Mail Opinion

Scotland’s government is accused of repeatedly delivering major infrastructure projects late and far over budget. The Scottish Parliament building, ferries, hospitals, roads and prisons are cited as examples of dramatic cost increases, including the replacement for Barlinnie rising from £100 million to an estimated £1 billion. Inflation and supply-chain pressures are acknowledged but deemed insufficient to explain the scale of overruns. The commentary frames the problem as part of a wider UK public-procurement failure, warns that continued waste could damage Scotland’s economy, and argues that taxpayers are left bearing the cost while contractors and others profit.

The editorial argues that the Emma Caldwell public inquiry must examine not only the original Strathclyde Police investigation but also Police Scotland and prosecutorial failures after 2013. It says senior officers and prosecutors should explain why Iain Packer remained free despite crucial evidence, allowing him to continue abusing women and leaving Caldwell’s family waiting 19 years for justice. A narrowly framed inquiry, it warns, could avoid the hardest questions.

Scottish Labour is portrayed as having suffered a long-term decline, culminating in another defeat by the SNP at the Holyrood election and the departure of leader Anas Sarwar. Monica Lennon, who recently lost her seat but is set to return to Parliament, is seeking the leadership and is presented as a respected figure capable of revitalizing the party. Andy Burnham’s arrival as UK prime minister is described as creating an opportunity for Labour to adopt a fresher approach in Scotland as well as England.

Peter Murrell’s admitted embezzlement of £400,000 from the SNP and imprisonment have not resolved questions about how his 12-year misuse of party funds went undetected. The editorial criticizes John Swinney’s resistance to a public inquiry and highlights a police investigation into claims that £1.5 million is unaccounted for from the separate Yes Scotland organization’s 2014 referendum campaign. Former Yes Scotland marketing director Ian Dommett alleges that Murrell exercised significant control over the campaign, while Yes Scotland denies wrongdoing. The piece argues that police should be allowed to investigate and that scrutiny of Murrell and the SNP’s leadership failures should continue.

Claims of unaccounted funds within the Yes Scotland campaign have prompted renewed calls for a parliamentary investigation into SNP finances, following Peter Murrell’s embezzlement and concerns over inadequate governance under Nicola Sturgeon. Police have received a report alleging £1.5 million missing from Yes Scotland, further intensifying political pressure. Critics argue public confidence demands certainty that misconduct was limited to Murrell and that the full impact of his actions is understood. With independence advocates seeking distance from perceived Westminster corruption, the SNP faces the challenge of demonstrating financial integrity before any future referendum.

Andy Burnham’s expected by‑election victory could trigger a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer, whose premiership is criticised as ineffective and marred by policy missteps. While Burnham offers experience and distance from the current administration’s failures, doubts persist about his political consistency and ability to deliver substantive reform. His past support for constitutional and public ownership reforms raises questions for both Westminster and Scotland. Replacing Starmer may not resolve Labour’s problems and could worsen party instability, especially amid rising far‑right threats.

A rise in knife violence involving young people in Scotland is linked to the abandonment of a previous zero‑tolerance policy on carrying blades. Past enforcement measures, including near‑automatic jail sentences and a public‑health approach to violence, had significantly reduced homicide rates. Recent murders of several teenagers highlight the resurgence of knife crime, with offenders often avoiding prison for weapon possession. The piece urges John Swinney to restore mandatory jail terms for carrying knives to deter youth violence.

Nicola Sturgeon is sharply criticized for claiming ignorance of Peter Murrell’s embezzlement of £400,000 in SNP funds, with the editorial arguing she benefited from the spending and failed in her duty to address longstanding financial concerns within the party. Victims are described as justified in pursuing legal action. The piece also highlights alleged illegal sewage discharges in Scotland, with Scottish Water and the environmental regulator accused of secrecy and inaction. A separate note credits the Scotch Whisky Association with helping reduce harmful drinking in Scotland.

Senior figures within the Scottish National Party are alleged to have conspired against former First Minister Alex Salmond amid concerns he planned a return to Holyrood. A government sexual‑harassment policy enabling action against former ministers led to historic complaints that escalated into an unlawful internal investigation and a criminal probe, which ultimately resulted in Salmond’s acquittal. Newly revealed communications raise concerns about political motives and the handling of allegations, highlighting potential failures within the SNP and Scotland’s institutions. Salmond’s reputation and well‑being were significantly affected, and the unresolved issues continue to demand accountability.

