David Leask

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | David Leask

“The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees,” sneered Samuel Johnson, “is the high road that leads him to England.”The London wit and English dictionary author always revelled in his contempt for Scotland. But there was — and still is — a grain of truth in his 18th-century jibe. Many Scots do seek their fortune south of the border. In 2022-23 some 34,500 Scottish residents moved to other parts of the UK. A lot? Of course, but also the second lowest figure since records began.

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | David Leask

Edinburgh’s first citizens have been brought back to life — digitally at least — to celebrate the city’s 900th anniversary. Scientists have recreated the faces of five men and women buried in or near St Giles’, some as long ago as the 12th century. And their likenesses, reconstructed from their skulls, went on display on Friday in an exhibition at the cathedral called Edinburgh’s First Burghers.

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | James Imam |David Leask

Sheila Wilson had no idea what kind of man her neighbour was until he was gunned down. Eight years ago the 67-year-old Scot retired to the Costa del Sol, to the whitewashed holiday village of Mijas with its donkey taxis, almost year-round sunshine and expat golf club. For a while she stayed next door to the mother-in-law of a Glaswegian man with a shock of ginger hair and a beard to match. His name was Ross Monaghan and he was, she now knows, a renowned Scottish gangster.

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | David Leask

Are your Spidey senses tingling? They should be if you live in Scotland and are a fan of Marvel. For weeks mysterious men and women have been sizing up landmarks in central Glasgow. It turns out they are preparing to film the latest Spider-Man movie. And to blow up at least one building — virtually, at least — as they do so. Residents in central Glasgow have now been formally warned that film-makers will start shooting outdoor scenes, including George Square, as early as August, The Herald reported.

3 weeks ago | thetimes.com | David Leask

There is nothing that winds up pricklier Scots more than when the English claim the whole of Britain as their own. Unionists and nationalists alike can take umbrage when their southern neighbours, however innocently, talk of their island nation. Yet new research has revealed that mentally appropriating the whole of Britain is not just an English habit. The Scots, at least in the Middle Ages, did exactly the same.