The Herald comment & analysis
@scottishcomment.bsky.social
Comment and analysis from HeraldScotland.com - the home of Scottish politics and debate on the biggest issues facing Scotland
'BBC south of the Border is under attack for what it has done on big issue subjects, the criticism which come BBC Scotland’s way focus on what it isn’t doing. Like making a success of an hour-long current affairs programme' @heraldscotland.bsky.social
I've watched BBC crisis unfold - here's how I think it was affect Scots TV and radio
What does the BBC crisis, which has seen the resignation of the director-general Tim Davie over journalism standards, mean for BBC Scotland?
www.heraldscotland.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:13 AM
'BBC south of the Border is under attack for what it has done on big issue subjects, the criticism which come BBC Scotland’s way focus on what it isn’t doing. Like making a success of an hour-long current affairs programme' @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Where once the BBC's news department was staffed by experienced and trained journalists now they’ve been annexed by activists for whom the concept of diversity of opinion is unbearable
'Insidious woke' culture is putting the future of the crisis-hit BBC at risk
Those campaigning for the BBC licence fee to be scrapped should be careful what they wish for, says Herald writer Kevin McKenna
www.heraldscotland.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Where once the BBC's news department was staffed by experienced and trained journalists now they’ve been annexed by activists for whom the concept of diversity of opinion is unbearable
'Just like the BBC, everything which shaped the 20th century - particularly from the post-war period to the millennium - is collapsing. There seems no way to arrest the process. History is moving too fast', says @neilmackay.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Crisis-hit BBC is just another casualty of the collapse of the 20th century rulebook
Like the Tory-Labour duopoly and the NHS, the BBC is a hangover from an age that’s dying. We must find how to make the media relevant again,…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
'Just like the BBC, everything which shaped the 20th century - particularly from the post-war period to the millennium - is collapsing. There seems no way to arrest the process. History is moving too fast', says @neilmackay.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Is it true, I ask Lynne Ramsay, that on the first day on set of your new film Die My Love you decided to shoot a sex scene between its stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattison? @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
"She was totally fearless" - Lynne Ramsay on Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love
Is it true, I ask Lynne Ramsay, that on the first day on set of your new film Die My Love you decided to shoot a sex scene between its stars…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Is it true, I ask Lynne Ramsay, that on the first day on set of your new film Die My Love you decided to shoot a sex scene between its stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattison? @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Scotland's landscape can be brooding, our architecture can hold darker histories', says one of Scotland's most exciting writers. @francinetoon.bsky.social @doubledaybooks.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
This Scottish crime writer will send a Gothic shiver down your spine
Scots author and poet Francine Toon is following up her debut novel with Bluff. So what's it all about?
www.heraldscotland.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:54 PM
'Scotland's landscape can be brooding, our architecture can hold darker histories', says one of Scotland's most exciting writers. @francinetoon.bsky.social @doubledaybooks.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Scottish exceptionalism is a myth. On all the typical measures – attitudes to taxation and spending, redistribution and liberal values – Scottish voters are only fractionally more left-leaning than English ones' says @rebeccamcq.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Independence could be the making of a Scottish right wing, says Rebecca McQuillan
John Swinney wants to convince voters that independence is necessary to “protect” the Scottish Parliament from Reform and further distance…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:42 PM
'Scottish exceptionalism is a myth. On all the typical measures – attitudes to taxation and spending, redistribution and liberal values – Scottish voters are only fractionally more left-leaning than English ones' says @rebeccamcq.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
It's a tough life for Scotland's actors - and it's tougher still when ex-MPs steal their jobs @heraldscotland.bsky.social
No wonder Scots actors are angry Mhairi Black is stealing their jobs
Does the decision by BBC Scotland to cast ex-SNP MP Mhairi Black in a new TV drama look anything but daft? Is it any surprise that Scotland’s…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:07 PM
It's a tough life for Scotland's actors - and it's tougher still when ex-MPs steal their jobs @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Nor did Ed Gein ever admit to, or was charged with, murdering his older brother Henry, although this is presented as fact in the Netflix series' writes criminologist David Wilson @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Can we trust Netflix’s take in this grisly Ed Gein show?
