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‘Awful’ BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell retires

Wed, 4th October 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty arrive to the final day of the annual Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

Sunak axes HS2 extension and pledges road upgrades instead for Scotland
Rishi Sunak has confirmed the rest of the HS2 rail link will be scrapped in his first Tory party conference speech as Prime Minister – with some of the money saved diverted to projects helping Scotland

Don't miss...

  • 1Lost and Found: Highlights of Stornoway's Faclan book festival
  • 2Five David Beckham film cameos to watch before Netflix's Beckham documentary
  • 3Could bedbugs be brought back to Scotland amid French outbreak?
  • 4Nicola Sturgeon's former chief of staff secures new consultancy job
  • 5Passions: Strictly is back and it’s still the perfect Saturday night entertainment show

    • Analysis: Sunak saves all the policy for himself in final attempt at relaunch

    Brian Morrison and his MG ZS EV Photo: SWNS

    Man 'kidnapped' by his runaway electric car

    Dalata has bought a development site in St Andrew Square (pictured) for a property that will sit alongside fellow high-end hotels Gleneagles Townhouse and Malmaison (file image). Picture: Lisa Ferguson.

    Edinburgh set to gain another luxury hotel as new brand reveals central location

    The Scotsman has been breaking the news since 1817

    Historic Scotsman front pages - from JKF assassination to Scottish devolution

    Humza Yousaf’s handling of SNP rebels exposes his weaknesses as leader Murdo Fraser

    Sunak's climate stance and Rosebank oil field go-ahead are crazy gambles Richard Dixon

    As Tories embrace Farage, Sunak desperately tries to copy Johnson Euan McColm

    After Dutch elm disease and ash dieback, will our majestic oaks be next? Ruth Mitchell

    Lifestyle

    The Stern of the MV Plassey, Arran Islands, by Alex Boyd

    Lost and Found: Highlights of Stornoway's Faclan book festival

    Katie Gregson-MacLeod

    The Scotsman Sessions #382: Katie Gregson-MacLeod

    King Alexander III, c1633, by George Jamesone

    Art reviews: George Jamesone | John Byrne | Una Shanks & Duncan Shanks

    Paul Zerdin and his sponge family Pic: Steve Ullathorne

    Interview: ventriloquist Paul Zerdin

    Sheriff of Kalamaki PIC: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

    Theatre reviews: The Sheriff of Kalamaki | One of Two | Woman Walking

    Scottish actor Izuka Hoyle is back in the TV version of the film, Boiling Point. Pic: Joseph Sinclair. Hair: Davinia Hazelwood. Make-up: Joy Adenuga. Stylist: Brillant Nyansago

    Scottish actor Izuka Hoyle takes her Bafta winning role back to Boiling Point

    Singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni. Picture: Gaelle Beri

    Music review: Rachel Sermanni, Summerhall, Edinburgh

    Rugby World Cup

    How Scotland are keeping calm over eight-point margin conundrum

    Scotland will try not to stress over the eight-point margin of victory required against Ireland in P...
    Price recalls Scotland 'heart-sink' moment as he opens up on scrum-half battle
    Two years on from being the starting Test scrum-half for the Lions, Ali Price has found himself on t...
    Pierre Schoeman of Scotland goes past Johnny Sexton during the Six Nations Rugby match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield Stadium on March 12, 2023 - the last time the two teams played each other before the Rugby World Cup.

    Everything you need to know about the Scotland v Ireland rugby fixture

    Scotland will be looking to upset the odds against Ireland in their final pool match at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

    Fraser Brown: Bunker system is turning the Rugby World Cup into a shamblesFraser Brown
    Fraser Brown
    Scotland and Ireland respond to Rugby World Cup collusion suggestions
    Scotland and Ireland have dismissed suggestions they might collude to oust South Africa from the Rug...
    Ireland-Scotland collusion suggestion rubbished before Pool B decider
    Assistant coach Mike Catt dismissed suggestions Ireland could collude with Scotland in Saturday’s pi...

