Also in this week’s newsletter, Budget restores spending on affordable housing
First minister sets out legislative programme early to allow full year of reform before Holyrood poll
Deputy first minister says uncertainty triggered by electricity market reforms could deter investment
SNP seeks to boost supply of housing stock ahead of Holyrood elections next year
First minister focuses on improving NHS, plus Greens co-leader urges party unity after calling time on 17-year tenure
Scottish first minister John Swinney says move will allow for year of ‘delivery’ ahead of Holyrood elections
Funding shortfalls and management failures have left the Scottish institution’s survival in the hands of the state
Police say Scotland’s former first minister is no longer under investigation
Strenuous denials of a clampdown on felines are only feeding suspicions in an animal-loving nation
Latest poll shows pro-independence party set to remain in power as the largest party after next Holyrood elections
Populist party makes ground north of border with focus on energy policy
The former Scottish first minister on SNP scandals, falling out with Alex Salmond — and why pressure for a new referendum will return
Polls show highest level of support in four years for breaking away from UK
Decision comes after disputes over deletion of messages by ministers at height of Covid-19 pandemic
Also in this newsletter, Scotland’s drive to end child poverty
SNP administration sets out record healthcare spending as it seeks to double down on policy priorities
Caps for increases would be tied to inflation under SNP’s new housing bill
The government’s internal estimate will heap pressure on Keir Starmer to backtrack on the contentious policy
SNP battling multiple fronts despite John Swinney’s optimism he can win the 2026 Holyrood elections
Figures lay bare scale of mounting housing pressures across the UK
‘Project Willow’ draws up alternatives for refinery ahead of planned 2025 closure
Government in talks with investors in clean energy to fill gap left by declining North Sea oil sector
Nationalist party blames Westminster for need to slash budgets
Scottish government agenda to focus on ‘people’s priorities’ as party fears its independence campaign is losing momentum
Scotland’s first minister defends party’s record in power as he criticises ‘damaging austerity’ from Labour
