Scottish politician, former First Minister and SNP leader
Peter Murrell has been jailed for five years and three months after admitting he embezzled just over £400,000 from the Scottish National Party over a 12-year period. Separately, Greek courts have convicted a man over the 2009 killing of Jean Hanlon and Cédric Jubillar has written a first confession admitting involvement in his wife Delphine's disappearance.
Scotland has exited the World Cup group stage after defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with a 1-0 win over Haiti. Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland head coach after seven years in charge, ending a tenure that delivered three major tournament appearances and a long-awaited return to a World Cup.
Former SNP deputy first minister Kate Forbes has addressed the ARC conference in London, insisting she has "absolutely won the public support" while explaining she would not abandon her religious beliefs or policy stances on abortion and same-sex marriage. The event featured prominent conservatives and sparked debate over honesty and leadership.
Adura’s Jackdaw gas field is undergoing a final public consultation after a court overturned ministerial consent. The 159‑page Environmental Impact Assessment says the project would contribute less than 0.02% of global greenhouse gases over its lifetime and could meet a portion of the UK’s gas needs this winter, while opponents warn it will have little impact on bills or energy security.
Yes Scotland’s full accounts have been handed to Police Scotland amid questions over a £1.5m discrepancy, with officials denying misappropriation and stressing the organisation was audited. The SNP-linked former chief executive Peter Murrell’s conviction looms in the background as the broader political dispute intensifies.
Glasgow Pride has marked 30 years since the first Pride event in 1996 with this year’s march through Glasgow, featuring corporate sponsors and performers. The event faced criticism over Coca-Cola sponsorship amid calls for a boycott linked to Middle East conflict and the broader debate over Pride branding vs. liberation.
Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre has reopened after a near-four-year closure following a £41 million refurbishment. The Edwardian venue now features enhanced accessibility, a level stage, extended fly tower, upgraded technical infrastructure and doubled hospitality capacity. Test events have taken place and tours are selling quickly ahead of fringe season.
The Scotsman reports that SNP governance faces scrutiny over Monklands Hospital funding promises. Critics argue the project was unaffordable and that voters were misled before the election. Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir foreword and John Swinney’s defence spark further debate about the SNP’s record and future path.
SNP’s 2025 accounts show a surplus of over £509,903, a drop in membership to 51,000, and a loan of £60,000 owed by Peter Murrell. The accounts remove the motorhome asset after fraud-linked losses, and Swinney calls the year a demonstration of formidable financial strength despite ongoing scrutiny.
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon says she was betrayed by Peter Murrell, who pleaded guilty to embezzling SNP funds. She reveals she did not know of the crimes until the day of his guilty plea and will not visit him in prison.
Ben Macpherson has stepped down as Scotland’s Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education. He cites the need to focus on other pressures, including his health, and to serve his Edinburgh North and Leith constituency. First Minister John Swinney accepts the resignation and praises his work.
The Scottish government has published a draft independence referendum bill to set out the proposed question and eligible voters. Reform UK and other critics argue about the threshold needed for a fresh vote, with the SNP’s and Greens' support waning in recent elections. Westminster remains firm that another referendum is off limits.
The Scottish government has drafted plans for a Scottish visa, including a five-year rural visa pilot and a Scottish graduate visa, and is seeking discussions with the UK government on immigration powers. The proposals are aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing labour shortages, with several delivery models proposed for Home Office approval or Holyrood management.
Leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling on the UK government to prepare for constitutional change. The parties have committed to co‑operate on energy, the economy and relations with Europe and to press for referendums where domestic politics allow. The UK government has reiterated that a second Scottish referendum is off limits for now.
The Holyrood debate on Scotland’s right to decide has become a flashpoint as Reform MSPs walk out before the session, branding the proceedings a stunt. The motion, tabled by John Swinney, has support from Labour and the Greens, while Reform leaders call the debate a distraction and withdraw their amendments.
Annual figures show 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025, up 11% on 2024, with nitazenes driving a surge in potent synthetic opioids. Ministers say the rise demands coordinated action, while experts warn of a deteriorating drugs market and widening inequality.