Holyrood565 / 31 August 2026

Knocked into shape: Kenneth Gibson’s Holyrood ‘revolution’
Political interview, page 34

3 Editor’s note
It’s time for Scottish Labour to be bold

6 Opinion:
Louise Wilson
Chris Marshall

8 Spotlight: Scottish Labour leadership
As Marra and Fagan vie for votes, the party faces fundamental issues

12 The Huddle:
What now for Scottish Labour?

16 Spotlight: Should we reinstate the local connection rule for social housing?

22 Opinion:
James Mitchell
Ruaraidh Gilmour

26 New Political year:
The government and parliament must make difficult decisions

34 Cover Story: Kenneth Gibson
The presiding officer on what his ‘permanent revolution’ means for parliament

42 Summer of Sport:
What will be the legacy of Glasgow 2026?

48 Topical Question:
How to make town centres vibrant again

50 Interview: Yi Pei Chou Turvey
After a social media storm, the Lib Dem is out for consensus

54 Interview: Anthony Seldon
The biographer has a dim view of Keir Starmer

58 Connect:
Key players in the gaming sector are restless and calling for action

62 Getting to know you: Pauline Stafford MSP

64 Diary: This charming man visits Ukraine

65 Political Spin:
Joe Fagan isn’t ashamed of his musical choices

66 Last Word: Sketch
Two men agree something must be done about Labour’s losses