Nicola Sturgeon says 'happy day' getting first haircut of the year as Scots salons reopen

could create jobs in the south of the country. But the First Minister insisted: “Nobody in the SNP wants to see a border between Scotland and England”.

Join thousands of others in getting the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed to secure the future of the Vale of Leven Hospital on a visit to Alexandria this morning.The SNP politician visited Dumbarton and the Vale earlier today on the campaign trail with local candidate Toni Giugliano, who is hoping to take the party’s first victory in Dumbarton since the creation of the current Scottish Parliament.Just 109 votes separated the SNP’s Gail

Ferguson Marine shipyard.Gloucester-based businessman Tim Hair was handed the ­astronomical £2565-a-day deal by shamed ex-finance secretary Derek Mackay two years ago.It is likely to make him the UK’s highest paid public sector fatcat, on almost six times First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s £151,000 salary.He was brought in after the Government nationalised the shipyard in the face of spiralling costs for two ferries.At the time, Mackay – who was forced to resign after sending inappropriate text

Parliament term, if she is re-elected.The First Minister revealed her plans for a second vote on Scotland's future during the SNP's manifesto launch earlier today.The SNP says it is seeking permission from the Scottish people to hold indyref2 following the devastating coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 10,000 Scots.

SNP, which he used to lead, he quoted late poet Edwin Morgan who said the parliament should not be a place for “fearties”.

@scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family." The Palace said in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh."His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."Further announcements will made in due course."The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

indyref2 by the end of 2023 if the country is still “grappling” with covid.She also insisted she would not speak to Alex Salmond after the election and criticised his refusal to blame Russia for the Salisbury poisonings in 2018.Polling suggests the SNP is on course to win an outright majority at next month’s election.A key part of an SNP fourth term would be seeking a joint agreement with the UK Government on a second referendum.She has said she wants a fresh vote on Scotland’s constitutional

former First Minister also hit out at an apparent absence of “will, determination and statecraft” over the last seven years - the period in which Sturgeon has led the country.Salmond launched a new pro-indy party, Alba, in the wake of his bitter fallout with Nicola Sturgeon.Alba’s aim is to secure a “super majority” of pro-independence MSPs and is only contesting the regional List elections for Holyrood.However, despite preaching pro-independence unity, Salmond has criticised his predecessor’s

SNP, even if that was not a Tory.Ross made the comments during a BBC Scotland radio phone-in, after one caller said he was thinking of voting Labour because their candidate had a better chance of unseating the SNP MSP.Asked “should a Conservative vote for Labour, who have a chance of winning?”, the Tory leader replied: “I think, across the country, people should look at their individual constituency and vote for the strongest candidate, which in most cases is a Conservative candidate, to defeat

Scotland. The First Minister made the announcement at her coronavirus briefing at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh earlier today.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced 'better times lie ahead' as Scots face another 'difficult Easter'. The First Minister said we now have 'hope' in the fight against Covid-19 and urged the country to stay positive.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.MOTORING industry chiefs in Scotland are looking forward to welcoming back customers to dealerships from Monday.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that car showrooms and forecourts would be able to reopen from the Easter bank holiday.She also reminded would-be car buyers that they may need an appointment and to check with the retailer before visiting.Scottish Motor Trade Association chief

Alba Party, it could change the balance of power between Scotland and Westminster.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has consistently refused current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for a second Scottish independence referendum.But Salmond said that if a “super majority” of pro-independence MSPs are elected to Holyrood, a range of options would be available to those who want to take Scotland out of the UK.He suggested Scotland could organise its own referendum in those circumstances, with other

First Minister is “pretending” his comeback bid is about indyref2. He also stepped up his criticisms of Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross by saying he fronts a “game-playing, inward looking, childish opposition”.

campaign. SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took on her rivals in the BBC Scotland clash which took place just days into the campaign.

SNP. While the election campaign would usually see politicians travel the country speaking to voters, the First Minister said the coronavirus pandemic meant she would instead be "staying home".

party chiefs. The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be joined by Anas Sarwar from Labour, Douglas Ross from the Scottish Conservatives, Willie Rennie from the Lib Dems and Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens.

Alex Salmond's return to politics The former SNP leader confirmed he will be standing for the Alba Party on the North East regional list section in May's Scottish Parliament election.Launching the new party in an online event on Friday, the former SNP leader said: "Today Alba are hoisting a flag in the wind, planting our Saltire on a hill.

Covid-19 pandemic. The Holyrood Government has announced plans to offer more than 154,000 NHS staff in Scotland a pay rise of at least four per cent.

Scottish Parliament election campaign. Scots will head to the poll on May 6 in what is expected to be a crucial election for the future of Sturgeon's independence dream.