Personal account of Herald Scotland (& on Sunday) journalist who likes a bit of a deep dive into the issues of public concern. And a laugh. Tweets on @Martin1Williams and tips to martin.williams@theherald.co.ukhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mkwoudk6no2x'Disaster': Swinney urged to act as the number of street sleepers in Scotland's biggest city triples in a year https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25133512.swinney-urged-act-disastrous-rise-street-sleepers03 May 2026 08:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkwoudk6no2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mkrnvzbueo2bCalls have been made for reform of the Scottish-Government controlled maritime transport network https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25128298.scottish-government-control-nations-ferries01 May 2026 08:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkrnvzbueo2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mkpucfqevv2eWhy does the Scottish Government control the nation's ferries? https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25128298.scottish-government-control-nations-ferries30 Apr 2026 14:49 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkpucfqevv2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3migblyr7il2sThere has been concern over the management of ferries being cocooned inside three levels of Scottish Government-controlled bureaucracy. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25127995.call-review-future-calmac-cmal-ferries-revolution/01 Apr 2026 08:30 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3migblyr7il2shttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mcumyzxv5d2f'It is an embarrassment that she has to backtrack on what has turned out to be public misinformation, misleading everyone' Minister forced into climbdown over the scale of ferry chaos. #IslandLife #Holyrood #Hyslop https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25778654.misled-ferry-spin-unravels-scots-minister-forced-embarrassing-climbdown/20 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcumyzxv5d2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mcts7c27iw2oEXC - 'Embarrassing' Ferry spin collapses as Scots minister forced to correct record due to 'public misinformation'. #Holyrood #Hyslop https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25778654.misled-ferry-spin-unravels-scots-minister-forced-embarrassing-climbdown/20 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcts7c27iw2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mci2p6cyg42o'This new research is strong proof that not only is phasing out fossil fuel boilers essential for meeting Scotland’s climate goals, it is also popular with the public.' Poll backs ban on gas boilers by 2035 as Scots ministers drop green heat bill #FuelPoverty #ScotGov https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25766223.ban-gas-boilers-2035-scots-ministers-advised-opinion-poll-support/15 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mci2p6cyg42ohttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mch7tr4gqy2mEXC - Ministers advised to ban gas boilers by 2035 after poll shows Scots back it #HeatInBuildings #ScotGov #FuelPoverty https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25766223.ban-gas-boilers-2035-scots-ministers-advised-opinion-poll-support/15 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mch7tr4gqy2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mcfkag3tp62p⚠️"It points to a systemic and repeated issue with the SNP’s handling of public bodies" From CalMac to other public bodies, critics say weak SNP oversight is putting taxpayers at risk. #CalMac #PublicFinance #Scotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25763339.calmac-severance-row-widens-snp-public-finance-scrutiny/14 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcfkag3tp62phttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mcepfldza622💸 Ministers say they were kept in the dark over a six figure CalMac severance deal — now scrutiny is turning to SNP oversight of public spending. #CalMac #Accountability #PublicFunds#PublicMoney #SNP https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25763339.calmac-severance-row-widens-snp-public-finance-scrutiny/14 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcepfldza622https://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mc5zn46qhz2vA watchdog ruling, a secret settlement, and a government refusing to explain. What really happened at CalMac? #CalMac #Transparency #PublicSpending https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25753758.golden-goodbye-row-questions-ministers-dodged-obscene-calmac-exit-deal/11 Jan 2026 17:15 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc5zn46qhz2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mc5yshwkxf2y'The secrecy surrounding this payment, and the fact that neither the government nor Transport Scotland will answer questions on it, suggests they have something to hide.' The CalMac story they wanted to go away. #CalMac #Islands #PublicSpending #ScotGov https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25754704.three-days-post-170k-pay-fury-fired-calmac-bosss-secret-exit-package/11 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc5yshwkxf2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mc56srtcnr22Golden goodbye row: the questions ministers dodged over 'obscene' secret CalMac exit deal. Here’s what we know — and what they won’t say. #CalMac #Transparency #FOI #PublicMoney https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25753758.golden-goodbye-row-questions-ministers-dodged-obscene-calmac-exit-deal/11 Jan 2026 09:15 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc56srtcnr22https://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mc55xxxqac2uRevealed: 'Fired' CalMac chief executive scooped £170k earnings in a year after completing just three days in post #CalMac #Transparency #ScotGov https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25754704.three-days-post-170k-pay-fury-fired-calmac-bosss-secret-exit-package/11 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc55xxxqac2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbwijbq5od27'We can only hope that CalMac under its seemingly closer relationship with the Scottish Government will be far more open, and far more accountable,' Taxpayer-funded ferry firm caught unlawfully hiding severance deal #CalMac #Transparency https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25747939.calmac-gets-court-warning-secret-golden-goodbye-ruled-unlawful/08 Jan 2026 17:20 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbwijbq5od27https://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbvnoyqzmf2pEXC - CalMac blocking of disclosure of boss's 'golden goodbye' ruled unlawful by anti-secrecy regulator #Transparency #PublicMoney https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25747939.calmac-gets-court-warning-secret-golden-goodbye-ruled-unlawful/08 Jan 2026 09:20 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbvnoyqzmf2phttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbtymbdmct2v“The growing housing emergency in Scotland is pushing more people into homelessness as the gap between housing benefit and private rent continues to widen." Only 8% of private homes are affordable for Scots in need. #Scotland #HousingEmergency https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25744871.scotlands-housing-safety-net-fails-families-need-locked/07 Jan 2026 17:30 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbtymbdmct2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbt7hkiykb2o'The increase in costs is clearly a result of the failure of the Scottish Government to order new vessels over many years' #CalMac ferry repair costs have doubled in two years. Ministers mount a defence. #CalMac #PublicSpending #Islands https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25744210.hyslop-defends-out-control-260m-spent-calmac-ferry-upkeep/07 Jan 2026 10:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbt7hkiykb2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbt4x465wa2pEXC: Revealed: Housing support does not cover the rent for tens of thousands of the most needy Scots. Just £7.9m of a £97.1m housing support fund is available to help with the shortfalls. #Scotland #HousingEmergency https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25744871.scotlands-housing-safety-net-fails-families-need-locked/07 Jan 2026 09:15 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbt4x465wa2phttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbt44chh3f2yEXC: Revealed: Housing support does not cover the rent for tens of thousands of the most needy Scots. Just £7.9m of a £97.1m housing support fund is available to help with the shortfalls. #Scotland #HousingEmergency https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25744871.scotlands-housing-safety-net-fails-families-need-locked/07 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbt44chh3f2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbraue3wza2uTransport secretary grilled as #CalMac ferry upkeep costs soar and vessels keep breaking down. #Holyrood #TransportScotland https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25744210.hyslop-defends-out-control-260m-spent-calmac-ferry-upkeep/06 Jan 2026 15:19 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbraue3wza2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbovzsdc5i2oEXC - 'While Yes Minister was satire, I can assure you it has found modern day reality in the shape of the SPPA' Campaigners say the ScotGov pensions agency has mastered paperwork — not payment. #YesMinister #Pensions #Holyrood https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25732939.a-yes-minister-farce-scotgov-pensions-body-challenged-meaningless-letters/05 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbovzsdc5i2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbo37jtong2pEXC - From satire to reality? #YesMinister invoked over Scotland’s pensions 'meaningless' compensation letters. #PensionsCrisis #Holyrood https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25732939.a-yes-minister-farce-scotgov-pensions-body-challenged-meaningless-letters/05 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbo37jtong2phttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mbmfjtjiak2u🗣️ “Spiralling out of control.” #Ferry repair costs have doubled in two years as its fiasco vessel remains sidelined #CalMac #FerryFail #ScottishPolitics #PublicMoney https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25713627.spiralling-260m-repair-costs-calmacs-lifeline-ferries/04 Jan 2026 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbmfjtjiak2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mblkpkb3fy2yEXC 🗣️ “A kick in the teeth for islanders and taxpayers alike.” CalMac repair costs have topped £260m over 11 years as annual bills double and its newest ferry remains out of action #CalMac #FerryCrisis #Scotland #IslandLife #PublicSpending https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25713627.spiralling-260m-repair-costs-calmacs-lifeline-ferries/04 Jan 2026 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mblkpkb3fy2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mavrdlz2py2tTop 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2025 Pt 2 (76-51): Jimmy Somerville to Taahliah 'Wolf represents want, shame, need, and blood. ' @kathrynjoseph @itslooroll @BarryCantSwim @slow_bones #Gulp #SimonSPX @loraysmusic @CelloSeales @vosrough @samwooddoowmas #Rahul @riannedowney_ https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25714104.jimmy-somerville-taahliah-top-100-scots-tunes-2025-76-51/26 Dec 2025 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mavrdlz2py2thttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mavdwmkqhd2yTop 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2025 Pt 2 (76-51): Jimmy Somerville to Taahliah #ShagNasty #IonaZajac #Soapbox @mercygirlband @kathrynjoseph @itslooroll @BarryCantSwim @slow_bones #Gulp #SimonSPX @loraysmusic @CelloSeales @vosrough @samwooddoowmas #Rahul @riannedowney_ https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25714104.jimmy-somerville-taahliah-top-100-scots-tunes-2025-76-51/26 Dec 2025 13:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mavdwmkqhd2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3mauwjbovo72mTop 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2025 Pt 2 (76-51): Jimmy Somerville to Taahliah @Franz_Ferdinand @Johnny_Marr #KaiReesu @BleedFromWithin #Psweatpants @LewisCapaldi #HensBens #JimmySomerville @itsyesandmaybe #Unmaking #ThreePointEnsemble @Eyve #Taahliah #ShagNasty https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25714104.jimmy-somerville-taahliah-top-100-scots-tunes-2025-76-51/26 Dec 2025 09:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3mauwjbovo72mhttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3matckdcfmj2oTop 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2025 Part 1 (100-76): Django Django to Deacon Blue 'That’s the song I’m most pleased about - in this recent period..' Ricky Ross, Deacon Blue   @BarryCantSwim @Girobabies @jacobal0n @deaconbluemusic #Majorca @fidaofficial_ https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25713796.django-django-deacon-blue-top-100-scots-tunes-2025-100-76/25 Dec 2025 17:30 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3matckdcfmj2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/martin1williams.bsky.social/post/3maswt7r6kq2zTop 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2025 Part 1 (100-76): Django Django to Deacon Blue @lcgmac @joesefjoesef @JusticeElectro @HudMo @lizziereidmusic #Telmo #ZoeGraham @samgellaitry #InVertigo @JWax19 #LoveShaun @mogwaiband @CelloSeales @StarskyRae https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25713796.django-django-deacon-blue-top-100-scots-tunes-2025-100-76/25 Dec 2025 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:fgr7pvzpistzlbsa2c5b2ejf/app.bsky.feed.post/3maswt7r6kq2z