

What is the Supreme court?

Judges at the UK Supreme Court are to begin hearing arguments in a case which could allow the Scottish Parliament to legislate for a second referendum on independence.
Judges at the UK Supreme Court are to begin hearing arguments in a case which could allow the Scottish Parliament to legislate for a second referendum on independence.

How to watch the Supreme Court judgement on Scottish independence and key times

The Scotsman Top Stories

Humza Yousaf has been officially elected as the sixth First Minister of Scotland.
Humza Yousaf has been officially elected as the sixth First Minister of Scotland.

Humza Yousaf elected First Minister of Scotland in Scottish Parliament vote

The MV Hebrides ferry in port at Lochmaddy
The MV Hebrides ferry in port at Lochmaddy

Fire breaks out on CalMac ferry serving Hebrides in latest setback

David Harris, CEO of Circularity Scotland, appeared before a Holyrood committee.
David Harris, CEO of Circularity Scotland, appeared before a Holyrood committee.

Government was warned deposit return scheme launch could not be delivered