Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Hello Voornaam,

Last week I wrote to you about the encouragement to be had from speaking at length with Scotland's MPs during a visit to London.

Perhaps I spoke too soon. A week, it turns out, really is a long time in politics.

Late yesterday, we learned Scotland's written press was not to be invited to the launch, today, of the SNP's local election campaign. In fact, they claim, it's not even a launch.

Keeping awkward questions out of the room

Now it is a "cost of living visit", in which the First Minister and colleagues will deliver a few soundbites to broadcast media for relay to the nation, with the SNP's press office emailing out quotes for everyone else.

You may accuse me of deep cynicism, but my interpretation would be that it's about keeping awkward questions out of the room. It's not that our TV colleagues don't do a good job, but it's in the nature of the medium they can't go into depth. Written media can.

We'd have liked to ask about ferries and bin collection, social care and planning - the stuff of local elections. The SNP wants to talk about other things.

The cost of living crisis, which looms large for us all, will doubtless have polled better for them (and less well for the Conservatives) than the stuff of town halls and local life.

Perhaps the First Minister's media minders think it's safer that way, especially as the SNP is expected to stroll the election next month.

But we think it's a poor look to adopt when the SNP is accused of lacking transparency over so many issues, and those vital local matters are the ones key to the election next month. I hope wiser counsel prevails.

Ferry problems and town centre developments put on hold

In the meantime, we'll be continuing our series of features going deep on the real local election issues around Scotland.

We took a look at the Western Isles this week, and you'll not be surprised to learn that ferry services were the number one issue. Alastair Dalton's report makes clear just how vital those boats are to the 26,500 people who live on that chain of Islands.

Don't miss, also, Brian Ferguson's look at a key issue for Falkirk - the fate of the town's centre, where a £45m development has been put on hold, leaving traders angry as they struggle to survive.

We'll have plenty more on the issues around Scotland in the weeks ahead - political editor Alistair Grant writes on Aberdeen's big issue next - whether or not the SNP's leadership chooses to speak to us.

Looking ahead

We have a fine weekend of sporting and cultural action coming up - here's hoping the beautiful sunshine on display outside my window continues. Melrose is hosting the Melrose Sevens for the first time since 2019, while Edinburgh has a Hearts v Hibs derby to look forward to.

In our Saturday magazine, Meera Syal is our cover star, talking to Janet Christie about her new female-led anthology ROAR, on AppleTV. Ghillie Basan celebrates the artisan producers of the Highlands, and Alistair Harkness casts his eye over the new Fantastic Beasts film.

We hope it's a package full of inspiration, new knowledge, fun and - yes - some politics. But don't let that put you off. Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman