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 🏴
It's obviously very early days but the issues dominating the narrative around the Scottish election so far are all reserved to Westminster. The more independence, energy and immigration drive the agenda, the less likely Labour has of doing well.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Swinney keeping election focus on independence and energy will be fatal for Sarwar
A Scottish Labour NHS event was overshadowed by John Swinney vowing to cut energy bills with independence.
www.scotsman.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM
It's obviously very early days but the issues dominating the narrative around the Scottish election so far are all reserved to Westminster. The more independence, energy and immigration drive the agenda, the less likely Labour has of doing well.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Scottish councils have warned they need £16bn in next month's budget.
“Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
“Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP warned vital council services at risk without £16bn investment in Scottish budget
Local services will be cut or reduced without extra funding from the Scottish Government, council leaders have warned.
www.scotsman.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Scottish councils have warned they need £16bn in next month's budget.
“Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
“Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
John Swinney has vowed to cut energy bills by a third in an independent Scotland. The SNP has not shown its working. A paper has pointed to decoupling gas and electricity prices, scrapping the "nuclear levy" and cutting constraints payment. No numbers attached.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
John Swinney vows SNP will cut energy bills by one third with independence
The First Minister’s pledge has not yet been backed up by any figures on how bills would be cut by one third.
www.scotsman.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
John Swinney has vowed to cut energy bills by a third in an independent Scotland. The SNP has not shown its working. A paper has pointed to decoupling gas and electricity prices, scrapping the "nuclear levy" and cutting constraints payment. No numbers attached.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: The Scottish Government has been accused of a "delusional climate gamble" after analysis revealed negative emission technologies are forecast to remove one third of Scotland's total emissions amid fears the Acorn carbon capture project is poised to collapse.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP's 'delusional climate gamble' as carbon capture failure risks net zero plan
SNP ministers expect technologies such as carbon capture to clean up one third of climate pollution in Scotland.
www.scotsman.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Excl: The Scottish Government has been accused of a "delusional climate gamble" after analysis revealed negative emission technologies are forecast to remove one third of Scotland's total emissions amid fears the Acorn carbon capture project is poised to collapse.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: The Scottish Greens will demand at least £4.9bn of climate positive funding in the Scottish budget. Ross Greer has also called for SNP ministers to investigate using pension funds to kick-start housebuilding and look at tailoring council tax into a mansion tax
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Scottish Budget: Greens reveal demands as SNP's negotiating 'trump card' taken away
The Greens are the most likely party to back the SNP minority government’s budget plans.
www.scotsman.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Excl: The Scottish Greens will demand at least £4.9bn of climate positive funding in the Scottish budget. Ross Greer has also called for SNP ministers to investigate using pension funds to kick-start housebuilding and look at tailoring council tax into a mansion tax
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Oh God. This is real.
December 5, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Oh God. This is real.
🚨🎙️ New episode of The Steamie from @scotsman.com
We discuss Nigel Farage's visit to Scotland tomorrow and what Labour and the SNP has do to fight back against Reform's misinformation and spreading of division.
open.spotify.com/episode/5vYb...
We discuss Nigel Farage's visit to Scotland tomorrow and what Labour and the SNP has do to fight back against Reform's misinformation and spreading of division.
open.spotify.com/episode/5vYb...
Nigel Farage heads to Scotland - and ramps up the rhetoric
open.spotify.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
🚨🎙️ New episode of The Steamie from @scotsman.com
We discuss Nigel Farage's visit to Scotland tomorrow and what Labour and the SNP has do to fight back against Reform's misinformation and spreading of division.
open.spotify.com/episode/5vYb...
We discuss Nigel Farage's visit to Scotland tomorrow and what Labour and the SNP has do to fight back against Reform's misinformation and spreading of division.
open.spotify.com/episode/5vYb...
“He’s a toxic, divisive disgrace. All he wants to do is tear communities apart.”
Keir Starmer attacks Nigel Farage on Scotland visit after Reform leader uses Glasgow schoolchildren to spread immigration nonsense.
Farage is holding a rally in Scotland tomorrow.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Keir Starmer attacks Nigel Farage on Scotland visit after Reform leader uses Glasgow schoolchildren to spread immigration nonsense.
Farage is holding a rally in Scotland tomorrow.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Starmer attacks 'toxic, divisive' Farage as PM blasts Reform's 'racist policies'
Nigel Farage has come under fire for his comments about bilingual school pupils in Glasgow.
www.scotsman.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:52 AM
“He’s a toxic, divisive disgrace. All he wants to do is tear communities apart.”