From Netflix to lecture halls, the question remains the same: why do people commit horrific crimes? David Wilson unpacks our obsession with the…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
'Nor did Ed Gein ever admit to, or was charged with, murdering his older brother Henry, although this is presented as fact in the Netflix series' writes criminologist David Wilson @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Caledonian variety has its own particular flavour, and while the centre of gravity is focussed firmly on Glasgow, it draws on musical influences from all points of the compass.' @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Five jazz musicians putting Scotland on the map
It used to be a standing joke that every year a token jazz act would be nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize but would never win it.…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
'Caledonian variety has its own particular flavour, and while the centre of gravity is focussed firmly on Glasgow, it draws on musical influences from all points of the compass.' @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Review: Does online popularity of Scots comedian Stuart Mitchell translate to onstage? On this evidence, very much so, says @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Tips Not Included: Stuart Mitchell turns trauma into comedy gold
Stuart Mitchell: Tips Not Included. After roughly a decade on the comedy circuit Stuart Mitchell has become something of an overnight success.
www.heraldscotland.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Review: Does online popularity of Scots comedian Stuart Mitchell translate to onstage? On this evidence, very much so, says @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'This hit Broadway musical condenses all 236 episodes into two hours in a fond revisitation' @heraldscotland.bsky.social @neilcooper.bsky.social
Top 10 Theatre shows to see in November, from Friends to Inside No.9
As the theatre season moves into November, Christmas shows and pantomimes prepare to open for the festive season. More of that in December, but…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
'This hit Broadway musical condenses all 236 episodes into two hours in a fond revisitation' @heraldscotland.bsky.social @neilcooper.bsky.social
Blood is a lot thicker than water for Oskar and his new friend Eli in Jack Thorne’s stage version of Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist’s much-filmed teen vampire novel, says Herald theatre critic @neilcooper.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'Like a Scandi-noir thriller, this sensual theatre show takes no prisoners'
Theatre review: Let the Right One In, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, four stars: Blood is a lot thicker than water in Jack Thorne’s…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Blood is a lot thicker than water for Oskar and his new friend Eli in Jack Thorne’s stage version of Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist’s much-filmed teen vampire novel, says Herald theatre critic @neilcooper.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
As M&S pulls out of another Scottish town centre we are losing more than just a shop, says @marissamacwhirter.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
M&S leaving our town centres marks the end of a middle-class dream, writes Marissa
We should be used to it by now, but the announcement that Marks & Spencer is abandoning another Scottish high street is still a gut punch.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:09 PM
As M&S pulls out of another Scottish town centre we are losing more than just a shop, says @marissamacwhirter.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
It’s time for the unionist parties to rethink whether they can continue to rely on anti-nationalist voting to contain the SNP, says @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Plaid Cymru beat Reform - will Scots back the SNP to do the same?
In the wake of Plaid Cymru’s victory in Caerphilly and Reform UK’s reshaping of the political landscape, Scotland’s unionists need to rethink…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:08 PM
It’s time for the unionist parties to rethink whether they can continue to rely on anti-nationalist voting to contain the SNP, says @markmcgeoghegan.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Radio listeners are creatures of habit and as such tend to grumble about anything that shakes things up. On this occasion, I have to say, I’m with them, says @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Sound of Cinema silenced: Matthew Sweet departs, Edith Bowman steps in
On Saturday afternoon Matthew Sweet signed off from Sound of Cinema for the last time. After 12 years presenting the film music show, a show that he…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Radio listeners are creatures of habit and as such tend to grumble about anything that shakes things up. On this occasion, I have to say, I’m with them, says @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Forget tartan noir, here are five of our favourite Scottish historical crime writers @heraldscotland.bsky.social
From Renaissance Florence to 1920s Calcutta five of the best historical crime writers
Chuck a body bag in any Scottish city or rugged rural landscape and you’ll likely hit a celebrated crime writer. There are so many they have…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Forget tartan noir, here are five of our favourite Scottish historical crime writers @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Will the nation’s mood be lifted now that Good Morning Scotland, after 52 years, is being axed? Herald political chief @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social has his doubts @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Good Morning Scotland has been axed — and I’ll miss it. No really.
