AS our January flash sale nears an end, we’re hoping you’ll take advantage of this absolute bargain and join us as a National subscriber.
You’ll get unfettered and an ad-light access on whichever device you use to get your news, meaning you can access The National every day of the week without ever running into that dreaded paywall.
If that’s not enough, we’ve drawn up this list of the top seven reasons to treat yourself, or the independence supporter in your life (think of it as an early Valentine) to a National subscription.
You can subscribe FOR TWO MONTHS FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE.
Positive vision for independence
All papers will report on independence – but they’ll tell you it’s a pipe dream, never going to happen, and won’t bother reporting on the Yes movement driving Scotland forward towards a future without Westminster.
READ MORE: Scottish school forced to deny pupils are identifying as cats and pooing on floor
We’ve got strong links with the grassroots – and a direct line to the key players making things happen. For everything you need to know about Scotland’s fight to become a normal, independent, fair and responsible European country, The National will have the latest.
Telling you the truth about Brexit
While most Scots feel let down by the BBC’s reporting on Brexit and its real impact on the country, we’ve never shied away from speaking about this monumental issue.
We’ve told how Brexit has deprived us of money, people and links with progressive movements throughout Europe – and we’ll keep doing that until we’ve regained our seat at the table.
Top notch columns from Scotland’s best writers
Our columnists should be worth the price of admission alone. We’ve got a world-class team of writers and thinkers, including the likes of Lesley Riddoch, Andrew Tickell, David Pratt and Ruth Wishart.
Taking on the right-wing press and the BBC
Right-wing papers have an unwritten omertà gagging them from reporting on each others’ misdemeanours. We have no such fears and read the red-tops and the “Hurrah for the Blackshirts” rags so you don’t have to.
READ MORE: SNP MP asked Alister Jack to find 'resolution' to Scotland's gender reform bill
We shine a light on the BBC’s reporting on Scotland – which veers into the straight-up incorrect at points – as well as publishing stinging ripostes to “dehumanising” comments made by GB News presenters. Know your enemy – but we’ll cover them for you.
Refusing to kowtow to the rotten Royals
The National will be your necessary tonic of reason to the fawning coverage sure to spew forth when King Charles, just as we were as the country descended into what felt like a month of madness last year when he ascended to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth.
And we don’t hold back on reporting on the scandal of Prince Andrew still holding the title of Earl of Inverness, despite the serious questions he faces around his personal life. Best of all – we’ll spare you the supine stories about royal babies, only the stuff that really matters.
Not just a paper
The National isn’t just a paper – we’re a multimedia machine. We’re all over TikTok, Facebook, Instagram – you name it, we’re there.
@scotnational Alister Jack tells journalists that trans people 'aren't part of my thinking at all' during a Q&A on his gender reform position #lgbt #fyp #scotland ♬ original sound - The National
That’s because unlike some of the other papers who were sluggish and slow to adapt, this title (at a sprightly eight years old compared to some of the Methuselah’s of the UK news scene) has always had its eyes on the future.
READ MORE: SNP MP CRINGES at Tory's unbelievable Burns poetry attempt
So while some other editors are taking primers in how to perform a Google search, we’re constantly developing new and exciting ways of telling our stories – keeping you informed AND interested.
Tory fails
Our politics coverage is hard to beat – but when it comes to the mad, bad and ugly things Tory politicians say, we’re truly in a league of our own.
Whether it’s ex-Conservative MP and erstwhile Strictly ballroom brush Ann Widdecombe saying that Scotland should be “put aside” in a debate around prescriptions or just about anything Douglas Ross says on a daily basis – The National team have our ears to the ground to cut through their spin and bluster to expose the Tories for the charlatans they are.
Bonus reason
If that wasn't enough, we are pioneers in covering the plague of Union Jackery, which blights Scottish products by slapping red, white and blue flags on produce and goods of all shapes and sizes.
But it's not just a bit of fun - campaigners say it devalues Scotland's international brand and an overwhelming majority of Scots prefer seeing a Saltire on goods from here versus a Union Jack.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
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