Ian Blackford insists there is ‘no civil war’ in the SNP over Alex Salmond claims
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford insisted yesterday that there was no “civil war” in the party amid tensions over allegations against former leader Alex Salmond.
Holyrood
Lochhead ‘raring to go’ as he takes cabinet post vacated by shamed MSP Gillian Martin
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead says he is “raring to go” as the Scottish Government’s new minister for further education after the first choice for the post was axed on the day she was to be appointed.
Inquiry to be held after ‘cronyism’ row at Robert Gordon University
A Scottish Government body has launched an inquiry in the wake of the “jobs for the boys” fiasco at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Study suggests UK will struggle to protect vital sectors and reach trade deal with US
UK ministers will have “difficulty” balancing vital protections for Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding with securing new trade deal with the US, it has been claimed.
NHS Grampian has had Scotland’s worst waiting times for 15 months in a row
NHS Grampian has been the worst performing health board in Scotland against a key waiting-time target for 15 consecutive months.
Dispute over new role for Scottish firefighters poised to enter second year
A dispute preventing firefighters from being deployed to resuscitate heart attack patients in rural areas is poised to enter its second year.
Opposition MSPs demand ‘full transparency’ over Alex Salmond probe
Pressure mounted on the Scottish Government yesterday as opposition parties demanded “full transparency” over the probe into the conduct of Alex Salmond.
Alex Salmond admits he is ‘no saint’ but strongly denies sexual harassment claims
Alex Salmond insisted yesterday that he had never broken the law or “sexually harassed anyone” as the former first minister came out fighting over misconduct allegations.
In full: Nicola Sturgeon’s statement following allegations from staff about Alex Salmond’s behaviour
The full statement from Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, on the harrassment claims made against Alex Salmond.
Ministers pave way for ‘Caledonian MacTrain’ takeover of ScotRail
SNP ministers have paved the way for a “Caledonian MacTrain” takeover of the nation’s railways by Scotland’s largest ferry operator.
SNP ministers warning over ‘nightmare’ no deal Brexit
SNP ministers have warned that Scotland is facing the “nightmare” prospect of a no deal Brexit that would damage businesses, the economy and services.
Alex Salmond sues Scottish Government following allegations from staff
Alex Salmond has revealed he is suing the Scottish Government following complaints about his behaviour made by two staff members during his time as First Minister.
North Sea revenues rise but Scotland’s spending still outstrips income
Scotland’s share of North Sea revenues soared by more than £1 billion last year – but the nation’s deficit level was still four times higher than that of the UK.
Scottish Government could step in to help save Highland toilets at centre of row
The Scottish Government has intervened in the row over public toilet closures in the Highlands – and suggested cash could be available to save the facilities.
Alford-based charity demands action to help sufferers of rare skin condition
A north-east charity has urged the Scottish Government to take action to ensure people with a rare skin disease do not face discrimination.
Educators warn school business rates plans ‘make no sense’
Scotland’s independent schools have blasted plans for them to start paying business rates, saying they “make no sense”.
Union blasts RGU over ‘jobs for the boys’ appointment of new principal
The Robert Gordon University’s new principal was immediately thrust into the centre of a fresh row last night after a leading trade union branded his appointment an example of “jobs for the boys”.
Transport secretary urged to resolve delay to cheaper Orkney ferry fares
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson is facing demands to outline how he will resolve a dispute that has delayed the introduction of cheaper fares on ferries to Orkney.
Calls for new ‘whisky tax’ to boost the coffers of an independent Scotland
Whisky producers should face extra taxes in an independent Scotland in order to boost the public purse, a leading economist has said.
Concern as police officer numbers fall in the north-east
Concerns have been raised about a drop in the number of “bobbies on the beat” in the north-east after new figures showed the region lost 27 police officers in a year.
Ministers urged to act on ‘scandalous’ bed-blocking increase
Campaigners have urged the Scottish Government to act on bed blocking after figures revealed it has risen by 10% in a year.
Theresa May recognises ‘iconic importance’ of Scotch whisky amid Brexit fears
Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of the “iconic importance” of Scotch whisky as she vowed to fight to safeguard vital protections for the sector.
Future of Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding an ‘obstacle’ to Brexit deal
A failure to agree on the future of special protections for famous goods such as Scotch whisky and Stornoway black pudding could be holding up the UK’s Brexit deal.
Delight as Scottish ministers vow to keep free bus passes for over-60s
Free bus passes for over-60s have been spared the axe – and the scheme will now be extended to cover family members accompanying a disabled child.
Dozens of angry teachers in north and north-east condemn Primary 1 tests as ‘cruel nonsense’
Furious teachers from the north and north-east have told Scottish ministers that controversial Primary 1 tests are “cruel nonsense” and “completely inappropriate”.
North-east population drops as thousands leave area
The population of the north-east fell last year after more than 20,000 people moved away and far fewer arrived to make the region their home.
Scottish Government insists it has ‘absolutely no plans’ to merge NHS boards
The Scottish Government has again been forced to deny that it is plotting to merge health boards covering Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands and islands.
Crisis-cash applications continue to rise in the north-east
Crisis-cash applications are still growing in the north-east - but the number of struggling families seeking emergency grants fell in the Highlands and Moray last year.
Ambulance crews fail to meet response target in almost 40% of life threatening cases
Shock new figures show that ambulance crews are failing to meet their target response time in almost 40% of “life threatening” call-outs in the north and north-east.
Young people in care later ‘fall through cracks’
Too many young people in care are “falling through the cracks” when they reach adulthood, research will warn.
UK and Scottish ministers told to stop bickering over broadband
MPs have told the UK and Scottish governments to stop bickering over broadband provision and get on with delivering investment.
Projects worth £1.5billion delayed or over-budget in north and north-east
Major projects worth a combined total of £1.5 billion are currently delayed or running over budget in the north and north-east, it has emerged.