Goodies or hard truths? The IFS verdict on the manifestos

Shelter Scotland & the housing crisis

Shelter Scotland's assistant director Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae speaks to The Herald's political correspondent Hannah Brown about how he expects the housing crisis to deepen this year as he voices concerns around the Scottish Government's cabinet secretary role of  housing and social justice. The charity also tell us about worries around what they describe as "racists voices" fuelling divisions in the handling of the housing crisis.

Holyrood 2026: Breaking down the election results

The SNP is the largest party in Holyrood by a significant margin - but missed out on the crucial majority - so what next for Scottish independence? The Herald's deputy political editor Rebecca McCurdy and political correspondent Hannah Brown dissects the election results - from Reform UK's breakthrough, a historic result for the Scottish Greens and the Lib Dems and disaster for Labour and the Tories.

John Swinney in conversation with Brian Taylor

The Herald's Brian Taylor sits down with First Minister John Swinney for his first interview since last week's Holyrood election. And it's a conversation only these two could have. Speaking at Bute House, Swinney opens up about what it means to finally hold a mandate in his own name, how close he believes the SNP came to collapse in 2024, and what a more personal, liberated second term might look like. He talks tax, public sector reform and independence, and reflects on family and faith.

The Herald x Women in Public Affairs Scotland Holyrood Hustings

A live recording of The Herald and Women in Public Affairs Holyrood hustings. Chaired by The Herald's editor Catherine Salmond, the panel brought together Shirley-Ann Somerville (SNP), Jackie Baillie (Scottish Labour), Sue Webber (Scottish Conservatives), Wendy Chamberlain (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Gillian Mackay (Scottish Greens) and Kim Schmullian (Reform UK) to debate the issues shaping the next parliament. Recorded at The Herald's Glasgow offices on April 30, 2026.

Goodies or hard truths? The IFS verdict on the manifestos

The parties have set out their big promises on tax, spending and the cost of living. But how much of it adds up? In this episode of Unspun Live, Andrew Learmonth speaks to David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to break down the numbers behind the manifestos. From tax cuts that “don’t add up” to spending plans with “big holes”, Phillips delivers a blunt assessment of what’s on offer and what’s missing. The key warning is that whoever forms the next Scottish Government faces a “real tough” budget in the years ahead.