Wed, 15th January 2025

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes

Exclusive Rachel Reeves does not have a mandate for austerity, says Forbes
The deputy first minister says Chancellor Rachel Reeves needs to be straight with the public, amid concerns about market uncertainty

The replacement hosts for Gary Linker on Match of the Day have been announced. Picture: David Ramos/Getty Images

BBC announces three Match of the Day hosts to replace Gary Lineker

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

Don't Miss

Music tuition has reached record levels in Scotland (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Families 'devastated' as another Scottish council plans music cuts

Neist Point Lighthouse on Skye

Rare job with 'spectacular views' as lighthouse keeper retires

Highland estate in Cairngorms National Park taken over by Oxygen Conservation

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

A Complete Unknown

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

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

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

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

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has been challenging Labour and the Conservatives for top spot in recent polls (Picture: Carl Court)

How 1930s-style decline of liberalism puts world on course for war Ian Johnston

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

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

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

Turner painting of Edinburgh shown in the city for the first time

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

Edinburgh continued to be Scotland’s hotspot, with hotel deals in the capital accounting for 58 per cent of the 2024 total.

Why Edinburgh is leading Scotland's £431 million hotel sale boom

Sport

Goalkeeper Zander Clark has signed a new two-year contract with Heart of Midlothian. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Zander Clark makes Hearts contract decision amid interest from Hibs

32 y/o commits future to Tynecastle club

'Soft' Celtic get Rodgers treatment as Trusty and Idah addressed

Celtic manager unhappy after 3-3 draw at Dens Park

Ben Muncaster made his Scotland debut against Portugal in November.

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

Injury update on Edinburgh’s Scotland cohort ahead of championship

Rangers sword of Damocles hangs over Clement despite conditions Alan Pattullo

Alan Pattullo

Celtic have travel sickness bug amid dubious Yang appraisal

Key takeaways from Dens Park thriller

Clement addresses Rangers quit question and ditching another sport

Rangers boss vows to fight on at Ibrox

Politics

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray

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

Finance Secretary Shona Robison

Shona Robison suggests Scottish child payment may have reached peak

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

Tulip Siddiq has left the UK government

Tulip Siddiq resigns as Labour minister after ethics investigation

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has defended her handling of the economy

Analysis Why Rachel Reeves is under threat, and what she can do to stop it

Campaigners in Parliament Square, London, in favour of the proposed bill to legalise assisted dying.

Findlay: Westminster debate made me more cautious about assisted dying

First Minister John Swinney has enjoyed a poll resurgence

John Swinney is 'uniting Scots', says SNP as lead grows over Labour

MSP salaries are to increase by 3.2 per cent.

MSP salaries are set to increase again - this is by how much

Opinion

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

Rubha Reidh Lighthouse, near Gairloch in Wester Ross, stands at the entrance to Loch Ewe

Scottish lighthouse keeper's job sounds like a kind of paradise Scotsman comment

We’ll build stronger startup communities with AI’s help Barry McDonald

Passengers disembark the Glen Sannox in Troon during its first official day of sailing (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell)

Glen Sannox may be late and expensive, but seems like a good ferry Scotsman comment

Heritage and Retro

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

Matt McCallum has upcycled an old Glasgow subway seat into his living room sofa.

Glasgow man upcycles old subway seat into his living room sofa

The Viking Galley burns in Scalloway in the Shetland Isles with this year's two-day Scalloway Fire Festival due to get underway on Friday, January 10. PIC: Dave Donaldson

First fire festival of the long winter to light up Scottish island

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

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

Inside the rural community where the lynx were illegally released

Inside the rural community where four lynx were released

Rick Minter, host of Big Cat Conversations podcast

Lynx reports have been happening for decades, claims podcast host

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

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

Symptoms of HMPV can be similar to the flu or the cold.

Five common HMPV symptoms in adults that you shouldn't ignore

Recommended

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

The Explorer 1000 V2 is cheaper than ever, thanks to a January sale

Portable power station deal: Jackery's Explorer 1000 has a 39% saving

The latest Omaze dream house is an absolute stunner

Less than two weeks for a chance to win the £4m Omaze Bath house

The Bourbon advent calendar from Master of Malt - and amazing post-Christmas bargain for whisky fans

January drink deals: unique spirits with discounted Advent calendars

Hannah and Rupert Drury at the £4 million property in the Lake District at Coniston Water. P

I broke 'dry January' to celebrate my £4m Lake District home win

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

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

Andrew Sharkey was devoted to the values of Scouting

Scotsman Obituaries: Andrew Sharkey, father, educator and Scouting giant

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

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

Glasgow Warriors' Sione Tuipulotu scores the fourth try of the match in the win over Racing 92.

Glasgow Warriors reaction: Ending takes shine off but Franco Smith

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