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BREAKING

Tue, 5th December 2023

Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled new migration plans on Monday.

SNP claim NHS ‘not safe’ after UK Government unveil plans to slash net migration
The Home Secretary unveiled the controversial plans following pressure from Tory MPs.

Don't miss...

  • 1Scottish Greens accused of being ‘out-of-step’ in opposing nuclear power
  • 2Pioneer of robotic glove to aid stroke patients grasps funding boost
  • 3All you need to know as Scotland awaits its Pisa education scores
  • 4Top performing Scottish schools named in latest 'Parent Power' league tables
  • 5Scotland’s new play following the World Cup dream of homeless female footballers

    • Analysis SNP braced for Pisa results amid mounting frustration within Scottish education

    'Rizz' has been named Oxford word of the year after Tom Holland helped it to go viral. Picture: AFP via Getty

    Rizz named word of the year by leading lexicographers

    A picture taken during an organised tour by Yemen's Huthi rebels shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, seized by Huthi fighters in November. The group attacked another two cargo ships in the Red Sea today.

    British-owned ship hit by missile launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Red Sea

    The Scottish-Rwandan actor has gone from starring in the hit Netflix series Sex Education to being the BBC’s latest Time Lord

    New Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa ‘nervous’ about star role

    Darling and Douglas-Hamilton represented the best of British politics Christine Jardine

    Michael Matheson far from the right man for NHS in Scotland Euan McColm

    COP28 a bloated sham that risks condemning future generations Bill McGuire

    National Grief Awareness Week: Christmas is the hardest time Gaby Soutar

    Lifestyle

    Aladdin at Perth Theatre PIC: Mihaela Bodlovic

    Theatre reviews: Aladdin at the Macrobert | Aganeza Scrooge at the Tron, Glasgow

    Madness PIC: Perou

    Music review: Madness, Hydro, Glasgow

    x

    Music review: RSNO, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

    A day in the life of a head chef on Christmas Day

    Allan Stewart and Grant Stott in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan PIC: Douglas Robertson

    Theatre reviews: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan | A Christmas Carol

    The newly-opened Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel in West George Street, Glasgow. Pic: Contributed

    Review: Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel - Scotland on Sunday Travel

    Installation view of the Zarina Bhimji exhibition at the Fruitmarket PIC: Ruth Clark

    Art reviews: Zarina Bhimji | Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran | Billie Zangewa

    Scotsman Video

    Scotsman Video

    View more
    The latest video from The Scotsman

    Featured Videos

    First Minister Humza Yousaf is questioned by journalists

    Scotsman Politics Show - First Minister's Questions

    Alice Faye

    The Scotsman Sessions #389: Alice Faye

    Edinburgh's Dunard Centre concert hall is proposed to be built behind a Royal Bank of Scotland building on St Andrew Square.

    Soaring costs and new delay revealed for new Edinburgh concert hall

    Images released by South Ayrshire Council show the damage caused to the hotel following the blaze.

    Hotelier 'interested' in acquiring fire ravaged Station Hotel in Ayr

    Edward Kane, Advocate in the Supernal Sisters by Ross Macfarlane KC

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 5: ‘A Much Sought-After Dresser of the Dead’. Illustration: Lesley-Anne Barnes Macfarlane

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 5

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 4: ‘A Colourable Reason?’ Illustration: Lesley-Anne Barnes Macfarlane

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 4: ‘A Colourable Reason?’

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 3: ‘A Distasteful Joke’. Illustration: Lesley-Anne Barnes Macfarlane

    Edward Kane, Advocate in The Supernal Sisters. Chapter 3: ‘A Distasteful Joke’

    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

    Politics

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville. Image: Jane Barlow/Press Association.

    SNP sets out plans for benefits in an independent Scotland

    The Scottish Government is being told to increase council budgets. Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images.

    Warning Scottish councils could go 'bankrupt'

    Margaret Thatcher looking pensive at the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool in 1985. PIC: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    Sir Keir Starmer criticised for praising Margaret Thatcher

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is attending the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai.

