Scottish independence 'just as likely' to be supported by women as men as gender gap in attitudes shrinks

Such was the breadth of John Sessions’ talents that he could improvise a comedy sketch around random objects, dredge up the dates of birth and death for various historical figures in panel shows and played both Labour and Conservative Prime Ministers in hit feature films.A regular panellist on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and QI, Sessions loved facts, history and stories.

Scottish child payment when applications open today, the Scottish Green Party claimed. The social security scheme will initially pay eligible families £10 per week for each child under the age of six as part of efforts to reduce child poverty.

independent but has warned that Nicola Sturgeon might not last long enough to see it as First Minister.The former Conservative Party deputy chairman and international bestselling novelist has acknowledged that polls currently suggest Scots are ready to break away from the UK.And he believes a second referendum is on the cards despite a similar vote in 2014 that resulted in a majority of Scots choosing to remain.Archer said: “It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens in May if Nicola

independence MSPs win a majority at Holyrood by a margin of almost two to one, a new poll has suggests. Pollsters asked if more than half the MSPs came from independence-supporting parties – such as the SNP and the Scottish Greens – if this would constitute a mandate for another referendum to be held.

However, SNP opposition members branded the Labour plea as “hypocrisy”, claiming Labour had already voted against a review of Third Sector funding and refused to spend reserves to help the community.Depute SNP group leader, Councillor Frank Anderson, branded Labour’s approach as an: “Oliver Twist financial strategy of  ‘Can we have some more’.”Councillor Anderson said: “Perhaps if they were serious, instead of playing politics, they would use their £2million reserves, or the ability they have to

comments from Alister Jack over the timing of another independence referendum as like something Donald Trump would say. The First Minister insisted the decision to hold any IndyRef2 in the future would ultimately be up to Scots and not politicians.

Scottish Government administered child benefit from next week which is intended to help with day-to-day living costs. Nicola Sturgeon said the new payment will help families struggling as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here for more news from the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser“There are real concerns about loneliness and isolation for many Scots, particularly among senior citizens and other vulnerable adults.“I want to put party differences aside and work with other parties, public health experts, charities and the police to resolve this issue as soon as possible and get a workable plan.”Mr Leonard says he is supporting “special guidelines for the festive period, including a relaxation of the home

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.Workers at the Royal Alexandra Hospital could go on strike unless a pay deal is quickly agreed with the Scottish government, union chiefs have said.Unison, which is today holding a socially distant demonstration outside Holyrood, said Health Secretary Jeane Freeman must keep her promise of giving NHS workers a pay rise before the end of the year.The union, which hosted a protest outside Paisley’s RAH as part

furlough wage scheme will apply to any lockdown in the UK until next March. In a major financiao move the chancellor is expected to end days of confusion over a Scotland-only extension of the wage support scheme when he makes a statement to the Commons on Thursday morning.

Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter.AIRDRIE'S parliamentarians have welcomed news that miners convicted of certain offences relating to the strike in 1984-85 will be pardoned in order to aid reconciliation within the affected communities.The move by SNP Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf follows John Scott QC’s independent review of the impact of policing on communities during the strike which recommends that, subject to establishing suitable

Kenmore to stay open throughout the rest of the year to deliver guided tours in a COVID-safe environment. The Perthshire attraction will also be able to run a number of small Yule events and workshops with help from the local crannog community of craftspeople and volunteers.

hospitality premises will be able open across the central belt during the day under changes announced by Nicola Sturgeon.The controversial definition of a cafe is being removed by the Scottish Government, after a backlash, meaning all premises can operate in the day up to 6pm without selling alcohol.At level 2, which currently covers the rest of Scotland, hospitality premises can sell alcohol indoors with a main meal up to 8pm instead of 6pm, allowing scope for evening meals.Hotels and other

Perthshire benefited from the original system that gave estimated grades when coronavirus forced Higher exams to be cancelled this summer.A fact-checking website has created a table comparing school Higher results, showing where grades went up and down with the moderation system used to give this summer’s SQA results for Scotland.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exams were cancelled for the first time ever  in Scotland, and the SQA was tasked with awarding grades using teacher estimates and a

Joe Jonas channelled his inner Marvel superhero over the Halloween weekend and we are loving it! The Jonas Brothers singer, who recently turned a father, was spotted on a stroll with his daughter Willa. Although the singer opted for a casual ensemble, he did not do away with the Halloween spirit completely.

link.Sally was moved by the development of the community hub and replied: “It must be good to see something positive coming out of the tragic loss of Darian. It is such a great initiative and it’s wonderful to hear how well you are doing.

Scottish independence could take place as soon as 2021, a senior SNP MSP has said. Mike Russell, the government's constitution secretary, said he was "quite sure" a potential IndyRef2 could take place by the end of next year.