Rebecca McCurdy

Glasgow, Scotland

Political Correspondent at The Herald (Scotland)

Political Correspondent @heraldscotland. [email protected] (she/her).

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Articles

The university accent bias row towards Scots language exists across Scotland

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

This article appears as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter. The accent bias row will resonate with many Scots across the country. For a language that is so often celebrated in literature - from Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Irvine Welsh - it is often mocked and looked down upon in every day life. There are its obvious connections with social class and poverty.
Pressure grows on Scottish Government to act after Supreme Court ruling

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Hannah Brown |Kathleen Nutt |Rebecca McCurdy

Susan Smith (L) and Marion Calder, directors of 'For Women Scotland' cheer as they leave the Supreme Court on April 16, 2025 in London, England. (Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) The First Minister is facing increasing pressure from opposition parties and women's groups to update guidance for public bodies following a landmark ruling on the legal definition of a woman.
Analysis: Why the gender row is here to stay following Supreme Court ruling

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

If anyone was hoping the gender row would disappear with the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman, then you would be sorely mistaken. It has been described as a landmark case for a reason, and its legacy on public policy could be massive. The full implications of the judgement will not be known for some time. What will inevitably follow will be some intense discussions between Scottish and UK Government officials on the discrepancies of reserved and devolved laws.
FWS vs Scottish Ministers: The judgement on the definition of a woman

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
Labour MSPs accused of 'failure' for not raising energy bill hikes with UK minister

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

Scottish Labour MSPs did not hold official meetings with Michael Shanks. (Image: PA) Labour MSPs have been accused of an “abject failure” after they failed to raise skyrocketing energy bills with UK Government ministers. A freedom of information request from the SNP revealed there has been no official meetings between any of the 22 Labour MSPs and the UK energy minister Michael Shanks.
Swinney warned SNP ministers’ £20k pay rise ‘unjustifiable’ as strike fears grow

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

John Swinney has been told a £20,000 pay rise for Scottish ministers is unjustifiable. (Image: PA) John Swinney has been warned issuing ministers with a £20,000 pay risk is “unjustifiable”, reigniting strike fears from the lowest paid public sector workers. A scathing letter issued to the First Minister from GMB Scotland described the salary hike as “hypocritical”.
FWS vs Scottish Ministers: The argument on the definition of a woman

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy |Andrew Learmonth

The legal judgement on the definition of a woman is expected at the UK Supreme Court. (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire) The UK’s most senior judges are about to deliver a judgement on a landmark case setting out the definition of a woman. The very definition has caused friction across the political sphere, with the country’s most esteemed and expensive lawyers debating the topic.
Politicians 'hope' For Women Scotland win legal case to avoid messy fight

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

For Women Scotland argue there are significant legal ramifications regardless of the case outcome. Politicians 'hope' For Women Scotland wins a landmark case on the definition of a woman to avoid a 'messy' battle with campaigners, it has been claimed. Susan Smith, a director of the gender critical feminist organisation, warned their fight will not go away even if the judgement goes against them.
Swinney: SNP ministers were 'entitled' to £20k pay rise

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy

First Minister John Swinney defended a pay rise for SNP ministers. (Image: Jeff Mitchell/PA) John Swinney has defended a £20,000 pay rise given to SNP ministers. The First Minister told journalists on Monday the pay hike, which comes alongside significant increases in council tax, was "fair". It is the first time ministerial pay has risen in Scotland in 16 years, after former first minister Alex Salmond put a freeze in place.
Inspectors warn two Edinburgh schools are 'substantial fire risk'

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy |Donald Turvill

Two Edinburgh secondary schools were rated a 'substantial' fire risk. (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) Two Edinburgh high schools pose "substantial" fire risks to pupils and teachers, The Herald can reveal. Safety inspectors consider Balerno High School and Currie High School to have "moderate" concerns to life safety. That rating means serious injury is likely in the event of a fire - but is "unlikely to result in multiple fatalities".