BREXIT/INDEPENDENCE

• Two academics have re-ignited the indyref2 debate by suggesting the substantial number of European Union (EU) nationals living in Scotland would side with the Yes camp if a second poll was held before the UK exits the EU in March 2019.
• Meanwhile, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is taking steps to prepare for a second referendum on Scottish independence by moving its Scottish customers into a separate subsidiary in a bid to leave the bank better equipped to cope with a potential Yes vote.
• Sources have put a figure on the UK’s “divorce bill” for the first time, with reports suggesting the government is prepared to agree to staged payments equalling £36bn to leave the EU.

 POLITICS

• Former SNP MP Michelle Thomson has asked for a formal apology from Nicola Sturgeon following the Crown Office decision that she would not be charged over alleged mortgage fraud.

 HEALTH

• While the Lullaby Trust has disputed claims that Scotland’s new baby box reduces infant mortality, Labour is now calling for breastfeeding equipment to be included in the box.
• New figures from the Scottish Ambulance Service show that an average of 44 patient transport service journeys are cancelled per day due to resource shortages.

ECONOMY

• The Scottish housebuilding sector is “more resilient than ever” according to a report from business advisers Grant Thornton, although the Scottish Government may struggle to meet the target of creating 50,000 affordable new homes by 2021. At the same time a new report by Shelter Scotland has said Scotland is in the midst of a housing “crisis” causing young people to struggle to afford housing.

EDUCATION

• Ministers are being urged to commission a further McCrone-style review of Scottish teaching, with a root-and-branch examination of pay and conditions to take account of increasing workloads and additional responsibilities that professionals face.
• Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner has said increasing teacher numbers will save money.

ENERGY

• An independent review into the cost of energy has been launched by the UK government amid concerns about rising bills.

TRANSPORT

• ScotRail has failed to meet the target of trains arriving on time at nearly three-fifths of stations. A total of 43 out of 73 stations missed ScotRail’s public performance measure, which currently stands at 90.8 per cent, in July.

TOURISM

• Edinburgh’s culture chief is leading calls for the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to be held earlier in the summer to coincide fully with the Scottish school holidays.

COMING UP

• Scottish pupils will receive exam results for National 4&5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams tomorrow, Tuesday 8 August.