Top stories of the week

The SNP is on course to overtake the Conservatives as the UK’s second biggest party in terms of membership, new figures have revealed.

The love of Irn Bru in Scotland is well known across the world, and some fans could soon be representing their love of the fizzy drink in their footwear.

Donald Trump has defended the use of guns in America by comparing a London hospital to a “war zone” because of knife crime.

Passengers on the Caledonian Sleeper’s brand new trains are promised a “silky smooth” ride that will consign the service’s notorious bumps and jolts to history.

David Mundell has suggested the SNP is using the current constitutional row over Brexit to push the case for independence as he dismissed claims of a Westminster power grab as “ridiculous”.

Television star Carol Smillie has become a Humanist celebrant, allowing her to conduct funerals and naming ceremonies.

Giovanni (John) Battista Cortellessa, property developer and business owner. Born: 3 May 1960 in Edinburgh. Died: 20 April 2018 in Edinburgh, aged 57.

Scottish secretary David Mundell has branded Nicola Sturgeon "ridiculous" over suggestions that Tory right-winger Jacob Rees Mogg could "trample all over" devolution,  as the Brexit row intensifies.