Discover why subscribing to The National for a year at £20 is a smart choice, from exclusive coverage to engaging content.
London, United Kingdom Jul 25, 2026 ALN: WE'RE offering an entire year of access to The National for just £20 as part of our summer sale – and what better way to convince you to join than with a themed list?
1. We're the only pro-independence daily paper in Scotland. It's been 12 years since the referendum, and the media is still overwhelmingly pro-Union despite around half of Scots wanting out of it. The National positions itself as a voice for those advocating for Scottish independence, providing coverage that reflects the perspectives and aspirations of those who support this cause. In a media landscape where pro-Union sentiments dominate, The National aims to offer a counter-narrative that resonates with a significant portion of the Scottish population.
2. When you have a journalist from The National at a press conference or huddle, we put forward the questions our readers actually want answered ... not what's been pre-decided by the lobby pack. This commitment to authentic journalism allows us to serve our audience better, ensuring that the issues that matter most to them are brought to the forefront during critical discussions and events.
3. Despite the decline of newspapers, front pages still have a huge amount of influence over the wider media's coverage. We get otherwise uncovered stories onto the media agenda that way. The National's ability to shape the conversation around important issues reflects a broader trend in media, where the power of print remains significant, particularly when it comes to influencing public discourse and policy.
4. Across Scotland, we massively punch above our weight when it comes to setting the agenda. We break important stories that are covered by legacy media outlets because they're so unavoidable, whether on donations to politicians, the constitution, land reform, human rights or culture. This ability to spotlight critical issues underlines The National's role as a key player in Scottish journalism, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
5. Our live coverage is pretty much unbeatable. We're often first to the story in Scotland, so much so that people spoof our social media breaking news alerts. With a subscription, you won't ever miss those urgent breaking stories. In an era where timely information is crucial, our commitment to delivering news as it happens positions us as a reliable source for our readers.
6. With our Westminster correspondent, we're shaking things up in London. Imagine that – a journalist from a progressive paper hassling the likes of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting ... and soon, Anas Sarwar. They don't like it much, but when we're in the same building, there isn't much they can do about it. This dynamic approach to reporting on Westminster highlights our commitment to holding power to account, regardless of political affiliations.
7. Something else Labour and Reform don't like is our Fact Checks. We host a regular Fact Check service against those big claims that need to be debunked. It started out as just the big common Unionist myths, but now we'll take on everything from arms sales to the economy, or toxic viral social media claims. In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, our Fact Check service plays a vital role in promoting informed public discourse and ensuring that our readers have access to accurate information.
8. And on the economy ... we have a brilliant, varied team of contributors who write on that topic. Our columnists and newsletter writers tackle the big stories of Scotland's economy, and of course what it would look like should we become an independent nation. Richard Murphy, Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, Scotland's Resilient Economy, Common Weal and more, they all offer an interesting perspective without the scaremongering. This diverse range of voices enriches the conversation around economic issues, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of Scotland's financial landscape.
9. We hold Labour to account, without pandering to the right. We challenge them on everything from foreign policy to their plans for the welfare state, while also scrutinising the Branch Office lot at Holyrood. Don't miss our Branch Office Updates newsletter every week. This commitment to accountability ensures that political parties are held to their promises and that the interests of the Scottish public are prioritized.
10. We've always spoken up for Palestine. Our coverage of Israel's bombardment of Gaza has led to policy changes and even resulted in us raising more than £200,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians. We've been consistent while others sat on the fence. Our editorial stance on international issues reflects a commitment to human rights and social justice, resonating with readers who value ethical reporting.
11. When we say refugees are welcome here, we mean it. Our coverage has led to Home Office U-turns and offered crucial insight into life in the UK as an asylum seeker. We have also been recognised repeatedly at the Scottish Refugee Media Awards and nominated for Amnesty's Media Awards for our coverage in this area. This recognition underscores our dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and highlighting their stories in a compassionate and informed manner.
12. Our columnist and contributor line-up is the best in Scotland. You probably won't agree with everything they say, but you'll enjoy joining the debate. This diversity of opinion fosters a vibrant public discourse, encouraging readers to engage critically with the issues that matter most to them.
13. Our multimedia offering is pretty great, with live podcasts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1pm, and lots of in-depth interviews on YouTube. There's also our thriving short-form video content and shareable explainers. BTW, make sure you're following us on TikTok and Instagram. By embracing various media formats, we aim to reach a broader audience and engage with readers on multiple platforms, enhancing their experience and understanding of the news.
14. We run in-depth series on the issues Scotland cares about. Our energy past and future, the risks of green freeports, the truth about arms sales, council tax reform ... we don't shy away from the intimidating topics. This commitment to thorough analysis ensures that our readers are well-informed about complex issues that impact their lives and communities.
15. We involve our readers. We often invite them to contribute to special articles and get their questions for key figures ahead of major interviews. We also take their feedback seriously and we're always looking to grow and develop. This interactive approach fosters a sense of community among our readers, making them feel valued and heard.
16. Michael Gove really hates us and you'd be annoying him by taking out a subscription. This tongue-in-cheek remark highlights our unapologetic stance on issues that matter to our readership, showcasing our commitment to challenging the status quo.
17. Our newsletters are brilliant. Some offer a look behind the scenes in the newsroom, others a special focus on the state of the media, some insider news from Westminster. These newsletters provide added value to our rs, offering insights that go beyond traditional news reporting.
18. We're not just politics and news. We're culture, music, literature, travel and more, which you'll get full access to with a subscription. This holistic approach to journalism reflects the diverse interests of our readership, ensuring that we cater to a wide array of topics that resonate with them.
19. We want to build a better Scotland, not talk it down like some media outlets. Our positive and constructive approach to journalism aims to inspire readers and encourage them to engage with the issues that affect their communities.
20. The National turned 10 in 2024, but Scotland still isn't independent. We've got a job to finish, so join us and help us get across the line. This call to action emphasizes the ongoing journey towards independence and the role that informed journalism plays in shaping Scotland's future.
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