Sun, 23rd March 2025

Nicola Sturgeon and Val McDermid hosting their Books & Banter show during Glasgow International Comedy Festival at King's Theatre, Glasgow. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Sturgeon thanks supporters in comedy debut after being cleared

She was appearing at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Don't Miss

Cleo the cat was rescued from "horrendous conditions" and is now seeking a gentle, peaceful place to call home.

Scotland's oldest rescue cat searching for a loving home

Muirfield is one of a number of well-known clubs to hike green fees signficantly in recent years. Picture: Stuart Franklin/Getty

Exclusive The prestigious golf clubs where green fees have soared up to 153%

Kemi Badenoch and Russell Findlay

Exclusive Russell Findlay claims SNP ministers should review net zero target

American heavyweight boxer George Foreman has died aged 76. The world heavyweight champion is pictured here during a press conference in London on the first stage of his European tour in March 1973.

Death of boxing legend George Foreman: 'Our hearts are broken'

The UK needs to increase its defence capabilities, but it's wrong to cut benefits to do so (Picture: Leon Neal)

German example shows UK didn't have to cut benefits to boost defence Stephen Gethins

As the SNP prevaricates, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already acted on some of the recommendations made by an independent review into the recording of sex data by public bodies (Picture: James Manning)

Why gender ideology could have ‘fatal consequences’ for trans people Susan Dalgety

In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government was desperate to keep unemployment below three million, so encouraged people to claim disability benefit instead (Picture: Tim Graham)

Disability culture began when Thatcher tried to rig jobless figures Brian Wilson

Given the seriousness of our times, it may not be possible to retain the RAF Red Arrows display team, seen performing over Athens last year (Picture: Theophile Bloudanis)

Best in the world? Why the British Army makes US officials want to cry Stephen Jardine

44 Scotland Street

44 Scotland Street

Scotland Street Volume 18, Chapter 35: Olive olivissima

44 Scotland Street

Scotland Street Volume 18, Chapter 34: A place of greater safety

44 Scotland Street

Scotland Street Volume 18, Chapter 33: Don Pasquale

Scotsman Video

Scotsman Video

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The latest video from The Scotsman

Featured Videos

Ruth Gipps

Watch: The SCO Digital Season Part Three: Ruth Gipps, Seascape

Janice Forsyth

Janice Forsyth on why she's smiling after her Alzheimer's diagnosis

James McAvoy at Glasgow Film Festival.

McAvoy: Growing up on estate 'wasn’t always hard - it was brilliant'

Scottish Opera has created a 14 minute animated opera.

Award-winning Scottish Opera animation to be screened in Edinburgh

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

Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue. Thanks to Cafe Gandolfi, Glasgow.

Deacon Blue on celebrating 40 years and hitting the road in Edinburgh

Five-star Crossbasket Castle has unveiled its new hotel and entertainment-led restaurant

The luxury Scottish castle that’s been transformed after £20m makeover

Through the Shortbread Tin: Dramatising Scotland's great literary hoax

I went to the newest shop on Edinburgh's Princes Street

Glasgow Tenement Apartments On a Leafy Street

You can buy an Edinburgh hovel for the same price as a Glasgow palace Gaby Soutar

Charles Palmer competes at the first Coe Cup in 2012

Skiing: A bold new plan for the Scottish Freedom Series

The Darkness

The Darkness, Edinburgh review: 'pop rocket fuel'

Sport

Steve Clarke during a Scotland training session at The City Stadium on Saturday. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Steve Clarke questions Scotland 'anomaly' amid improving results

Scotland boss desperate to retain top tier status

Scotland's Serie A phenomenon to the fore but job only half finished

Scotland head coach hails his Italian-based quartet

Scotland's Lisa Thomson in action in the Women's Six Nations opener against Wales at The Hive Stadium. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Gritty Scotland claim 20-year first in Women's Six Nations opener

Scotland hold on for victory over Wales in Edinburgh

Fraser Brown: If you replace Townsend, you must appoint someone betterFraser Brown
Fraser Brown
MacIntyre overcomes plane problem to get himself flying in Singapore

Scottish No 1 bounces back from horror finish to opening round to have leader in his sights

Neil Lennon accepts 'compelling proposition' to return to management

Lennon takes charge of relegated-threatened side

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.

Download here

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

Don't overpack and you can save money on airline luggage fees (Picture: Adobe)

Here’s how to avoid disaster when you travel

Get your finances in order and you may save enough money for a weekend away (Picture: Adobe)

Spring clean finances in just a few simple steps

Politics

A fire rages at the Hayes electricity substation near Heathrow (Picture: London Fire Brigade)

Heathrow shutdown shows how vulnerable UK is to an array of threats

Whatever the cause of the electricity substation fire that forced Heathrow Airport to close, the UK needs to improve the resilience of its vital infrastructure ...

Scotsman comment

Russian President Vladimir Putin would like the EU to break up, but his war on Ukraine is pushing the UK back towards Brussels (Picture: Maxim Shemetov/pool)

How Brexit fan Putin is pushing the UK and EU closer together Stuart Nicolson

It looks like residents of Scotland's largest city of Glasgow are looking at a council tax increase of between 6 per cent and 7 per cent.

Swinney defends income tax gap with England after 'humiliating rebuke'

John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon pictured in Holyrood in 2023

Swinney: I look forward to Sturgeon campaigning for SNP ahead of 2026

Maggie Chapman MSP

Greens MSP announced as rector of crisis-hit university

Fergus Ewing MSP

Ewing will not stand for SNP in 2026 - but may run as an independent

Rain Newton-Smith

Exclusive CBI boss urges SNP ministers to close income tax gap with England

John Swinney should realise that higher income taxes in Scotland make it harder for businesses to recruit skilled staff (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell)

Swinney needs to take business complaints about income tax seriously Scotsman comment

cut through the noise

Opinion

Scotland were fortunate to come away with a win against Greece (Picture: Menelaos Myrillas)

Tartan Army must not linger in Greece. Hampden Roar needs them all Scotsman comment

PIC Lisa Ferguson 19/03/2025 The Scotsman Investment Conference UK Equities: Growth on our Doorstep Chloé Darling-Stewart, Baillie Gifford Wednesday 19th March 2024 LOCATION: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh,

Investors plot Scotland’s place in global financial landscape

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at Downing Street (Picture: Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: Slashing welfare bill a heartless move

Prince William meets Estonian President Alar Karis in Tallinn, Estonia (Picture: Suzanne Plunkett/WPA pool)

Why Prince William's visit to Estonia is diplomatic rebuff to Trump Scotsman comment

Heritage and Retro

The glorious five-star Scottish castle hotel that's had £20m glow up

Barnton Bunker in Corstorphine Hill, Clermiston, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Cold War nuclear bunker in Scotland that 'could be used' by army

A mourning ring engraved with 19th Century Scottish geologist Hugh Miller's name and the date of his birth and death

19th century ring linked to Scottish geologist found on African beach

In the present day, Halloween is largely used as an excuse to whip out your best fancy dress costume and eat lots of sweets. However, in ancient Scotland the festival represented not only a significant milestone in the year relating to the harvest but also the time of year when the veil between the world of the living and the world of spirits such as demons, spirits and witches was at its thinnest. As such, this was when the Celts would take action to ward off the evil which threatened them and their land.

Story of Scotland's 'witches' revealed in book by pair who won pardon

The romantic Scottish riverside hotel opening after £2.5m makeover

Drumsheugh Baths in Dean Village is one of the buildings chosen by architecture critic Robin Ward in his new book, The Pocket Guide to Edinburgh's Best Buildings.

11 of Edinburgh's lesser-seen architectural gems, as chosen by critic

The fallen Aberlemno III stone surrounded by its protective box

The Picts: Call for 'full and open' investigation into toppled stone

Arts and Culture

Ava Hickey as Flora in The Kelton Hill Fair

Wonder Fools explore Traveller history in The Kelton Hill Fair

Lauren Mayberry

Lauren Mayberry, Glasgow review: 'power pop'

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, is based in Sleat, on the Isle of Skye

Scotland's first-ever Gaelic poetry path around most visited island

Nikita Naumov

SCO, Richard Egarr & Nikita Naumov, Edinburgh review: 'theatrical'

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is among the festivals represented in the new group led by the Scottish Government.

Exclusive Working group to create 'shared vision' for Edinburgh's festivals

Cal Halbert

Cal Halbert, Glasgow Comedy Festival review: 'something for everyone'

Deacon Blue

Album reviews: Deacon Blue, Alison Krauss & Union Station & more

Education

Students sit an exam. Picture: John Devlin

Exams to be scrapped for pupils taking 3 subjects in Scottish schools

SNP ministers previously rejected a call to axe all exams for S4 pupils

Calum RossCalum Ross
The University of Dundee

Exclusive Inside story of the moment a Scottish university plunged into crisis

The University of Dundee's Queen Mother Building

Scottish university would run out of money within weeks without help

New Scottish university facing strike action over 'alarming' cutbacksCalum Ross
Calum Ross

Hay's Way

Fallen trees across the country are still blocking paths

Scotland's stunning forest walks still closed due to storm damage

More than £200m has been spent by the Scottish government on external consultants to help run a subsidy system for farmers

'Astonishing' £200m used to spend on consultants for farming policy

Coul Links, near Embo, in the Scottish Highlands, which has been earmarked for a golf course development that has promised to bring money to the area, but has caused concern for conservationists

The 'special' habitat in spotlight as decision on golf course looms

Health

The Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art wears a face mask.

15 era-defining moments from Covid lockdown, five years later

The arrival of bird flu on a farm results in a mass cull of the animals and stringent controls to prevent any further spread of the disease(Picture: Matt Cardy)

Why the threat posed by bird flu is a ticking timebomb for humanity Philip Lymbery

User (UGC) Submitted

World Oral Health Day: A quarter of parents ‘forget’ to brush their kids teeth

There are calls for cat cafes to be 'phased out'

Cat cafes should be 'phased out', as charities raise welfare concerns

Greyfriars Bobby joins in with the mask wearing.

