The National (Scotland)

The National (Scotland)
Name	The National (Scotland)
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Tabloid
Founded	2014
Publisher	Newsquest (initially) / Independent titles
Political	Pro-independence
Headquarters	Glasgow
Language	English

The National (Scotland) is a Scottish daily tabloid newspaper founded in 2014 offering coverage of Scottish politics, culture, and public life with a pro-independence perspective. Launched shortly after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, the paper has engaged with figures and institutions across Scottish and British public life, aiming to influence debates involving Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, the Scottish Parliament, and pro-independence movements. It reports on events ranging from the 2014 referendum aftermath to the 2016 European Union Referendum and subsequent discussions involving Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer, and Westminster institutions.

History

The paper was launched in the weeks following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum by journalists and editors with links to campaigns involving Alex Salmond, Yes Scotland, Scottish National Party, and civic groups in Glasgow. Early coverage intersected with reporting on the 2015 United Kingdom general election, commentary about Ed Miliband, and analysis of devolved politics at Holyrood and in local authorities such as Aberdeen City Council and Edinburgh City Council. During the late 2010s the title covered developments related to Theresa May, David Cameron, and the fallout from the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, including implications for Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish independence referendum debate. The newspaper’s staff have included journalists formerly associated with outlets such as The Herald (Glasgow), The Scotsman, The Daily Record, The Sun, and The Guardian. Its editorial launch drew comparisons with historic Scottish titles including The Scotsman and rivals such as Daily Record and Sunday Herald.

Editorial stance and content

Editorially the paper positions itself alongside pro-independence institutions such as the Scottish National Party and civic campaigns like Yes Scotland, while engaging with critics from Unionism in Scotland, Better Together, and unionist politicians including Ruth Davidson and Alistair Darling. Coverage spans Scottish cultural figures such as Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Annie Lennox, and sporting personalities linked to Celtic F.C., Rangers F.C., and events like the Ryder Cup. Features and opinion pages have hosted voices from across civil society including academics at University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and think tanks like the Institute for Public Policy Research and Common Weal. Arts coverage intersects with festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and institutions like the National Theatre of Scotland, while investigative pieces have reported on stories involving NHS Scotland, local councils, and Scottish legal matters tied to institutions like the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

Circulation and distribution

Initially distributed across major Scottish cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness, the paper’s print circulation interacted with digital platforms competing with outlets like BBC Scotland, STV News, Sky News, and national tabloids including Daily Mail and The Sun. Its readership figures were tracked alongside metrics from organizations such as the Audit Bureau of Circulations and compared with competitors like The Herald (Glasgow), The Scotsman, and Daily Record. The title expanded online presence to engage audiences across platforms associated with Twitter, Facebook, and digital services covering the 2017 United Kingdom general election and the 2019 United Kingdom general election.

Ownership and finances

The paper was established with backing from publishers and investors linked to Scottish media entrepreneurs and organisations that had ties to stakeholders in the pro-independence movement, operating within a commercial landscape that includes companies such as Newsquest, Trinity Mirror, and independent publishers. Financial management intersected with advertising markets involving advertisers from sectors like Scottish tourism authorities including VisitScotland, cultural institutions such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and sporting bodies including Scottish Football Association (SFA). Funding and revenue models combined print sales, advertising, and digital subscriptions in a media environment influenced by broader shifts affecting titles like The Guardian, The Times, and Financial Times.

Controversies and criticism

The paper has faced criticism and controversy from unionist figures, rival editors, and media commentators over perceived partisanship, accuracy disputes, and editorial campaigns, drawing responses from politicians including Ruth Davidson, Alistair Darling, and commentators aligned with Better Together. Individual articles prompted complaints and debates involving press regulators and standards frameworks connected to institutions like the Independent Press Standards Organisation and civic organisations debating media ethics. Coverage of sensitive matters intersected with legal notices and discussions invoking bodies such as the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and prompted debates with broadcasters like BBC Scotland and STV over balance and impartiality.

Awards and recognition

Despite controversies, the paper and its journalists have received nominations and awards in Scottish media competitions alongside peers from The Herald (Glasgow), The Scotsman, Sunday Herald, and broadcasters like BBC Scotland, with recognition from industry events connected to organisations such as the Scottish Press Club and prize juries that have included figures from National Collective and arts institutions like Scottish Book Trust. Individual contributors have been shortlisted for honours that also feature names like Ian Bell, Janet Christie, and Kenneth Roy in broader Scottish journalism awards.

Category:Newspapers published in Scotland