Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Reform UK Scotland will take part in Debate Night on the BBC.

The leaders of Scotland’s main political parties will take part in the first TV election debate of the campaign on Sunday.

Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Reform UK Scotland will take part in Debate Night on the BBC. They will be asked questions by a live studio audience, with issues such as the cost-of-living, energy crisis and the NHS likely to come up.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has made calls for SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney to apologise at the start of the televised debate for the Scottish Government’s handling of the NHS. Mr Sarwar said: “Our NHS is not safe with John Swinney and the SNP. They have now broken Scotland’s NHS treatment law 918,594 times, leaving patients waiting in pain because they failed to run the NHS properly.

“Tonight on television, right at start of the debate, John Swinney should apologise to every single patient who has suffered because the SNP could not get the basics right. My first priority as First Minister will be to cut waiting lists and put our NHS first so it is there when you need it.

“That means using all available capacity to get patients treated faster, breaking down barriers between health boards, and making sure funding follows the patient so the NHS focuses on getting people care on time.

“After two decades of broken promises, our NHS cannot survive another SNP government. On May 7, vote Scottish Labour on both votes for the change Scotland needs.”

However, polls are showing that the SNP are looking likely to stay in office, with the first YouGov MRP survey of the election season suggesting they are set to win 67 seats. The poll projects that Reform UK are on course to win 20 MSPs with Labour estimated to win no constituency seats at all, picking up just 15 seats from the regional lists.

The Greens are projected to win 11 seats and the Lib Dems are set to win nine, showing gains between them. The poll suggests the Conservatives could be looking at a sixth place finish and are projected to win just seven seats.

SNP candidate for Rutherglen Clare Haughey responded to Mr Sarwar’s comments, saying: “Of course there are challenges, just as there are across these islands, but the fact is John Swinney has a plan for our NHS and it’s working.

“While Anas Sarwar talks our NHS down, under our plan operations are up, waiting lists continue to fall, we have more GPs per head than England and our GP walk-in centres are springing up across Scotland.

“Labour-run England is paying doctors £20 per person to divert people away from their NHS and faces yet another NHS strike – not a single day has been lost to strikes in Scotland’s NHS thanks to the SNP in government.

“Only the SNP can be trusted with Scotland’s NHS – that’s exactly what you get from John Swinney’s strong leadership and that’s what’s on the ballot on 7th May.”

The debate will be moderated by Stephen Jardine who wrote in the Scotsman on Saturday that the debate may be dictated around which lines will end up being popular on social media.

He said: “Often they have spent days preparing, trying out attack lines, testing defensive positions and thinking about how they can cut through and make an impression. Nowadays another factor is also in play. Increasingly, political debates are less about the whole show and more about what ends up being a short clip on social media.”

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Located in a rustic spot at 1448 Chorley New Road, between Bolton and Bottom O’ Th’ Moor, this historic, stone-built pub has been serving up its range of lunches, nibbles, and dinners for many years.

With great food and panoramic views of the West Pennine Moors, close to Rivington and Smithills Country Estate, Bob’s Smithy Inn is popular with both locals and ramblers stopping in for a pick-me-up.

The outdoor area (Image: NQ)

The pub bills itself as a gastropub, so food is very much at the forefront of its offering.

The menu has a little bit of something for everyone – soup-of-the-day starters and prawn cocktails giving way to sirloin steaks and lamb shanks.

Salt and pepper squid, lamb koftas, Cajun chicken wings with garlic mayo, king prawns in garlic butter – all these can be found on the Smithy Inn menu as starters.

(Image: Bob Smithy’s Inn Country Pub & Dining)

Grills and pasta dishes flesh out the mains, whether you want to keep it traditional (though elevated!) with a chicken, leek, and bacon pie, go all in for an 8-oz sirloin steak, or fancy a splash of seafood with the pan-fried seabass.

Classic salads and burgers round out the menu, with special daily desserts available on request, though there is also a luxurious selection of specials available, including lamb shank, red snapper, or duck leg.

