Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Dear subscriber,

Happy Friday from Edinburgh.

Not that you may be feeling especially happy. The lunchtime warning from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that we face a "tsunami" of Omicron virus infections, combined with last night's message to cancel workplace parties, will be giving us all a strong sense of déjà vu. Will we get a chance to enjoy anything approaching a normal Christmas?

As you ponder, spare a thought for those in the hospitality industry who will face a second Christmas, after two long years, marred by cancellations and fear, even if our thoughts turn first to those NHS workers facing the new wave. I'll be immensely grateful when one of them gives me my vaccine booster shot, which I'm booked to get just after finishing writing to you, and I hope everyone reading is has sorted theirs out too. This virus has some way to run, alas.

The best Scottish books of the year

What to do, then, with all the time that's being created by our thinning social calendar?

Well, we've had the first four instalments of Ross Macfarlane QC's new short story, Edward Kane and the Innocent Railway, part 2, part 3, part 4, running in the paper and online, so do catch up if you haven't had a chance to enjoy it yet - it'll be running on weekdays through to just before Christmas, and continues on Monday.

And, remaining on the subject of good reads, I'd suggest there's nothing better at this time of year than settling down with a cup of tea (or something stronger) and a good book. Which means I'm thoroughly looking forward to our Scottish Books 2021 special, in tomorrow's Saturday Scotsman.

I've had a sneak peek at the pages, of course, and it's a brilliant selection of some of the most noteworthy Scottish books of the year: lots of inspiration for presents, either to loved ones or to yourself. As well as the practical benefit, the section conveys that inspirational thrum: the sense of clever, imaginative, creative people offering and debating ideas. The supplement offers a snapshot of our nation's intellectual life, with new voices chipping in and old favourites coming back for more. I found it all quite cheering, and I hope you do too.

The anger isn't going away over Boris Johnson

It may prove a helpful distraction from the other big news this week: the continuing rolling disaster of the Johnson administration in London. As I type, three Christmas parties from last year are being investigated and opinion polls find most people think he should resign.

I strongly suspect he won't, of course, hoping instead that Christmas - he may pull parliamentary recess forward to make it happen sooner - will save him. We'll update you in the days ahead, of course. In the meantime, Susan Morrison tells readers of our sister title, the Edinburgh Evening News, that Downing Street Parties are dreadful anyway.

The problem for Mr Johnson is that the anger isn't going away, and it cuts across party lines. Indeed, the Conservatives I talk to are even more angry at this government's transgressions - both the rule breaking, and the cack-handed attempts at cover-up - than friends whose loyalties lie elsewhere.

The latter aren't surprised. The former group sees it as counter to their values, and particularly counter to the - until recently, successful - populist themes of this government. What could be less populist than the giggling mockery of well-paid aides towards rules that were the law, followed by their elected bosses trying to cover it up?

As we said this week, the public anger at this behaviour has consequences - for our willingness to obey Covid rules, for our belief in government and democracy, for the future of the country itself.

These are serious times. We'll continue to report on them, on your behalf, and also seek to offer up some nourishing distractions in the days and weeks ahead.

Thank you, as ever, for your support for The Scotsman. I hope you have a wonderful, and safe, weekend.

Before you go, a Christmas present from us

We're currently offering £46 off a case of wine and three months free off a subscription with us.

Just use the code XMAS25 to claim your discount

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman