10 h. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s tough choices: they are costing the government dearly | Editorial

Austerity-era scepticism runs deep – and Labour’s abstract promises are falling flat as Nigel Farage rises in the pollsThe Labour government’s abrupt U-turn on winter fuel payments – restoring the benefit to more than three-quarters of pensioners – reveals less a change of heart than a sobering realisation in Westminster: after years of austerity, the public no longer gives politicians the benefit of the doubt. The irony is hard to miss. Labour set out to prove that “grown-up” economics means difficult decisions – only to find that once trust is lost, voters won’t accept vague promises without tangible results.It turns out many are sceptical that sacrifices will produce better results for society. That’s why ministers are struggling to justify cuts to disability benefits as a way to “fund” public services – or to convince the public that Britain can’t afford to lift the two-child benefit cap even as ministers claim they will reduce child poverty. There may be more conspicuous retrea...

Politics

21 h. ago Readers' Letters: Potholes prevalence is problem caused by council choices

Edinburgh Council’s collection of potholes continues to frustrate and annoy

Politics

3 d. ago Music fans name their 'favourite Scottish musicians' of all time

Scotland has birthed many musical icons and these are the best ones, according to locals

Politics

3 d. ago Readers’ Letters: Councils need to be better informed on road pollution

A reader is unimpressed with the latest road proposals from Edinburgh City Council

Politics

3 d. ago Famous faces: 13 of the most recognisable Scottish film stars of all time

Celebrate some of the finest acting talent from Scotland with our homage to 13 culturally significant names

Politics

4 d. ago Water firm fat cats will be stripped of unfair bonuses if they pollute our rivers

Government gets tough and says companies will not be permitted to pay bonuses to water bosses that oversee poor environmental and customer outcomes

Politics

4 d. ago Kristers Tobers still embracing Aberdeen Scottish Cup euphoria as Latvian reflects on 'hard to comprehend' moment

The big defender has opened up on helping bring the Scottish Cup back to the Granite City for the first time since 1990

Politics

5 d. ago Two new business units at former contaminated Shawfield site now complete

They were completed ‘on time and on budget’ after a funding boost from the Scottish Government.

Politics

5 d. ago UK Government’s immigration plans could be ‘ticking time bomb’ for Scottish construction

Trade association warns that potential exodus of industry professionals to England will leave nation ‘bereft of skills’ and damage transition to net zero

Politics

5 d. ago How the use of a word in the Guardian has gotten some readers upset | Elisabeth Ribbans

‘Got’ was changed during the editing of an opinion piece, leading to correspondence lamenting a slide into American English. But language isn’t a fortressIn Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part II, a messenger breathlessly announces to the king that, “Jack Cade hath gotten London bridge”. Hold this late 16th-century text in mind as we fast forward to last week when Martin Kettle, associate editor and columnist at the Guardian in the UK, was seen to suggest in an opinion piece that, if King Charles has pushed the boundaries of neutrality, such as with his speech to open the new Canadian parliament, he has so far “gotten away with it”.In a letter published the next day, a reader asked teasingly if this use of “gotten” – and another writer’s reference to a “faucet” – were signs the Guardian had fallen into line with Donald Trump’s demand that news agencies adopt current US terminology, such as referring to the “Gulf of America”.Elisabeth Ribbans is the Guardian’s global readers’ editorguardian...

Politics

5 d. ago Readers' Letters: SNP would leave Scots defenceless in face of aggressive Russia

Government policies have shot down chance of a lucrative welding plant being sighted in Scotland, says reader

Politics

7 d. ago Readers' Letters: Scottish Government's stance on defence spending misguided

A reader suggests the Scottish Government should be more supportive of spending on munitions

Politics

7 d. ago Scottish summer transfer window closure date and time change again as leagues fall into line

Clubs will have extra few days to do business - but unusual closure time set

Sport

9 d. ago Readers' letters: Protect our farmers from sea eagles slaughtering lambs

A reader says action must be taken to stop sea eagles killing livestock with impunity

Politics

1 week ago Reader's Letters: Surely wind farms would come under any definition of 'ecocide'

Would a Scottish ‘ecocide’ Bill target the right people, ask readers

Politics

1 week ago Did Douglas Ross deserve his red card from the Holyrood chamber?

The former Scottish Tory leader, a referee in his spare time, was sent off with no recourse to VAR

Politics

1 week ago PIP claimants born in these years will be spared tough DWP changes amid cuts

The Labour Government has confirmed who will be affected by the tough new rules which are being introduced – with millions of people set to be affected by the changes

Politics

1 week ago The 'leafy' Scottish city crowned best for parks and gardens by Time Out

The city was praised for its scenic green spaces.

Politics

1 week ago Readers Letters: MSPs waste Parliamentary time with toilet talk

Is who can use which toilet really a matter for urgent debate at Holyrood, asks reader

Politics

1 week ago Readers Letters: Time Scottish Government got tough on young criminals

The Scottish Government is too soft on knife crime, says reader

Politics