Colin Mackay

Edinburgh

Political Editor at STV News (Glasgow and West)

Political Editor for STV News

Articles

Swinney's 'anti far-right' summit didn't invite Reform - but they were the elephant in the room

1 day ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Victoria Pease

“If everyone is against us we must be in the right place”. That was Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s response to the Scottish Government’s summit for safeguarding democracy. Reform was not invited, although they protested outside with leaflets stating “Democracy denier – John Swinney/Anas Sarwar won’t listen to you”.
John Swinney can't rely on being pals with Donald Trump

3 weeks ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Gianni Marini

On the eve of Tartan Day, it just got a whole lot harder to sell Scotland in the US. (If President Trump is reading this, don’t get carried away Scotland is not actually for sale). First Minister John Swinney will lead the Tartan Day parade through the streets of New York on Saturday, but today he acknowledged that 10% tariffs on all UK exports to the USA is “deeply damaging”. And he is warning the UK against rushing into any retaliatory actions which could spiral.
Colin Mackay insight: Christina McKelvie was full of fun and mischief, she'll be deeply missed by all

4 weeks ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Victoria Pease

The Scottish Parliament is in mourning following the death of Christina McKelvie this morning. MSPs will gather at 11.40am to pay tribute rather than question ministers. First Minister’s Questions will also be a more sombre affair. Christina was one of the most liked and loved MSPs in this place. She was first elected in 2007 and her sense of fun and mischief was infectious. And she really was fun to be around.
What does the Spring Statement mean for Scotland?

4 weeks ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Victoria Pease

The inevitable question from any big statement by the chancellor is what does it mean for me and my family? In Holyrood, the question that naturally flows from the Spring Statement is, what does it mean for Scotland? I have spoken to spin doctors from the Scottish and UK Governments to try to reach a balanced perspective.
Billions needed to save Grangemouth jobs, finds study

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay

Billions of pounds of private investment is needed to replace the jobs being lost, with the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery, according to a landmark study. Scotland’s only oil refinery is due shut down in June, with 400 people set to lose their jobs. The proposals to attract investment include plastic recycling and hydrogen production. Project Willow looked at 300 potential projects, identifying nine that were “credible”.
Grangemouth rescue plan offers first glimmer of hope but achieves nothing

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Gianni Marini

The long-awaited Grangemouth rescue plan, Project Willow, which examines the future of Scotland’s largest industrial site, has been published. In almost two years of covering the closure of the oil refinery, this is the first time I have seen any glimmer of hope. Project Willow has been welcomed by all sides, even workers who face losing their jobs over the next few months.
Sturgeon to step down as MSP at next Holyrood election

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay

Nicola Sturgeon says she’s stepping down as an MSP next year and won’t stand for re-election in Glasgow Southside. Sturgeon has been at Holyrood since 1999, when the Scottish Parliament was founded. She was First Minister for longer than anyone else. She says the “time is right to open a new chapter” in her life, after being embroiled in a police inquiry into SNP finances and her separation from her husband. STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Nicola Sturgeon: From SNP election-winner and Covid burnout to 'Books and Banter'

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Alex Salmond |Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Gianni Marini

Whatever you think of her, Nicola Sturgeon has put in a shift. She’s been an MSP since 1999, in Government from 2007 to 2023, the longest-serving First Minister of Scotland and the only woman to hold the job. Sturgeon started young, joining the SNP as a teenager. She was still in her twenties when she was first elected to the Scottish Parliament. By the time the SNP won a shock election victory in 2007 – propelling her to Deputy First Minister – she was only in her thirties.
Why are so many politicians quitting at next year's election?

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay |Insight Colin Mackay |Gianni Marini

So far, 22 MSPs have indicated that they will not stand in next year’s election. It seems like a lot, especially when it includes some big names and some of the most experienced politicians in the country. The list includes former first minister Humza Yousaf, and yesterday Cabinet secretaries Shona Robison and Fiona Hyslop announced their retirement plans.
Children should be allowed to leave school at 14, say Scottish Tories

1 month ago | news.stv.tv | Colin Mackay

Children as young as 14 should be able to leave school for an apprenticeship or college place, according to the Scottish Conservatives. The party says it’s a “bold” move to expand youth opportunities and boost Scotland’s economy. But the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association dismissed the proposal as “silly” and the education secretary described it as “Dickensian”.