Wed, 18th June 2025

A homeless person and their dog on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Pilot of ‘transformative’ minimum income proposed after election
Charities, campaigners and academics call for ‘fundamental change to the social contract’

A glebe site near Lochinver with a view to Suilven mountain. The site sits in the heart of an area that has reported its lowest ever population with a report calling for radical action to government to support communities in the North West Highlands deliver strong services. Affordable homes will be built on the land by Assynt Development Trust.

Highland area has 'fewer people than Lapland" amid depopulation crisis

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth

Exclusive Scottish schools told to wait for guidance on single-sex toilets

Don't Miss

Aberlemno in Angus, home to a number of exceptional Pictish stones. The village will soon display another, which was discovered in the summer of 2022. PIC: www.geograph.org/Anne Burgess.

'Exceptional' Pictish stone returns to village where it was found

Four year-old pupils from Apple Tree Nursery in Argyll & Bute, Brogan Laurie, Neil George-McKirdy, Zander Simpson and Ava Wilson, travelled by boat and bus to present Miniature Mediterranean Donkey, Doris, with her First place rosette. After receiving a £400 donation from the Argyll & Bute Agricultural Committee, the pupils formed their own agricultural committee and decided to use the money to attend the Royal Highland Show. (Pic: Ian Georgeson)

Explainer Royal Highland Show - all you need to know for this year

Sir Keir Starmer’s Government was looking at potentially fast-tracking the return of prisoners to their home countries - and now talks have been held with the Scottish Government

'Error' to wipe trans murderer's criminal record, says SNP minister

Scottish independence supporters on the march

Swinney: Scotland given 'poison pills' and policy scraps from UK table

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

SNP’s naive and immature approach to defence industry needs to change Murdo Fraser

Carpenter's album cover is not liberation - it’s glamorous despair Jenny Lindsay

First Minister John Swinney during his speech on national renewal and prevention, at the Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Photo: Robert Perry/PA Wire

If Swinney knew how to fix Scotland's problems, he’d have done it Jackie Baillie

Starmer’s incoherent policies are a sign of his desperation to survive Brian Monteith

Arts news

Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall star as Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew as Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley in the new Netflix series One Day, which is based on author David Nicholls' best-selling novel. Picture: Netflix

Exclusive Popular city pub to be recreated on stage for One Day musical

The musical version of the bestselling novel One Day is to be premiered in Edinburgh early next year...

Festival cancels event after Gaza filmmaker unable to leave war zone

Moayed Abu Ammouna has lost contact with the organisers of the Edinburgh festival Art27 Scotland.

Barry Ferns first performed at the Fringe in 1999.

Veteran comedian on how Fringe drove him to bankruptcy

Barry Ferns was declared bankrupt in 2007.

The 'dedicated' theatre boss standing down after six years Jane Bradley

Jane Bradley

Inside plans to transform the century-old National Library

The National Library of Scotland is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

National Library plans to 'open up' iconic building to host weddings

The National Library of Scotland building was opened in 1956.

Scotsman Video

Scotsman Video

The latest video from The Scotsman

Featured Videos

Ad Feature New exhibition: Rare chance to see work of leading Scottish sculptor

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Usher Hall Edinburgh

WATCH: SCO Digital Season, Concert 1 - Coleridge-Taylor's Novelletten

Beyond Bars Cargo Bike

Beyond Bars Cargo Bike crafted by the inmates of HMP Barlinnie

Our chief football writer Alan Pattullo alongside Duncan Ferguson. Pic: Lisa Ferguson

When Alan Pattullo (finally) met Duncan Ferguson

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

Sport

A Partick Thistle fan with a yellow flare during the Premiership Play-Off quarter-final second leg match against Ayr United at Somerset Park, on May 09, 2025. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Plans to tackle unruly Scottish football fan behaviour set in motion

Public consultation to take place on football banning orders

Celtic star targeted by four clubs as Newcastle mull over £20m bid

Celtic have English Premier League interest in one of their key men

Sione Tuipulotu has recovered from a pectoral injury.

My strongest Lions Test team - including four Scots in the starting XV

Farrell has big decisions to make ahead of first clash with Wallabies on July 19

Big questions hanging over Clarke and goalkeeper issue only part of it Matthew Elder

Matthew Elder

SPFL trio watch Crystal Palace situation with interest as SFA has say

Uefa set to rule on multi-club ownership

South Africa call up Edinburgh player on Scotland's radar

Forward named in Springboks squad ahead of summer Tests

Readers Gallery

June 2025: A selection of beautiful pictures from Scotland taken by our readers

May 2025: A selection of beautiful pictures from Scotland taken by our readers

April 2025: A selection of beautiful pictures from Scotland taken by our readers

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

Kevin Lennon and Molly Innes

The Scotsman Sessions #430: Kevin Lennon and Molly Innes

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

Business

Briggs Marine’s MV Forth Constructor.

