Alex Salmond’s Alba Party polling position revealed Alex Salmond’s return to front line politics looked set to falter last night, after bombshell new polling suggested there was little appetite among Scots for his newly-formed Alba Party. A new Survation poll saw Alba trailing behind all five of Scotland’s major parties, Meanwhile, the poll suggested that the SNP enjoys a commanding lead in the list vote, polling at 37 per cent. Read the full results here Stay local: Stay-at-home order lifted in Scotland from today A gradual step forward today, but a most welcome one. From today, April 2, the stay at home message is being replaced by the stay local message, meaning Scots can travel within their local authority area for non-essential purposes for the first time this year. The order to stay at home had been in place across mainland Scotland since Christmas. Here are the changes from today. Fascinating Scottish place names derived from foreign shores There are thousands of place names of Caledonian origin to be found around the globe, each of them serving as a potent reminder of the countless Scots who have left these shores in search for a better life over the centuries. Peep through the opposite end of the looking glass, however, and we find that examples of foreign place names here in Scotland are thin on the ground. Setting off by car from California at 11am and arriving in Moscow by noon, David McLean take a tour around 7 Scottish place names derived from foreign shores. Here are 14 breathtaking Scottish islands readers can't wait to visit after lockdown Travel restrictions are set to be eased in Scotland in a little less than a month’s time and thoughts are turning to exploring our beautiful country. We're expecting an explosion of travel within Scotland this summer when that happens, which is why today we've launched our campaign Rediscover Scotland with the aim of reconnecting readers with all that is good about our country. We will be showcase all that is best on offer – from events and gigs, beer gardens to walking boots, midge cream to hilltop views and taking reader recommendations. We asked you on our Facebook page for your favourite island getaways and you did not disappoint. Luxury pad with backdrop of Edinburgh Castle hits the market Our top pick from the property section this week. Located on Castle Hill, just off the Royal Mile, this beautiful property dating back to 1760 is a particularly fine example of a modernised duplex apartment set amidst landscaped private gardens. And it has a very famous backdrop, peek through the keyhole here Thanks for reading, have a great weekend, Sam Shedden, [email protected] | 