Thu, 16th January 2025

Nine in 10 of those surveyed in Scotland said patient safety is being compromised

‘Devastating' nurse testimonies lay bare crisis in Scotland's NHS
A survey found ‘harrowing’ examples of vulnerable patients being treated in corridors

Richard Gadd won the Golden Globe for best limited TV series for his hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer.

Richard Gadd: Why I will not be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe

An image taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows a smoke plume rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip. Picture: Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza Strip ceasefire in major breakthrough

Don't Miss

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

Exclusive Anas Sarwar admits UK Labour denting his Bute House ambitions

A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest by truck drivers over pandemic health rules and the Trudeau government, outside the parliament of Canada in Ottawa in February 2022

How the stifling of debate is fuelling the rise and rise of populists Paul Wilson

Belted Galloways are a native breed in Scotland being used for nature restoration projects

How the much maligned cow is making a comeback in Scotland

Lindsay and Ross from Bostock

The best bakery in the Lothians is getting bigger

Facebook still has billions of monthly active users but it is mired in controversy. Picture: Getty Images

Why the temptation to abandon social media is growing by the day Martyn McLaughlin

Donald Trump inspects an honour guard at Buckingham Palace during his state visit in 2019 (Picture: Mandel Ngan)

Why return of Trump to White House means UK must rejoin European Union Martin Roche

From Highland games to opera, Scotland's culture sector ensures there is something for everyone (Picture: Andy Buchanan)

How the SNP is harming Scotland’s culture sector Murdo Fraser

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has warned voting for Reform UK will benefit the SNP (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell)

Scotland must not fall for SNP and Reform UK's competing nationalisms Scotsman comment

Scotsman Video

Scotsman Video

The latest video from The Scotsman

Featured Videos

Scotland’s private sector ended 2024 on a sour note after a sharp contraction in output.

Exclusive Three lessons from Scotland's December economy

Fawlty Towers-style dining train to help spearhead rail tours revival

Andrea Tarrodi

SCO Digital Season Part Two Andrea Tarrodi’s Serenade in Seven Colours

Demi Moore poses in the press room with the award for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture - musical or comedy for The Substance during the 82nd Golden Globes on Sunday. Picture: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The 2025 Golden Globes winners in full

Puzzles

Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

Highlights

A Complete Unknown

Review: Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic a 'frustratingly basic' offering

Ardlinnhe

Inside stunning Scottish Arts and Crafts house on sale for £675,000

Sorcha Groundsell stars in An t-Eilean (The Island), the UK’s first-ever high-end Gaelic drama series

Everything you need to know about the UK's first high end Gaelic drama

Susanne and Gaby Soutar at afternoon tea

I took mum to try Scottish hotel's afternoon tea - she gave it 9/10 Gaby Soutar

The stunning Scottish estate that has a fairy walk & snowdrop festival

What to expect from Scottish hotel with 'best boutique spa'

Landy's

13 Edinburgh restaurants and cafes I'm most excited to try in 2025

Get The Scotsman app for mobile and tablet

The Scotsman app brings you exclusive, quality news and analysis from The Scotsman, Scotland’s National Newspaper.

Scotsman Sessions

Just a few of the artists who have performed Scotsman Sessions

The Scotsman Sessions: links to numbers 1-400

Constant Vigier

The Scotsman Sessions #429: Constant Vigier

Jennie Lee: Tomorrow is a New Day

The Scotsman Sessions #428: Kit Laveri, George Docherty & Trish Mullin

David Luximon

The Scotsman Sessions #427: David Luximon

Business

An under-pressure Chancellor will welcome the news that the annual rate of consumer prices index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.5 per cent last month from 2.6 per cent in November. Most analysts had been expecting the inflation rate to remain unchanged but a fall in hotel prices helped offset a jump in the cost of fuel last month.

Analysis Truth about December’s inflation dip - and why it might not last long

A man passes the entrance to a Lloyds Banking Group office in the City of London

Lloyds to close Scottish office and put hundreds of jobs at risk

Sport

Rangers' Cyriel Dessers (right) celebrates with Leon Balogun after scoring to make it 3-0 over Aberdeen at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Rangers take small steps but, oh dear Aberdeen, what is going on?

No walkouts but banner raised during 3-0 win over Aberdeen

'Privilege to play for Scotland' - new boy on Six Nations call-up

Two uncapped players in Townsend’s squad and recalls for two stalwart forwards

Jack Mann is one of two uncapped players in the Scotland Six Nations squad.

Scotland call for the player who waited 720 days between games

But agony for Max Williamson who reinjures his thumb

Rangers sword of Damocles hangs over Clement despite conditions Alan Pattullo

Alan Pattullo

Scotland name uncapped duo in Six Nations squad amid shock omission

Gregor Townsend picks his 37-man squad

Jacob Fearnley breaks new ground to reach Australian Open last 32

Scot reaches third round of Grand Slam for first time

Politics

Val McDermid and Nicola Sturgeon will be appearing at a special festive Edinburgh’s Christmas In Conversation event, In The Company of Books, on 15 December at The Assembly Rooms on the Mound where they will be joined by Alan Cumming and bestselling author Paula Hawkins to discuss all things books.

