DARK SECRETS: 7 | Vintage Vibes

Lord Advocate gave Swinney details of Murrell charge in March 2025, papers show

It has sparked calls from the opposition at Holyrood for Dorothy Bain KC to appear before MSPs to answer questions.

Evening Standard · Feb 24

Douglas Ross: I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea

The Scottish Tory leader discussed his political career and claimed there is ‘rage’ under John Swinney’s ‘bank manager image’.

Evening Standard · Feb 23

Jeane Freeman obituary

SNP politician who served as Scottish health secretary and led the government’s response to the covid pandemic

The Guardian - UK · Feb 12

John Swinney urged to ‘reach out’ to US president over tariff threat

Concerns were raised in Holyrood over the impact a threatened hike in tariffs by the US president would have on Scotland’s crucial whisky sector.

Evening Standard · Jan 20

Swinney: Holyrood’s days are numbered if Farage becomes prime minister

The First Minister accused the Reform UK leader of holding Holyrood in contempt.

Evening Standard · Jan 19

John Swinney: SNP Holyrood majority would warrant second independence referendum

The First Minister also questioned the future of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Evening Standard · Jan 17

Malcolm Offord named Reform’s Scottish leader ahead of ‘two-horse race’ election

Nigel Farage said May’s Holyrood poll is a contest only between his Reform UK party and the SNP.

Evening Standard · Jan 15

Budget plans aim to help families when they need it most, insists John Swinney

The Scottish First Minister has hailed his Government’s tax and spending plans for 2026-27, which were unveiled at Holyrood on Tuesday.

Evening Standard · Jan 14

Ministers considered holding indyref on same day as 2011 election, papers reveal

The matter was considered – but ultimately rejected – by then first minister Alex Salmond’s cabinet in 2010.

Evening Standard · Jan 1

Constance faces ministerial code investigation in grooming gangs comments row

The Justice Secretary has been accused of misrepresenting the views of expert Professor Alexis Jay in Holyrood.

Evening Standard · Dec 23, 2025