Holyrood 446 / 18 May 2020

Exclusive interview with Douglas Ross MP on his transition from dairyman to minister. Plus, the Holyrood baby at four years old: Protecting vulnerable children such as Kirsty during lockdown.

3 Editor’s note
Nicola Sturgeon has asked for our trust, she has had our cooperation, we have responded to her calls to lockdown, to pull up the shutters, to stay at home, and save lives

5 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
The trials of trying to get a jump start during a pandemic

8 Political Spotlight: Four nations divided
While the UK entered lockdown together, it now appears the four nations will exit separately

10 The Holyrood baby: Kirsty at four
Kirsty is spending her fourth birthday in lockdown

14 Interview: Maree Todd
The minister for children and young people on supporting vulnerable children during the pandemic

18 Opposition Voices: Colin Smyth
The South of Scotland MSP and shadow cabinet secretary for the rural economy on lockdown with his family

20 Cover Story: Douglas Ross
The MP for Moray and junior Scotland Office minister shares his controversial views on cows

24 Feature: Home education
Resources have moved online but pupils still face huge barriers to learning in lockdown

THE COVID PAGES

27 At a glance: What’s new from the past two weeks

28 Feature: Homeless people may be struggling the most with lockdown

29 Getting to know you: Barnardo’s children’s services manager Marie Pye

30 Freedom of information: Scrutiny is more important now than ever

31 On the [home] desk: Ken Macintosh on family exercise and the view from his conservatory