Alistair Grant

More than 200 Scottish community councils have backed a unified statement calling for a pause on new wind farms and other renewable-energy developments until a strategic energy plan is established. Campaigners from Perthshire and the Scottish Borders say the pace and scale of construction is industrialising rural landscapes, dismissing local concerns and producing excess power that cannot always be used or exported. Conventions are planned in Fowlis Wester and Shetland. The opposition comes as UK and Scottish ministers promote a £28 million programme for ultra-long-duration energy storage, including advanced batteries and underground hydrogen storage, arguing that storing renewable electricity will improve energy security, reduce reliance on volatile gas prices and eventually lower bills.

Nicola Sturgeon said she was fully cleared and never considered for prosecution in the investigation into SNP finances. She expressed deep regret over her estranged husband Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of more than £400,000 from the party, but rejected responsibility for his crimes; Murrell pleaded guilty and received a prison sentence of more than five years. Sturgeon also reaffirmed her opposition to new North Sea oil and gas exploration, arguing that workers should be transitioned into clean-energy jobs as the climate crisis worsens.

A trial will equip a ScotRail Class 156 train on the West Highland Line with Eutelsat satellite communications technology, providing reliable internet access on a route where mobile coverage is poor. Backed by UK government and UK Space Agency funding through the European Space Agency’s ARTES scheme, the SODOR project is intended to support broader satellite connectivity across mainland trains. ScotRail, CGI and government representatives say the trial could improve passenger experience, operational reliability and opportunities for remote communities, while also allowing the technology to be compared with Starlink systems already being tested on the Far North Line.

The UK government is considering whether to approve the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields after previous approvals were overturned following a Greenpeace legal challenge. Scottish Conservatives and industry representatives say rejecting the projects could accelerate the decline of the North Sea sector, threatening jobs, investment, tax revenues and energy security. The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce has launched an evidence-based campaign arguing that Britain will need oil and gas for decades and should produce more domestically rather than rely on imports. Climate campaigners and the Scottish Greens argue that approving the fields would undermine climate goals and deepen the climate crisis, while the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says oil and gas will remain important alongside the transition to clean power.

Irvine Welsh said Trainspotting The Musical’s UK tour was cancelled because accommodation, travel and staging costs made regional performances unaffordable. Although the production was criticised by reviewers, he claimed it was playing to packed houses and receiving standing ovations at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket, where discounted tickets and locally based cast and crew reduced costs. The planned Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Glasgow dates were dropped after lower-than-expected sales. Welsh hopes the show can return when economic conditions improve, while the London run is scheduled to continue until 5 September.

The number of foreign nationals held in Scottish prisons has risen to 749, including 409 convicted prisoners and 340 people on remand, as the prison system faces capacity of 7,805 against a population of about 8,500. Scottish Conservatives are urging the Scottish Government to work with the Home Office and UK Government to deport eligible foreign offenders, arguing this would free prison space. The Scottish Government says immigration enforcement is reserved to the UK Government and that officials support removing eligible offenders as soon as possible and in accordance with the law. The Scottish Prison Service describes current population levels as unsustainable, while the government pursues early-release measures and new prison construction.

Kate Higgins, a former special adviser to Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney, has urged Sturgeon, Joanna Cherry and J.K. Rowling to stop their increasingly personal public conflict over transgender rights and observe a period of silence and reflection. Higgins criticized Sturgeon's attacks on Cherry and her assessment of the SNP's latest election campaign, while also condemning Rowling and Cherry for hostile rhetoric. Cherry defended her criticism of Sturgeon's record, and the dispute reflects wider divisions over gender policy, public conduct and the direction of the SNP and Scottish independence movement.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry criticized Nicola Sturgeon over her handling of criticism, the SNP's governance and finances, and her stance on gender self-identification and trans rights. Cherry said Sturgeon had made ambiguous comments about her sexuality while arguing that personal privacy should be respected, and maintained that the key issue was the impact of self-identification policies on women and same-sex-attracted people. She also discussed Peter Murrell's imprisonment for embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP. Cherry, who left the SNP after writing a critical book and has returned to law, said she would consider rejoining if Stephen Flynn became leader and offered an amnesty, but stressed that she has no immediate political ambitions and would require evidence of a major change in the party before returning.

Nicola Sturgeon has urged the SNP to maintain its opposition to new North Sea oil and gas drilling, despite John Swinney signalling that the party’s position may be changing amid energy-market volatility linked to conflict in the Middle East. She argues that North Sea production would not reduce UK household bills, that the basin is in decline, and that continued drilling risks leaving workers stranded unless investment shifts toward renewable industries. Sturgeon also reiterated her opposition to developments such as Rosebank, called for a managed transition for oil and gas workers, and said she remains firmly committed to the SNP.

