John Ferguson

The UK Government could decide in September whether to grant new licences for the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea after public consultations conclude. Supporters, including industry groups and the Aberdeen business community, say the projects could sustain about 3,500 Scottish jobs, contribute £28 billion to the UK economy, strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imports. Climate campaigners warn that approval would damage the UK's international climate credibility, while First Minister John Swinney has withheld support. The projects' previous approvals were overturned after a Greenpeace legal challenge, leaving the Labour government to make the final decision.

Retired detective Gerry Gallacher fears he will be excluded from the public inquiry into the murder of Emma Caldwell because its current terms of reference stop at 2013, before Strathclyde Police became Police Scotland. Gallacher alleges that police suppressed evidence identifying Iain Packer, misled Caldwell’s family, focused on four innocent Turkish men and unlawfully surveilled him and former Sunday Mail editor Jim Wilson. Packer was eventually convicted in 2024, 19 years after Caldwell’s murder. Caldwell’s mother Margaret, lawyer Aamer Anwar and MSP Pauline McNeil are pressing inquiry chair Lord Scott to seek broader scrutiny, while the Scottish Government and the inquiry say only ministers can change the terms of reference.

The Sunday Mail urges the Emma Caldwell public inquiry to examine the full 19-year failure to prosecute Iain Packer, rather than stopping with the initial Strathclyde Police investigation that wrongly targeted four Turkish men. The newspaper, Caldwell’s mother Margaret, lawyer Aamer Anwar, former editor Jim Wilson and MSP Pauline McNeil want senior Police Scotland and Crown Office figures, including Stephen House and former lord advocates, to testify. They allege that police and prosecutors suppressed evidence, delayed the case and protected reputations, allowing Packer to continue abusing women until his 2024 conviction. The inquiry chair, Lord Scott, is warned that a narrow remit could amount to another cover-up.

Ticket prices for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games have drawn criticism after it emerged that a family of four would pay over £300 for most events, and more than £500 for top athletics sessions. Scottish Labour’s Irshad Ahmed warned the cost could exclude many families, while organisers argued prices are aligned with comparable events and that low‑cost options exist. The Games, relocated from Victoria after budget overruns, will be delivered on a reduced £114 million budget with a UK Government contingency fund available if needed. Around 500,000 tickets will be released across 10 sports at four venues.

A man convicted of murdering Scottish woman Jean Hanlon in Crete has been allowed to remain free pending an appeal, despite receiving a reduced 10‑year sentence due to diminished responsibility. Her son Michael Porter expressed anguish that the killer, free for 17 years due to an initially flawed investigation, can still move freely while posing a danger because of mental health issues. The family’s long campaign led to the case being reopened, with new evidence from a private investigator and testimony confirming Jean was killed by a blow to the neck. While the conviction brought some relief, the family is urging Greek authorities to ensure the killer is imprisoned, highlighting failures by the original port police investigation and noting similar cases where families fought for justice abroad.

A leaked memo from senior judge Frank Mulholland challenges the Crown Office’s admission of wrongdoing in the malicious prosecution of former Rangers administrators David Whitehouse and Paul Clark. Mulholland argues there was clear evidence to justify prosecution and sharply criticises former Lord Advocate James Wolffe for settling the case and issuing an apology. The compensation payouts now exceed £50 million. Calls intensify for a long‑delayed public inquiry, with opposition politicians accusing the Scottish Government of secrecy, while affected businessmen argue that only a full inquiry can establish responsibility for the failures within the prosecution system.

Campaigners and bereaved families criticised the decision not to pursue a UK prosecution against Canadian man Kenneth Law, who admitted in Ontario to aiding 14 suicides through sales of toxic substances, despite five Scottish victims and dozens more across the UK. UK prosecutors accepted a Canadian plea deal that considered British deaths without laying charges, citing the risks and delays of extradition and potential double‑jeopardy barriers. Families, including that of 22‑year‑old Thomas Parfett, argue the UK deserves its own judicial process and call for a public inquiry into the deaths, while concerns persist over ongoing online access to suicide‑related substances and forums.

Allegations that Peter Murrell accepted an unregistered £50,000 cash donation to help secure a parliamentary seat have intensified calls for an inquiry as he awaits sentencing for embezzling over £400,000 from the SNP. Claims involving unregistered cash donations, envelope payments and influence‑seeking by a wealthy businessman add to scrutiny of SNP finances already under investigation in past years. Senior figures including Alex Neil argue for an independent review, while First Minister John Swinney resists further probes, citing the extensive police investigation that led to Murrell’s guilty plea. The controversy continues to fuel internal party turmoil and legal action by activists who initially reported financial concerns.