Illegal mobile phones and drugs are enabling prisoners in several Scottish jails to post videos showing drug use, parties and access to contraband, raising concerns about disorder and the influence of organised crime. The piece argues that lax policies dating from the Covid era allowed the problem to escalate and that restoring discipline is necessary for public confidence and rehabilitation. It also highlights the seriousness of the upcoming Holyrood election, urging voters to demand higher standards from political candidates amid pressures from international conflict and domestic public service strain.

Opposition is urged to Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran amid warnings that UK cooperation risks escalating regional tensions and endangering British forces. Concerns grow that the conflict could severely disrupt global energy supplies, raise fuel and gas prices and trigger another cost-of-living crisis. Scotland considers blocking the use of Prestwick Airport by U.S. jets as calls intensify for the UK to avoid entanglement in what is viewed as an unlawful and destabilising war.

US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran are condemned as illegal and dangerously escalatory, risking a wider regional war while failing to bring stability or prevent nuclear proliferation. The strikes have already caused civilian casualties, including schoolgirls, and triggered retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. The piece highlights inconsistencies in nuclear policy between Iran and Israel, notes ongoing ICC actions against Israeli leaders, and argues that bombing Iran will only fuel insecurity, spread hatred, and worsen instability in the Middle East.

Margaret Caldwell warns that a newly announced public inquiry into police failures surrounding her daughter Emma’s murder may leave crucial questions unanswered because it excludes examination of Police Scotland’s actions after the merger with Strathclyde Police. Despite overwhelming evidence, Iain Packer was overlooked as a suspect for nearly two decades while detectives pursued incorrect leads, resulting in a collapsed multimillion‑pound investigation. Caldwell argues that only a full review of all policing decisions can reveal why Packer was ignored and prevent further failures, urging transparency and accountability now that Packer has been jailed for 36 years.

Rising travel, accommodation and ticket costs threaten to price Scottish fans out of attending the World Cup in the United States. Concerns intensified after a semi‑final ticket was listed for £185,000 on an official resale site, with additional high parking fees adding to the burden. John Collins urges that supporters should not be excluded, and the piece calls on Fifa to ensure fair pricing and prevent touts from exploiting fans.

A landmark UK Supreme Court ruling relaxing restrictions on questioning rape complainers raises concerns that victims may again face humiliating courtroom treatment, recalling cases such as Lindsay Armstrong’s and Shannon’s. Critics fear the decision could discourage victims from coming forward and reverse progress made in protecting them during trials. Lindsay Armstrong’s mother urges action to prevent further suffering. The piece also briefly notes Billy Connolly receiving a lifetime achievement award.

More than 28,000 children in Scotland face years-long delays for ADHD and autism assessments, leaving families without essential support. Editorial criticism focuses on a lack of resources within the NHS, inadequate capacity in nurseries and schools, and slow action from the Scottish Government. Long waits are described as unacceptable and harmful to children’s wellbeing, calling for urgent improvements in care and support systems.

Fifty HALO Trust teams from Scotland are preparing to deploy to Gaza to map and clear unexploded ordnance so displaced residents can safely return following the ceasefire. The organisation will prioritise reopening access to essential services while conducting safety education in affected communities. With massive destruction and tens of thousands of tons of munitions dropped, the effort is expected to last for years. The piece also notes the historic visibility brought to the organisation by Princess Diana and briefly highlights Dwayne Johnson’s praise for fellow Scottish wrestler Drew McIntyre’s film career rise.

John Swinney is credited with stabilising the SNP and positioning it for a strong Holyrood election performance by reversing unpopular policies and challenging UK government plans for mandatory digital IDs. The proposed ID scheme is criticised as costly, ineffective and potentially threatening to civil liberties, with concerns raised about influence from Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change. Swinney plans to block digital IDs in Scotland, a stance likely to resonate with public opinion. A brief aside highlights Ariana Grande’s appreciation for Scottish fans.

