Alan Bissett: Last News

Scottish Game of Thrones actor John Stahl has died aged 68.

hate crime legislation. The SNP minister said he wants the plans to become a "force for good" and pledged to "reflect on whether there needs to be changes made and how these could be done in an appropriate and effective way".

Rowan Atkinson is among the high-profile figures to have signed a letter expressing opposition to the Scottish Government’s Hate Crime Bill.

limit freedom of expression.The comedy legend has joined more than 20 prominent cultural figures in signing a letter which calls on Holyrood ministers to make significant changes to the new legislation.Artists who have previously backed independence are also among those to sign, including crime writer Val McDermid, actress Elaine C Smith, and playwright Alan Bissett.Justice secretary Humza Yousaf has said the Hate Crime bill would strike the right balance between respecting freedom of speech and tackling hate speech.But opposition parties have raised concerns about the proposals, particularly with regard to elements of the new law aimed at preventing "stirring up hatred".Last month the Scottish Police Federation said the new hate crime law