What Scotland's Saying

Morning Edition

Scotland woke in a buoyant mood about the national men's side, and the name repeated most often is Lawrence Shankland. The sense is not merely hopeful but specific: people want him leading the line, want him to be the player opponents have to plan for. One prominent figure from within the squad has apparently told fans to expect something to remember, a promise that has landed well after a comfortable result against Curacao.

Celtic's women completed a Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers, and the conversation has not rested there. There is a feeling, expressed with some care, that this is not a moment to be celebrated in isolation but the beginning of something more structural. Rangers' manager was candid about the penalty shootout that settled the match, which people seem to have appreciated more than a deflection would have allowed.

At St Mirren, the off-field situation is producing the particular weariness Scottish football fans reserve for clubs that appear to be circling the same problems repeatedly.

The Nicola Sturgeon coverage is uncomfortable in its texture. Front pages featuring emotional public appearances and demands for a formal inquiry within the SNP are being read closely, and largely in silence.

A convicted doctor's case is prompting calls for others to come forward, with the strong implication that what has been prosecuted does not represent the full extent of what occurred.

Scotland this morning is quietly proud of some things, and quietly troubled by others, and not entirely sure which column is larger.