Scottish Government claims reduction in criminal lawyers is because of a reduction in crime
Scotland faces losing a generation of lawyers capable of defending people accused of crime, it has been warned.
Specials
Immigration: Orkney skippers ‘betrayed’ by Boris Johnson
Island skippers feel "betrayed" and are fearful for their futures, after the Home Office backtracked on immigration promises made by Boris Johnson.
Decade spending commitment means growth deals could soon be finalised
Money for Moray and Tay Cities region growth deals will be handed out over a 10-year period, it has been agreed.
Brexit festival plan shows ‘Tories’ shameful priorities’
Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed that millions of pounds are to be spent on a Brexit festival marking the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Land reform: Call to ban billionaires from buying up Scottish estates
Billionaires could be banned from buying up Scottish estates under radical proposals to give land back to the people.
Bifab: ‘Devastating’ blow as both Scottish and UK governments say ‘no more money’
Both the Scottish and UK governments will offer no further support for the BiFab yards, in what has been described as a "devastating blow" for workers.
Scottish yards too expensive and poorly invested in, claim wind farm developers
Decades of underinvestment have left Scotland's ports and manufacturing yards unable to compete internationally for windfarm projects, say experts.
Spikkin Scots: Reclaiming Scotland’s mither tongue
As campaigners push for official recognition of the Scots language, reporter Philippa Gerrard investigates the history of our language and how it is faring in the modern age.
Spikkin Scots: New survey reveals how Scotland really feels about the Scots language
Scotland has never been asked how it feels about the Scots language.
Spikkin Scots: Listen to the different dialects of Scotland with our interactive map
With voices changing every 20 miles, it’s difficult to quantify exactly how many dialects come under the Scots language umbrella.
Coronavirus restrictions: Rules will not be eased for Hogmanay
Scottish Hogmanay has effectively been cancelled, after the First Minister admitted it will not be given special exemption from coronavirus restrictions this festive period.
Scottish Government to launch information campaign to tackle Covid-19 vaccine disinformation
The Scottish Government has "no plans" to make the Covid-19 vaccine compulsory but officials will launch an information campaign to encourage public uptake in the new year.
President Biden expected to visit Scotland in 2021
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to visit Glasgow next year, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
Douglas Ross ‘challenges’ Boris Johnson on Scotland strategy
Douglas Ross has revealed he often "challenges" the prime minister on his approach to Scotland.
Will UK agree on Covid Christmas or are we in for a family row?
There is always a chance Christmas will end in an almighty argument, with each member of the family stomping off in their own direction and shouting back that they would much rather do their own thing anyway.
Covid Christmas: ‘Scunnered’ Sturgeon on price of ignoring restrictions
Nicola Sturgeon has warned a Scotland-wide lockdown could be imposed if people flout Covid travel restrictions to do their Christmas shopping.
Return of austerity? Rishi Sunak eyes public sector pay freeze
Millions of public sector workers could have their pay frozen as the Treasury looks to pay down the Covid debt next year, it has emerged.
Rocket man: Boris Johnson shot down over Highland spaceport
The Scottish Government has insisted that a high-profile Highland spaceport project will be a “commercial” operation rather than military.
Indyref2: Cost of second independence vote ‘miniscule’ next to Brexit
Civil servant time should not be taken up organising another referendum, Scottish Labour's new constitution spokesperson has said.
RAF Space Command plans ‘surprise’ Highland spaceport developers
Spaceport developers in the Highlands and Islands were left surprised by Boris Johnson’s proposal to create a new “RAF Space Command”, it is understood.
The Black Watch: PM saves battalion and promises naval ‘renaissance’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has guaranteed the future of The Black Watch and vowed to deliver new shipbuilding jobs and investment to Scotland.
Boris Johnson could take Cabinet to Inverness to mark summit centenary
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will consider bringing his Cabinet to Inverness next year to mark the centenary of a historic summit in the Highland capital.
Boris Johnson likened to Henry VIII in fiery Commons exchange
Boris Johnson's approach to Scotland has been likened to a Henry VIII military campaign, with accusations the prime minister is out to "destroy" the devolved settlement.
Business rates battle looms after Scottish Conservatives’ U-turn
Douglas Ross has paved the way for a new battle over business rates by ordering his party to perform a U-turn on a controversial revaluation delay.
Professor Jason Leitch defends schools moves as Covid numbers rise
The Scottish Government has defended its policy on schools and the shut-down of hospitality during the second wave of the pandemic.
Salmond inquiry: Sturgeon releases WhatsApp messages
Nicola Sturgeon has released WhatsApp messages she sent to Alex Salmond in a bid to find out about sexual misconduct claims made against him at Edinburgh Airport.
Good clean fun: Expert says hygiene key to Christmas restrictions
A leading expert in behavioural science has suggested a shake-up of coronavirus rules in Scotland to allow more household mixing could help slow the spread of the virus this Christmas.
‘Devolution disaster’: Boris Johnson ‘seriously undermining fabric of UK’
Boris Johnson risks the future of the Union "every time he opens his mouth", Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs.
Union task force: Boris Johnson to be team player in defence of UK
Boris Johnson is planning to form a “union task force” to boost the case for the UK and stem support for independence.
Henry McLeish: Boris Johnson’s swipe at success of devolution not his usual buffoonery
These are dangerous times for the Union.