    Scotsman Video

    Scotsman Video

    View more
    The latest video from The Scotsman

    Featured Videos

    Scotsman Westminster Correspondent Alexander Brown

    A sideways look at Westminster with Westminster Correspondent, Alexander Brown

    Dot Allison and Alice Allen

    The Scotsman Sessions #381: Dot Allison and Alice Allen

    Exclusive Inside the Queensferry Crossing as you’ve never seen it before

    There was a rare and wonderful sight on southern coastal waters last weekend when two heritage steamships, both built in Scotland and today forming part of the National Historic Fleet, met up with one another off of Bournemouth and the Solent.

    SS Waverley sails alongside Steamship Shieldhall

    44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith

    44 Scotland Street

    Scotland Street Volume 17, Chapter 23: The Air of Freedom

    44 Scotland Street

    Scotland Street Volume 17, Chapter 22: A Conversation with Galactica

    44 Scotland Street

    Scotland Street Volume 17, Chapter 21: They Must Be Stopped

    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

    Joan McAlpine is a former chair of the Scottish Parliament's culture committee. Picture: John Devlin

    Former SNP MSP accuses Scottish Government of ‘eroding’ the arts

    Rishi Sunak's lack of authority is plain to see as Conservative ministers jostle for position to replace him (Picture: Andrew Fox/WPA pool/Getty Images)

    Rishi Sunak is wrong. The country needs a general election as soon as possible

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waves as he and his wife Akshata Murty leave following his speech during the final day of the Conservative Party Conference. Photo: Getty

    Sunak reported to police over conference speech comments about Nicola Sturgeon

    Police Scotland needs to improve its system of vetting officers to ensure their ranks are not infiltrated by criminals (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA)

    Vetting of police officers is vital to keep us safe

    Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

    Public pay settlements had 'impact' on arts funding cuts, minister says

    Police Scotland needs to improve its system of vetting officers to ensure their ranks are not infiltrated by criminals (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA)

    Scottish Government to consider recommendations on police vetting

    Home Secretary, Suella Braverman has been accused of making a leadership pitch.

    Suella Braverman faces Tory backlash as rumours grow of leadership bid

    The number of Scots set to be diagnosed with cancer is set to rise by nearly a quarter

    Scotland faces 'ticking timebomb' as cancer rates set to explode

    cut through the noise

    Sport

    Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has named his squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain and the glamour friendly against France. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

    Scotland squad: Celtic star among three recalled as Hearts captain drops out

    Steve Clarke has named his Scotland squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualification crunch match agai...
    Scotland to co-host Euro 2028 as part of UK & Ireland bid after Turkey withdraw
    Scotland is poised to co-host Euro 2028 after Turkey's decision to withdraw from the process left th...

    Exclusive LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan playing in Dunhill Links alongside R&A chief

    His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is teeing up in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland after initially been listed under a pseudonym .
    Half the Viaplay Cup having VAR and half not is wrong

    Aidan Smith

    Rodgers opens up on Beale's Rangers exit and 'magic man's' big decision
    Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admits the sacking of Michael Beale by rivals Rangers “feels very ear...
    Scotland and Ireland respond to Rugby World Cup collusion suggestions
    Scotland and Ireland have dismissed suggestions they might collude to oust South Africa from the Rug...

    Opinion

    Following protests outside the Scottish Parliament, a public inquiry is to be held into claims the former NHS Tayside neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel may have harmed more than 200 patients during his time working there (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

    New health commissioner needs more power to help prevent future health scandals

    Lee Craigie, second left, visiting Forth Environment Link's Bike Buddies training scheme. (Photo by Forth Environment Link)

    Cycling and walking funding at record levels so why a crisis? – Alastair Dalton

    Global warming could affect the production of crops like potatoes (Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

    How scientists are working to protect food supplies as climate crisis worsens

    ​Lismore Ladies Rugby Club team playing at Inch Park. Picture courtesy of Mark Brown

    ​Inch Park is one of Edinburgh and Scotland’s most special places - Donald Ander...