Jordan with his parents Lorraine and Stuart. (Image: Martini Archive)

Drinks-wise, the pub tries to keep things traditional, stocking a selection of ales both locally- brewed and sourced from further afield, as well as wines and soft drinks.

Bob’s Smithy Inn is no stranger to awards, maintaining a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for several years due to consistently high ratings.

The pub was also awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2025 Food Awards England, also making the finals in 2022 and 2023.

To vote for the venue in this year’s The Bolton News award, buy a copy of today’s newspaper.

Prof Sir John Curtice said the result forecast in a YouGov poll would make it “more difficult” for Keir Starmer to resist Swinney’s indy drive.

Britain’s top pollster has said a shock poll showing the SNP on course for a historic majority would give John Swinney a mandate to demand IndyRef2.

Prof Sir John Curtice, of Strathclyde University, said it would make it “more difficult” for Keir Starmer to resist Swinney’s independence push although cautioned many Scots still need to be persuaded.

Coming ahead of the first TV leaders debate tonight, YouGov’s MRP poll of the election campaign shows John Swinney’s party could take 67 of 129 seats. Only once before have the Nats achieved a majority, in 2011 which led to the 2014 independence referendum.

If the poll results were replicated on May 7, Prof Curtice said: “The SNP would say precedent suggests they have a mandate.

“We can probably anticipate the UK Government will say no. Swinney says he’s got something up his sleeve, but we don’t know what it is.

“It would certainly present them with an opportunity to say, in response to the usual cry from the unionist side this was a once in a generation event, the people of Scotland have now clearly indicated they do want another referendum.”

He added polls suggesting Plaid Cymru will win the Welsh election would mean “nationalist first ministers in all three devolved jurisdictions” – with Sinn Fein in charge at Stormont – creating a huge headache for Westminster.

YouGov’s poll also shows Labour and the Tories staring down the barrel of historic losses, with Reform set to win second place with 20 seats.

Labour would win 15 seats in its worst ever Holyrood performance, while the Greens would make gains to win 11, followed by the Lib Dems on nine, while the Tories reduced from 31 to a rump of seven MSPs.

Tonight, Swinney, Labour’s Anas Sarwar, the Tories’ Russell Findlay, Reform’s Malcolm Offord. Greens co-leader Ross Greer and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Lib Dems face off in a 90-minute BBC leaders debate in Paisley, the first televised setpiece of the campaign.

Labour leader Sarwar, who yesterday was out campaigning with deputy chief Jackie Baillie in Balloch, called on Swinney to use the debate to “apologise to every patient” stuck on NHS waiting lists.

YouGov’s poll found Baillie is at risk of losing her Dumbarton seat to the SNP which the Labour veteran has held since 1999.

Speaking to our sister title The Sunday Mirror, Sarwar said: “I accept that we go into the election as underdogs, but this is an election I believe that Labour can win.”

Despite the positive poll for the SNP, one constituency which is at risk, according to YouGov, is Culture Secretary Angus Robertson’s Edinburgh Central seat, where Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens could defeat him by “wafer-thin” margin.

Robertson, who is also the SNP campaign director, said: “We are on the verge of a historic majority that would unlock the fresh start of independence.”

Reform chief Offord said: “The Tories and Labour are finished in Scotland. It is clear that the only way to keep the SNP out is by voting Reform.”

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“Fans just let him be himself, he was speaking and dancing with everyone.”

Scotland has more pubs than you could ever hope to visit, and while all have their own charm there are a few that are a cut above the rest. For the Daily Record’s latest Pub of the Week, we are journeying to a Dundee bar that recently caught the attention of none other than global superstar Justin Bieber.

Abandon Ship is a vibrant bar situated on Whitehall Crescent that has earned a loyal following thanks to its off-the-wall decor and energetic ambience. Together with its friendly staff and the wide selection of cocktails available, it is a popular destination amongst Dundee’s students.