    Rishi Sunak heads to Cop 28, but has he damaged Britain's voice?

    Loch Lomond. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

    Ministers accused of ‘jeopardising the future’ by cutting environmental budgets

    Alistair Darling's political life provided honourable lessons for all Brian Wilson

    Alex Cole-Hamlton: Sluggishness is my word of the year for Holyrood Alex Cole-Hamilton

    Controlling short-term lets and growing tourism economy is a balancing act Scotsman comment

    cut through the noise

    Sport

    Scotland will have four matches before the start of Euro 2024.

    Maxwell lifts lid on Scotland's Euro 2024 training base plans and friendlies

    SFA now planning where to base themselves for tournament and warm-up matches
    Paterson ends Edinburgh nightmare by playing part in poignant win over Ulster
    The young winger has been sidelined for months by injury and now wants to kick on...
    Will Fish heads home Hibs' second goal.

    Hibs create gap with Aberdeen: Marshall's golden glove display, Miovski's misery

    The hosts take down Dons ahead of big festive period – Marshall steals headlines with stunning display
    Farrell is a legitimate panto villain but his own fans booing him is bonkers

    Aidan Smith

    Woods 'excited' to get through latest comeback in Hero World Challenge
    Though admitting he needs to get in “better shape physically”, Tiger Woods reckons his plan to play ...
    Shankland puts Euro 2024 to one side and focuses on Hearts
    Like the Scotland fans, Lawrence Shankland does have one eye on this summer’s Euros, especially now ...

    Opinion

    Cary Elwes and Brooke Shields in tartan tinselfest A Castle For Christmas (Picture: Mark Mainz/Netflix © 2021)

    Passions: Christmas TV movies are the gift that keeps on giving

    Snow in Glasgow at the weekend. There are fears that if Britain has a really hard winter we will will struggle to provide power

    Scotsman Letters: Time for Britain to burst free from net zero trap

    Val Pitt is a Partner, Horwich Farrelly

    Incredible tales from the Scottish courts - Val Pitt

    Vicky Crichton is Director of Public Policy, Scottish Legal Complaints Commission

    No complaints for most after mediation is tried - Vicky Crichton

    Education

    Tory education spokesman Liam Kerr MSP

    SNP urged to end uncertainty over £10m fund used to train thousands of workers

    Conservative MSP writes to further education minister over ‘vital’ moneyCalum RossCalum Ross
    A photo issued by the Local Government Association showing damage to a school built with RAAC. Credit: LGA

    Seven Scottish private schools found to contain dangerous Raac concrete

    Aberdeen University King's College building

    Former SNP languages minister condemns Aberdeen University degree and staff cuts

    Scottish Government tells Aberdeen University to 'carefully consider' cutsCalum Ross
    Calum Ross

    Rural Affairs

    Life in rural Scotland is a worryingly isolating experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community, research has shown. Picture: Getty Images

    'It's a silent world': Challenges of older LGBTQ+ in rural Scotland

    As conversations continue on support needed for younger members of the LGBTQ+ community in rural Sco...
    Visa proposal to address depopulation branded a gimmick amid housing crisis
    Islanders have said the issue is not a lack of people who want to live in remote areas, but rather t...
    Lenabo Forest, near Peterhead, is on the market for offers over £3.9m (pic: Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group)

    Forest with former WW1 airship station on the market for offers over £3.9m

    The former Lenabo Airship Station, established in 1915 as a base for airships to patrol the North Sea during the First World War, sits within the property
    Promising lapwing test shows farmers are 'part of the solution not the problem'Katharine Hay
    Katharine Hay
    Storm Ciarán: Disruption continues across railway line following signal outage

    A yellow rain warning is in place for Scotland's east coast today.

    ...
    SSPCA say there is currently no safe way to rescue 'Britain's loneliest sheep'
    The sheep’s fleece is so overgrown it interferes with potential rescue options...

    Health

    Meadowbank operations manager Martin Bews (left) with Keith Ridley Photo: Neil Hanna/St Andrew's First Aid/PA Wire

    Quick-thinking sports centre staff save life of athletics coach

    World Aids Day is marked on December 1 (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

    HIV is now a manageable condition like diabetes, yet stigma and ignorance remain

    Matheson's iPad expenses bill is not the only reason why he should be ashamed Jackie Baillie

    The first building components for the new National Treatment Centre arrived at the Larbert site in October last year. Pic: Michael Gillen

    Delays to hospital ward project

    Waking up in the night to pee? Five tips that actually work. Picture – Adobe

    Ad Feature Nocturia – how to manage an overactive bladder at night

    Humza Yousaf visits Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS in July (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty Images)

    Embattled leadership of health board criticised by governance review

    Humza Yousaf visits Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS in July (Picture: Lesley Martin/pool/Getty Images)

    Time to face reality as the NHS crisis deepens

    Scotsman Passions

    Alan Davies and Sarah Alexander as Jonathan and Polly Creek in the ​mystery drama

    Passions: As the nights draw in, we’re entering peak Jonathan Creek season

    Why student journalism must be protected at all costs Conor Matchett

    A tree by the coast near to St Andrews, Fife (pic: Katharine Hay)

    Going solo on pilgrimage routes, from Way of St Andrews to Camino de Santiago

    Action figure of Freddie Krueger

    Passion: Horror films aren't purely for Halloween - Gaby Soutar

    Heritage and Retro

    Fisherman Donald Francis (DF) MacNeil has been honoured at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards for the protest song The Clearances Again. Picture: Stephen Kearney

    Na Trads: Fisherman honoured for protest song at Scottish music awards gala

    Exclusive Entry fees on the cards for museums and galleries in Edinburgh

    Sir Michael Palin's Big Three Adventures, available as BBC DVD box-sets, benefit from regular viewing. Picture: Scott Reid

    Humour, insight and passion: Michael Palin takes top honours in TV travel world

    The 21 best Scottish movies voted by Scotsman readers

    Joaquin Phoenix stars as Napoleon in the new Ridley Scott film (Picture: Sony Pictures)

    How Scots played a key role in the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte

    The agreement marks the return of a dedicated shipbuilder in Stornoway for the first time in 100 years.

    Shipbuilding returns to Stornoway for first time in 100 years

    Jason Barrett has been appointed chief executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Picture: Ian Georgeson

    The ex-US marine aiming to take the Edinburgh Tattoo into a new era

    The Scotsman Sessions

    Just a few of the artists who have performed Scotsman Sessions

    The Scotsman Sessions: links to numbers 1-350

    Alice Faye

    The Scotsman Sessions #389: Alice Faye

    Michael Pedersen

    The Scotsman Sessions #388: Michael Pedersen

    Brenda

    The Scotsman Sessions #387: Brenda

    Zara Gladman

    The Scotsman Sessions #386: Zara Gladman

    Alannah Moar

    The Scotsman Sessions #385: Alannah Moar

    John Douglas

    The Scotsman Sessions #384: John Douglas

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    A kimono owned by Freddie Mercury will be going on display in a Japanese fashion exhibition at V&A Dundee next year. Picture: Victoria and Albert Museum

    Freddie Mercury kimono worn at home to go on show in V&A Dundee exhibition

    These are the best and spookiest costumes for children for Halloween 2023.

    Cheap, scary Halloween costumes for kids - Wednesday and Marvel heroes

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    Sport Opinion

    Alan Tait of Scotland forces his way over to score against England in the Calcutta Cup Five Nations match at Twickenham in 1999.

    Six Nations: Don't flutter eyelashes- this is crown jewel and must stay free
    Rugby’s great tournament could move away from terrestrial TV – something that just cannot happen

    Ian Johnston discovered he loved swimming, after avoiding it for years, at Dalry Swim Centre in Edinburgh

    How I learned to stop hating the 'boiled carrots' of sports and love it instead

    Nigel Clough, manager of Mansfield Town, has told his players to curb the goal celebrations. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

    Aidan Smith: You’ve only made a routine tackle. Why all the hugs and high-fives?

    "What? Really, mate? You're stopping the game again?" Ange Postecoglou during the VAR-dominated Spurs-Chelsea game

    Aidan Smith: I’m with Ange Postecoglou - let’s kill VAR before it kills football

    Homes

    What is it? A beautifully presented upper townhouse in the Capital which has been lovingly refurbished by its current owner. Period features can be found throughout and there are breathtaking views over Edinburgh Castle.

    Three's a charm: Grand Capital homes now on the market

    The exterior of Auchengarroch at 16 Chalton Road. Image: contributed

    Charming Victorian villa with Arts and Crafts additions

    The building is tucked away in the North Ayrshire countryside (pic: David Barbour)

    Building developed inside Scottish ruin wins prestigious architect award

    “The nationwide 5G rollout should be treated as a matter of urgency if we are to continue to narrow – rather than widen – the digital divide.” Picture – supplied

    Ad Feature Vodafone UK: Why we need to address the rural digital divide in Scotland

    Obituaries

    Henry Kissinger pictured in September 1972 (Picture: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

    Scotsman Obituaries: Henry Kissinger, controversial US diplomat

    Lord Douglas-Hamilton at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

    Scotsman Obituaries: Rt Hon Lord Selkirk of Douglas, ex-Scotland Office minister

    Rugby Union

    Assistant coach Pete Murchie during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun. Picture: Ross MacDonald/SNS

    Murchie believes URC variety will work in Warriors’ favour against Northampton

    Jamie Ritchie picked up the player of the match award for his Edinburgh performance against Ulster.

    Ritchie inspires Edinburgh to stunning URC triumph over UIster in Belfast

    Gregor Townsend's risk-taking as a Scotland 10 was often criticised by supporters.

    Keyboard warriors would have hammered Townsend - full-back are divisive figures

    Glasgow Warriors' Sione Tuipulotu is tackled by Diarmuid Barron of Munster. Photo by Laszlo Geczo/INPHO/Shutterstock.

    Five-try Warriors fall far too short against Munster despite rousing comeback

    Blair Kinghorn has a hip injury and has therefore played his last match for Edinburgh.

    Kinghorn ruled out of final Edinburgh match as depleted squad named for Ulster

    Glasgow Warriors Jack Dempsey in action against Ulster.

    Dempsey blow for Glasgow Warriors but Smith has faith in entire squad

    Sintu Manjezi is back in the Glasgow Warriors reckoning.

    Manjezi delighted for Glasgow Warriors return as he takes mum's advice

    WP Nel during an Edinburgh Rugby training session at Hive Stadium.

    Nel knows retirement is close but prop basks in Indian summer

    Premier Sports is back in Scottish sport.

    Premier Sports back in Scottish game: Start date, League Cup future, URC deal

    Cars

    Drivers can sometimes be confused about when to use their fog lights.

    When drivers should - and shouldn't - use their car fog lights

    Careless car drivers risk hefty fines over winter.

    Tips to avoid shelling out up to £18,000 in motoring fines this winter

    Driving in wintery conditions can be a challenge.

    Winter Driving Advice: How to stay safe on the roads in ice and snow

    Top UK road-trips which have earned their reputation as the world’s most scenic drives. Picture - supplied

    Ad Feature Top road-trip getaways which are not so far away

    Take car while driving with your pet this winter. First up: don't let them take the wheel...

    Keep your dog safe on winter car journeys - and avoid a £20,000 fine

    Toyota has worked hard to ensure the C-HR still stands out from the crowd. Credit: Toyota press office

    Toyota C-HR Review: stylish SUV is more practical than its predecessor

    Must Read

    “A just transition to net zero can be achieved through decarbonising homes and the electrification of heat,” Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of leading environmental charity Changeworks. Picture - supplied

    Ad Feature Two years on from COP26 in Glasgow Scotland needs to step up – Changeworks

    Suranne Jones, who stars in the new series of the hit BBC thriller, Vigil. Pic: David Fisher/Shutterstock

    Suranne Jones talks about the new series of BBC’s Vigil

    The Queen Mother at Frances' shop

    High fashion in the Highlands