Sam Shedden Engagement Editor

Good morning,

Welcome to your daily newsletter from The Scotsman.

Yesterday saw the biggest easing of lockdown restrictions this year in Scotland - with people queuing patiently for a long awaited pint at the pub or a trip into a favourite store.

But as excitement swept across the country, it's worth remembering that you don't have an obligation to dive in headfirst. Although plenty did, packing into beer gardens in a safe, orderly manner to toast a joyous return to normality.

Away from lockdown easing, Nicola Sturgeon has rejected an economic report that criticised her party’s manifesto spending pledges and predicted an independent Scotland would start with a higher deficit than the rest of the UK. “Pretty much every country in the developed world has a massive deficit right now and are shouldering massive debts,” she said.

Let's forget about the pandemic and politics for a moment. Have you ever dreamt of owning your own Highland castle? Well if you have seriously deep pockets now you can. A Highland castle that served as a bolthole for a king during World War Two and was then one of Scotland’s grandest youth hostels has gone on the market.

Meanwhile on the northern isles, remains of an ancient settlement which is thought to pre-date Skara Brae by hundreds of years have emerged.

We need your support. We've been fortunate enough to see thousands of you join us as subscribers since the pandemic began. Thank you. Our readers are our lifeblood and if you like and value what we do please try out a digital subscription with us - it's just £3 per month for the first two months, less than a pint these days.

Subscribers get unlimited access to thousands of Scottish news stories every month, world-class features, interviews, political analysis all on a faster site with 70% fewer ads.

Subscribe to us today, here

Thanks for reading, more headlines below,

Sam Shedden