Welcome to The Courier’s morning politics briefing, it’s everything you need to know about politics in your region, and across the country, before you start your day.
New this morning
- A controversial Scottish Government investigation upheld five counts of sexual harassment against Alex Salmond before being struck down by the courts.
- A Scottish Government scheme to help build vital affordable homes in rural areas has spent less than half of its £25 million budget in five years.
- The Scottish Government has been accused of letting criminals away lightly by writing off more than 260,000 hours of unpaid community work.
- Meet the modern studies teacher who inspired two of Scotland’s top politicians.
Coming up today
- Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, is self-isolating after being identified as a close contact of someone who has Covid-19 and is expected to receive the results of a test some time on Monday.
- The first minister was expected to formally invite Scottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater to become government ministers.
In case you missed it
- Patrick Harvie has said the Scottish Greens did not want full Cabinet posts because of ongoing differences with the SNP on oil and gas and other issues.
- John Swinney was told to “be ready” to replace Nicola Sturgeon while the first minister awaited the verdict of the Alex Salmond inquiries, it has emerged.
- A Scottish charity run by Afghans is working with the government and local authorities to prepare for an influx of refugees, after the Taliban swept to power in Kabul, triggering a mass evacuation effort.
- The Stooshie Quiz: How much do you know about politics in the last seven days?