3 d. ago A provocative new play challenges society’s ‘discomfort that disabled people have sex lives’

(We indulge in) a bit of roll play is an explicit drama about a young disabled man’s sexual expression – and puts uncomfortable questions to its audience“I’m asked quite a lot why everything I make ends up being about sex,” says Scottish writer and director Robert Softley Gale, artistic director of the company Birds of Paradise. His new production, (We indulge in) a bit of roll play, is designed to provoke frank discussions around sex and disability. “People say the right things and that they support equality, but what if you push that into areas that are less comfortable? Like would you ever date a disabled person? Would you marry a disabled person? Would you have sex with a disabled person? Some would go, ‘Yeah, of course I would.’ But would they? There’s still discomfort in recognising that disabled people have sex lives.”Softley Gale and his co-writers, Hana Pascal Keegan and Gabriella Sloss, aim to challenge audiences in the show which he is also directing. They hope to counter...

Politics

4 d. ago 'It’s taken me 20 years as a baldy to find something that stops shine

BLD BRO are tackling the stigma around male hair loss with a range of products designed to nourish bald scalps and promote a 'healthy, confident scalp'

Politics

5 d. ago Scotsman Obituaries: Ted Williamson, stage lighting designer turned TV producer and director

Edmund Clynes Williamson, senior television producer-director. Born: 9 August 1933 in Sheffield. Died: 14 November 2025, aged 92

Politics

5 d. ago Scotsman Obituaries: Alison Auldjo, art gallery curator and talented artist in her own right

Alison Auldjo, art gallery director and artist. Born: 2 February 1978 in Falkirk. Died: 16 September 2025, aged 47

Politics

6 d. ago Scotsman Obituaries: Jimmy Lees, Scottish journalist who covered some of the biggest stories of the last century

James Melville Lees, journalist. Born: 12 March,1923 in Stonehaven. Died: 24 November, 2025 in Aberdeen, aged 102

Politics

1 week ago Lily Allen’s live return, Charli xcx’s Wuthering Heights and Simon Rattle’s Janáček: music to listen out for in 2026

Raye, Deftones and Yungblud do UK tours, Jill Scott returns for more neo-soul, and the classical world gears up to celebrate Hungarian composer György Kurtág at 100• More from the 2026 culture previewSeventeen years on from the release of her debut single, Florence Welch finds herself in an intriguingly strong position: while most of her early 00s indie peers are forgotten or in reduced circumstances, she is a major influence on pop, from Ethel Cain to the Last Dinner Party to Chappell Roan. Her recent album Everybody Scream was a strong restatement of her theatrical approach – with more light and shade than you might expect – but it’s on stage that she really comes into her own. • UK tour begins 6 February at the SSE Arena, Belfast Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Scotsman Obituaries: Jonathan Smallwood, psychology professor fascinated by the wandering mind

Jonathan Mark Smallwood, Professor of Psychology. Born: 13 October 1975 in Wolverhampton. Died: 24 October 2025 in West Kilbride, aged 50

Science

2 w. ago Boots launches 'biggest ever' Boxing Day early reducing Dyson, beauty and perfume

Boots' Boxing Day sales has arrived early and there's plenty of good deals to be had. The health and beauty retailer has slashed the price of hundreds of products including bestselling designer hair tools, beauty and luxury perfume.

Politics

3 w. ago Fallout showrunner warns fans of 'major changes' to New Vegas game story

Fallout season 2 will see Lucy MacLean head to New Vegas, but production designer warns viewers to expect changes from the beloved game

Events

4 w. ago From pear juice to patches – I test three products designed to help you survive festive hangovers

PARTY season is in full swing, but it can take a toll on your health.    It’s a good idea to stick to the guidelines on limits – and plan alcohol-free days. Also, eat before you hit the booze, to slow the absorption of alcohol in to your bloodstream.   Here, in the name of research, I’ve tried out some health products that may...

Events

4 w. ago Sunderland vs Newcastle United Premier League preview, team news and prediction

One of the biggest derbies returns to the big stage as the Stadium of Light hosts the first Tyne-Wear Derby in 10 years

Politics