Martyn McLaughlin

3 days ago | scotsman.com | Martyn McLaughlin

He was the modernising and humble Pope who blazed a brave new trail defending the poor and disadvantaged of the world, yet endured several stumbles on the path to progress. Tributes have been paid around the world to Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end a pontificate that sent shockwaves throughout the Catholic Church and put mercy before doctrine. His death comes after months of illness.

4 days ago | scotsman.com | Martyn McLaughlin

It began over tea and coffee in a Morningside living room and culminated in a landmark ruling at the UK’s highest court that will have repercussions for generations to come. In many ways, the ascendancy of For Women Scotland (FWS) has been one of the most remarkable stories in a turbulent era of Scottish politics. At the heart of it all are three women who never thought they would be front and centre of such a fractious and consequential battle, having raised nearly half a million pounds.

1 week ago | scotsman.com | Martyn McLaughlin

Government says public bodies have ‘vital role’ to playThe SNP government has been accused of being “addicted to wasting public money” after an analysis found that the board members of the nation’s quangos are being paid nearly £9 million a year.

1 week ago | scotsman.com | Martyn McLaughlin

Festive celebrations will be moved from civic space while works are carried outWork has begun on a multimillion pound redevelopment of the civic heart of Scotland’s largest city - with hoardings set to be erected around the main square. The long-awaited renovation of George Square in Glasgow city centre aims to transform the area with more green space, informal play areas for children, a raised lawn platform, and sheltered seating.

2 weeks ago | scotsman.com | Martyn McLaughlin

Scotland’s world-renowned higher education system will “perish” unless the sector “pulls in the same direction” and responds to an increasingly “dire” financial situation, the head of one of the nation’s most prestigious universities has warned. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal of the University of Edinburgh, said universities across the country were toppling into or nearing an “economic abyss”.