While students are a common sight at bars, it is not every day you spot an A-list celebrity at a Scottish pub. However, that is exactly what happened when Justin Bieber was seen partying with locals at Abandon Ship in 2025—and even bought everyone drinks.

As reported by the Daily Record, Bieber shocked punters at the bar last October when he used Abandon Ship as a filming location for an impromptu music video. The global superstar filmed the visuals for his song ‘BAD HONEY’ at the venue, with the video receiving more than 12 million views since it was released on October 7.

Those enjoying a drink at the colourful bar couldn’t believe their eyes as the ‘What Do You Mean?’ hitmaker chatted, danced with, and got to know fans during the one-of-a-kind shoot. However, only around 15 lucky fans actually made it inside the exclusive bash.

Speaking to What’s The Jam, local administrator Chelsey McQuillan said: “He was so kind and genuine, asking about our lives. Fans just let him be himself, he was speaking and dancing with everyone. He was genuinely so kind, he bought everyone drinks. I think he enjoyed himself.

“The bar did not advertise, it was a surprise to them as well. My friend had seen him about half an hour earlier and I was out so I decided to go along, it was a very small party of around 15 people and they weren’t just letting people in.

“I saw the door open and I made a run for it and his security let me in, then they shut the door behind me so I was just lucky.”

While it is always a novelty to spot a celebrity in a Scottish venue, it is far more important that locals enjoy spending time there. Fortunately, that is certainly the case with Abandon Ship as the bar currently has an impressive rating of 4.6 out of five on Google based on 259 reviews.

One punter shared: “Blink and you’ll miss it but it’s a cracking wee place for a beer. Brilliant decor and would be a great atmosphere when busy. Music was decent too. More places should be like this!”

A second agreed: “Amazing cocktails, such a good vibe, the best music, what more could you want. Highly recommend for drinks in Dundee.”

More information can be found on the Abandon Ship Facebook page. Meanwhile, see below for the Daily Record’s previous Pubs of the Week:

The 53-year-old was sacked by the BBC shortly before it emerged the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into him in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.

Mills was due to perform a DJ set at the Ibiza Symphonica summer concert at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on August 15.

An Ibiza Symphonica statement read: “We have carefully considered the serious nature of matters in the public domain concerning Scott Mills and have decided to move forward without Scott as part of our line-up.

“We feel this is the most appropriate way to maintain the focus on the spirit of Ibiza Symphonica which is an event rooted in enjoyment, celebration and positivity.

“We cannot wait to welcome audiences to what promises to be a joyful and memorable evening on August 15th.

“Further line-up announcements will be made in due course.”

It comes after Channel 4 announced it would not show the final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer, which features the DJ as a celebrity contestant, because of allegations against Mills – saying the show would be replaced by an alternative episode.

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Following his sacking, Mills stepped back from his role as an ambassador for MS Society UK on Tuesday (April 7), while children’s cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK has decided to “part ways” with Mills, who had been a patron since 2021.

He has also been dropped as the host of the BBC’s new Race Across The World spin-off podcast.

Since Mills’ sacking, the BBC has admitted it knew about a police investigation into allegations of a historical sexual offence in 2017, but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks before his sacking.

On Wednesday last week, Mills released a statement through his lawyers saying he had been the subject of “rumour and speculation” since he was fired, and that he “co-operated fully” with the police investigation into allegations of a historical sexual offence.

From world-class theatre to community showcases and live music, there’s plenty happening across the town.

Here are five of the best events to check out this week.

See a Classic Reimagined: Waiting for Godot

Waiting for Godot (Image: Octagon Theatre)

Samuel Beckett’s iconic play arrives at the Octagon Theatre in a major new co-production running from Wednesday, April 15 to Saturday, May 2.

Starring Matthew Kelly and George Costigan, this fresh staging places audiences in the round, immersing them in Beckett’s stark and darkly humorous world.

Tickets start from £15, making this a great opportunity to catch a landmark piece of theatre close to home.

