Political explainers

Explainer

Angela Constance

Why Scotland's Justice Secretary is facing a vote of no confidence

Angela Constance will face a no-confidence vote after claims she misrepresented child abuse expert Professor Alexis Jay during a Holyrood debate on grooming gangs.

It was a narrow victory for Sandie Peggie.

It was a narrow victory for Sandie Peggie.

Narrow Sandie Peggie judgment - but this is why her legal team won't be happy

Who is Sandie Peggie, the nurse at the centre of the NHS Fife changing room row?

Who is Sandie Peggie, the nurse at the centre of the NHS Fife changing room row?

Who is Sandie Peggie, the nurse at centre of NHS Fife employment tribunal row?

Who is Dr Beth Upton, the doctor at the centre of the NHS Fife changing room row?

Who is Dr Beth Upton, the doctor at the centre of the NHS Fife changing room row?

Who is Dr Beth Upton, the trans doctor at the centre of Sandie Peggie row?

David Coburn has been named in court documents connected to a Russia-linked bribery case - allegations he denies

David Coburn has been named in court documents connected to a Russia-linked bribery case - allegations he denies

Who is David Coburn - the former UKIP MEP now linked to a Russia bribery case?

Ciaran Martin has been brought in to probe the premature release of the OBR's Budget forecast.

Ciaran Martin has been brought in to probe the premature release of the OBR's Budget forecast.

Who is Ciaran Martin, the cyber expert now investigating the OBR budget leak?

What is the OBR and how was it involved in the UK Budget leak?

What is the OBR and how was it involved in the UK Budget leak?

OBR leak - why does it matter and what is the Office for Budget Responsibility?

Nusrat Ghani, the Deputy Speaker who chaired the Budget

Nusrat Ghani, the Deputy Speaker who chaired the Budget

Who is Nus Ghani, the deputy speaker who presided over the chaotic UK Budget 2025?

Here is how to watch the 2025 Budget this afternoon

Here is how to watch the 2025 Budget this afternoon

When will the 2025 UK Budget be announced? See time and how to watch

Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon will be scrutinised.

Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon will be scrutinised.

What to expect from UK Covid Inquiry: Key issues ahead of report on political leaders

Latest Glasgow news: Crime, housing, events and city updates you need to know

Latest Glasgow news: Crime, housing, events and city updates you need to know

City of Glasgow College

Latest Glasgow news: Crime, housing, events and city updates you need to know

Did the BBC favour Kamala Harris in 2024?

Did the BBC favour Kamala Harris in 2024?

Explained: Why Teflon Tim fell on his sword for Donald Trump amid 6 January row

Why is this Labour MSP calling for a change to the Freedom of Information Act?

Why is this Labour MSP calling for a change to the Freedom of Information Act?

Freedom of Information

Why is this Labour MSP calling for a change to the Freedom of Information Act?

A nun walking on the grounds of the former site Sisters of Charity Magdalene Laundry in Donnybrook, Dublin.

A nun walking on the grounds of the former site Sisters of Charity Magdalene Laundry in Donnybrook, Dublin.

Amesbury History Centre

Explainer: What is the scandal surrounding the Magdalene laundries?

Short term let regulations were introduced in Edinburgh three years ago, with the first conviction for failing to comply secured last week

Short term let regulations were introduced in Edinburgh three years ago, with the first conviction for failing to comply secured last week

City of Edinburgh Council

What do short-term let convictions mean for Edinburgh’s ‘burgeoning’ black market?

STV headquarters, Glasgow

STV headquarters, Glasgow

Why STV CEO faces MPs amid fears for future of Scottish regional news

Land reform bill explained

Land reform bill explained

'It isn't right': Here is the background to Scotland's Land Reform Bill

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip celebrate after the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Israel and Hamas agree Gaza ceasefire deal - what happens next?

John Swinney with a A Fresh Start with independence

John Swinney with a A Fresh Start with independence

Key takeaways from Scottish Government's latest independence blueprint

Frankie the Dog at Milford House in Salisbury.

Frankie the Dog at Milford House in Salisbury.

Explainer: What is the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill and what will it do?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to introduce digital ID cards called Brit-Cards

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to introduce digital ID cards called Brit-Cards

What is a digital ID card and why does Keir Starmer want to introduce them?

President Donald Trump gestures while speaking at an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025

President Donald Trump gestures while speaking at an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025

What did Donald Trump say about autism and is there any truth in his claims?

BAE says it spent £550m with 300 suppliers in Scotland last year

BAE says it spent £550m with 300 suppliers in Scotland last year

Does defence cost £5.1 billion or £2.1 billion? Scotland's spending row explained

All the latest updates about Peter Murrell

All the latest updates about Peter Murrell

Peter Murrell news, interviews and updates on the former SNP chief executive

All the latest news and updates about Grangemouth

All the latest news and updates about Grangemouth

Grangemouth Oil Refinery news, interviews and updates on the industrial site

All the latest news and updates on First Minister John Swinney

All the latest news and updates on First Minister John Swinney

John Swinney news, interviews and updates on the First Minister

All news and updates on Nicola Sturgeon

All news and updates on Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon news, interviews and updates on the former first minister

Nurse Sandie Peggie has taken NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton to an employment tribunal (PA)

Nurse Sandie Peggie has taken NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton to an employment tribunal (PA)

At £320,000 and growing, who is paying for Sandie Peggie employment tribunal?