A rising drugs crisis in the Highlands is fuelled by county lines gangs exploiting vulnerable people, using violence and coercion to run drug operations across the region. Police Scotland’s efforts are hampered by stretched resources, while increasingly dangerous substances such as nitazenes worsen risks. Drug deaths in the Highlands have reached their highest level since 2022, reinforcing concerns that Scotland’s wider drugs epidemic remains unaddressed. Both UK and Scottish governments are criticised for failing to take adequate action. An entertainment aside highlights Dave Bautista’s upcoming role in the Highlander reboot filming in Scotland.

Calls for an overdue public inquiry into the failed investigation of Emma Caldwell’s murder emphasise long-standing failures by Police Scotland and prosecutors, highlighting delays that left serial offender Iain Packer unpunished for years. Emma’s mother continues to seek answers about why evidence was overlooked and accountability avoided, as concerns grow that bureaucratic stalling protects institutional embarrassment rather than delivering justice.

Warns that rising interest in practical shooting and US‑style gun clubs threatens Scotland’s strong gun‑control framework. Cites Dunblane families and campaigners who fear the activity glamorises firearms and escapes adequate scrutiny. Highlights new Home Office guidance tightening licensing rules but stresses that complacency could endanger public safety. Calls for continued vigilance to keep Scotland as gun‑free as possible.

A High Court decision allowing an appeal over the UK Government’s proscription of Palestine Action prompts criticism of Police Scotland for repeatedly checking on 78‑year‑old activist Mick Napier, raising concerns about policing priorities and political expression. The piece argues that stretched resources should not be used to monitor low‑risk individuals while crime response suffers. It also highlights the rising danger of synthetic opioid etonitazene in Scotland and briefly notes Snoop Dogg’s interest in attending an Oasis concert.

Argues that Keir Starmer’s government risks abandoning Labour values through welfare cuts and repeated policy reversals under the influence of senior adviser Morgan McSweeney. Warns that proposed disability benefit reductions, the winter fuel payment cut and refusal to scrap the two‑child benefit cap threaten both vulnerable people and Labour’s political standing. Urges Labour to resist Reform UK’s right‑wing pressure and prioritise protecting the most vulnerable while maintaining economic credibility.

Warnings about escalation toward conflict with Iran highlight concerns over US and Israeli actions, urging the Scottish Government to reconsider Prestwick Airport’s involvement in potential military operations. The piece criticizes past Western interventions in the Middle East and argues for prioritizing diplomacy. A separate section calls for extending legal aid to families participating in Fatal Accident Inquiries, citing the emotional and financial strain on bereaved relatives.

Military expansion proposed by Keir Starmer is expected to boost Scotland’s economy due to existing defence infrastructure and the presence of major weapons firms. Rising global threats from Russia and China and reduced confidence in US reliability under Donald Trump drive the call for higher UK defence spending. Analysts including Fiona Hill warn of ongoing hostile actions from Russia, but the editorial questions whether increased militarisation risks escalating tensions and highlights the opportunity cost compared to funding public services. Diplomacy from a position of strength is presented as the preferable long-term strategy.

Sharp increases in council tax across Scotland coincide with significant pay rises for council leaders, drawing criticism that such hikes burden families already struggling with rising living costs. While acknowledging the seriousness of threats toward politicians, the piece argues that awarding pay boosts of up to 41 percent undermines public trust, particularly when wages for many workers stagnate and council services decline. Named council leaders in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk and Orkney face scrutiny for accepting the increases, which the editorial contends reinforce perceptions of political self‑interest over public value.

The editorial argues that the inquiry into Sheku Bayoh’s 2015 death in police custody must fully examine whether sufficient evidence existed to prosecute officers and why no charges were brought. It criticizes Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell for seeking court action to limit the inquiry’s scope, noting significant public money already spent defending officers. The piece stresses the need for complete transparency on issues including potential racial factors and use of force. A secondary section highlights criticism of Glenmorangie for using a non‑Scottish kiltmaker in a promotional campaign.

John Swinney’s unexpectedly successful efforts to stabilise the SNP include reducing internal conflict and shifting focus back to economic and public service priorities following a period of turmoil. His position is strengthened by Labour’s refusal to oppose the budget, allowing increased NHS spending with UK funds. Key risks ahead include the outcome of the Operation Branchform investigation, potential Labour recovery and pressure to define a new independence strategy. Reform UK’s rise could also reshape Scotland’s political landscape, and a future Labour–SNP coalition remains a possible but unspoken scenario.