Nicola Sturgeon rejected calls for an amnesty with J. K. Rowling, saying Rowling appeared to be at war with and obsessed with her over disagreements including Scottish independence and trans rights. At an Edinburgh Festival Fringe event, Sturgeon also dismissed Joanna Cherry’s book as “sh*t” and challenged Cherry to answer questions without discussing her. Cherry responded that criticism of Sturgeon’s politics and conduct had discomforted her and accused her of avoiding the substance of the allegations.

Scottish Labour is seeking a new leader after Anas Sarwar resigned to move to the House of Lords and take a ministerial role in Andy Burnham’s government. MSPs Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon are contesting the leadership, with the race expected to shape the party’s future direction. The Scotsman’s political podcast, The Steamie, examines the candidates and the contest.

Police Scotland has agreed that the National Police Chiefs’ Council will conduct an independent review of the Alan Greer case once the criminal investigation nears completion. Greer, a former long-serving officer, died by suicide in May while under investigation for allegedly attacking at least nine women over 14 years. Separate inquiries by Police Scotland and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner remain ongoing. Senior officers acknowledged the damage to public trust, highlighted strengthened vetting and training—particularly on violence against women and girls—and pledged greater engagement and support for victims.

First Minister John Swinney has announced £90 million in additional funding to reduce Scotland’s longest NHS waiting times for outpatient care, operations and procedures including hip and knee replacements. He expects waiting times to fall month by month and says eliminating long waits will be his government’s lasting legacy. National treatment centres have helped deliver more than 30,000 procedures in the first nine months of 2025–26, while NHS Fife reported substantial activity at its centre. However, plans for five further centres are uncertain because of funding constraints.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Scottish First Minister John Swinney that a second independence referendum is off limits, arguing that economic growth and easing household cost pressures should take priority. During their first in-person meeting since Burnham became prime minister, the leaders discussed deeper devolution, improved relations and further powers for Scotland. Swinney maintained that Scotland must retain the right to choose its own future and said he would continue making the case for independence.

Andy Burnham's government plans to reduce business rates for nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses in England by 20% from April 2027, at an estimated annual cost of £100 million. The Music Venue Trust, UK Music and the Campaign for Real Ale are urging John Swinney and the Scottish Government to match the measure, extend eligibility to more live music venues and include recording studios. The Scottish Government points to existing relief worth more than £870 million, its Small Business Bonus Scheme and a review of non-domestic rates, while awaiting clarification on the impact on Scotland's block grant.

Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman argues the party faces an identity crisis and must return to its radical roots, criticising Anas Sarwar’s leadership for failing to connect with voters in recent elections. Sarwar plans to leave his role as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham’s government as a minister in the House of Lords, despite previously opposing the chamber’s existence. His departure will trigger a leadership contest as the party assesses its direction following consecutive electoral setbacks.

Industry groups and Scottish Conservative politicians urged Andy Burnham’s government to approve new North Sea oil and gas projects, including Rosebank and Jackdaw, and to reverse Labour’s existing ban on new exploration. They raised concerns about newly appointed Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh’s previous comments on rapid net-zero targets and potential further windfall taxes. OEUK argued that regulatory changes could unlock major investment and reduce reliance on imports. Business leaders called for a more pragmatic licensing and taxation approach, while climate campaigners warned that expanding drilling would worsen emissions and fail to address energy affordability. The government reiterated that oil and gas will remain part of the UK’s energy mix alongside growing low‑carbon sources.

Anas Sarwar is preparing to resign as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham’s new UK government as a minister in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, requiring his departure from Holyrood and entry into the House of Lords. His decision follows criticism of his leadership after Scottish Labour’s worst-ever Holyrood result and comes despite previous statements rejecting a peerage and calling for Lords reform. The move triggers a leadership contest, with Michael Marra and Monica Lennon seen as potential contenders, while political opponents in the SNP and Reform UK condemn the appointment as undemocratic and a betrayal of Sarwar’s constituents.

Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister pledging the biggest change to British politics in decades and outlining plans for a long-term national strategy, including potential personal tax cuts. Keir Starmer steps aside after two years in office, saying he leaves the country stronger and fairer. Burnham stresses the need for structural reform while unveiling his new Cabinet.

More than 400 public sector workers in Scotland were suspended on full pay in 2025–26, including council, NHS and government agency staff, with some on six-figure salaries. Figures obtained through a Conservative FOI request indicate lengthy and costly suspensions, with previous disclosures showing similar patterns in NHS boards. Conservatives argue the process wastes taxpayer money and urge faster resolution of cases, while the Scottish Government says disciplinary matters are handled by individual public bodies and should be completed fairly and promptly.

