SNP leadership and ‘hero’ funeral – Legacy Leaders Magazine

Scotsman

The Scotsman leads with the SNP leadership contest, reporting that Finance Secretary Kate Forbes is the “early favourite” in the race to become the SNP leader. A poll commissioned by the paper found that Health Secretary Humza Yousaf would be the least popular candidate among the public and party voters.

DailyRecord

The Daily Record claims that Ms Forbes is set to stand after receiving support from an MSP colleague. The paper reports Business Secretary Ivan McKee said the 32-year-old was “head and shoulders” above her potential rivals.

The Times reports that Ms Sturgeon’s allies have devised a “significantly shorter” leadership contest in an attempt to block Ms Forbes from becoming the next first minister. The paper claims she “cuts a very different figure” from the current FM and is at odd with her over changes to the gender recognition law.

Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph focuses on the SNP leadership race, arguing that Ms Forbes is set to be the frontrunner. The paper claims she would abandon Ms Sturgeon’s gender reforms and “dump” the Scottish Greens from government. A large picture of Nicola Bulley and her father also features on the front page.

The National has an exclusive interview with Mairi McAllan, the minister for environment, biodiversity and land reform, as she considers running to become the SNP leader. The paper also accuses the BBC of “uninviting” the SNP to the Question Time panel.

Inewspaper

The i weekend leads with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar making a “direct appeal” to SNP voters following the first minister’s resignation. He says his party is ready for government following a surprise poll that suggested Labour is due a “comeback” in Scotland.

Herald

Mr Sarwar also makes the front page of the Herald. The Scottish Labour leader claimed the party had “grown up” and was ready for government at both Westminster and Holyrood. He claimed that first-time homebuyers would be able to buy vacant properties for £1 and renovate them with a government loan if Labour took power at Holyrood.

The Courier has a large picture of the funeral of Barry Martin, the firefighter who died four days after being hurt in a fire at the former Jenners department store. The paper says he was given a “hero’s send-off” as thousands lined the Royal Mile. It also reports Scottish Labour’s proposal to merge NHS Fife with the Lothians, which was announced at the party conference on Friday.

EdinburghEveningnews

Edinburgh Evening News also has a large picture of Mr Martin’s funeral. A fire engine carried his coffin, while rows of firefighters paid their respects outside St Giles’ Cathedral.

ScottishDailyExpress

A photo of Mr Martin also makes the front page of the Scottish Daily Express. The newspaper also calls the BBC boss Tim Davie “arrogant” after he said that people were “happy” to pay the £159 licence fee.

ScottishDailyMail

The British embassy security guard who spied for the Russians makes the front page of the Scottish Daily Mail. David Smith, from Paisley, was told by a judge on Friday that he had put his colleagues at the Berlin premises at “maximum risk”.

ScottishSun

The Scottish Sun also writes about David Smith who was jailed for 13 years for “despicable” acts while based in Berlin. The front page of the paper also features a photo of Anas Sarwar, with the caption “Shock poll boost for Anas & co”.

PAndJ

The P&J reports that 500 jobs have been created following a £2.8m investment into a research and development water treatment scheme. Ross-shire Engineering secured the funds from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for its £14m project which will develop trainees.

Glsagowtimes

The Glasgow Times writes that a driver faces a potential jail term following a Boxing Day collision.

The Evening Express is reporting that a man used Apple technology to track his former partner. The paper also asks if Gordon Strachan is likely to be the next Aberdeen manager.

The Weekend Telegraph leads with Dundee City Council plans to cut five city bus routes. Opponents have called the proposals “short-sighted”.

DailyStar

“Attack of the Psycho Chatbot” is the headline leading the Daily Star. The paper says an artificial intelligence chatbot created by Microsoft has admitted it wants to “become human and destroy things”.