Good morning, How was your weekend? We’ve got a slightly different newsletter today but today’s stories are at the bottom as usual. The biggest thing happening right now is undoubtedly the US elections, with Americans going to the polls tomorrow. It’s a huge deal for us. That’s right, a huge deal for The Scotsman, a proudly Scottish news organisation. To explain why you should visit our website before, during and after the result I’d like to introduce you to our election team so they can detail why this election matters for Scots and what we will offer you. Don't forget, you can gain unlimited access to our expert analysis, award-winning journalists and Scottish news with a digital subscription. You can support us from as little as £3 a month here. Thank you. Meet the Team Joshua King, live news editor I'll be on through the night overseeing the breaking news operation as The Scotsman's Live New Team brings you up to the minute news, analysis and reaction. On a personal level, as a politics geek, I can't wait to get stuck in. But more importantly, the election has ramifications around the world, especially here in Scotland. What would another Trump victory mean for the food we eat and the cars we drive, for instance? How would a Biden America work with an independent Scotland? What happens over there very much matters over here. Martyn McLaughlin, investigations correspondent I’ve been named Daily Reporter of the Year at the Regional Press Awards for two years running for my stories about Donald Trump’s businesses in Scotland, and their finances. I’ll be reporting and providing analysis of US election results throughout the night. I wouldn’t miss it - how could any self-respecting journalist? It’s an seismic event with the capacity to reshape the world around it/ The US, let's not forget, is Scotland’s biggest single foreign market. At the risk of understatement, it should be an interesting night. Crystal Chesters, search engine optimisation (SEO) content editor My team is producing a series of search-optimised explainers around the US Election, with topics including our 2020 election jargon buster, 'What are the swing states in this election?' and 'When will the next president take office?' These are being published in the run-up to the election, and following the results, we will answer the questions people have about the future presidential term. Iain Pope, specialist editor I love election nights and try not to miss them for the world. Truth is I would be up watching this election anyway...this way I get paid for it too, so what is not to like? This year, in a multi-location newsroom (i.e our kitchens and bedrooms) covering the minute-by-minute results is going to be even more of a challenge than ever before. But we have been planning hard and we have a good team working through the small hours manning the live blog, offering analysis and updating our graphics, so fingers crossed it will be alright on the night. Dale Miller, deputy head of content I’ll be helping to co-ordinate the overall presentation of our US election coverage and overseeing our political analysis. Like it or not, incumbent US president Donald Trump is intrinsically linked to Scotland through his business assets and family connections. His post-election fate will cause ripples here - will Trump’s attention turn more to Scotland if he loses the presidency after just one term? I’m excited to analyse the fallout for Scotland. Liv McMahon, recent journalism graduate, freelancer I’m really looking forward to joining The Scotsman team for election night, having harboured a low-key obsession with US politics since studying it as a teen. To try and make the night’s events slightly more straightforward and entertaining, I’ll be helping the team present the latest results and information through engaging graphics and data visualisation throughout the night. Conor Matchett, live politics reporter I will be covering the immediate aftermath of the results first thing in the morning, and will be likely checking on reaction from political leaders across Scotland and the UK. This election is huge, Donald Trump has many financial fingers in Scottish pies and Joe Biden is well-thought of by Holyrood leaders. Who wins will change the country's relationship with the US, with a Biden win likely reducing the influence from Trump on Scottish politics. It's also the most important election for the Democrats in history, and could be the first instance of the turning of the tide of right-wing populism. Conor Marlborough, live reporter I will be coordinating our coverage of the US election results on the night, and will be running a live blog to keep readers up-to-date with the latest developments. I'm excited to cover the election because of the huge implications the result could have for people around the world. Americans have to choose between two dramatically different candidates with opposing views of the United States' role in the world. With a record voter turnout predicted, control of the US Senate hanging in the balance, and a complex electoral college system to navigate, readers could be in for an explosive evening.
Now you've met the people behind the news. We hope you can join them on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Sam Shedden, [email protected] |