Interview: Nicola Sturgeon and Val McDermid on bonding over books

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is a straight-talker (Picture: Christopher Furlong)

Labour needs to convince voters current pain will mean future gain Scotsman comment

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons

PMQs: Badenoch can't pick a topic as Keir Starmer gets away with it

Kate Forbes at Dundee’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

Wilkie creates 600 jobs in green manufacturing push

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and First Minister John Swinney

Respect Nicola Sturgeon's privacy, says John Swinney

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) has been forthright about the state of the UK economy

'Maybe people don't like honesty': Ian Murray on Labour polling

Children playing on swings. PIC: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

SNP ministers 'made an announcement without a policy' on two-child cap

Pollster Sir John Curtice (right) has given his verdict on the prospects of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (left) becoming first minister

Curtice gives verdict on likelihood of Sarwar becoming first minister

Opinion

Gardening is beneficial in many ways (Picture: Scott Barbour)

Prison's 'exceptional garden' may help inmates turn their lives around Scotsman comment

Readers' Letters: Cultural cowardice to remove Burns from Higher English

Charlene Gisele

The ripple effect of burnout: How leadership exhaustion undermines organisationa...

I overcame my terror to join a running club - it's transformational Alastair Dalton

Heritage and Retro

Actor Connor Swindells as Colonel David Stirling in SAS: Rogue Heroes, the drama series from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

The real SAS Rogue Hero who took elite fighters behind German lines

Fiona Lee is pictured with a stained glass window of Robert Burns inside St Michael's Church in Dumfries, which is seeking to raise £25,000 to protect and improve the building where the poet regularly attended Sunday service.

Church where Robert Burns attended Sunday service seeks £25,000

The newly released records are available from Registers of Scotland.

Birth records of iconic Scottish comedian among new released documents

The Yamaha multi-disc player has a feature that allows you to eject the tray and change four of the discs while the fifth keeps playing. Picture: Scott Reid

Yamaha’s unique CD player has a feature that let’s you party like it’s 1999

Harpist Esther Swift at the former Royal High School on Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

Work on new £69m Edinburgh music centre to begin within months

The Broch of Mousa with The Haa and the burnt mound adjacent.

See pictures of Scotland from the air to go on show in new exhibition

Trump Turnberry with the remains of Turnberry Castle on the promontory in the foreground, to the left of the lighthouse.

Trump golf course seeks to get closer to Robert the Bruce castle

Arts and Culture

Harpist Esther Swift at the former Royal High School on Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

Work on new £69m Edinburgh music centre to begin within months

A Complete Unknown

Review: Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic a 'frustratingly basic' offering

The Lighthouse was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1895. If you make it to the top of the building, you’ll be met with stunning views of Glasgow.

Exclusive 'Active discussions' to re-open iconic Mackintosh building

Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand, Edinburgh review: 'an intimate treat'

The GRIT Orchestra returns to Celtic Connections on 18 January

Celtic Connections 2025: Jim Gilchrist picks his highlights

Edinburgh from below Arthur’s Seat, 1801, by JMW Turner at the RSA

Art reviews: Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest | RSW Annual

Former Champ

Former Champ, Glasgow review: 'shades of Blondie attitude'

Education

BBC Scotland journalist Nick Sheridan

Bursary award launched in memory of BBC Scotland journalist

The bursary scheme has been launched in memory of Nick Sheridan, by BBC Scotland, STV and the University of the West of Scotland

Abertay University

Two more Scottish universities go into the red amid student shortfalls

Ad Feature High-tech simulations bring healthcare training into the 21st century

What next for house buyers and sellers? ESPC boss reveals 2025 trends Joshua King

Joshua King

Hay's Way

Inchconnachan was once the holiday home of speedboat-racing aristocrat Fiona Gore, Countess of Arran, who introduced a population of non-native wallabies that still roam free across the island

Kirsty Young's plans to develop island in Loch Lomond approved

Seven Gables is a characterful semi-detached house, situated in an enviable position overlooking Elie Beach

Inside the £1.4m 17th century house looking over a favourite beach

Highland estate in Cairngorms National Park taken over by Oxygen Conservation

Firm buys historic 15,000-acre Highlands estate to 'rewild'

Health

The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where she received her cancer treatment, to personally thank staff for her care. Picture: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

'Relieved' Princess of Wales reveals she is in remission from cancer

John Swinney, seen visiting Forth Valley Hospital, has said he is giving 'very personal leadership' to the NHS (Picture: Lesley Martin)

Winter flu outbreak has revealed how badly the SNP is failing the NHS Jackie Baillie

Baby Talia and father Euan. Anna Jackson, 22, started getting a pain in her abdomen, but had put it down to period cramps. Picture: Anna Jackson/SWNS

Woman who thought she had burst appendix gives birth in hospital

Viral infections like the flu are very common in children.