Plans for a detailed register of Scotland's ancient woodlands advanced as NatureScot aims to launch an online mapping tool in 2027 that will include both locations and condition assessments. A newly published procurement notice outlines requirements and budgets, while conservation advocates stress the need for accurate and authoritative data to guide protection, development decisions, and restoration efforts. Supporters welcome progress but note the full register remains some distance away as pressures on ancient woodlands intensify.

Lucy Powell signalled that Andy Burnham will take a more pragmatic tone on North Sea oil and gas while maintaining Labour’s policy of issuing no new licences. The Rosebank and Jackdaw fields remain under consultation following a legal challenge. Donald Trump praised reports of a shift toward expanded drilling, while environmental groups and Scottish Greens warned against any new fossil fuel approvals. Industry leaders and trade unions urged Labour to back further extraction and scrap the windfall tax, arguing it would improve energy security. The debate comes as Burnham prepares to take office and faces competing pressures from environmental groups, industry stakeholders and internal party dynamics over future energy policy.

Scottish Green MSP Cara McKee will take at least seven weeks of medical leave from the Scottish Parliament to undergo treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, a severe facial pain condition. She expressed hope the procedure will alleviate her symptoms and thanked colleagues and medical staff for their support. Party co-leader Gillian Mackay praised McKee’s openness about the illness and said the Greens look forward to her return once recovered.

A new display at Newhailes House highlights its unexpected links to UFO history, centering on Sir Mark Dalrymple’s role as honorary chairman of the Scottish UFO Research Society during the Cold War era. The exhibition, developed by Glasgow University’s Dr Gavin Miller, traces local UFO lore, including a 1950s incident involving potato pickers and a visit by alien-contact claimant George Adamski. It also explores the society’s membership, activities and archival recordings. The National Trust for Scotland presents the display from July 20 to August 14, aiming to revive interest in Scotland’s overlooked paranormal heritage.

Nicola Sturgeon declined to publish the written statement she provided to Police Scotland during the investigation into her husband Peter Murrell’s embezzlement, despite previously indicating she might do so. Her lawyer argued she had been exonerated and had no obligation to release the document, which police and prosecutors would permit her to publish. Opposition politicians criticised the decision, claiming it undermines transparency surrounding the SNP finances investigation. Police had additional questions after her 2023 interview under caution but did not pursue further questioning.

The John Muir Trust faces escalating internal turmoil following the resignation of its head of policy, Thomas Widrow, who accused the organisation’s leadership of driving it toward disaster. Widrow blamed chair Jane Smallman and chief executive David Balharry for governance failings and urged supporters to intervene. His departure follows the expulsion of founding member Denis Mollison, the recent resignation of trustees, and further senior staff turnover. The Trust acknowledged Widrow’s contribution and reaffirmed its mission to protect wild places amid continued scrutiny of its internal management.

Police Scotland ended its investigation into whether senior civil servant James Hynd gave false evidence during the Alex Salmond inquiry, taking no further action. Hynd, who drafted the Scottish Government’s ministerial complaints policy, had been accused of providing misleading testimony. The inquiry examined the government’s mishandling of harassment allegations against Salmond, whose legal case for damages is now continued by Paul McManus. A police spokesperson confirmed the closure of the probe, and past details of Hynd’s role and the inquiry’s findings were reiterated.

Amnesty International UK categorised JK Rowling’s women-only sexual assault support centre, Beira’s Place, as part of an expanding anti‑rights movement targeting protections for women and LGBT+ people. The organisation’s updated report cites stalled gender recognition reforms, the absence of a conversion‑practice ban, treatment of LGBT+ asylum seekers, and recent court rulings as contributing factors to declining protections. Gender‑critical group For Women Scotland, also listed, criticised Amnesty’s position and highlighted its own recent legal victories, including a ruling against Scottish Government prison‑placement policies. Political figures, including Scottish Conservatives, condemned Amnesty’s classification of organisations focused on women’s services and rights.

Edinburgh’s major festivals are projected to generate more than £4.2bn in gross economic impact for Scotland over the next five years, according to a new Festivals Edinburgh report. The study highlights substantial benefits for the wider economy, with most gains occurring in tourism, hospitality, and local services. It also outlines significant growth in community engagement and cultural participation. Political leaders, cultural officials, and tourism representatives emphasise the festivals’ cultural, social, and economic value as the city approaches the 80th anniversary of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe.