The Latest Breaking News from Scottish Government

Water cremation introduced in the UK for the first time

A body undergoing hydrolysis is wrapped in a silk or woollen shroud before being placed in a chamber with hot water and chemicals

The Independent UK · Mar 2

Water cremation introduced in Scotland in UK first

The first water cremations are expected to take place in Scotland this summer.

Evening Standard · Mar 2

Lord Advocate faces accusations of ‘misleading’ Holyrood with Murrell memos

Dorothy Bain KC answered questions from MSPs about a memo sent in March 2025 to John Swinney regarding an embezzlement charge facing Peter Murrell.

Evening Standard · Feb 25

Thousands of pages of documents from Nicola Sturgeon inquiry published

The papers relate to an investigation into whether the former first minister breached the ministerial code.

Evening Standard · Feb 24

Lord Advocate denies giving First Minister ‘political advantage’ in Murrell case

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC faced questions over why details of the charge were given to First Minister John Swinney last month.

Evening Standard · Feb 18

Swinney vows to respect court ‘independence’ amid Murrell charge questions

The First Minister declined to comment on why he was given sight of the indictment weeks before it was made public.

Evening Standard · Feb 18

Calls for answers about Lord Advocate’s email to FM on Peter Murrell charge

The Conservatives say the First Minister received a ‘private warning’ about the charges against the former SNP chief executive.

Evening Standard · Feb 18

John Swinney briefed on Peter Murrell charges before they became public

The Conservatives say the First Minister received a ‘private warning’ about the charges against the former SNP chief executive

The Independent UK · Feb 18

Scottish government launches campaign urging boys not to share sexist content

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney says ministers will do "everything we can" to eradicate violence against women and girls

The Independent UK · Feb 15

Scottish Government bill for gender court case totals over £760,000

Ministers have paid out after campaigners at For Women Scotland last year won a landmark ruling at the UK Supreme Court.

Evening Standard · Feb 10