menu_open Columnists

Herald Scotland

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Attainment gap claims hide worsening results in Scottish schools

Attainment gap claims hide worsening results in Scottish schools

This article appears as part of the Lessons to Learn newsletter. When I’m investigating Scottish education, there’s no doubt that my...

latest 5

Herald Scotland

James Mcenaney

Can Glasgow really become a 24-hour city? Yes it can - so let's get started

Can Glasgow really become a 24-hour city? Yes it can - so let's get started

A livelier Glasgow after dark is finally on the agenda, but transport, licensing and years of neglect still stand in the way, writes Herald columnist...

latest 6

Herald Scotland

Marissa Macwhirter

Hollywood star Val Kilmer is making a return to the big screen. Wait, is he not dead?

Hollywood star Val Kilmer is making a return to the big screen. Wait, is he not dead?

Val Kilmer is set to be reincarnated on the big screen through generative AI. Arts writer Derek McArthur looks at the unethical rabbit hole this has...

latest 8

Herald Scotland

Derek Mcarthur

Caroline Wilson: 'I do my (wonky) bit for Gaelic every day in Glaschu

Caroline Wilson: 'I do my (wonky) bit for Gaelic every day in Glaschu

I wouldn't particularly want any Gaelic scholars to read them. Each morning I text my 88-year-old mother 'madainn mhath' and...

latest 7

Herald Scotland

Caroline Wilson

Louis Theroux’s Manosphere made me realise raising a son has never been harder

Louis Theroux’s Manosphere made me realise raising a son has never been harder

Boys and young men are being radicalised en masse by a pandemic of brutal online misogyny. Raising a son in such a world has never been harder, our...

latest 8

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

'My dad died 20 months after an MND diagnosis – I’m glad MSPs shut Pandora’s box'

'My dad died 20 months after an MND diagnosis – I’m glad MSPs shut Pandora’s box'

My dad died from MND. A horrible disease, it stuck without warning and ravaged his muscles all too quickly. 20 months from diagnosis to death. At 10...

yesterday 10

Herald Scotland

Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco

'Holyrood Assisted Dying debate was sickening display of narcissistic exceptionalism'

'Holyrood Assisted Dying debate was sickening display of narcissistic exceptionalism'

The Scottish Parliament voted firmly last night to reject Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying bill. It’s the third time legislation such as this has...

yesterday 7

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

'Writing’s on the wall for greyhound racing. Now let's ban horse racing'

'Writing’s on the wall for greyhound racing. Now let's ban horse racing'

Scotland's MSP vote today on ending greyhound racing. Green MSP Mark Ruskell has brought forward legislation that if passed would make it an...

yesterday 100

Herald Scotland

Mark Smith

We're all paying a high price for this flawed police funding model

We're all paying a high price for this flawed police funding model

Our columnist Calum Steele looks at the vexed issue of police costs for keeping events, big and small, safe Some 10 days on from the violence that...

yesterday 6

Herald Scotland

Calum Steele

Big thing overlooked after distressing Glasgow Union Street fire

Big thing overlooked after distressing Glasgow Union Street fire

The Glasgow Union Street fire is a major blow but there is a big thing about the city that is often overlooked, writes Ian McConnell. Much tends to be...

yesterday 9

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

12,000 sign petition to stop 'deadly' offshore windfarm. But how bad is it?

12,000 sign petition to stop 'deadly' offshore windfarm. But how bad is it?

This article appears as part of the Winds of Change newsletter. 12,000 people have signed a petition to stop the development of one of the world’s...

previous day 6

Herald Scotland

Vicky Allan

A new stock exchange for Glasgow? Proposal sets out radical route to regeneration

A new stock exchange for Glasgow? Proposal sets out radical route to regeneration

Turning Glasgow’s heritage into investable PLCs could unlock millions for rebuilding — but only with bold tax incentives and strict safeguards,...

previous day 8

Herald Scotland

Martin Roche

Can anyone save us from America's three donkeys of the apocalypse?

Can anyone save us from America's three donkeys of the apocalypse?

As the Iran war enters its third week, there is still no defined US strategy or future planning for the region, laments Herald columnist Kevin McKenna...

previous day 7

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

The entire Scottish media should back the Greens targeting Elon Musk’s X. Here's why

The entire Scottish media should back the Greens targeting Elon Musk’s X. Here's why

The Greens want to make social media platforms subject to laws of defamation and libel just like publishers, newspapers and broadcasters. About time,...

previous day 10

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

The £50m investment that could generate billions for Scotland

The £50m investment that could generate billions for Scotland

Scotland is heading into the 2026 Holyrood elections with a brutally crowded in‑tray. Fragile health and care services, stretched schools, a housing...

previous day 6

Herald Scotland

Kristy Dorsey

SNP wrapround childcare plan is wonderful – but there's a big problem

SNP wrapround childcare plan is wonderful – but there's a big problem

The SNP is promising more help with childcare costs, from babyhood to secondary, a move that would reduce costs for families and help more parents...

monday 10

Herald Scotland

Rebecca Mcquillan

Do the rules of international law still apply in the age of Donald Trump?

