ALEX Salmond will today launch the first manifesto for his list-only Alba Party, citing a new poll which shows voters don’t believe it is “cheating” the Holyrood system.

Welcome to our Covid-19 live blog, bringing you all the latest updates from across Scotland.

US President Joe Biden has welcomed the conviction of Derek Chauvin, calling it a "moment of significant change" after the white former police officer was found guilty of murdering 46-year-old black man George Floyd.

A FORMER GP has called for full funding to be restored to an award-winning hospital that provides holistic care, to tackle an anticipated surge in Long Covid.

A senior SNP MSP has told of his shock after it emerged that ministers are paying a Ferguson Marine 'turnaround director' more than £790,000 a year to resolve a ferry building fiasco.

THE Scottish Greens have been accused of “actively working against” the independence cause by fighting the SNP in a dozen constituencies at the Holyrood election, and potentially helping Unionist candidates win.

Regular exercise could increase the effectiveness of Covid vaccines by up to 40 per cent, experts believe.

I WAS gladdened to read that Partick Thistle, a football club I supported many years ago, has decided not to join the proposed European Super League.

Boris Johnson was asked if he acted with "honesty and integrity" regarding his conduct with businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri, following reports he had a romantic relationship with her when he was London mayor.

SCOTS researchers are aiming to prevent more deaths from a “silent” disease that can lead to a sudden rupturing of the body’s most important artery.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hailed announcements from English football clubs that they plan to withdraw from the proposed European Super League as “the right result”.

ONE in ten student paramedics in Scotland who have been in the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic they have considered suicide because of their deteriorating financial position.

AS many in the UK long for the guaranteed blue summer skies of overseas destinations, the picture for international travel in many ways looks more overcast and turbulent than ever.

SCOTS TV chef Nick Nairn has warned that the new draft rules on social distancing as the nation's hospitality sector begins to open up on Monday are a "potentially fatal blow" to many businesses.

THOUSANDS of Scottish local government workers are taking part in a first stage ballot on potential strike action in a new pay dispute.

HE had been struggling to scale the hills near his Borders home when investigations led to a cardiac problem being diagnosed.

Scotland's colleges are facing the threat of “indefinite” three-day weekly strikes as a bitter dispute over the future of lecturing intensifies.

By Kristy Dorsey

BEAUTY salon owners today spoke of their mixed feelings about reopening on Monday as they claim they face a north/south divide on what services they can offer in a bid to boost their recovery.

With new financial input from a prominent Scottish tech investment company, Digital Xtra Fund’s annual awards will be boosted considerably this year – support which has also opened up a new job opportunity within the charity. By Andrew Collier...

Scotland’s rural landscape is one of the country’s greatest assets. Varied, unique and beautiful, it offers aspirational lifestyles and draws tourists like a magnet.

By Ian McConnell

A property firm aims to breathe fresh life into plans for a landmark development by Edinburgh airport after buying into the company that has been working on the project for years.

By Scott Wright

SCOTTISH Financial Enterprise has called for increased collaboration between business and the next Scottish Government to help drive a “fair, inclusive and green recovery”, in its first election manifesto.

THE issue of football clubs joining the European Super League attracted widespread condemnation from columnists in the newspapers.

Kitchen colanders, old wellies and woolly jumpers can help create beautiful hanging baskets, says gardening expert Chris Collins.

Mick Jagger has been writing a lot during lockdown, but it’s songs he’s producing, not prose. He tried prose once, and didn’t like it. Or to be more specific, he started to write his autobiography, and decided it was not for him. Lured by a ...

For some nations, big or small, their presence resonates far and wide in a way that it doesn’t for others. Be it that country’s birth pangs, past exploits in its evolution, chosen leaders, or its standing in the wider world, each of these seem...

Neutral’s a no-no

Lawyers have raised concerns over new technology aimed at speeding up criminal cases in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of the murder of George Floyd.

Mr Mercer said in the letter to the Prime Minister that not including those who served during the Troubles was his “red line”.

The Scottish Government has long insisted that an independent Scotland would re-join the European Union.

The number of deaths related to coronavirus in Scottish care homes has been confirmed in devastating new figures.

Nicola Sturgeon has said she is “in principle” supportive of summer grants and “all-year-round” financial assistance for students as they grapple with the effects of Covid-19.

Boris Johnson has launched a new drive to identify simple treatments for coronavirus, amid warnings that a third wave of cases could hit the UK.

ALMOST half of current Labour voters believe Keir Starmer has more public appeal than his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that certain Covid restrictions in Scotland will be lifted as planned.

Tackling inequalities by investing in maternity services and recruiting staff should be a priority for the next Scottish Government, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said.

YOUNG people have borne the brunt of the pandemic job losses in Scotland, with 114,000 fewer jobs in Scotland at the end of the year than the same time in 2019.

NICOLA Sturgeon has hit back at "myths" about the reopening of hospitality businesses in Scotland, and insisted that the requirements for physical distancing "have not changed".

WE began with a high shark to no-shark ratio.

WHEN Niall Munro decided he wanted a mural for the outside of his new coffee shop on the Isle of Skye, he didn't have to look too far for an artist.

SCOTRAIL is is announcing a return to on-train duties for ticket examiners and conductors from Monday with customers urged to plan ahead to stay safe.

AN ENGINEERING and defence giant has hailed its first intake of Kickstart recruits in Scotland.

The European medicines regulator has found a “possible link” between Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine and very rare blood clots.

THERE’S one phenomenon I’ve yet to see in 30 years of journalism: an ex-politician who’s poor.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced an update on Scotland’s plans to move out of lockdown.

LABOUR and the Scottish Greens have called for fan ownership of football clubs in Scotland following the row over the European Super League.