Joshua King Head of Digital Engagement & Development

Good morning and a happy Friday to you, Voornaam,

The weekend approaches and here at The Scotsman we're counting down to a raft of huge summer events. Not only do we have a General Election to contend with, but Steve Clarke and the Scotland squad will soon fly to Germany for the Euros while Taylor Swift will be arriving for three blockbuster nights at Murrayfield. These next few weeks will be rather special.

Five stories to start the day

- Exclusive: New poll shows John Swinney has 'managed to stem SNP's bleeding'

- The Scottish war hero who became one of the greatest scam artists of all time

- Could it be that SNP saviour Swinney just isn't any good at politics? - Euan McColm

- Damning finds from M9 fatal crash probe as Police Scotland failings revealed

- Rugby's Crosbie reveals Christmas wrestle with cinema hardman over Love Island partner

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Josh