Keir Starmer attacks Nigel Farage on Scotland visit after Reform leader uses Glasgow schoolchildren to spread immigration nonsense.
Farage is holding a rally in Scotland tomorrow.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Keir Starmer attacks Nigel Farage on Scotland visit after Reform leader uses Glasgow schoolchildren to spread immigration nonsense.
Farage is holding a rally in Scotland tomorrow.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
My analysis as Keir Starmer visits Scotland six months from a Holyrood election that will very likely make or break his leadership. The outlook looks pretty bleak as things stand.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
PM visits Scotland with six months to save his leadership amid Scottish Labour unrest
Scottish Labour failing to snatch power at May’s Holyrood election could spark the end of the Prime Minister’s leadership.
www.scotsman.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM
My analysis as Keir Starmer visits Scotland six months from a Holyrood election that will very likely make or break his leadership. The outlook looks pretty bleak as things stand.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by David Bol
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
December 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
John Swinney has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves' position is "untenable" and has claimed she "very clearly" misled the public. Pressure is now mounting on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on whether he continues to back the Chancellor amid the row over her Budget
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Swinney: Reeves 'untenable' as Chancellor after having 'very clearly' misled public
John Swinney has suggested Rachel Reeves’ future as Chancellor was “untenable”.
www.scotsman.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
John Swinney has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves' position is "untenable" and has claimed she "very clearly" misled the public. Pressure is now mounting on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on whether he continues to back the Chancellor amid the row over her Budget
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by David Bol
🔴Good morning. Here is the front page from Scotland on Sunday.
Kate Forbes demands UK decision on MingYang wind investment www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Kate Forbes demands UK decision on MingYang wind investment www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
November 30, 2025 at 8:34 AM
🔴Good morning. Here is the front page from Scotland on Sunday.
Kate Forbes demands UK decision on MingYang wind investment www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Kate Forbes demands UK decision on MingYang wind investment www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: Kate Forbes has called on the UK government to decide whether to allow a Chinese firm's Highlamds turbine factory, warning a "vacuum" has been created. She also insisted the "antidote" to Shell pulling out of ScotWind is to accelerate renewables investment.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Kate Forbes demands UK decision on MingYang wind investment to end 'vacuum'
Deputy First Minister voices her frustration at delays to Chinese investment amid national security concerns
www.scotsman.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Excl: Kate Forbes has called on the UK government to decide whether to allow a Chinese firm's Highlamds turbine factory, warning a "vacuum" has been created. She also insisted the "antidote" to Shell pulling out of ScotWind is to accelerate renewables investment.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
What an astonishing mess NHS Tayside has got itself into. The health board found out in September medical records potentially needed for the Eljamel Inquiry had been binned, despite a 'no not destroy' order. SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray found out yesterday.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
SNP order probe into Eljamel evidence destruction as 'criminality' fears raised
The Health Secretary only found out the records had been destroyed when open statements were made on Wednesday, despite the health board having known about the situation since September.
www.scotsman.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:15 PM
What an astonishing mess NHS Tayside has got itself into. The health board found out in September medical records potentially needed for the Eljamel Inquiry had been binned, despite a 'no not destroy' order. SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray found out yesterday.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Whatever you think of the oil and gas sector, it's obvious that the "just transition" is failing. The accelerated decline of fossil fuels is not being matched with clean industries being scaled up quick enough. Without a renewables manufacturing base, green jobs are not being created fast enough.
📰 Good morning! Here is the front page of The Scotsman for Thursday.
November 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Whatever you think of the oil and gas sector, it's obvious that the "just transition" is failing. The accelerated decline of fossil fuels is not being matched with clean industries being scaled up quick enough. Without a renewables manufacturing base, green jobs are not being created fast enough.
Plenty of piecemeal measures in Rachel Reeves' Budget for Scotland.
💵Extra £820m (over three years) for Scottish Government
👩👩👧👧Two-child limit removed after persistent SNP campaigning
🛢️No movement on bringing forward energy profits levy reform for oil and gas giants
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
💵Extra £820m (over three years) for Scottish Government
👩👩👧👧Two-child limit removed after persistent SNP campaigning
🛢️No movement on bringing forward energy profits levy reform for oil and gas giants
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
UK Budget: How does Chancellor Rachel Reeves' spending plans impact Scotland
The Chancellor has announced her spending plans - and here are the key impacts for Scotland
www.scotsman.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Plenty of piecemeal measures in Rachel Reeves' Budget for Scotland.
💵Extra £820m (over three years) for Scottish Government
👩👩👧👧Two-child limit removed after persistent SNP campaigning
🛢️No movement on bringing forward energy profits levy reform for oil and gas giants
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
💵Extra £820m (over three years) for Scottish Government
👩👩👧👧Two-child limit removed after persistent SNP campaigning
🛢️No movement on bringing forward energy profits levy reform for oil and gas giants
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by David Bol
Some additional analysis on the two-child limit being abolished and what it means for Scotland - including why only £120m of the £155m set aside is likely to be available for other spending by the Scottish Government
fraserofallander.org/budget-2025-...
fraserofallander.org/budget-2025-...
Budget 2025 reaction: meeting the (briefed) expectations | FAI
*Please note that this blog will be updated over the course of the afternoon and evening. Check back for further analysis*
fraserofallander.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Some additional analysis on the two-child limit being abolished and what it means for Scotland - including why only £120m of the £155m set aside is likely to be available for other spending by the Scottish Government
fraserofallander.org/budget-2025-...
fraserofallander.org/budget-2025-...
The Labour government is set to water down its manifesto vow to ban new oil and gas licences by opening the door to permits 'tied back' to existing developments. Climate campaigners say this would be a minimal compromise and are set to welcome a permanent ban.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Rachel Reeves to water down oil and gas licensing ban vow with 'tie backs' compromise
Labour vowed to end all new oil and gas licences in a flagship manifesto commitment
www.scotsman.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:23 AM
The Labour government is set to water down its manifesto vow to ban new oil and gas licences by opening the door to permits 'tied back' to existing developments. Climate campaigners say this would be a minimal compromise and are set to welcome a permanent ban.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Excl: Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has revealed she is "deeply concerned" by the scale and pace of Scotland’s deindustrialisation as she admits "a number of businesses" have pleaded with SNP ministers for lifeline support.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Forbes 'deeply concerned' by deindustrialisation and says businesses have sought help
The Deputy First Minister has suggested plenty of work goes on from ministers behind the scenes to help struggling companies stay out of trouble.
www.scotsman.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Excl: Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has revealed she is "deeply concerned" by the scale and pace of Scotland’s deindustrialisation as she admits "a number of businesses" have pleaded with SNP ministers for lifeline support.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Reposted by David Bol
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Reposted by David Bol
Absolutely incredible way to seal our return to the World Cup. Remember crying when we got pumped by Morocco at France 98. This has been a long time coming 🏴
November 18, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Absolutely incredible way to seal our return to the World Cup. Remember crying when we got pumped by Morocco at France 98. This has been a long time coming 🏴
What a shambles this is. The Scottish Government has sat on its hands for years over this and now decides there's not enough time to do it properly before May's election.
'Sick joke': SNP shelves heat pumps legislation in 'humiliating climbdown'
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
'Sick joke': SNP shelves heat pumps legislation in 'humiliating climbdown'
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan confirmed the Heat in Building Bill will not be introduced this session
www.scotsman.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
What a shambles this is. The Scottish Government has sat on its hands for years over this and now decides there's not enough time to do it properly before May's election.
Excl: ScotWind developers have warned it is "highly unlikely” projects can be built in time “by existing Western” companies - piling pressure on the Labour government to approve a Chinese firm's Highland factory plans.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Fears SNP's ScotWind projects at risk of collapse without Chinese firm's factory approval
SNP ministers have been accused of having “left Scotland dangerously dependent on foreign powers like China”.
www.scotsman.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Excl: ScotWind developers have warned it is "highly unlikely” projects can be built in time “by existing Western” companies - piling pressure on the Labour government to approve a Chinese firm's Highland factory plans.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Anas Sarwar has backed Keir Starmer's leadership, hit out at the Downing Street briefers "undermining" the UK Labour government, but was unable to say if the PM will join him on the Holyrood campaign trail next year.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Anas Sarwar hits out at Downing Street briefers 'undermining' Starmer's government
Anas Sarwar has accused Downing Street briefers of “undermining” the message of the Labour UK government.
www.scotsman.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Anas Sarwar has backed Keir Starmer's leadership, hit out at the Downing Street briefers "undermining" the UK Labour government, but was unable to say if the PM will join him on the Holyrood campaign trail next year.
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
www.scotsman.com/news/politic...