80 jobs secured as Fife marine specialist lands record MoD contract

EasyJet will fly between Edinburgh and Barcelona for the first time this year.

EasyJet announces new flights between Edinburgh and Barcelona

Politics

The document aims to tackle rising levels of violence in Scottish schools.

Give schools the tools to end pupil violence, ministers told
Scotland’s education secretary insists the new government guidance on classroom behaviour is what teachers want to see

Children enjoying playing on swings in a park.

Date set for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped in Scotland

Analysis Swinney is resetting public services - but why has he waited 18 years?

The union flag is said to have caused ‘upset’ at a school event.

School forced to apologise for suggesting Union flag is 'sectarian'

Union fury as John Swinney says public sector has to shrink

John Swinney has made a commitment around winter fuel payments in Scotland.

John Swinney gives major update on winter fuel payments for pensioners

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay

Is it really all over for the Scottish Conservatives? Alastair GJ Stewart

It's time for the tale of lost North Sea jobs to stop David Whitehouse

Opinion

Bosses at The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh want the institution to become a destination of choice for weddings and other events (Picture: Neil Hanna/AFP via Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: Ssshh! Don't make historic library into events venue

Remembering Sir Geoff Palmer Joe Goldblatt

A Holyrood committee has warned the criminal justice system in Scotland is "unsustainable" and cannot withstand "marginal" budget increases to maintain vital services

Moved me to tears by hope where there was none Karyn McCluskey

The Government plans to withdraw Strategic Priorities Grant funding from journalism, media studies and publishing courses this year

Why the Government needs to 'save quality journalism education' Amber Allott

Heritage and Retro

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, one of the most popular places in Britain to mark the date.

When Is The Longest Day 2025? Summer Solstice date, time, traditions

Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye is on the market. Picture: CC/Mike Peel

Island castle and museum on market for £2.75m in controversial sale

"Mania: Tartan, Turmoil and My Life as a Bay City Roller"

Mania: Tartan, Turmoil and My Life as a Bay City Roller: New book by Stuart 'Woo...

Inchmarnock in the Firth of Clyde has come on the market for offers over £2m. PIC: Strutt&Parker

Scottish island with endless shingle beaches and own ferry for sale

King's Birthday Honours: Writer and historian Alistair Moffat (top left), Zahrah Mahmood, President of Ramblers Scotland (bottom left) and John and Lorna Norgrove (right), of the Linda Norgrove Foundation, have all been recognised.

King's Birthday Honours for brave, selfless and determined Scots

It's one of the unluckiest days of the year. But why?

Why is Friday 13th considered unlucky? Origins and supersitions

Many words that you would casually encounter in English conversations have totally unique meanings in Scotland.

40 Regular words with different meanings in Scotland like “Hen”

Arts and Culture

Hamish Hawk on his Ivor Cutler tribute at Edinburgh Book Festival

Installation view of John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh, showing The Kiss

John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, Edinburgh review

Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall star as Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew as Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley in the new Netflix series One Day, which is based on author David Nicholls' best-selling novel. Picture: Netflix

Exclusive Popular city pub to be recreated on stage for One Day musical

Elio

Film reviews: Elio | Red Path

Edinburgh International Book Festival: Music, Poetry and Performance Highlights

Theatre reviews: Just Between Ourselves | EH7

Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh review: 'a welcome return'

Education

Small World Nursery in Brechin

Small World Children’s Nursery and Daycare sold to existing operator

Small World Children’s Nursery in Brechin on the East Coast of Scotland, has been sold to an existing operator, in a deal facilitated by Redwoods Dowling Kerr.

Ignatius Bowskill Dutkiewicz

Big smile

Flying high at Glasgow Prestwick Airport as local pupils win big in national eng...

The University of Aberdeen has been granted a letter of intent at a special ceremony in Mumbai hostd by the Indian government

Leading Scottish university unveils plans to open campus in India

Livingston Constituency MP Gregor Poynton launches paid internship in honour of Robin Cook

John Erskine

Hay's Way

The proposed 190km overhead line from Peterhead to Beauly has been redivided from five sections to 11 sections.

'It's distressing': Singer's message on net zero impact on Highlands

”I received an apology from the SNP farming minister after I raised the question of prime agricultural land being lost in Angus and the Mearns.”

Energy bosses accused of overlooking landowner rights in Net Zero push

Going for a swim

Waters of Life: A Fight for Scotland’s Beavers by Tom Bowser review

Health

Health experts want you to stop making these common hygiene mistakes this festival season.

The common hygiene mistakes you shouldn't make this festival season

These are the rules for bringing your prescription medication to Glastonbury.

Rules on bringing your prescription medication to Glastonbury

A scientist inspects a death cap mushroom at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne.

