Best of The National

COMMENT

The political dead are afoot – and they walk abroad among us

3

Andrew Tickell: PM’s vision for Britain seems to be inspired by Tales From The Crypt

The Battle of Tibbermore was fought in 1644 and was the first victory of the Marquis of Montrose’s campaign within Scotland on behalf of Charles I

The Battle of Tibbermore was fought in 1644 and was the first victory of the Marquis of Montrose’s campaign within Scotland on behalf of Charles I

Battery storage

6

Battery storage plan for battleground site met with backlash

We don’t want rabbits, nor do we want their holes

We don’t want rabbits, nor do we want their holes

Highlands & Islands

1

Rhoda Meek: There are no rabbits in Tiree, and lessons of that are relevant again

They used to say that when America sneezes, the UK catches a cold

They used to say that when America sneezes, the UK catches a cold

3

Ruth Wishart: Trump, Farage and Musk are a nightmare trio we can’t wake up from

At the end of the day, Scotland needs more onshore wind, and quickly

At the end of the day, Scotland needs more onshore wind, and quickly

2

Wind farms are popular but they will never be free from opposition

Rachel Reeves, Dan Jarvis and Josh Simons collectively registered over £100,000 in donations alone

Rachel Reeves, Dan Jarvis and Josh Simons collectively registered over £100,000 in donations alone

17

Labour MPs rake in over £300,000 from donors linked to private healthcare firms

Surprisingly, Douglas Lumsden doesn't even make thd top three

Surprisingly, Douglas Lumsden doesn't even make thd top three

5

Which MSPs ask the most and least questions at Holyrood? See the full ranking

The question now for both Ukraine and Europe is whether Trump turns out to be the good sheriff or the bad one

The question now for both Ukraine and Europe is whether Trump turns out to be the good sheriff or the bad one

1

David Pratt: Is Donald Trump about to give Putin exactly what he wants?

More than 100 activities globally are expected to champion the resilience and vibrancy of Gaelic as a living language

More than 100 activities globally are expected to champion the resilience and vibrancy of Gaelic as a living language

10 Years of a Changed Scotland

Gaelic language set to be celebrated from Buenos Aires to Barra

Syria is facing a moment of uncertainty, writes Jenni Keasden

Syria is facing a moment of uncertainty, writes Jenni Keasden

1

The horror and beauty I’ve found at this key Syrian dam

The new Elanic Hospital

The new Elanic Hospital

British Medical Association

20

What does Glasgow’s new £6 million private hospital signal for NHS Scotland?

The HMS Vigilant submarine, one of the UK's four nuclear warhead-carrying submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane

The HMS Vigilant submarine, one of the UK's four nuclear warhead-carrying submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane

24

UK Government urged to scrap nuclear weapons amid ‘woeful state’ of defence

A Palestinian family rides on the back of a donkey-drawn carriage next to damaged buildings in Khan Yunis on April 8, 2024 after Israel pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip, six months into the devastating war sparked by the October 7

A Palestinian family rides on the back of a donkey-drawn carriage next to damaged buildings in Khan Yunis on April 8, 2024 after Israel pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip, six months into the devastating war sparked by the October 7

Family reunification isn’t a loophole that should close – it’s a human right

Whether it’s our culture, our academic and engineering excellence, or our amazing food and drink, when people hear the word ‘Scotland’, they think 'quality'

Whether it’s our culture, our academic and engineering excellence, or our amazing food and drink, when people hear the word ‘Scotland’, they think 'quality'

4

Scotland’s name means the world to us but we must show our love for our produce

Really, the bosses want you to stop working from home (WFH, as it’s abbreviated) and submit yourself to this, for five full days a week? It would seem so

Really, the bosses want you to stop working from home (WFH, as it’s abbreviated) and submit yourself to this, for five full days a week? It would seem so

Albion play offs

2

Pat Kane: Bosses are fated to lose their war against working from home

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage,.during the Reform UK Wiltshire conference at The Civic Trowbridge, in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.Picture date: Sunday February 9, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Reform . Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage,.during the Reform UK Wiltshire conference at The Civic Trowbridge, in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.Picture date: Sunday February 9, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Reform . Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire.

