Snapshots of the past: newly released papers cast new light on the big political and social issues of the late 1980s.

Hampden gig seats sold for twice face value on Ticketmaster websites.

What can we expect from the new year? Sunday Herald writers and experts give their predictions

AFGHANISTAN: Losing the battle for Afghan hearts and minds. By Julius Cavendish in Kabul

FRANCE: Low viewing figures for film flattering Sarkozy’s glamorous wife
From Hugh Schofield in Paris

SRI LANKA: Bombings in capital as troops target rebel strongholds
From Ranga Sirilal in Colombo

SUNDAY HERALD EDITORIAL

Iain Macwhirter on forecasting

Tom Shields on Israeli bombings

CELTIC 2 - 2 DUNDEE UTD
Stewart Fisher at Celtic Park

HAMILTON 2 - 0 ABERDEEN
Mark Walker at New Douglas Park

ST MIRREN 0 - 0 MOTHERWELL
Ron McKay at Love Street

Calls to capitalise on European Investment Fund comes as Scottish businesses struggle for liquidity.

BUSINESS COMMENT: By Ron Hewitt

Shake up of television commissioning set to benefit independents... but uncertainty elsewhere.

Behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil.

From Hollywood A-listers, celebrity chefs and provocative artists to political heavyweights, visionary musicians and vulnerable communities … the Sunday Herald Magazine’s writing team got up close and personal with them all this past year in lively and informative interviews, reviews and reportage. As we prepare to revamp our features coverage into two great new magazines, we present a selection of the very best bits. Enjoy...

Antony Hegarty laughs, half-hiding his face with embarrassment behind his loose black cardigan. “I used to be a go-go dancer,” he says. “People said I had nice legs.” Interview by Graeme Green.

‘If a dad gets something wrong, it’s not cast up for weeks after the event. It’s regarded as endearing.’

‘I’ll forgo the jog or swim and stick with my traditional January exercise of turning book pages nice and slowly.’