David Bol
@davidbol.bsky.social
✍️Journalist - Deputy Political Editor
📰The Scotsman @scotsman.com
🌍Climate & energy nerd
🔵Falkirk FC fan
📍Scotland 🏴
📰The Scotsman @scotsman.com
🌍Climate & energy nerd
🔵Falkirk FC fan
📍Scotland 🏴
Reposted by David Bol
I am heart sore this morning at the death of Jeane Freeman, a wonderful Cabinet colleague.
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
February 7, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I am heart sore this morning at the death of Jeane Freeman, a wonderful Cabinet colleague.
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
Jeane gave selfless service to Scotland especially as Health Secretary during Covid. In designing Scotland’s social security system, she put dignity and respect at its heart. (1/2)
As Monica Lennon's ecocide legislation passes it's first Holyrood vote, my analysis on whether backbenchers coming up with all the ideas shows the SNP government is running out of steam , particularly on tackling the climate crisis
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Monica Lennon's ecocide bill passes first vote - is SNP running out of steam?
The two big pieces of legislation to
www.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:25 PM
As Monica Lennon's ecocide legislation passes it's first Holyrood vote, my analysis on whether backbenchers coming up with all the ideas shows the SNP government is running out of steam , particularly on tackling the climate crisis
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
NEW: MSPs have voted 90-26 in favour of Monica Lennon's legislation to criminalise ecocide at the stage one vote.
Amendments drawn up by net zero secretary Gilliam Martin and Monica Lennon will be "streamlined" at stage 2, with the final vote taking place before the election.
Amendments drawn up by net zero secretary Gilliam Martin and Monica Lennon will be "streamlined" at stage 2, with the final vote taking place before the election.
February 5, 2026 at 5:06 PM
NEW: MSPs have voted 90-26 in favour of Monica Lennon's legislation to criminalise ecocide at the stage one vote.
Amendments drawn up by net zero secretary Gilliam Martin and Monica Lennon will be "streamlined" at stage 2, with the final vote taking place before the election.
Amendments drawn up by net zero secretary Gilliam Martin and Monica Lennon will be "streamlined" at stage 2, with the final vote taking place before the election.
After my reporting of Fiona McQueen's "Disneyland" comments on @scotsman.com was raised at FMQs today, John Swinney has full confidence in her to continue as chair of the Scottish Police Authority.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Swinney has confidence in Fiona McQueen despite 'Disneyland' comments in hospital row
Anas Sarwar argued the Scottish Government should be ashamed of “bribes rather than truth and justice”.
www.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:14 PM
After my reporting of Fiona McQueen's "Disneyland" comments on @scotsman.com was raised at FMQs today, John Swinney has full confidence in her to continue as chair of the Scottish Police Authority.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: @monicalennon.bsky.social has warned it would be "unwise" to pause her legislation to criminalise ecocide in Scotland. MSPs will vote on the Bill at stage 1 today. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will support the general principles of the legislation.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Monica Lennon warns 'unwise to pause' ecocide plans in memory of Scottish campaigner
Monica Lennon’s ecocide plans will be voted on by MSPs this afternoon.
www.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Excl: @monicalennon.bsky.social has warned it would be "unwise" to pause her legislation to criminalise ecocide in Scotland. MSPs will vote on the Bill at stage 1 today. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will support the general principles of the legislation.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: Scotland’s chief nursing officer suggested the health board should have paid off grieving families with “a trip to Disneyland” following fatal infections at Glasgow's superhospital
www.scotsman.com/politics/qeu...
www.scotsman.com/politics/qeu...
Sturgeon's nursing chief suggested QEUH families offered 'trip to Disneyland' after fatal infections
The comments left a prominent whistleblower at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital ‘appalled’
www.scotsman.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Excl: Scotland’s chief nursing officer suggested the health board should have paid off grieving families with “a trip to Disneyland” following fatal infections at Glasgow's superhospital
www.scotsman.com/politics/qeu...
www.scotsman.com/politics/qeu...
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has not been fully validated by safety experts.
It's also been alleged that cancer patients are being told to drink bottled water by hospital staff.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
It's also been alleged that cancer patients are being told to drink bottled water by hospital staff.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
QEUH 'not fully validated' by safety experts which inquiry counsel calls 'concerning'
MSPs were told hospital staff have told cancer patients to drink bottled water at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
www.scotsman.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:18 PM
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has not been fully validated by safety experts.
It's also been alleged that cancer patients are being told to drink bottled water by hospital staff.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
It's also been alleged that cancer patients are being told to drink bottled water by hospital staff.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Health Secretary Neil Gray unable (again) to confirm if the QEUH and RHC have been validated - a move that did not happen before the hospital opened and led to fatal infections.
Given this response by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Neil Gray dodging questions, it does not sounds like it has.
Given this response by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Neil Gray dodging questions, it does not sounds like it has.
February 3, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Health Secretary Neil Gray unable (again) to confirm if the QEUH and RHC have been validated - a move that did not happen before the hospital opened and led to fatal infections.
Given this response by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Neil Gray dodging questions, it does not sounds like it has.
Given this response by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Neil Gray dodging questions, it does not sounds like it has.
Neither the Scottish Government nor NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been able to confirm the QEUH has been fully validated - but both insist the hospital is safe for patients.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
'Shameful' SNP under pressure to reassure patients QEUH has been validated for safety
Questions have been raised over whether the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow is safe for patients
www.scotsman.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Neither the Scottish Government nor NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been able to confirm the QEUH has been fully validated - but both insist the hospital is safe for patients.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Anas Sarwar dodged my questions about whether he'd had any legal advice a blanket ban would be possible to meet human rights laws. He then inaccurately said the "Equality Act is primary". The U-turn comes after two Labour frontbechers met with a vocal campaign group.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Sarwar vows to make women's spaces, services and sport single sex in trans U-turn
Anas Sarwar said he will ‘get men out of women’s prisons’ despite previously supporting self-ID for trans women
www.scotsman.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Anas Sarwar dodged my questions about whether he'd had any legal advice a blanket ban would be possible to meet human rights laws. He then inaccurately said the "Equality Act is primary". The U-turn comes after two Labour frontbechers met with a vocal campaign group.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The Scottish Government was told about infections on the children's cancer ward linked to the fabric of the QEUH building in March 2017, despite SNP ministers continually insisting they were not made aware of "issues" until 12 months later
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP 'ignored vital warnings' at QEUH after infection alert over ceiling leak
Documents reveal the Scottish Government was told about infections in Glasgow’s children’s cancer ward in March 2017.
www.scotsman.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:10 PM
The Scottish Government was told about infections on the children's cancer ward linked to the fabric of the QEUH building in March 2017, despite SNP ministers continually insisting they were not made aware of "issues" until 12 months later
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The mother of 10-year-old Milly Main, who was killed by an infection at a scandal-hit hospital, has accused John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon of having “added to our pain and anguish” after a document revealed political pressure was put on NHS chiefs to open the QEUH.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Political pressure to open scandal-hit Glasgow hospital, minute says
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called the evidence ‘damning’
www.scotsman.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The mother of 10-year-old Milly Main, who was killed by an infection at a scandal-hit hospital, has accused John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon of having “added to our pain and anguish” after a document revealed political pressure was put on NHS chiefs to open the QEUH.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
@johnswinney.bsky.social has warned Scotland has “glaring weaknesses in our physical defence”, particularly around “the deployment of surveillance vessels which will protect us”.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Scotland has ‘glaring weaknesses’ in maritime defences, warns Swinney
The First Minister criticised the UK government for not doing enough
www.scotsman.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:50 AM
@johnswinney.bsky.social has warned Scotland has “glaring weaknesses in our physical defence”, particularly around “the deployment of surveillance vessels which will protect us”.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Chinese wind turbine supplier MingYang has warned it has a "Plan B" if Keir Starmer continues to drag his heels over approving its factory plans for the Scottish Highlands, with a shortlist of other potential sites in continental Europe drawn up
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
MingYang 'Plan B' if Starmer continues to drag feet over Highlands turbine factory
The Chinese company has suggested it take take its £1.5bn factory plans elsewhere if Keir Starmer does not make a decision over allowing the facility to be built in the Highlands.