16

Kate Forbes: A better Scotland is our focus while others compete with Nigel Farage

Prime MA report by the Scottish Government has said changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the well-being of married couples and families by helping them come together in Scotlandinister Keir Starmer

Prime MA report by the Scottish Government has said changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the well-being of married couples and families by helping them come together in Scotlandinister Keir Starmer

REAL SCOTTISH POLITICS

Refugees and immigration

1

Wee Ginger Dug: Labour’s stance on migration is performative and cruel

Owen Jones takes a look at Keir Starmer's less than desirable premiership so far

Owen Jones takes a look at Keir Starmer's less than desirable premiership so far

23

Owen Jones: It's the beginning of the end for the zombie Prime Minister. Here's why

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (left) urged Keir Starmer's UK Government to back a family visa scheme for Palestinians

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (left) urged Keir Starmer's UK Government to back a family visa scheme for Palestinians

32

Anas Sarwar 'silent' as UK Labour rule out Gaza visa scheme he supports

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn (right) delivers his address at the SNP Annual National Conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Picture date: Saturday August 31, 2024..

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn (right) delivers his address at the SNP Annual National Conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Picture date: Saturday August 31, 2024..

4

Richard Walker: World’s progress is being reduced to wreckage in blink of an eye

I was truly disappointed but, sadly, not at all surprised to see the Labour Party lurching to the right and mimicking Reform UK

I was truly disappointed but, sadly, not at all surprised to see the Labour Party lurching to the right and mimicking Reform UK

1

Maggie Chapman: Deportations footage is a new low for Home Office

Brewdog founder James Watt pictured at an event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Brewdog founder James Watt pictured at an event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Ellon Musk has no right to lecture us on waste – just look at his record

I challenged the wisdom of Labour’s support of ridiculously expensive new nuclear facilities

I challenged the wisdom of Labour’s support of ridiculously expensive new nuclear facilities

11

Convention will showcase Scotland’s energy future where devolution shackles are off

Keir Starmer is trying to attract Reform voters. Picture: PA

Keir Starmer is trying to attract Reform voters. Picture: PA

3

Labour's immigration tough guy act won't work. We all see what's coming

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was 'wrong' for a Gazan family to have the right to live in UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was 'wrong' for a Gazan family to have the right to live in UK

REAL SCOTTISH POLITICS

1

Wee Ginger Dug: Keir Starmer pitting refugees against each other is disgraceful

James Jauncey claims Robert Bontine Cumminghame Graham would be the perfect topic of a biopic

James Jauncey claims Robert Bontine Cumminghame Graham would be the perfect topic of a biopic

9

A film should be made about him, says descendent of SNP founding president

SNP MP Kirsty Blackman is seeking to stop Westminster business kicking off with prayers

SNP MP Kirsty Blackman is seeking to stop Westminster business kicking off with prayers

House of Commons

13

SNP MP in bid to end 400-year-old Westminster 'tradition'

Brewdog founder James Watt, left, has been inspired by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency

Brewdog founder James Watt, left, has been inspired by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency

15

Is James Watt going to be Scotland's answer to Elon Musk?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to take a hard line on immigration

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to take a hard line on immigration

7

Scottish charities speak out as Labour sneakily change citizenship rules

The six-bedroom lodge on the estate in Coigach

The six-bedroom lodge on the estate in Coigach

Police Scotland

4

Skull found during renovation work of millionaire's Highland cottage

File photo of Russian leader Vladimir Putin speaking to US president Donald Trump

File photo of Russian leader Vladimir Putin speaking to US president Donald Trump

9

'We're afraid': Ukrainians in Scotland respond as Trump intervenes with Russia

James Watt at his home in London

James Watt at his home in London

37

Professor Richard Murphy: Why it's time to ostracise James Watt

File photo dated of BBC Broadcasting House, in central London

File photo dated of BBC Broadcasting House, in central London

3

'Extraordinary': BBC accused of bid to spin dismal growth figures for Labour

Alba Party's Holyrood leader Ash Regan pictured in the Scottish Parliament

Alba Party's Holyrood leader Ash Regan pictured in the Scottish Parliament

6

Ash Regan demands Alba lift leadership debates media ban

The circular reinforced concrete and steel home of a reactor at Nuclear Island 1, at Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant near Bridgwater in Somerset, as work on the project reaches the five year anniversary

The circular reinforced concrete and steel home of a reactor at Nuclear Island 1, at Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant near Bridgwater in Somerset, as work on the project reaches the five year anniversary

13

Lesley Riddoch: Anas Sarwar’s insistence on nuclear energy serves wrong people

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint news conference

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint news conference

Benjamin Netanyahu

4

David Pratt: Arab world unites as Donald Trump's playbook becomes apparent

Stephen Flynn has been accused of ‘running a boys' brigade in Westminster

Stephen Flynn has been accused of ‘running a boys' brigade in Westminster

REAL SCOTTISH POLITICS

Kirsty Blackman

1

Wee Ginger Dug: SNP should focus on task ahead instead of infighting

Alba leadership contenders Ash Regan and Kenny MacAskill pictured outside the Scottish Parliament