Police scrutiny of missing SNP funds escalated from initial denials to major revelations about Peter Murrell’s fraudulent spending, contributing to Nicola Sturgeon’s abrupt resignation and a deepening party crisis. The Sunday Mail’s reporting uncovered membership losses, internal video evidence contradicting public claims about financial health, and details of extensive questionable expenditures, intensifying doubts over leadership transparency and triggering significant political fallout.

The head of Unite condemns the closure of the Grangemouth refinery, arguing that it undermined domestic fuel security and squandered the opportunity to transition the site to Sustainable Aviation Fuel production. Sharon Graham criticises the UK and Scottish governments for failing to support proposals that she says could have preserved jobs and strengthened energy resilience. She warns that tens of thousands of North Sea jobs are at risk without a clear transition plan and accuses ministers of relying on imported fuels, including those derived from Russian oil. Political pressure continues over North Sea licensing, while industry groups call for prioritising domestic production amid global supply uncertainty.

A leading Glasgow nightclub owner warns that Labour’s economic policies are driving thousands of hospitality firms toward collapse, contributing to rising unemployment across the UK. He argues that increased taxes, higher operating costs and policy uncertainty have led to significant job losses, particularly among young people. Pointing to declining footfall, reduced investment and worsening business conditions, he calls for a general election and asserts that Labour’s leadership has lost public trust and damaged the party’s standing.

Police Scotland’s investigation into allegations that former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell embezzled £460,000 has cost more than £2.1 million, prompting renewed political criticism over policing budgets and government funding shortfalls. Murrell is scheduled to appear in court following delays agreed by both prosecution and defence. Scottish Labour figures warn of potential cuts to police resources amid ongoing financial pressures, while officials stress the independence of the prosecutorial process.

Oasis are in negotiations to play five shows at Celtic Park in May 2027, with discussions focused on securing specific dates at the end of the football season. Liam Gallagher has hinted at the plans in responses to fans, and sources say both Gallagher brothers are keen due to their long-standing affinity with Celtic. The performances would form part of a major tour following the successful reunion shows last year. Other international dates, including Rome, are also being discussed.

John Swinney plans to restart efforts for a second Scottish independence referendum following the SNP’s victory in the 2026 Holyrood election, where the party won 58 seats but fell short of a majority. He intends to bring a vote authorising a Section 30 request despite previously linking such a move to winning an outright majority. Labour suffered major losses, prompting internal criticism of Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer for failed strategy and unpopularity. Reform UK advanced to joint second place, and its leader Malcolm Offord condemned Swinney’s decision to exclude the party from cross‑party talks. The results across the UK strengthened nationalist momentum, with Plaid Cymru becoming the largest party in Wales.

Keir Starmer brings Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman into advisory roles as he faces intense pressure following major electoral losses across the UK and growing calls for his resignation from Labour MPs. The move aims to dissuade potential challengers closely aligned with Brown, while Catherine West threatens to trigger a leadership contest. Starmer outlines plans to cut fuel and energy costs and renew ties with Europe as part of a broader effort to regain political momentum amid economic strain from global conflicts and domestic discontent.

Oasis are in early talks to stage up to five major concerts in Scotland in 2027, with Celtic Park among the possible venues. The potential shows would follow the success of the band’s 2025 reunion tour and come alongside expected global dates, including a confirmed stop in Rome. Discussions remain preliminary, with Murrayfield and Hampden Park also under consideration. Rumors point to a broader slate of stadium events in 2027, including a return to Knebworth to mark the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 concerts.

Jim McColl accuses Peel Ports of deliberately preventing redevelopment of the Inchgreen Dry Dock to protect interests linked to the Cammell Laird yard in Liverpool. He argues that agreements between Peel Ports and investors in Cammell Laird effectively blocked use of the facility and hindered competition and economic growth in Inverclyde. McColl criticises local authorities and the Scottish Government for failing to manage Clyde assets effectively and alleges excessive spending on redevelopment projects he sought to take on. Peel Ports maintains it has invested significantly in the area and is working to secure a tenant for the site.