    Education

    Councillors rejected plans to make cuts to the school bus service in Falkirk. Pic: File image

    Councillors reject plans to cut school bus services

    Planned cuts to school bus services in Falkirk have been thrown out by councillors – in a move officials warned would put teaching posts at risk.

    Kirsty Paterson, Local Democracy Reporter

    44 Scotland Street

    Scotland Street Volume 17, Chapter 18: Icelandic Words

    Unison strike outside Avenue End Primary School in Glasgow. Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images.

    Unison warns of more strikes and calls on Humza Yousaf to go to picket line

    Union warns of bigger strike action by school support staff in Scotland

    Lucinda Cameron

    Rural Affairs

    Figures released by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust show there are some 300 adult capercaillie left in Scotland (pic: Jude Dinham-Price)

    Control pine martens to help Scotland's declining capercaillie, urges trust

    A ten-year research project completed in 2020 found capercaillie numbers declined by 48 per cent, wi...
    Deer cull season plans to be debated in Parliament following successful motion
    The Scottish Government proposals have prompted animal welfare concerns...
    Plans for the community bid were first made in 2015 after the field was deemed at the time to be surplus to requirements.

    Charity wins bid to take over Scottish Government-owned farmland in Highlands

    The community aims to build a garden, orchard and allotments
    Promising lapwing test shows farmers are 'part of the solution not the problem'Katharine Hay
    Katharine Hay
    England should learn from Scotland 'right to roam' issues
    Calls have been made for land access guidance and legislation to be reviewed with an increase in roa...
    Seawilding: One community's battle to replenish Scotland's native oyster
    With oyster season having started and a string of festivals dedicated to the bivalve mollusc ahead, ...

    Health

    Racism, bullying and harassment are still serious problems in NHS Sajid Farid

    Professor Katalin Kariko of Hungary and Professor Drew Weissman of the US, won the Nobel Medicine Prize for their work on mRNA vaccines (Picture: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

    The Covid vaccines that demonstrate the need for science for science's sake

    Relatives of those who died during the pandemic gather ahead of the first day of the second phase of the UK Covid-19 public inquiry at Dorland House in London. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

    Covid inquiry: Families who lost loved ones in pandemic ‘will not be ignored’

    Is harmful drinking a uniquely Scottish problem?

    Member of Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute Thomas Perlmann speaks to the media during the announcement of the winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

    Scientists who helped develop Covid-19 vaccines win Nobel Prize

    Members of the 40 Days For Life group hold a vigil as women head for appointments.

    Scotland abortion protests: Christian group accused of harassment

    The UK's first drug consumption room in Glasgow will enable users to take their own illegal drugs under medical supervision (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

    Why Scotland needs more than just one drug consumption room pilot

    Scotsman Passions

    Aisle always smile when supermarket Christmas comes Martin Gray

    Today's best surfing magazines show the way forward for print media

    The secrets of a successful Scottish BBQ Neil McIntosh

    Passions: Move over Steve McQueen, I’m also a hero on my Honda Super Cub Andy O'Brien

    Heritage and Retro

    The Scots word “dreich” is typically used to describe damp, grey weather which is the meteorological norm for Scotland.

    Explainer Scots Word of the Week: Dreich ‘rains’ supreme as our most iconic word

    In 1956, Mary challenged her male superiors on outdated conventions to become the first female officer in Scotland to drive police vehicles. Picture: Police Scotland

    One of first female police drivers in Scotland returns to her old beat

    The eastern slope of Arthur's Seat where the criss-cross of new paths taken by walkers finding their own routes can be seen with the new "desire lines" putting the park's archaeology - which spans thousands of years - at risk. PIC: HES.

    Holyrood Park faces fragile future given swell in visitor numbers

    If you wanted a cool venue for a kids birthday party then Little Marcos was the first choice. It was Scotland’s first indoors soft play venue which opened in 1980 at Grove Street, it closed in 2008 but welcomed over 1 million kids to play while active.

    Grew up in Edinburgh in the ‘90s? These 18 pictures will be nostalgic

    Here are 10 of the most haunted Scottish locations to visit 2023

    Cavers Castle in the Scottish Borders is to be redeveloped. PIC: Simon Forder/CC

    Crumbling Scottish castle to be rebuilt after Hawaii buyer agrees to save newts

    Flying Scotsman, which is often described as the world's most famous locomotive, was involved in a shunting incident at Aviemore on Friday.

    Flying Scotsman: More disruption after collision at Highland station

    The Scotsman Sessions

    Just a few of the artists who have performed Scotsman Sessions

    The Scotsman Sessions: links to numbers 1-350

    Katie Gregson-MacLeod

    The Scotsman Sessions #382: Katie Gregson-MacLeod

    Dot Allison and Alice Allen

    The Scotsman Sessions #381: Dot Allison and Alice Allen

    The Filthy Tongues and Maria Rud

    The Scotsman Sessions #380: The Filthy Tongues and Maria Rud

    Chris Dennis

    The Scotsman Sessions #379: Chris Dennis

    Broken Records

    The Scotsman Sessions #378: Broken Records

    Snows of Yesteryear

    The Scotsman Sessions #377: Snows of Yesteryear

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    Explainer Who is Susan Calman? Is she married? What has she starred in?

    Hasbulla Magomedov and legendary pro MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrate in the Octagon after a UFC 267 event in the UAE in 2021.

    Explainer Hasbulla Magomedov: Who is Mini Khabib? Why is the Russian famous?

    According to Vikingeskibsmuseet ( Viking Ship Museum): “The Vikings were probably one of the most important influences in Scotland.”

    Explainer Largs Viking Festival 2023: Full schedule and history of the event

    Douglas Henshall and partner arrive for the premiere of Becoming Jane in Leicester Square, London.

    Explainer Who is Douglas Henshall, what has he been in and who is he married to?

    The voice of Super Mario, Charles Martinet, poses with Mario at GAME Oxford Street, central London, on the evening that Super Mario Galaxy on the Nintendo Wii goes on sale in the UK.

    Explainer Super Mario Origins: How ‘Jumpman’ became a global phenomenon

    The Scottish Terrier is a beloved breed of dog that has made an impact on pop culture not just as an icon of Scotland but by influencing the likes of Pokémon; a global phenomenon.

    Explainer Scottish Pokémon: Did you know Scotland inspired this cute Pokémon?

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    Amazon Devices Explained: Which you should and shouldn't buy

    Sport Opinion

    Santiago Arata of Uruguay is tackled by Romain Taofifenua and Sekou Macalou of France which resulted in a yellow card for Taofifenua for a dangerous tackle. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

    The nerds will be loving rugby's controversies, the casual fan ends up baffled
    The fastest boy in the Broughton High School 2nd XV was Kenny Armstrong. The rest of us simply gave him the ball and watched him go. At first we called him Road Runner after the Looney Tunes character but later, when we all got into rock music and Kenny decided Deep Purple were his favourite band, one of their anthems became his nickname – Speed King.

    Scotland sing their national anthem during the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park, on September 12, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland.

    The booing? Let's not get too woke about what happens at football matches

    Supporters buses outside Hampden Stadium.

    Maybe Rishi Sunak has an ulterior motive behind supporters bus' climbdown

    Scotland stand-off Finn Russell could help orchestrate a famous win over South Africa in the rugby world cup (Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    Three days in which Scotland could find itself in sporting dreamland

    Homes

    Scared of spiders? Brace yourself. Sex-crazed male spiders want to breed in warm UK households this Autumn.

    How to keep spiders out of the house: Why are there so many right now?

    What is it? An architectural gem of a Passive House built to energy efficient Passivhaus standards. Its modern design seeks to pay homage to traditional Highland steadings style in construction, while its large picture windows provide unparalleled views of its sensational surroundings in every room.

