menu_open Columnists

Herald Scotland

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Hyslop defending CalMac's record repair bill is a real ferry fiasco

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop is left to defend the indefensible over record ferry repair bill, caused primarily by the Government she serves,...

yesterday 3

Herald Scotland

Alan Simpson

They’re coming for our dogs. It's the wrong target

A new study raises concern about the environmental impact of dogs. But it will not change our minds, says Mark Smith A dog and a cat are talking to...

previous day 5

Herald Scotland

Mark Smith

Sarwar hits out at Westminster distractions amid Labour turmoil before May elections

As Anas Sarwar advises the Prime Minister to stick to the day job, Brian Taylor examines the big challenges facing Scottish Labour in the run-up to...

previous day 10

Herald Scotland

Brian Taylor

Scottish budget: Robison faces reality check as spending spree risks future crisis

Election-year cash splash or looming crash? Robison’s budget promises big spending – but can Scotland afford it, asks Guy Stenhouse It's Scottish...

previous day 5

Herald Scotland

Guy Stenhouse

Ofgem’s ‘energy price cap’ is not worthy of the name

The latest Ofgem energy price cap came into force at the start of this month. That’s not good news though: as we struggle through this bleakest of...

previous day 6

Herald Scotland

David Hilferty

When consequences vanish: Why accountability in Scottish public life is under threat

This week’s events at Holyrood only confirm that a lack of genuine accountability and responsibility for serious mistakes is becoming an accepted...

previous day 2

Herald Scotland

John Mclellan

What happens if Trump uses independence to set his sights on Scotland?

Many of MAGA’s arguments for annexing Greenland could be used against Scotland. Our Writer at Large says that although the scenario sounds absurd,...

friday 30

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

The internet is a burning rubbish heap, and young people are averting their eyes

The internet is a terrible place. Here's why columnist Marissa MacWhirter is abandoning the burning pile of rubbish we call modern cyberspace in...

friday 10

Herald Scotland

Marissa Macwhirter

Will Swinney cut taxes to prove Scotland can stand on its own?

On Tuesday, the Scottish Government’s Budget will give us an idea of what the next five years of John Swinney’s rule will look like. Andy Maciver...

friday 5

Herald Scotland

Andy Maciver

Donald Trump has shown us who he is, Greenland should be worried

Donald Trump’s renewed threat to seize Greenland by force marks a chilling break with international law and NATO solidarity, says Brendan O'Hara,...

friday 5

Herald Scotland

Brendan O’Hara Mp

From sitcom dreams to doubled losses - why Costa has lost its grip on coffee lovers

Costa Coffee has seen its UK losses more than double as rising costs and weaker high-street trade hit performance, adding to pressures facing major...

friday 4

Herald Scotland

Sarah Campbell

Battle for control of Scottish company rages as crunch vote looms

The battle for control of the Scottish investment trust is raging as a crunch vote looms, writes Ian McConnell. The attempt to oust the board of...

friday 30

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

America is the new Rome – and Europe must choose between freedom or servitude

There are dark analogies to be drawn from ancient history when it comes to world events today, Neil Mackay warns There's much talk currently that...

08.01.2026 7

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

Is the lack of legally enforceable ASN plans a problem for Scotland’s pupils?

This article appears as part of the  Lessons to Learn  newsletter. As anyone with even a passing interest in Scottish education will know, the...

08.01.2026 4

Herald Scotland

James Mcenaney

MTV was supposed to finally shut down for good. So, why didn’t it?

The news that MTV is shutting down spread like wildfire, yet it was never shutting down. Just why were we so quick to believe this false story,...

08.01.2026 4

Herald Scotland

Derek Mcarthur

Striking view on major shift in Scottish Government relationship with business

One senior business figure has highlighted a significant shift in the relationship between the Scottish Government and business, with some...

07.01.2026 2

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

It's life, actually: screen portrayals of UK-US interaction are all too telling

Art is imitating life in screen portrayals of Britain's relationship with the United States, says Herald columnist Calum Steele It is perhaps a...

07.01.2026 2

Herald Scotland

Calum Steele