Joshua King Head of Digital Engagement & Development

Good morning Voornaam,

A very happy Friday to you. The weekend fast approaches and while we're hoping for great weather, The Scotsman team have no shortage of stories to tell you whether you're reading them outside in the garden or tucked up in doors. Last night was a huge moment in Operation Branchform with the rearrest and charging of Peter Murrell for embezzelment of SNP funds. We'll also take a look at all the other headlines today.

Six stories to start the day

- Premium SNP ministers delay £9m funding for under-strain gender identity services

- LIVE Scotland News: Peter Murrell charged with embezzlement of SNP funds | Modern universities hit hardest by Scottish Government cuts | Taylor Swift new album review

- SNP-Greens draw up plans to help councils charge road users after climate U-turn

- Premium Album reviews: Taylor Swift | Pearl Jam | Paraorchestra | Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand

- Two bodies recovered from Scottish Highlands waterfall

- Premium Giant 170-year-old lizard to be returned to Jamaica by Scottish university in repatriation first

If I may, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate the brilliant work of colleagues across our newsroom as both The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday have been nominated for a host of awards at the annual Scottish Press Awards. I'm lucky to work with some brilliant people, and all those nominated thoroughly deserve it.

Remember you can join us on WhatsApp to get the latest Scottish news directly to your phone's home screen.

Have a brilliant Friday.

Josh