Professor Sam Eljamel

Professor Sam Eljamel

Eljamel inquiry: Who is the neurosurgeon and why is his conduct being investigated?

Immigrants making dangerous sea crossings in small boats

Immigrants making dangerous sea crossings in small boats

How does the asylum system work? Hotels, benefits, outcomes - all you need to know

A protestor at a demonstration in Falkirk

A protestor at a demonstration in Falkirk

Who is behind the anti-asylum protests in Scotland and what do they hope to achieve?

Saltires fly in a street in Falkirk

Saltires fly in a street in Falkirk

Aberdeenshire Council

Why are so many saltire flags appearing on Scottish streets across the country?

Sandie Peggie has taken NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton to employment tribunal (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Sandie Peggie has taken NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton to employment tribunal (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Sandie Peggie employment tribunal vs NHS Fife: The 10 most jaw-dropping moments

What are medical associates and why are doctors worried about them?

What are medical associates and why are doctors worried about them?

British Medical Association

What are medical associates and why are Scottish doctors worried about them?

A consultation on the next tram extension launched this week

A consultation on the next tram extension launched this week

City of Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh's new tram plan is bold and ambitious. But who's paying?

Four candidates have put their name forward to co-lead the party.

Four candidates have put their name forward to co-lead the party.

2026 Holyrood election

Explainer: What to expect from the Scottish Greens’ leadership election

Why is healthcare here struggling and what solutions are being proposed?

Why is healthcare here struggling and what solutions are being proposed?

Dumfries and Galloway

NHS Dumfries and Galloway healthcare challenges explained

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was the SNP's chief executive for 20 years until he resigned in 2023.

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon, was the SNP's chief executive for 20 years until he resigned in 2023.

Nicola Sturgeon

Explainer: Why Peter Murrell may not go on trial until 2027

The home of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was searched as part of Operation Branchform, while a luxury campervan was also seized.

The home of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was searched as part of Operation Branchform, while a luxury campervan was also seized.

What happens with the SNP's luxury campervan seized by Operation Branchform police?

Angus Robertson, Keith Brown and John Swinney at the SNP's conference last year.

Angus Robertson, Keith Brown and John Swinney at the SNP's conference last year.

The reason for the SNP's financial deficit of more than £450k

Justice Secretary Angela Constance and First MInister John Swinney

Justice Secretary Angela Constance and First MInister John Swinney

Angela Constance

Parole hearings in Scotland: What are they and why are they held in private?

The group gathered at the CCA in Glasgow

The group gathered at the CCA in Glasgow

Palestine protest

What happened to the CCA? The rise and fall of an art institution

The figures are produced by the Scottish Government

The figures are produced by the Scottish Government

Explained: what GERS does — and does not — tell us about Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has given an 'in-depth' interview to ITV

Nicola Sturgeon has given an 'in-depth' interview to ITV

Here is how you can watch Nicola Sturgeon's 'wide-ranging' interview tonight

Gordon Brown has said a gambling tax should be introduced to fund scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

Gordon Brown has said a gambling tax should be introduced to fund scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

Could a gambling tax pay for the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap?

The next steps in the Sandie Peggie tribunal against NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton.

The next steps in the Sandie Peggie tribunal against NHS Fife and Dr Beth Upton.

Don't expect a judgment in Sandie Peggie tribunal anytime soon. Here's why

The Herald investigated the beauty industry and Botox last year.

The Herald investigated the beauty industry and Botox last year.

What is happening with Botox in Scotland?

Sandie Peggie defends her character in the employment tribunal against NHS Fife.

Sandie Peggie defends her character in the employment tribunal against NHS Fife.

Sandie Peggie v NHS Fife: Key points as nurse defends 'racist' allegations

Solicitor Margaret Gribbon and nurse Sandie Peggie arrived in Dundee as the employment tribunal against NHS Fife continues.

Solicitor Margaret Gribbon and nurse Sandie Peggie arrived in Dundee as the employment tribunal against NHS Fife continues.

Key points as Sandie Peggie's character condemned in NHS Fife employment tribunal

Sandie Peggie and her solicitor Margaret Gribbon.

Sandie Peggie and her solicitor Margaret Gribbon.

Key points as Dr Upton's phone records reviewed in Sandie Peggie v NHS Fife tribunal

President Donald Trump has long had clashes with the Scottish Government and Scottish policy

President Donald Trump has long had clashes with the Scottish Government and Scottish policy

Trump in Scotland

Donald Trump vs the Scottish Government: A brief history

Not all of Donald Trump's development plans in Scotland have materialised

Not all of Donald Trump's development plans in Scotland have materialised

Trump in Scotland

What does Donald Trump own in Scotland?

Sandie Peggie arrived at the tribunal with her solicitor Margaret Gribbon.

Sandie Peggie arrived at the tribunal with her solicitor Margaret Gribbon.

Key points from Sandie Peggie v NHS Fife as row erupts between legal teams

Donald Trump has visited Scotland several times while a politician – and there has always been turbulence

Donald Trump has visited Scotland several times while a politician – and there has always been turbulence

Trump in Scotland

What happened on President Trump's previous Scotland visits?