    Three's a charm: enviable plots to turn you green

    Image: Lisa Ferguson

    Kirsty McLuckie: constructive thinking is key to housing crisis

    Allanbank Courtyard. Image: contributed

    Prestige property: one-time coach house proposes longer stay

    Obituaries

    Benny Rooney was considered a true gentleman in both the world of football and beyond

    Scotsman Obituaries: Benny Rooney, Scottish football player, coach and manager

    David McCallum at an event in Beverly Hills in 210 (Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

    Scotsman Obituaries: David McCallum, Glasgow-born star of The Man from UNCLE

    Rugby Union

    Scotland talisman Finn Russell is excited by the prospect of taking on Ireland in Paris.

    Russell tells Scotland to play with swagger as he anticipates Irish verbals

    D'arcy Rae before an ECPR Challenge Cup between Edinburgh Rugby and Bath at DAM Health Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

    Edinburgh sign former Glasgow Warriors tighthead prop D'Arcy Rae

    Darcy Graham helped Scotland crush Romania last weekend - but a significantly tougher test against Ireland awaits.

    What Scotland need to against Ireland to qualify - and situation Boks don't want

    Hamish Watson was among the tryscorers in Scotland's huge win over Romania in Lille.

    Scotland's Watson tries to make up for lost time at World Cup

    Darcy Graham is only three tries away from Stuart Hogg's Scotland record.

    Scotland's Graham hunts down try record - 'it's getting closer'

    Scotland's flanker Hamish Watson takes a selfie with supporters after Scotland defeated Romania.

    Townsend mulls over Ireland clash as one fringe player stakes big claim

    Ben Healy impressed at stand-off during Scotland's win over Romania at the Rugby World Cup. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

    Scotland player ratings v Romania as impressive quartet score highest marks

    Scotland players greet supporters after defeating Romania 84-0 at the Rugby World Cup. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

    What Scotland need against Ireland – and what happens if three teams finish tied

    Scotland rack up 12 tries in Romania demolition as Darcy Graham steals show

    Cars

    The Toyota Aygo X Undercover adds designer flourishes to a formula that's already seen Toyota sell thousands of cars

    Toyota Aygo X Undercover review: Points for style but at a premium

    The Dolphin is the smallest and most affordable model BYD is introducing to the UK market. Credit: BYD

    BYD Dolphin Review: Cleverly packaged Chinese EV is sure to make a splash

    Your likelihood of being in a car accident can change depending on what part of Scotland you're driving in.

    Figures reveal the 10 worst places for car accidents in Scotland

    Skoda Karoq

    Skoda Karoq SE L 1.5TSI review

    Greens' plan for 'climate-friendly' heating in homes will wreck property prices John McLellan

    Norway has the highest percentage of electric cars per capita in the world (Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images,)

    EV hotspot Orkney to drag Scotland into the green industrial revolution?

    Must Read

    Josie Long, comedian, who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe for over two decades, has written her first book of short stories, Because I Don't Know What You Mean and What You Don't. She appears at this year's Wigtown Book Festival. Pic: John Devlin

    Comedian Josie Long at Wigtown Book Festival

    Ad Feature More than meets the dry eye - combatting eye discomfort

    BEST PORTRAIT GLISTENING-GREEN Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis. Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, Ecuador. Nicolas Reusens, Spain. Category: Best Portrait. GOLD AWARD WINNER. Venturing into the tropical forest, I was excited to spot the rare Glistening-green Tanager. After hours of waiting, I saw the vivid-green bird on a perfect heart-shaped leaf. Its shimmering feathers reflected a dazzling array of colours. I captured every detail, grateful for this magical moment amid the lush jungle backdrop. Canon EOS R7 with Tamron 100–400mm f/4.5–6.3 lens. 213mm; 1/500s; f/7.1; ISO 400

    Bird Photographer of the Year Award 2023