Journalists uncovered multiple sexual assaults committed by former SNP council leader Jordan Linden despite the party’s repeated denials, attempts to discredit victims, and efforts to suppress reporting. Persistent investigation revealed that complaints had been ignored and contributed to further accounts from additional victims. The article links this case to a broader pattern of alleged dishonesty and obstruction within the SNP, urging the party to accept responsibility and end a culture of cover‑ups.

Delayed approval of the business case for the new Monklands Hospital project risks adding £4 million per month in inflationary costs and could push completion beyond the planned 2031 opening. NHS Lanarkshire board minutes warn the existing hospital requires £45 million in maintenance to address infrastructure failures that pose safety risks. Political figures from Labour and the SNP express concern over transparency and financial management, while John Swinney states the project will proceed in the next parliament with strong financial controls.

Fergus Ewing launches a series of billboards near Inverness to promote his independent candidacy and criticize the SNP, arguing the party has broken key promises such as dualling the A9 and abandoned independence of thought. He likens the campaign to themes from the film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, accusing SNP leaders of political self-interest and failure to deliver for constituents.

John Swinney states he plans to serve a full term as First Minister and seek re‑election in 2031 if the SNP wins the upcoming vote, citing renewed energy and commitment after returning to government. Polling shows the SNP positioned to win a majority, which Swinney argues would mandate demanding a new independence referendum. He criticizes the UK Government’s stance on a referendum, its defence priorities and Labour’s early policy choices, while emphasizing his focus on Scotland’s constitutional choice and poverty reduction.

A Labour Holyrood candidate, Monica Lennon, had a scheduled operation cancelled at the last minute due to staff shortages at Wishaw General Hospital after waiting five hours. She described the emotional toll and emphasised the pressure NHS staff face, calling for the next Scottish Government to prioritise rebuilding the health service and criticising the SNP’s long tenure. NHS Lanarkshire apologised and said postponements due to staffing issues are rare but sometimes unavoidable.

A replacement business case for Monklands Hospital has not been approved by ministers, prompting accusations that John Swinney is preparing undisclosed post‑election budget cuts as Scotland faces a projected £5 billion funding shortfall. Costs for the new hospital have nearly doubled, raising concerns amid warnings that the next government will inherit severe public‑spending pressures. Critics from across the political spectrum argue that delaying or scaling back the project would betray local communities, while economic institutes highlight worsening fiscal conditions. The Scottish Government denies plans to postpone the hospital and says work already underway reflects its commitment to key health infrastructure.

An ongoing Crown Office investigation into alleged perjury during Alex Salmond’s 2020 trial remains unresolved five years after concerns were formally raised by Salmond’s legal team. Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill and others criticize the lack of progress, contrasting it with proactive prosecutions of anonymity breaches. Recent leaked WhatsApp messages showing senior SNP figures discussing efforts to see Salmond jailed have renewed scrutiny, prompting calls from MP David Davis for an independent probe. The Scottish Government’s previous handling of harassment complaints and related court rulings continue to shape the dispute.

Israeli missile strikes in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced more than a million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis concentrated in Beirut. Aid worker Maggie Tookey describes worsening conditions as displaced families flood the city, shelters reach capacity and Israeli evacuation orders expand across southern regions. Attacks have now begun in central and west Beirut, prompting widespread fear. Hezbollah has vowed continued resistance while Lebanon’s government and army struggle to respond. Aid efforts face soaring prices, disrupted supply routes and dangerous travel conditions. Lebanese officials accuse Israel of war crimes after strikes killed a journalist and injured another, though the IDF denies targeting the press.

Text messages previously unseen publicly indicate senior SNP figures discussed efforts that appeared aimed at bolstering complaints against Alex Salmond during a period when an internal government misconduct investigation collapsed and police pursued a criminal case. Several women expressed doubts over whether their experiences amounted to offences, and some messages suggested pressure to participate. Senior SNP staff exchanges referenced attempts to identify additional complainants and comments indicating hopes Salmond would face prison. Following his eventual acquittal on all charges, calls were renewed for police and public inquiries, while the SNP stated the issues had been repeatedly examined.

A defence expert warns that Scotland risks losing a key strategic asset because Greenock’s Inchgreen dry dock has been largely unused for decades despite its capacity to service major naval vessels. He highlights that the shrinking number of large dry docks in the UK poses a strategic risk and calls for an independent assessment to establish the site’s condition and investment needs. Concerns are raised over foreign ownership of critical infrastructure, with Peel Ports criticised for long‑term underinvestment, prompting calls for action to restore the facility’s national security value.