After five decades, Good Morning Scotland has gone off air. Andrew Learmonth reflects on why the loss feels oddly personal.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Will the nation’s mood be lifted now that Good Morning Scotland, after 52 years, is being axed? Herald political chief @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social has his doubts @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Adam Ant did not just show up — he arrived with a bang for Glasgow show @heraldscotland.bsky.social
'So you fancy some ant music?': Pop icon stands and delivers in Glasgow
Review: Adam Ant: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Four stars
www.heraldscotland.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Adam Ant did not just show up — he arrived with a bang for Glasgow show @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Two Doors Down is doing a Still Game and putting on a stage show at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow - here's why @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social @ovohydro.bsky.social
'It was a terrible thing. A tragedy. Comedy was the last thing we felt like doing'
Scottish comedy Two Doors Down is making the jump from TV to a stage show at OVO Hydro, Glasgow. So how did the cast pull themselves out of the…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Two Doors Down is doing a Still Game and putting on a stage show at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow - here's why @teddyjamieson.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social @ovohydro.bsky.social
Welsh, Scottish and Irish nationalism are represented by left-of-centre, progressive parties. English nationalism is fronted by the reactionary Farage and Reform, says @neilmackay.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Labour’s choice: Tack left and dump Starmer or go full ‘Make England Great Again’
The Caerphilly by-election signals imminent destruction for Labour, but rather than take the necessary action, the party will just head further…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Welsh, Scottish and Irish nationalism are represented by left-of-centre, progressive parties. English nationalism is fronted by the reactionary Farage and Reform, says @neilmackay.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
This story has taken the internet by storm. I can hear the writers at Saturday Night Live sharpening their pencils. I’m sure the Channel 4 documentary is already in post-production, says @marissamacwhirter.bsky.social
I'm consumed by Kira Cousins and Bonnie Leigh, the fake baby scandal, writes Marissa
The story of Kira Cousins has wider implications in a society that persistently undermines women's health concerns.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM
This story has taken the internet by storm. I can hear the writers at Saturday Night Live sharpening their pencils. I’m sure the Channel 4 documentary is already in post-production, says @marissamacwhirter.bsky.social
Only Mel Gibson in the Braveheart execution scene suffered more than Mark Bonnar as those celebrity “friends” turned on him at the Celebrity Traitors round table.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
C'mon Mark - you are becoming a national embarrassment on Celebrity Traitors
Alison Rowat drops in on Celebrity Traitors to assess the chances of Scotland's Mark Bonnar getting out alive
www.heraldscotland.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Only Mel Gibson in the Braveheart execution scene suffered more than Mark Bonnar as those celebrity “friends” turned on him at the Celebrity Traitors round table.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
Herald critic @teddyjamieson.bsky.social take on last night's Suzanne Vega concert in Glasgow @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Suzanne Vega's tour of time: 40 years in, sampling 50 Cent and inspired by the '60s
Almost 40 years since her debut album landed, Suzanne Vega took to the Royal Concert Hall stage.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Herald critic @teddyjamieson.bsky.social take on last night's Suzanne Vega concert in Glasgow @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Having already been a hit on Broadway and the West End, Sorkin and Sher’s epic rendition of Harper Lee’s story goes beyond flag waving to get to the uncomfortable truth, says our theatre critic @neilcooper.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Classic American play is, sadly, still so relevant today
Review: To Kill a Mockingbird, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh has already been a hit on Broadway and the West End and now it's on in Scotland
www.heraldscotland.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Having already been a hit on Broadway and the West End, Sorkin and Sher’s epic rendition of Harper Lee’s story goes beyond flag waving to get to the uncomfortable truth, says our theatre critic @neilcooper.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Labour are to blame for the state of Scottish politics, writes @carlosalba.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
What happened to the Holyrood dream, asks Carlos Alba
The Scottish Parliament is a dysfunctional and impotent husk of a project, overseen by an emasculated, technocratic government that remains in place…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Labour are to blame for the state of Scottish politics, writes @carlosalba.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social