Do the rules of international law still apply in the age of Donald Trump?

The Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan wrote over the weekend that big parts of international law are now being referred to in the past tense, even...

monday 7

Herald Scotland

George Fergusson

A city ready to rebuild — but starved public services leave Glasgow exposed

A city ready to rebuild — but starved public services leave Glasgow exposed

Glasgow can flourish again but political promises of assistance will be hollow until our emergency services and local government receive the proper...

monday 10

Herald Scotland

Roz Foyer

The United States needs a revitalised Congress to restore balance and trust

The United States needs a revitalised Congress to restore balance and trust

When Congress weakens, its decisions reverberate far beyond Washington, with Scottish exporters and communities among those paying the price, warns...

monday 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Houston

Check your attitude to pigeons. They are not the problem, you are

Check your attitude to pigeons. They are not the problem, you are

A £150 fine. Plans for a cull. And volunteers checking on the birds in Central Station. What should we be doing with the pigeons in public spaces,...

monday 9

Herald Scotland

Mark Smith

Good news on Scottish flights to US but also transatlantic strife

Good news on Scottish flights to US but also transatlantic strife

There were two very different transatlantic interactions on the Scottish business scene, writes Ian McConnell. Good news on US flights from Scotland...

monday 9

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

Broken propeller sums up sorry saga of over-budget and delayed Calmac ferries

Broken propeller sums up sorry saga of over-budget and delayed Calmac ferries

A broken propeller found on one of the two over-budget and much delayed Calmac ferries sums up perfectly the whole sorry saga, argues Herald columnist...

monday 10

Herald Scotland

Alan Simpson

The suffering I have seen as a GP is why I believe in the choice of assisted dying

The suffering I have seen as a GP is why I believe in the choice of assisted dying

As a GP and MSP, I have witnessed both peaceful deaths and unbearable suffering. Scotland’s assisted dying bill offers a safe, compassionate choice...

15.03.2026 9

Herald Scotland

Sandesh gulhane

I’ve weighed this heavily – and I believe assisted dying is too dangerous to pass

I’ve weighed this heavily – and I believe assisted dying is too dangerous to pass

This is a vote that weighs heavily on me. But the gaps, risks and potential for coercion in Scotland’s assisted dying bill leave me unable to back...

15.03.2026 6

Herald Scotland

Audrey nicoll

When you live on a Scottish island, even a simple MoT can become a four-day ordeal

When you live on a Scottish island, even a simple MoT can become a four-day ordeal

The waiting room I’m in has three leather sofas, a kettle, and the faintest smell of diesel. I’m in Fort William, and the sun has begun to set,...

15.03.2026 8

Herald Scotland

Elle Duffy

God bless America - let's make it Scotland's greatest friend

God bless America - let's make it Scotland's greatest friend

It has been revealed that Peter Mandelson urged John Swinney to play on Donald Trump’s Scottish roots to help secure a good UK trade deal. Herald...

15.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Rosemary Goring

Mum’s the word when it comes to Celtic, Catholicism and the SNP

Mum’s the word when it comes to Celtic, Catholicism and the SNP

I TELL people sometimes how I long for the day when Maureen, my 87-year-old mum will stop offering detailed critiques of my articles. But they know I...

15.03.2026 6

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

This new drug shooting gallery will be nothing more than a dangerous indulgence

This new drug shooting gallery will be nothing more than a dangerous indulgence

Controversial plans to open a drug consumption room in the heart of Edinburgh’s World Heritage site could be set back by the recent fatality...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

John Mclellan

Beware the fake text messages that can cost you thousands

Beware the fake text messages that can cost you thousands

Mobile phones are great for keeping in touch and getting online. But what we’re seeing more and more are texts that are actually scams. ...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Gillian Fyfe

Here's what to get your mum for Mother's Day - and it's not flowers - try a good wine

Here's what to get your mum for Mother's Day - and it's not flowers - try a good wine

Mother’s Day is upon us, and if you’re still thinking that flowers alone will do the trick, I implore you to reconsider—because nothing says...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Gerard Richardson

Iran conflict sends shockwaves through global markets as UK faces zero growth

Iran conflict sends shockwaves through global markets as UK faces zero growth

As the conflict in Iran and the Middle East develops, Brian Taylor looks at the economic consequences – and argues that we are beset by broader...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Brian Taylor

£1,000 for a great idea to make Glasgow better. Any takers?

£1,000 for a great idea to make Glasgow better. Any takers?

Glasgow is battered and burnt, but an offer of £1,000 for ideas to make it better may be just what we need, says Herald columnist Mark Smith Ask...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Mark Smith

Glasgow's historic buildings 'are being demolished too hastily'

Glasgow's historic buildings 'are being demolished too hastily'

On Tuesday morning, they had gathered at the corner of Glasgow's Gordon Street and West Regent Street to bear witness to the final agonies of the...

