| Good morning, How was your weekend? We'll maybe not dwell on the rugby, that one is still a bit raw. If you value what we do and want to support trusted Scottish journalism, please consider taking out a subscription with us from just £3 a month. Subscribers get access to hundreds of news stories a week, special offers, puzzles and much more.
Try us out today here. Scottish Government set to reveal new Scottish independence Bill The Scottish Government intends to set out the timing and question of a second independence referendum within the next six weeks it has been revealed, with the move criticised by the Scottish Conservatives as “reckless”. According to reports, Constitution Secretary Michael Russell has said a draft bill paving the way for a second vote would be published before Holyrood goes into recess ahead of the May election. Do you think the Scottish Government should push ahead with the referendum? Read the full story and have your say on our article here. UK and Scotland governments clash over quarantine travel A war of words has broken out between the Scottish and UK governments over the launch of “quarantine hotels” requiring international travellers to Scotland to be detained for ten days to prevent the import of new variants of coronavirus. The Scottish Government has accused the UK government of undermining its public health message by failing to introduce a blanket policy of quarantine for all international arrivals. The UK government has instead introduced a “red list” of countries, which would force a period of quarantine for travellers arriving in the UK from one of 33 named countries. As a result this loophole has been created. Man dies after plunging into frozen Scottish curling pond trying to save dog Tragic news over the weekend. An emergency operation to rescue a man and his dog from a curling pond was unsuccessful. The 66-year old was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after he and his dog were rescued from the pond on Friday. Read the full story here The Alex Salmond inquiry heads for the final showdown Award-winning writer Dani Garavelli dissects the "flying circus" of the Alex Salmond inquiry as it heads for a final chapter. "Those around Sturgeon appear to be pushing the line that there was no rule book for the circumstances in which she found herself; and that whatever she did, she did with the best intentions," Dani writes. She continues: "As Sturgeon prepares for the final showdown, she must be wondering: will the pandemic save her from an untimely political demise?" Read the full insight and analysis here. Thanks for reading, more headlines below. Sam Shedden | 