Scotland's Defence Future is an investigative series exploring the UK's defence and Scotland's place within it in 2025 and beyond.
Scotland has always played a pivotal role in the UK’s defence — from warships built on the Clyde to regiments that once gave the army a distinctly Scottish accent.
Now, with rising global tensions and a UK Government promise to increase security spending to 5% of national income by 2035 , the biggest shift in defence spending for a generation, the question is what does the future hold for Scotland?
Will record investment reshape Scotland’s economy, communities and politics — and if so, who stands to gain, and what might be at risk? At a time when the world feels more volatile than it has in decades, these questions are pressing and opinions deeply divided.
In a four-day investigative seires, The Herald looked at the strategic threats facing Scotland, from Russia to cyber-attacks and the vulnerability of undersea cables. We charted the rebirth of Scottish shipbuilding, with major export orders and new investment signalling a renaissance on the Clyde and beyond.
We examined the scale and value of Scotland’s £9bn defence industry — employing 37,000 people, from engineers in Glasgow to radar specialists in Edinburgh.
And we considered the political arguments over priorities, sovereignty. The Herald's latest in-depth investigation series explored the state of Scotland's defence - past, present and future. Read on for Scotland's Defence Future - all articles here and all you need to know.
Scotland's Defence Future - Day Four
Could SNP’s nuclear policy cost Scotland independence?
SNP faces warnings its defence stance could block Scotland’s potential EU and NATO entry and risk Scottish independence, reports Hannah Brown.
'Sustained feckless incompetence from London has decimated defence in Scotland'
SNP defence spokesperson Dave Doogan argues that Scotland is central to UK defence — but exploited and underfunded. From warships on the Clyde to radar systems in Edinburgh, Scotland’s world-class defence industry deserves more than Westminster’s scraps, he argues.
‘The SNP has chosen not to back Scottish industry – so we’re stepping in’
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, sets out why the UK Labour Government is making defence a new engine of growth — with billions in investment, thousands of skilled jobs, and a sharp contrast to SNP inaction, he argues.
Andrew Bowie admits Tories 'cut too far and too quickly' on defence
In an interview with The Herald, the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP, a former Royal Navy officer, said his party had "got the balance wrong".
Expensive, immoral and ineffective: the case against the defence industry
There are many campaigners who argue against military spending, on the basis it's inefficient, hazardous, wasteful and even immoral. From nuclear leaks to conflict in Gaza, here are the issues that are of concern to those opposing the defence industry.
Scotland's Defence Future - Day Three
Scotland 'first in firing line': First Minister given strict 'war resilience' warning
John Swinney is being urged to step up 'war resilience' planning amid fears of a growing threat from Russia, reports Kathleen Nutt.
Does defence cost £5.1 billion or £2.1 billion? Scotland's spending row explained
Breaking down the defence spending figures politicians are fighting over — and what they really mean for Scotland.
Defence spending causes 'job boost myth' amid explicit 'existential threat' warning
Increased defence spending has led to a "myth" about job boosts, while turbocharging the "existential threat" of climate change, experts have told The Herald.
SNP urged to 'overcome reticence' and support Scotland's £9bn defence sector
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has insisted the defence sector is “fundamental” to Scotland’s economy as she pledged “constructive dialogue” with the industry.
'You get a bat-squeak of emotion': My breathtaking visit to the heart of shipbuilding
Behind the scenes building Champions League-class warships at BAE Systems Scotstoun yard on the Upper Clyde with writer at large Kevin McKenna.
John Swinney backs Trump in call for Nato to shoot down Russian jets
John Swinney has backed Donald Trump after the US President said Nato should shoot down Russian jets violating the alliance's airspace.
Poll: Is a 'resilience box' in case of national emergency a practical idea... or too far?
Does a 'resilience box' for Scots sounds practical or a step too far? Are you concerned about a major crisis affecting Scotland in the immediate or near future, and if so, do you already have an essentials kit at the ready? Vote here.
Scotland's Defence Future - Day Two
Ian Blackford: Shipbuilding renaissance is not the end of the story
Former leader of the SNP's Westminster group, Ian Blackford, on why billion pound orders for Clyde and Rosyth shipyards must be the start of the story and not the end.
George Allison: Inside Scotland's shipbuilding revival
George Allison, editor of the UK Defence Journal, explores the revival of Scottish shipbuilding - but can it last?
Scotland risks losing shipbuilding billions without finance reform
Scotland’s shipyards risk losing out on billions of pounds of future contracts unless the UK and Scottish governments reform shipbuilding finance, say experts.
What will the £10billion Norway warship deal bring Scotland?
The £10 billion deal between the UK and Norway was announced in August in what was viewed as a ‘historic moment’ for European security.
The war that’s already here shows why we need trusted journalism
This week’s series on defence has been a privilege to work on. At times, it has also been terrifying - here's why now is the right time for it.
Scotland's Defence Future - Day One
Current threats to our safety almost make the Cold War seem benign
"In light of recent events, those threats during the menacing Cold War days from my childhood seem almost benign – even if they were anything but," writes David Pratt.
Battle ready? Expert warns UK shrinking military could damage Starmer's war focus
Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to make the UK 'battle ready' - but an expert has warned the shrinking military numbers could be a significant obstacle to the war focus.
Scotland ‘first in firing line’ if Russia attacks Nato
Defence experts warn Scotland’s bases would be Russia’s first UK targets in any Nato conflict, ahead of London.
We shouldn't focus on military spending - digital and energy is key
The real threat to our way of existence is not war and weapons, it's communications and energy argues Robin McAlpine.
Jim Murphy: 'Volatility, instability and competition defines this new security paradigm'
The former Secretary of State for Scotland warns that the post-Cold War order is in jeopardy. The UK must re-arm and Scotland, he argues, is central to this new age of defence.
Amid Russian threats, should Scots keep ‘war supplies' at home like Nordic nations?
People in Finland, Sweden and Norway keep extra supplies at home in case of war or a national emergency. Should Scots do the same?
I witnessed RAF intercept Russian jets. Putin's latest breach matters
RAF Lossiemouth intercepted at least 50 Russian jets in Estonia in a four-month period in 2023. But the latest airspace breach matters.
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