Holyrood 519 / 11 December 2023

Tick Tock: Is the clock running out on this political pantomime?
Political Spotlight page 9

3 Editor’s note: For many Scots, life has got considerably worse during the SNP’s 16 years in power
5 Roundup : Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks
7 Talking Point: Why wouldn’t we send patients to England if it helps cut waiting lists?
8 In Context: The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill
9 Political Spotlight: Under the Spotlights - The Scottish Government has given us quite a show over this parliamentary term. What do the critics make of it?
11 Overview: The Human Cost - The cost-of-living crisis is a matter of life and death for Scotland poorest families
18 Political Interview: Tom Arthur - The Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance wants to reshape the economy for the benefit of all
24 Arts funding: Culture cuts - Scotland’s cultural sector is facing an existential crisis – can we really afford not to fund it?
28 Cost of living: Disability - While everyone is feeling the pinch, disabled people are being pushed to the brink
30 Interview: John Niven - The author on how his brother’s suicide led him to write a memoir of their lives together
32 Getting to know... SNP MP Carol Monaghan talks Attila the Hun
34 Event spotlight: All the winners from the Scottish Public Service Awards 2023
38 Comment: Joan McAlpine on why politics is bad for your health
39 Local Politics: Orkney councillor Kristopher Leask introduces us to his political patch
40 Diary: Rishi Sunak becomes a towering presence and ACH dials in from the pub
41 Political Spin: Labour MSP Rhoda Grant on the Gaelic music that marked her childhood
42 Last Word: Sketch - Lorna Slater appreciates a good question

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