Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Hello Voornaam,

First of all, welcome to the amazing number of people who have signed up for subscriptions to The Scotsman in the last week. It's great to have you with us, and I hope you find your subscription becomes a valuable part of your life.

Lots happening: you'll have heard about Ian Blackford, the SNP's leader in Westminster, resigning: it looks like Stephen Flynn, the Aberdeen South MP, will get the party's top job in London on Tuesday, when the party has its annual general meeting.

It comes at a time when the political temperature in Scotland is warming up: one poll puts the pro-independence vote four points ahead, while Alister Jack has confirmed the role of civil servants in preparing for an independence referendum is to be examined by the UK Government.

Our deputy political editor, Conor Matchett, brought you another exclusive earlier in the week when he revealed six Scottish ministers - including health secretary Humza Yousaf - had been using WhatsApp to conduct government business. Using the app for official business is controversial, as it tends to make finding out what was being said difficult, and that information should be getting recorded. And, sure enough, the Scottish Government told The Scotsman that it would be "too expensive" to find out what was actually being said in the messages sent by those ministers.

Transparency remains a problem for this Scottish Government.

In sport, the world's attention is on a gripping World Cup - Mark Atkinson reckons last night's Group C finale was the craziest group stage denouement ever seen (I think the ball was in). And, today, we also explain why Uruguay and Ghana really don't like each other (It's to do with Luis Suarez, of course, and is highly relevant given they meet this afternoon).

The domestic scene has also been active, if a little more peaceful, with new Rangers manager Michael Beale settling in at Ibrox and, as Alan Pattullo observes, already having to persuade the doubters.

Looking forward to tomorrow, we have quite a paper for you: it'll be one of those days where the printed edition really comes into its own. In the middle of the magazine, we'll have our Scottish Books of 2022 supplement - the perfect guide to which Scottish storytelling to buy (or request) this Christmas. The front of the magazine also features a fascinating interview with comic Sara Pascoe, who talks to Janet Christie about the profound impact of IVF treatment and her new outlook on life. It's a great read, with some wonderful photographs to accompany it.

All that, of course, comes on top of the regular attractions - getting into the festive spirit, Rose Murray Brown is writing on the best white wines for a drinks party, and we review a Gin Spa in Glasgow. Really.

Thank you, as ever, for your support of The Scotsman. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, however you decide to spend your time.

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman

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