Holyrood 462 / 15 March 2021

Back to school: making up for lost time - a look at education including a Q&A with Education Secretary John Swinney. Plus exclusive interview with Lord Falconer on being 'fearless' in politics.

3 Editor’s note
This week has been grim. A seven-day rolling shocker that serves as a brutal reminder of why the fight must still go on and why women must roar

5 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
Buying a home has become unattainable for too many

8 In Context
The Defamation and Malicious Publication (Scotland) Bill

10 Political Spotlight: The budget
The Scottish budget has been passed with very little regard this year due to the attention being paid to the Salmond inquiry

12 Political Interview: Lord Falconer
The Labour peer on the role of law in politics

17 Cover Story: Education
Despite staking its reputation on tackling the attainment gap, the Scottish Government is barely scraping a pass

23 Q&A: John Swinney
The education secretary on the professional and personal struggles of lockdown

26 Special Feature: Public Health
Public Health Scotland on meeting the long-term challenges that impact life expectancy

28 Getting to know you
John Finnie reflects on a decade as an MSP

30 Event Report
A look at the importance of social housing in Scotland

31 Life Stories
Labour MSP Sarah Boyack discusses her favourite books

32 Comment
Viana Maya on wellbeing while working from home

33 Politician and their Pet
Renfrewshire councillor Michelle Campbell and her dog, Chewie

34 Diary
Hidden hairdressers and a farewell to Stewart Stevenson

35 Last Word
Sketch: Rishi Sunak reveals his biggest vice

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