This is what death cap mushrooms look like and symptoms of poisoning

Lexacom Echo is helping GPs give time back to patients.

Inclusive tech gives ‘time back to patients’ amid surge in cases, says Scottish ...

Charlie Evans

Scots can avoid bad breath during festival season with Scottish Dental Group's t...

Tributes to charity event MoonWalk as organisers announce end of era

With the summer holidays around the corner, what age is appropriate to leave your children home alone?

The exact age you can legally leave your children home alone

Recommended

Summer heatwave must-have Inflatable Bouncy Castle Water Slide now 24% off

Save £88 on inflatable bouncy castle water slide – now £271.99

The Carpathian Edition is all about presence

Win an £85,000 Land Rover Defender Carpathian V8 for just 18p

The property is ideal for investors

1‑bed terraced in Pudsey – £150k

The Pixel 9 Pro has never been available for this price before

Google Pixel 9 Pro now £699 in crazy Amazon deal

The Neo 29” Oscillating Tower Fan blends into modern spaces

Wowcher’s best-selling fan is now just £19.99

James McAvoy has narrated The Sandman, one of Audible’s many blockbuster titles

Scottish-narrated audiobooks to stream for free this summer

Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Brits urged to switch as mobile bills could drop to just £5 a month

Sport Opinion

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke looks on during the Nations League A/B play-off second leg defeat to Greece at Hampden Park, on March 23, 2025. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Scotland have cause for optimism as intriguing decisions await Clarke
Where will Scotland be this time next year?
Alan Pattullo

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie shows off the Scottish Cup to the Aberdeen fans.

Scottish football's extraordinary final was good for the game

Napoli lift the Serie A title after beating Cagliari on Friday night.

McTominay's Napoli 'dream' as a city parties - but will Conte stay?

US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley pictured during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow

Tough call for Ryder Cup captain is now looking even more likely

Obituaries

Brian Kellock’s talent took him all over the world but Scotland would always be home (Picture: Jazz Services/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

Scotsman Obituaries: Brian Kellock, acclaimed Scottish jazz pianist

Scotsman Obituaries: Professor Allan Langlands, renowned Scottish oncologist

Rugby Union

Finn Russell with daughter Skye after helping Bath beat Leicester in the Gallagher Premiership final at the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham on Saturday.

Finn Russell in gentle Lions introduction but one Scot remains absent

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend announces his squad for the Skyscanner Pacific Tour.

Gregor Townsend expects talks on his future as landmark looms

Finn Russell poses with his children and the trophy after Bath's win over Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham.

Finn Russell explains risky pass as Bath grab Premiership glory

Finn Russell has already helped Bath win the European Challenge Cup this season, beating Lyon in the final in Cardiff.

Finn Russell explains kicking tweak as Bath bid to end 29-year wait

Leinster captain Jack Conan and Vodacom Bulls skipper Ruan Nortjé with the BKT URC Trophy at Croke Park.

What TV channel is Leinster v Bulls on? How to watch URC final

Rory Darge's new contract ties him to Glasgow Warriors for three more seasons.

'One of the best in Europe' - Scotland captain signs new deal

Roddy Grant has joined the Glasgow Warriors coaching staff.

Glasgow announce significant coach update as two appointments made

Scotland's Adam Hastings in action against Fiji at Murrayfield, on November 2, 2024. The sides will meet in Suva on July 12.

Why Scotland tour is important despite low-key opponents and early KOs

George Turner has not played for Scotland since the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Scotland summer tour squad named as 45-cap forward returns from exile

Cars

A use on single-use vapes is now in force in the UK. Picture: NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images.

Drivers risk £5,000 fine if they make ‘serious’ vape mistake

The Carpuride W903 Portable Wireless Carplay & Android Auto display has dropped to an amazing price

The best Android Auto car display we’ve tested is now incredibly cheap

Davanti Protoura Sport tyres are significantly cheaper than the bigger brands - but are they good enough for a performance car?

I swapped £180 Bridgestones for £115 Davantis – here’s what happened

The Viofo A329S now supports three channels - and that’s not the best upgrade

Viofo A329S adds three-channel power to top dashcam

Karwan says the prize will change his life

Taxi driver wins £138k Range Rover and £50,000 after car theft ordeal

Jim McGill with the Mini JCW Electric in the Cotswolds

Mini John Cooper Works Electric review: Fastest Mini a hoot to drive

Must Read

The tool allows users to get real-time pricing and compare aircraft options from a global network of over 7,000 jets

Ad Feature Private jet bookings just got made easier - thanks to this tool

62 per cent of businesses are prioritising their protection against savvy scammers

Ad Feature New AI tool set to bust fraudsters and tackle money laundering

Almost 45,000 hours of PE, since the London Olympic Games in 2012, have been lost

Ad Feature 4,000 hours of PE lessons lost in the last year, study reveals