14.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

'The telephone call I will never forget as a 10-year-old on the day of Dunblane'

'The telephone call I will never forget as a 10-year-old on the day of Dunblane'

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when the ‘planes hit the Twin Towers? What about the London bombings of 2005? Or when Covid...

13.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Jamie Smith-Maillet

'It took a smart English police chief to do what Scotsmen fear: call out Old Firm'

'It took a smart English police chief to do what Scotsmen fear: call out Old Firm'

The Chief Constable of Police Scotland did the country a service when she pointed the finger of blame clearly at Rangers and Celtic over disorder,...

13.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

Work is good for you. So, could someone tell Scotland’s civil servants?

Work is good for you. So, could someone tell Scotland’s civil servants?

This week, we heard that Scotland’s public services are underperforming, that the Scottish Government sickness rates are higher than other UK...

13.03.2026 9

Herald Scotland

Andy Maciver

Sorry state of affairs as major Scottish company reaches 'end of the road'

Sorry state of affairs as major Scottish company reaches 'end of the road'

It was dispiriting to hear a major Scottish company declare that it has "reached the end of the road" with a US hedge fund's obsession,...

13.03.2026 8

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

A ‘Just Transition’ should have Scotland's rural and island colleges at its heart

A ‘Just Transition’ should have Scotland's rural and island colleges at its heart

If political leaders are serious about a Just Transition, rural and island colleges must be central to their plans, writes UHI North, West and...

13.03.2026 8

Herald Scotland

Exclusive by lydia rohmer

What are the most punk rock places in Scotland? Libraries of course

What are the most punk rock places in Scotland? Libraries of course

“What’s more punk than a public library?” It’s a refrain that can be traced back a few years to T-shirts sold in Washington DC to raise money...

12.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Marissa Macwhirter

Damning ASN review urges action on widening support gap in Scottish schools

Damning ASN review urges action on widening support gap in Scottish schools

This article appears as part of the Lessons to Learn newsletter. If you are in any way interested in, connected to, or affected by the various...

12.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

James Mcenaney

After Old Firm shame game, I'm so cross about my fellow Catholics

After Old Firm shame game, I'm so cross about my fellow Catholics

Following the Glasgow Derby on Sunday, some Celtic fans were seen making the Sign of the Cross. Ahead of Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in...

12.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

Timothée Chalamet’s attack on ballet and opera shows the collapse of modern culture

Timothée Chalamet’s attack on ballet and opera shows the collapse of modern culture

Timothée Chalamet has attacked ballet and opera. How can anyone in the arts behave like this, Neil Mackay asks. He’s a symbol of the collapse of...

12.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

A time to reflect: a government literally playing with fire will eventually get burnt

A time to reflect: a government literally playing with fire will eventually get burnt

A calamitous Sunday in Glasgow should raise more than an eyebrow over the consequences of the Government’s policy decisions in the areas of health,...

11.03.2026 8

Herald Scotland

Calum Steele

Hopes of major new flights win for Scottish airport fuelled by US airline

Hopes of major new flights win for Scottish airport fuelled by US airline

The major US airline executive's enthusiasm about Scotland was even more uplifting than the dulcet tones of Edinburgh Airport's chief...

11.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Ian Mcconnell

The price of petrol is a problem - but here's what's going to kill your food bill

The price of petrol is a problem - but here's what's going to kill your food bill

This article appears as part of the Winds of Change newsletter. We know that we are likely to feel this war in our pockets. There has already been...

10.03.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Vicky Allan

At least he's got one thing right: Starmer’s best move is staying out of Trump’s war

At least he's got one thing right: Starmer’s best move is staying out of Trump’s war

The Iran attack has no clear motive or end game, and atrocities are happening. Our Writer at Large asks: how can anyone who says they are a British...

10.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Neil Mackay

Does Glasgow City Council have the will to restore this building to previous glory?

Does Glasgow City Council have the will to restore this building to previous glory?

The fire which destroyed the Union Corner building has caused great pain across Glasgow and beyond. It’s important that the city council does...

10.03.2026 30

Herald Scotland

Kevin Mckenna

US and Israeli investors set for North Sea bonanza amid Iran war oil price surge

US and Israeli investors set for North Sea bonanza amid Iran war oil price surge

Overseas investors eye big increases in payouts by North Sea firms as Iran war fuels dramatic rises in oil and gas prices North Sea giants have...

10.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Mark Williamson

Iran war destroys the case for net zero? No, it doesn't. It shows why we need it

Iran war destroys the case for net zero? No, it doesn't. It shows why we need it

Eye-watering global oil price rises, driven by the war in the Middle East, are putting the UK on course for further inflation and stagnant growth. For...

09.03.2026 10

Herald Scotland

Rebecca Mcquillan

International Women’s Day highlights the Covid pandemic’s unequal toll on women

International Women’s Day highlights the Covid pandemic’s unequal toll on women

Women bore the brunt of the pandemic’s failures, from frontline exposure to widening inequality — Roz Foyer says those lessons must shape how...

09.03.2026 9

Herald Scotland

Roz Foyer