Remembering Lockdown: 25 pictures of Scotland in the pandemic

Dr Clara Doran has turned the personal challenges we into a business opportunity

How a doctor turned brain fog into a business with a simple supplement

Women with early stage cervical cancer can end up waiting years to get a hysterectomy (Picture: Christopher Furlong)

Told she may have cancer, Jenny had to wait nearly a year to find out Jackie Baillie

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5 beauty boxes for the perfect Mother’s Day Gift

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Expert skincare tips to get summer body ready

The Carpuride W903 Portable Wireless Carplay & Android Auto display

Spring Deal Days: 7 gadgets I’ve got my eye on if the prices drop

6 annoying habits you're doing that is driving your hairdresser crazy - you’ve probably done all of them

Six annoying habits you have that drive your hairdresser crazy

The creator of the world’s most popular wearable-blanket just reinvented pyjamas.

Oodie just reinvented pyjamas - here's why you need them in your life!

Save up to 54% on kids garden toys - keep them entertained throughout the holidays

5 Fun and engaging garden toys for kids to enjoy

Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawnmower

Gtech launches rare spring sale: 20% off gadgets with code SPRING20

Sport Opinion

James McFadden celebrates after scoring against France at the Parc De Princes stadium in Paris in 2007 (Picture: Franck Fife)

Scotland can beat France if they show some James McFadden-style gallus

Finn Russell should take heart from James McFadden’s 2007 wonder goal against France

Scotsman comment

Scotland struggled in the final quarter against Wales, conceding three tries.

I have concerns about the Scotland bench but pressure is on France

King Charles with Sir Chris Hoy during the launch of the Commonwealth Sport King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace on Monday (Picture: Jonathan Brady)

Why it's important to send small piece of Scotland to the Commonwealth Scotsman comment

Cyriel Dessers celebrates his goal against Fenerbahce for Rangers.

We owe apologies to Rangers' headwrecker - although that could change

Obituaries

Celebrate your loved one with GUESTPIX – The thoughtful way to cherish memories

Celebrate your loved one with a thoughtful way to cherish memories

The estimable Wendy Jones as captured by talented artist Verna Bond

Scotsman Obituaries: Wendy Jones, Scotsman Publicity department legend

Rugby Union

Edinburgh's Mosese Tuipulotu was red carded with five minutes remaining in the defeat to Benetton in Treviso. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Edinburgh rue red card as last-minute try secures victory for Benetton

Warriors' Nathan McBeth (R) score his side's fourth and decisive try to secure victory over Munster at Scotstoun. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Franco Smith makes 'own enemies' admission as Glasgow stage late rally

Scotland Under 20 full-back Jack Brown is set to be handed his Edinburgh Rugby debut in Italy this weekend. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Edinburgh return to scene of crime as Under 20 starlet set for debut

Franco Smith during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium.

Franco Smith addresses his Glasgow budget amid flurry of departures

Scotland's Blair Kinghorn (left) and Huw Jones are included in the Six Nations team of the championship. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

2 Scots in Six Nations team of tournament as England outnumber France

France's Peato Mauvaka is sent to the sin bin during the Guinness Men's Six Nations match against Scotland at Stade de France.

Retrospective ban for France hooker is of little use to Scotland

Bristol Bears’ Hollie Cunningham will make her Scotland debut against Wales at lock. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Scotland reward form over legacy as team named for Women's Six Nations opener

Sione Tuipulotu missed the Six Nations through injury.

Sione Tuipulotu update as 'quick healer's' Lions chances assessed

Edinburgh's Ben Vellacott has signed a two-year contract extension.

Edinburgh Rugby co-captain signs new contract and outlines dual aims

Cars

Raffle House's bonus prize is a £65,000 Maserati - or the cash alternative

Just days left to win a £2.8 million house with a bonus prize

In the right colour, from the right angle, the Junior is very attractive

Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica review: Italian flair with a sensible side

Steven Chisholm with the Mazda CX-80 in Limekilns, Fife

Mazda CX-80 PHEV review: 7-seat Mazda impresses despite one flaw

The Garmin Mini 3 has all the features you'd need, and hides away so discreetly

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 review: Good things do come in small packages

The AMG 63S Convertible is a gorgeous car from any angle

Someone will win this £48,000 convertible V8 Mercedes for just 6p

Car batteries can be one of the most expensive parts to change in your car - so it's worth shopping sensibly, and there’s a price-matching scheme that can save a lot of money

Need a new car battery? Here's how to get one fitted cheaply

Must Read

Edinburgh ranked as the most sustainable UK city

Ad Feature The UK’s most ‘eco-friendly’ cities revealed

MANUP? has announced the extension of its support for groundbreaking research into male suicide

Ad Feature Suicide is the lead killer of UK men under 50 - research reveals why

Ad Feature Edinburgh estate agent shares the secrets to selling your home

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