Flu symptoms in kids: warning signs parents need to know

New research suggests that drinking tap water could be putting millions of people living in the UK at a greater risk of dementia.

New research warns of 'link' between soft water and dementia

Tropical rainforest mural

Community unites to brighten care home with vibrant mural

Sofia Alessia, 27, with her daughter Alya-Valentina, 4, after weight loss surgery.

Mum who nearly died from weight loss surgery warns it 'isn't worth' it

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The Devonshire Arms at Beeley

We took our pooch on a dog-friendly winter stay in the Peak District

Create the garden of your dreams with a massive budget - you just need to win the prize

You could win a £20,000 garden makeover for just 70p this week

The Doogee U11 normally costs £179.99

This 11" Android 15 tablet deal on Amazon is absolutely remarkable

Free coins are available in limited quantities - you just need to pay a small postage fee

How to order a free 'gift to the nation' commemorative coin

The 25p ticket deal only runs for a few days - so be quick

Win this Amazing Mercedes G-Wagon worth £134,000 for just 25p

The special edition Squid Game whisky from Johnnie Walker

Yes, you really can get a Squid Game whisky from Johnnie Walker

The Ninja Perfect Temperature Kettle can set temperatures to the nearest degree

Ninja has dropped the price of its amazing Perfect Temperature Kettle

Sport Opinion

Ben Doak has emerged as one of Scotland's key players.

Doak's soaring value is good but status quo may be priceless for Scots
EPL interest and £25m mooted fee - but playing regularly in a strong team is more important
Mark Atkinson

Exercise is a 'miracle cure' for many ailments, including mental ones, as Ian Johnston can attest (Picture: Justin Setterfield)

Obsessing about mental health is making Scotland's crisis worse Ian Johnston

Helicopter footage from Police Scotland shows youths throwing fireworks and other projectiles during public disorder in Edinburgh last year

How 1980s-style football violence has returned to Scotland Tom Wood

Bob MacIntyre celebrates after helping Europe win the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. |

The 6 desires on wish list of a Scottish golf fan for 2025

Obituaries

John Mulvey saw local government as an important source of power

Obituaries: John Mulvey, former leader of Lothian Regional Council

Kirsty Archer-Thompson was passionate about preserving the legacy of Sir Walter Scott (Picture Phil Wilkinson / Abbotsford)

Scotsman Obituaries: Kirsty Archer-Thompson, curator at Abbotsford

Rugby Union

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend names his Six Nations squad on Wednesday. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

What to expect from Scotland's Six Nations squad announcement

Ben Muncaster made his Scotland debut against Portugal in November.

Six Nations blow as Scotland forward ruled out for up to eight weeks

Finn Russell landed five conversions for Bath against Clermont Auvergne.

Russell shines as Bath keep Euro hopes alive ahead of 'massive task'

Edinburgh's James Lang made his first start of the season in the Challenge Cup tie against Vannes.

Edinburgh's forgotten pair help Graham and van der Merwe flourish

Franco Smith and Glasgow Warriors have a home last 16 tie to look forward to.

Glasgow Warriors' Champions Cup cards fall right for last 16 draw

Edinburgh's Ali Price scored two first-half tries in the 29-25 win over Vannes in France.

Edinburgh's bonus point win in Vannes puts them in pole position

Edinburgh's Duhan van der Merwe scored a pivotal try midway through the second half.

Edinburgh Rugby reaction: 'Monkey off our backs' after win in France

Glasgow Warriors' Zander Fagerson takes the ball into contact during the Investec Champions Cup match against Racing 92.

'One to look at' - what Glasgow need to further their Euro ambitions

Glasgow Warriors' Tom Jordan scores Warriors fifth try of the match.

This Glasgow Warriors team are serious Euro contenders after big win

Cars

The McLaren 570S is a 200mph supercar

Win this stunning McLaren supercar worth £104,000 for just 19p

The 488 GTB is one of the most popular Ferraris among keen drivers

This £140,000 Ferrari could be yours for just 89p - if you're quick

Lexus LBX review: Lexus brings premium values to the crossover club

(Photo by BARBARA GINDL/APA/AFP via Getty Images)

Video: The genius hack to prevent ice building - using shaving foam

Premium tyres might cost more than cheap rubber - but the difference in performance can be remarkable

We swap cheap tyres for premium tyres to see if it's worth the money

The CH-R's styling is divisive, but it looks good in the right colour

Toyota CH-R review: It's bigger and bolder, but is it better?

Must Read

Over half of Brits (53 per cent) worry they won’t ever be able to retire

Ad Feature This tool reveals how much you need to save to retire

NordVPN has issued a tutorial for shoppers in search of saving big while staying secure online.

Ad Feature Shopper's guide to securing affordable internet security

The ETP is expected to be listed on Switzerland’s SIX Swiss Exchange, the largest stock exchange in the country and the third largest in Europe, during the first quarter of 2025.

Ad Feature Virtual game currency to be listed on stock exchange