Support Local Performers at the Albert Halls

Dawsons Academy of Dance & Stage celebrates 35 years with Tonight’s The Night on Wednesday, April 15.

The show promises an energetic mix of dance, singing, and musical theatre, showcasing the talents of local young performers.

It’s a feel-good community event where, as the organisers say, “every pupil feels like a star for a night.”

Experience the Energy of K-Pop Live

K-Pop fans won’t want to miss K-Pop Party at the Albert Halls on Thursday, April 16.

Described as the UK’s first touring K-Pop concert experience, the show features hits from global superstars including BTS, BLACKPINK and TWICE, alongside music inspired by Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters.

With immersive staging and high-energy performances, it’s designed for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

Enjoy a Stadium-Style Tribute to Coldplay

Rounding off the week, Coldplace, widely regarded as the world’s leading Coldplay tribute act, perform at the Albert Halls on Sunday, April 19.

The show features all the biggest hits, from Yellow and Fix You to Viva La Vida and A Sky Full of Stars, complete with LED wristbands for a full stadium-style experience.

It’s the only Greater Manchester date on their April tour, making Bolton a key stop for fans.

Explore Local Talent at Bolton Museum’s Open Art Exhibition

Bolton Museum is celebrating the very best of local creativity with its 2026 Open Art Exhibition, running until Sunday, May 17.

Featuring more than 240 works from artists who live, work or study in the borough, the exhibition spans painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and digital art. Visitors can also vote for the Visitors’ Choice Award.

With free entry, it’s one of the most accessible cultural events in Bolton this spring.

The protests – which involved blockades of streets in the capital, Ireland’s only oil refinery, and key depots – strangled fuel distribution across the country and prompted an escalated policing response that resulted in several arrests and public order gardai deployed in Cork, Galway and Dublin.

Away from film sets, Duhamel, who is based primarily in Minnesota, gravitates towards a simpler life away from Hollywood, spending time outdoors with his wife Audra Mari, 32, and growing family. He reflects: “Running around, exploring the woods, jet skiing, tubing… it’s just, it’s such a great way for them to just see… a simpler life.”

Two fire crews were called to the scene in Pottery Lane, off Dodsworth Avenue, shortly after 11.15pm on Saturday (April 11).

Firefighters extinguished the shed that had been on fire in the rear garden and dampened down the area, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A service spokesperson said: “York and Acomb’s crews attended an incident at a residential property involving a shed fire in the rear garden.

“Crews used two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus, one thermal imaging camera and lighting to extinguish and dampen down [the area].”

US Vice President JD Vance has said that no agreement has been reached with Iran after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, citing their nuclear ambitions as a key blocker for peace

JD Vance has announced that no deal has been reached with Iran following 21 hours of negotiations, pointing to the country’s nuclear ambitions as a major stumbling block.

Talks between the US and Iran were held in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, over the weekend, with the vice president heading up the American delegation.

“The bad news is we have not reached an agreement,” Vance told reporters.

Sources indicate there were numerous “disagreements” between the Iranian and American delegations throughout the discussions, with Iranian media citing “excessive demands” and “overreach” from Washington.

Reports emerging from within the peace talks suggest the status of the strait remains a significant bone of contention, though Vance indicated the crux of the matter centred on a nuclear enrichment agreement.

Vance stated that the principal sticking point was that the US hasn’t seen a “fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon”.

He went on to say: “That is the core goal of the President of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”

Speaking to journalists outside the White House on Saturday, Donald Trump claimed military victory over Iran and played down the significance of the ongoing ceasefire talks, insisting “regardless of what happens, we win”.

“Let’s see what happens – maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t,” the president said. “It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.”

Vance confirmed he would be returning to the US following the conclusion of the talks. He continued: “We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement.

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on.

“And we’ve made clear as we possibly could. And they have chosen not to accept our terms.”

Following Tuesday’s fragile ceasefire agreement, Iran and the US were attempting to broker a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The two nations face substantial hurdles as they remain deeply divided on crucial matters.