Alba leadership contenders Ash Regan and Kenny MacAskill pictured outside the Scottish Parliament

8

Alba bar media from leadership hustings despite Ash Regan plea for openness

Her family, creative arts, the great outdoors and nature restoration are all things Audrey Nicoll can't wait to spend more time on

Her family, creative arts, the great outdoors and nature restoration are all things Audrey Nicoll can't wait to spend more time on

2026 Holyrood election

9

Audrey Nicoll: Stephen Flynn is not the reason I am standing down as an MSP

A European Union flag and Scottish Saltire pictured near to Glen Coe in 2014

A European Union flag and Scottish Saltire pictured near to Glen Coe in 2014

5

Seamus Logan: Yes movement must reckon with how Brexit made 2014 arguments obsolete

A few weeks ago, I got an email from my child’s nursery announcing a fee hike

A few weeks ago, I got an email from my child’s nursery announcing a fee hike

12

Assa Samake-Roman: UK's mindset treats essential services like businesses

The redundancy notices for the Grangemouth workers went out last week as Anas Sarwar wrung his hands and professed that the Labour government was unable to act

The redundancy notices for the Grangemouth workers went out last week as Anas Sarwar wrung his hands and professed that the Labour government was unable to act

REAL SCOTTISH POLITICS

5

Wee Ginger Dug: Labour’s general election campaign lies just keep unravelling

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband pictured at the National Nuclear Laboratory facility in Preston, Lancashire

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband pictured at the National Nuclear Laboratory facility in Preston, Lancashire

5

Whatever happened to Ed Miliband's economic nationalism?

Ian Murray pictured at Scottish Labour's General Election manifesto launch at Murrayfield in Edinburgh

Ian Murray pictured at Scottish Labour's General Election manifesto launch at Murrayfield in Edinburgh

46

Campaigners shocked as Ian Murray makes key anti-nuke summit vow

Stephen Flynn has been accused of 'running a boys' brigade in Westminster'

Stephen Flynn has been accused of 'running a boys' brigade in Westminster'

2026 Holyrood election

74

Stephen Flynn 'running boys' brigade in Westminster' after all-women 'hit list' claim

Claudia Winkleman hosts the BBC's UK version of The Traitors

Claudia Winkleman hosts the BBC's UK version of The Traitors

16

BBC 'pushing false narrative' in row over Traitors Scottish spend, director alleges

Home Office officials deport migrants who have had their asylum claims rejected in footage released by Labour

Home Office officials deport migrants who have had their asylum claims rejected in footage released by Labour

5

Keir Starmer is so focused on Reform's voters he's forgetting about Labour's

The rise of the far right no longer hides behind coded language or subtle messaging

The rise of the far right no longer hides behind coded language or subtle messaging

12

Karen Adam: Critical thinking is a crucial defence against rise of disinformation

Labour is maintaining the Conservative Party’s policy of making the UK a hostile environment

Labour is maintaining the Conservative Party’s policy of making the UK a hostile environment

2

Steph Paton: There’s no end to Labour's ways to appeal to the right

Anas Sarwar pictured beside Keir Starmer at an event in Glasgow during Labour's General Election campaign

Anas Sarwar pictured beside Keir Starmer at an event in Glasgow during Labour's General Election campaign

REAL SCOTTISH POLITICS

7

Wee Ginger Dug: Scots were warned of no 'change' under Labour. Do you believe me now?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Government has continued to supply Israel with weapons

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Government has continued to supply Israel with weapons

18

UK ministers 'standing in way of international law' after Israel arms whistleblower

Members of the Unite union rally at the Scottish Parliament in November 2024 in protest at Petroineos plans to close Grangemouth oil refinery

Members of the Unite union rally at the Scottish Parliament in November 2024 in protest at Petroineos plans to close Grangemouth oil refinery

17

The Union has failed Grangemouth. But the SNP Government also lacks ambition

Keir Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is said to pull the strings in Downing Street

Keir Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is said to pull the strings in Downing Street

2

Labour picked ministers for loyalty not ability – and they're dropping like flies

Vale of Leven Academy

Vale of Leven Academy

Fury as ‘offensive’ Scottish school yearbook asks pupils for ‘biggest bitch’