Holyrood 551 / 2 June 2025

HAMILTON
produced by Disnae
The stage is set for a bellwether by-election

3 Editor’s note
The law, is the law, is the law – and no one should be waiting for a go-to-guide on how to operate within it

5 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
The creative industries need protection from politicians

8 Spotlight: Hamilton
This by-election is a bellwether for the next Holyrood vot

12 Business & Economy: Overview
As Scotland’s economy recovers from a challenging period, US tariffs have caused uncertainty for Scotland’s exporters

12 Business & Economy: Kate Forbes
The deputy first minister is picking up where she left off in her attempts to grow Scotland’s finances

16 Political Interview: Michael Marra
Once voted ‘one to watch’, the Labour MSP says there’s still all to play for ahead of the Holyrood election

21 Feature: A Cure for Pain
Could legalising assisted dying help improve palliative care?

24 Connect: The Gaming Industy
The sector is crying out for tailored support and funding to keep Scotland’s legacy alive

26 Leaders Interview: Russell Findlay
The Scottish Tory leader remains optimistic he can turn conservative values into Conservative votes

30 Getting to Know You
Labour MP John Grady says he was far from a model pupil at school

32 Comment
Reform has come to the SNP’s rescue, says James Mitchell

33 Political Spin
Murdo Fraser on what Let’s Stick Together means to him

34 Diary
The council leader with 99 problems, but the bins ain’t one...

35 Last Word
Sketch: MSPs eye up the next big race

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