www.scotsman.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Chinese wind turbine supplier MingYang has warned it has a "Plan B" if Keir Starmer continues to drag his heels over approving its factory plans for the Scottish Highlands, with a shortlist of other potential sites in continental Europe drawn up
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The Scottish Tories have proposed introducing a two-child cap on the Scottish Child Payment and Russell Findlay has been unable to rule out the rape clause being reintroduced, warning he wouldn't want to pre-judge a consultation on his plans.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Scottish Tories vow two-child limit for Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Tories have set out plans to cut spending from the Scottish Government’s social security systems.
www.scotsman.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:10 PM
The Scottish Tories have proposed introducing a two-child cap on the Scottish Child Payment and Russell Findlay has been unable to rule out the rape clause being reintroduced, warning he wouldn't want to pre-judge a consultation on his plans.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
An SNP MSP has warned Shona Robison that big council tax hikes are "almost a certainty" and branded her hopes that the UK government will cough up more cash for local government "a wing and a prayer".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP MSP warns council tax hikes 'almost a certainty' as Robison expects extra Westminster funds
Finance Secretary Shona Robison has insisted that “history” has shown Westminster always cough up more funding that will help local councils in the coming years.
www.scotsman.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:22 AM
An SNP MSP has warned Shona Robison that big council tax hikes are "almost a certainty" and branded her hopes that the UK government will cough up more cash for local government "a wing and a prayer".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by David Bol
NEW: Expensive gas still biggest driver of high UK electricity bills, says UKERC
"Volatile, gas-linked market prices – not green policies, as some misleading claims have suggested – dominate the real-terms increase in bills since 2021."
www.carbonbrief.org/expensive-ga...
"Volatile, gas-linked market prices – not green policies, as some misleading claims have suggested – dominate the real-terms increase in bills since 2021."
www.carbonbrief.org/expensive-ga...
January 28, 2026 at 9:03 AM
NEW: Expensive gas still biggest driver of high UK electricity bills, says UKERC
"Volatile, gas-linked market prices – not green policies, as some misleading claims have suggested – dominate the real-terms increase in bills since 2021."
www.carbonbrief.org/expensive-ga...
"Volatile, gas-linked market prices – not green policies, as some misleading claims have suggested – dominate the real-terms increase in bills since 2021."
www.carbonbrief.org/expensive-ga...
Scottish Labour will call for full transparency from SNP ministers over the QEUH scandal and demand all files relating to hospital infection deaths are published.
“The culture of secrecy and cover-up must end, and those responsible must be held to account.”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
“The culture of secrecy and cover-up must end, and those responsible must be held to account.”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Swinney told to release QEUH files as SNP minister accused of 'criminal negligence'
SNP ministers have been urged to release all the files relating to an infection deaths scandal at a flagship hospital.
www.scotsman.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Scottish Labour will call for full transparency from SNP ministers over the QEUH scandal and demand all files relating to hospital infection deaths are published.
“The culture of secrecy and cover-up must end, and those responsible must be held to account.”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
“The culture of secrecy and cover-up must end, and those responsible must be held to account.”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
My analysis on Malcolm Offord's first keynote speech as Reform UK Scotland leader and why his big pledge on cutting income tax just plays into the party's pie in the sky reputation.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reform wants a real policy platform - but risk cementing pie in the sky reputation
Malcolm Offord has set out a thirst for Reform UK to embrace Scottish devolution, despite painting a bleak picture of its success
www.scotsman.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:44 AM
My analysis on Malcolm Offord's first keynote speech as Reform UK Scotland leader and why his big pledge on cutting income tax just plays into the party's pie in the sky reputation.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The Reform UK Scotland leader's plans to cut income tax would cost (at least ) £3.7bn which Malcolm Offord claimed would come from cuts to quangos, "highly-dubious environmental protection" and economic development...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reform vows huge tax cut for Scots costing billions as Offord insists party can win
Malcolm Offord has suggested some Reform UK candidates standing in the Holyrood election are supporters of independence.
www.scotsman.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:21 PM
The Reform UK Scotland leader's plans to cut income tax would cost (at least ) £3.7bn which Malcolm Offord claimed would come from cuts to quangos, "highly-dubious environmental protection" and economic development...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Nicola Sturgeon has denied putting pressure on NHS chiefs to open the SNP's flagship Glasgow hospital.
It comes after the mother of a 10-year-old who was killed after contracting an infection told Ms Sturgeon to “be honest” about what she knew about the scandal.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
It comes after the mother of a 10-year-old who was killed after contracting an infection told Ms Sturgeon to “be honest” about what she knew about the scandal.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Sturgeon denies putting pressure on NHS chiefs to open scandal-hit QEUH too early
Families have called for the former first minister to be “honest” with what she knew
www.scotsman.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Nicola Sturgeon has denied putting pressure on NHS chiefs to open the SNP's flagship Glasgow hospital.
It comes after the mother of a 10-year-old who was killed after contracting an infection told Ms Sturgeon to “be honest” about what she knew about the scandal.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
It comes after the mother of a 10-year-old who was killed after contracting an infection told Ms Sturgeon to “be honest” about what she knew about the scandal.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has claimed the SNP's opposition to nuclear weapons "jeopardises national security".
John Swinney has hit back and then accused Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander of "juvenile behaviour".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
John Swinney has hit back and then accused Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander of "juvenile behaviour".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP accused of 'jeopardising national security' as defence row erupts
A row has erupted between John Swinney and the UK government over national security.
www.scotsman.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:06 PM
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has claimed the SNP's opposition to nuclear weapons "jeopardises national security".
John Swinney has hit back and then accused Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander of "juvenile behaviour".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
John Swinney has hit back and then accused Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander of "juvenile behaviour".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The second ScotWind project looks set to be scrapped in the space of two months. This one over transmission charges. The UK government needs to take that concern seriously if its clean power targets are going to have any chance of being met.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Huge Scottish wind farm development paused over 'unfair' transmission charges
Those behind the project say they are being ‘penalised’ by the transmission charges system
www.scotsman.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:31 PM
The second ScotWind project looks set to be scrapped in the space of two months. This one over transmission charges. The UK government needs to take that concern seriously if its clean power targets are going to have any chance of being met.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reform UK's only MSP in the Scottish Parliament has claimed the party "believe in devolution" and has addressed fears about privatising the NHS. Never a great look when a politician is forced to insist "I don’t make it up as I go along".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
'I don’t make it up as I go along': Reform's MSP denies Farage will abolish Holyrood
John Swinney has warned Nigel Farage would abolish the Scottish Parliament if he becomes first minister.
www.scotsman.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Reform UK's only MSP in the Scottish Parliament has claimed the party "believe in devolution" and has addressed fears about privatising the NHS. Never a great look when a politician is forced to insist "I don’t make it up as I go along".
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
The Scottish Government's top civil servant has insisted not "everything is broken" as he told the public sector to "get on with" making cuts and reforms. Joe Griffin earns £180,000 a year.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP's top civil servant insists 'not everything is broken'
SNP ministers have pledged to cut £1.5bn from Scotland’s public sector.
www.scotsman.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:05 PM
The Scottish Government's top civil servant has insisted not "everything is broken" as he told the public sector to "get on with" making cuts and reforms. Joe Griffin earns £180,000 a year.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...