Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Dear reader,

Let's forget about Westminster, and Ukraine, and the global Covid situation... just for a moment?

Let's count a few blessings, instead. At the very least, there's that sense the days are getting a little longer? Or that, with our improving national Covid situation, there's plenty to look forward to this year - arts, sport, travel - and it might all actually happen?

A new home for The Scotsman

You might even be looking forward to returning to the office, finally. At The Scotsman forgive us if we're quite excited at that prospect, because we're moving home - to shiny new quarters in the heart of Edinburgh.

Eschewing the large, traditional old newsroom for something more flexible and much closer to the heart of the city, we expect it will usher in a new way of working, with staff urged to get out and about, closer to people and their stories, and less anchored to their desks.

We hope it'll make your Scotsman even better. We suspect this shift away from office-based work to something much more flexible will be a trend wished for by many of our readers. It's a shift that could have profound implications for our city centres, local high streets, relationship with work and more. 

Awaiting the Sue Gray report

At the time of writing, we are still waiting to see if the Sue Gray report into the astonishing lockdown conduct of Boris Johnson's administration will be released. At risk of being proved wrong very quickly, my suspicion is it'll now be next week before we see anything, and even then the ongoing police investigation may lead to some details being held back.

We'll also continue to keep a close eye on events in and around Ukraine, with extensive coverage tomorrow of the concern felt by Ukranians themselves, as Russia's military build-up continues.

And, as you might have seen today, we can't forget the huge importance of vaccinating the wider world against Covid - Scottish scientists have urged the UK government to do more to achieve this goal quickly.

Looking ahead to the weekend

The weekend and its welcome distractions beckon: we have a full footballing card tomorrow, which we'll look forward to in your Saturday Scotsman. On Sunday, Scotland on Sunday will preview the Six Nations, which start with a mouth-watering clash against England at Murrayfield.

Before then, there's a packed Weekend Magazine to get through: among the many highlights, author Freya North tells us about spending time on the beautiful isle of Harris to fully understand the location of her new novel; Carina Contini serves up perfect finger-licking Southern-style chicken; and Alan Massie reviews a timely history of the BBC, in books.

Whatever the weekend brings, I hope it is a good one. Thank you, as ever, for your support of The Scotsman - and please excuse me while I go off to pack my desk.

One last thing...

If you're considering subscribing to The Scotsman, we're currently offering 20% off annual subscriptions with the code BURNSNIGHT20. Join us today.

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman