First Minister John Swinney led Parliament in a Motion of Condolence for Christina McKelvie MSP, who sadly died on 27 March.
Party leaders, government Ministers and MSPs from across the chamber joined the First Minister in paying tribute to Christina, in the presence of her family.
The First Minister said: “Every cause to which Christina devoted herself was underpinned by the core values that she held throughout her life – equalities, fairness and social justice.
“She was a lifelong campaigner on nuclear disarmament. A proud feminist. A staunch socialist, a committed Trade Unionist. A nationalist and an internationalist – deeply devoted to Scotland realising her potential as an independent nation at the heart of Europe.
“In all, Christina made every day count. Even in recent years, when facing her cancer diagnosis, Christina was still thinking of others. She publicly encouraged women to check themselves and to attend their screening appointments.
“She was so passionate about trying to improve the lives of others through her work as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol policy, that she was determined not to step back from her duties until she absolutely had to last summer.
“Christina was a much-loved member of the SNP family, but it was of course her own family that brought her the greatest happiness in her life. Everyone who knew Christina and her partner – our parliamentary colleague and my Party’s Deputy Leader, Keith Brown – could see how much happiness that they have brought each other. She always spoke of her pride in her sons Jack and Lewis as they grew up. And more recently, Christina had the unbridled joy of becoming a Granny.
“I express my deepest sympathy, and that of the government, to all of Christina’s family and friends at their very personal loss.
“In Christina’s heart, there was room for all of us. She was one of the kindest and the most generous people I have ever met in my life. My government has lost an outstanding Minister. My party has lost one of its finest Parliamentarians. And many people – of all parties and of none – have lost a true friend.
“But I know that we will all feel the glow of Christina’s warmth for years to come.”
About Christina
Christina was born on 4 March 1968. She became an MSP in 2007 latterly representing Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from 2011.
She was Minister for Equalities from 2018 to 2023, when she became Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and was Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy from February 2024.
As an MSP she was Convener or the European and External Relations Committee and a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe between 2016 and 2018, and then Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee from September 2016 until she was appointed a Minister in 2018.
Christina was a long standing and active member of the SNP and was also a trade unionist with Unison during her time working in social work services in Glasgow.
The Scottish Parliament has opened an online book of condolence. Comments left online will be collated and sent to Christina’s family.
US investors invited to Edinburgh for a Global Investment Summit to help boost jobs and investment
Jobs and investment in Scotland will be top of the agenda today [Thursday 3 April] when Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, Lord Mayor of London Alastair King and Scottish Financial Enterprise Chief Executive Sandy Begbie meet key sectors in a series of meetings in New York during Tartan Week.
In a co-ordinated effort aimed at boosting growth in Scotland they will invite companies to attend the Scottish Investor Summit – organised by Scottish Financial Enterprise and The City of London Corporation – to be held in Edinburgh in October this year.
The event will be key to encouraging inward investment in Scotland – investment which can boost Scotland’s economy, create well paid jobs and boost living standards, putting more money back in people’s pockets.
The New York meetings will showcase Scotland’s key strengths in financial services, clean energy and life sciences to international investors. This will be held at the UK Consul General’s residence in New York and at the offices of BlackRock, a global investment management corporation with a significant presence in Scotland.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “At a time when we are celebrating Scotland on the international stage, we want to highlight the exceptional investment opportunities in innovative industries.
“These meetings and roundtables are at the heart of Brand Scotland, selling the nation on the global stage. By strengthening these international partnerships through our Plan for Change, we’re laying the groundwork for the Edinburgh Global Investment Summit.”
Lord Mayor of London Alastair King said: “Tartan week is not just an opportunity to celebrate the strong cultural and economic links between Scotland and the US, it is also a chance to deepen them further especially in financial services.
“That is why I am in New York speaking to major US businesses and investors and promoting the forthcoming Scottish Investment Summit in Edinburgh in October
“The theme of my mayoralty is ‘growth unleashed’, aiming to reignite the City’s appetite for positive risk and fully leverage the white heat of new technology to fuel economic growth across the United Kingdom. One of the best ways to do that is through greater cooperation with the US in financial services – which is a major part of both the Scottish and wider UK economy.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise Sandy Begbie CBE said: “Tartan week is an excellent example of the soft power which Scotland commands across the globe, but especially in the US. These roundtables provide just a small taste of the investment opportunity in Scotland.
“The Scottish investment summit later this year will showcase in detail the very best of Scotland’s financial services, renewables and life science to global investors. This coupled with opportunities to engage with government stakeholders and investment prospects highlight the unique opportunity the summit will bring.”
The Scottish investment summit, to be held in Edinburgh in October, will bring together major global investors, UK industry leaders, higher education institutions, and government representatives. Around 150 senior-level attendees are expected at the summit, with at least half representing significant global investors.
The summit will showcase the investments that have already been made, as well as the rationale behind why firms made the decision to invest in Scotland and what have been the returns and benefits to them as a result. It will also provide opportunities for investors to engage with investment prospects that currently exist in our investment pipeline, as well as government and regulatory stakeholders.
The Secretary of State for Scotland @ianmurraymp will sign a historic agreement with @EdinburghTattoo in Washington DC on 1 April. It will see one of Scotland's most iconic cultural institutions support Brand Scotland in the US and around the world. pic.twitter.com/8gjfzu1NXG
— UK Government Scotland (@UKGovScotland) March 31, 2025
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is ‘further strengthening diplomatic, cultural and business ties with the United States’ during a five-day visit this week to Washington DC and New York.
As part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, Brand Scotland is boosting economic growth by promoting Scottish products and services and while attracting international inward investment.
While in Washington, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray signed a strategic partnership agreement with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to promote Scotland worldwide.
As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, Brand Scotland supports delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth. This new partnership aims to support Scottish businesses in trading internationally, encouraging foreign direct investment, and promoting Scottish culture globally.
Thirty performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including pipers, drummers, fiddle players and dancers have accompanied the Secretary of State on his visit to the United States. They kicked off with a performance at Washington’s iconic Capitol building to mark the beginning of Tartan Week.
After an amazing show in Glasgow, we’re thrilled to reunite with our Hoolie friends—this time in New York!
Join us this Saturday at @carnegiehall for Scotland’s Hoolie in New York!
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “Scotland has an enviable international reputation, with our culture, products and services renowned worldwide.This partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural institutions – will help us champion Brand Scotland across the world.
“Kickstarting growth is the key to delivering the government’s Plan For Change, and selling Scotland to the world will deliver that. This Tartan Week we will be celebrating Scottish culture and seeking new opportunities for growth. I can think of no better way to start than with a performance by the Tattoo in front of an iconic building.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are delighted to partner with Brand Scotland to bring the very best of Scotland to the USA for Tartan Week.
“Showcasing Scottish heritage on the global stage is at the heart of the Tattoo, and we are thrilled to inspire audiences while promoting Scotland not just in the USA, but around the world.”
The Tattoo has long been a cultural ambassador for Scotland, and their presence in the US and on future trade missions will encourage investment and promote Scottish business through performances and profile. The Tattoo Performers will also march with the Secretary of State down 6th Avenue in New York as part of the annual Tartan Day parade on Saturday 5 April.
The Tattoo will go on to support Brand Scotland trade missions in Japan and Australia later in the year.
Modular building will provide essential services for local community until longer-term solution agreed
A new temporary library is being proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School, providing Blackhall Library’s key services while plans are developed for a long-term replacement for the previous building at Hillhouse Road.
Blackhall Library has been closed since September 2023, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RACC).
Options to replace the RAAC in the longer term are complex due to the extent of work required, the potential costs and the wider condition of the building.
The Council’s latest budget, agreed last month, includes a planned £15m to sustainably replace Blackhall Library.
A 12-week community engagement exercise will open after the Easter break to consider options (including refurbishing the existing building, rebuilding it or relocating to another site) to help find the preferred longer-term solution.
It is estimated it could take three to four years to deliver the final solution.
A mobile library service has been provided since Blackhall Library’s closure, but the limited space means it isn’t possible to deliver the full range of library services that residents expect.
The new temporary building is planned to open in the autumn, with construction works beginning in the summer break to avoid disruption to the school.
It will include provision for both children’s and adult libraries alongside dedicated areas for teens, studying and a multi-purpose meeting space. The building will be fenced off from the rest of the school site with segregated access. Opening hours are still to be determined, but will be different from school hours to prevent congestion at the start and end of the school day.
A number of improvements are also proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School as part of the scheme. These include improving the path outside the existing school gate and library site entrance to address concerns around congestion, cutting back hedges blocking the pavement opposite the school, and improving the junction crossing point either side of school entrances with a new continuous footway to make this safer for pedestrians. Parking restrictions immediately outside the school boundary will also be strengthened.
Further improvements to the school and wider area are being considered and a working group involving the project team, the school management team and parent council representatives has been established for the duration of the project.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We know how important it is that people across Blackhall and Davidson’s Mains have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible for them.
“That’s why we’re proposing a temporary library at Davidson’s Mains Primary School until a long term solution can be delivered. At the same time, we’re improving access around the school site to create a safer environment for everyone.
“We want to make sure the school and local community are involved in how the service is delivered and the types of activities that will take place at the replacement library. The school will be able to make use of the facility, and we hope that the closer relationship with the school will bring wider benefits for learning for all.
“We also want to ensure that the longer-term solution delivers the best possible outcome for everyone who uses these services, and we look forward to hearing from residents and people across the local community when we launch our consultation on the full replacement for Blackhall Library in the spring.”
The Council is submitting a Planning Application for the temporary facility. The working group, with the school and Parent Council representatives, will continue throughout the process of delivering the temporary library facility and associated improvements.
Wider community engagement and consultation on the longer-term solution for the library will commence after the Easter break, with details to be published in due course.
Actor Nicholas Ralph will take to the stage as part of the extraordinary Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert this May.
The Scottish performer, of Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece television series All Creatures Great and Small, is set to tread the boards of the Usher Hall in Edinburgh as Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland celebrate 80 years since the end of World War Two on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – two days prior to VE Day.
He’ll be joined by Scots singer/songwriter Cammy Barnes, as well as both the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who will perform a varied programme of stirring music befitting the strength and resilience of the wartime generation.
Nicholas said: “I am thrilled to have been asked to participate in Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert. It will be an absolute honour to take to the stage with a short performance in front of many of our nation’s current and former members of the Armed Forces.
“I look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day.”
The concert will also feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans, some of whom will be present on the evening, to reflect on the past and celebrate the enduring spirit of service.
It is being narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as the evenings compere.
Captain Ann Millar RM, Band Director, said: “The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland are delighted to be involved in the VE80 concert.
“We as a band take huge pride in delivering music to the highest standard and are very much looking forward to working with all the other acts to bring Scotland an evening of musical excellence as well as a fitting tribute to commemorate the men and women, both serving and civilian whose courage 80 years ago led to Victory in Europe.
“We are planning an evening with a full, varied and entertaining programme, featuring moments of poignancy, celebration and tradition in equal parts; it will be an honour to be part of something so profound and special in such an iconic setting in the heart of Edinburgh.”
A spokesperson for the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “For the Band, it is a privilege to be supporting Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, who we have a long history of supporting and whom carry out outstanding work for both serving and ex-members of HM Armed Forces.
“It is not often where both premier military music ensembles can join forces and this occasion is definitely not to be missed.”
All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”
Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, are available now and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.
Edinburgh based VPZ recently took the streets surrounding Holyrood in a youth vaping awareness campaign to highlight concerns around super-size disposable vapes in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
A specially designed trailer sat outside the Scottish Parliament to shed light on the alarming rise of illicit ‘Big Puff’ vapes and its impact on youth vaping.
Alongside the trailer’s journey, there was a gathering of 20 that supported the campaign cause and raised awareness on the importance of the ban on those illicit devices.
The trailer featured two striking 1-tonne containers, one filled with legal 2ml vapes (35000 units) and the other packed with illicit, super-size disposable vapes (9000 units), showcasing the stark visual representation of the challenges the industry and policymakers could face if appropriate measures are not taken.
So-called ‘Big Puff’ vapes exploit a loophole in the vaping law that allows the sale of devices with greater liquid capacity than the legislated 2 ml.
By utilising an external plug-in tank of 10 ml, these vaping units effectively become a 12 ml product, which is 6 times more than the allowed vaping liquid in a disposable device. New devices are being approved by the MHRA weekly, some with more capacity than 12ml.
Despite being considered rechargeable, the super-size vape products are made with a low-quality battery, and an unchangeable coil which effectively makes them single use.
Greig Fowler, Director of VPZ – The Vaping Specialist, said: “We hope that our campaign has served as a wake-up call to policymakers and the public, as it’s crucial that MPs act now to address the dangers of these super-sized disposables before the UK finds itself in the midst of another youth and environmental crisis.
“VPZ is taking a stand against the dangers posed by the unregulated vaping products that threaten to undermine the forthcoming disposable ban in June. Our mission is to highlight the urgent need for action and collaboration to tackle these arising issues to the public.
“Dr Caroline Johnson outlined amendment NC9 which would bring this area into check, however, that was discussed and rejected following a vote. The problem needs addressed now and not in 12-18 months’ time when the Bill is passed.
“If we fail to respond decisively now, we risk further harm to young people, an environmental disaster, and undermining vaping’s role as a smoking cessation tool, which has helped millions to quit smoking.
“We must work together to strike the right balance, protecting smokers and ex-smokers while preventing further damage to public health and the environment.”
VPZ strongly supports most of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill measures to tackle youth access, including restriction of naming, packaging, and marketing.
However, VPZ believes that there should be a balanced regulatory approach to protect adult smokers looking to quit while effectively cracking down on illicit and unregulated products in order for the UK to reach its 2030 Smoke-Free goals.
VPZ has previously warned adult vapers that the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill could restrict some the favourite flavours that helped them quit smoking, potentially affecting around 3 million vapers and ex-smokers if passed.
VPZ has over 185 stores in the UK and has helped over 1 million smokers quit since it was established in 2012.
Number of people receiving the highest level of support across UC and other benefits has increased by 50% since the start of the pandemic
Figures show 1.8 million people now in Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) category as broken Work Capability Assessment continues to push people out of work.
New figures emerge ahead of proposals to reform health and disability benefits and builds on the plan to get Britain working.
1.8 million people on Universal Credit are getting no support to find work, according to latest data.
Whilst an increase was expected, as people move from other benefits to Universal Credit, the rise has increased above expectations, with the number of people receiving the highest level of support across UC and other benefits increasing 50% since the start of the pandemic, between February 2020 and August 2024.
The government is already taking action to get people into work through its plan to get Britain working which will empower local mayors to tackle economic inactivity, overhaul Jobcentres, and deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning.
Building on the biggest employment reforms for a generation, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is due to announce radical welfare reforms to create a thriving and inclusive labour market – as part of the government’s Plan for Change to unlock work, boost growth and raise living standards.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon. Liz Kendall MP, said: “Millions of people have been locked out of work by a failing welfare system which abandons people – when we know there are at least 200,000 people who want to work, and are crying out for the right support and a fair chance.
“This government is determined to fix the broken benefits system we inherited so it genuinely supports people, unlocks work, boosts living standards while putting the welfare bill on a more sustainable footing.”
In the current ‘dysfunctional’ system, a person is placed in binary categories of either “fit for work” or “not fit for work” through the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) – an assessment the government has said it will either reform or replace, so it no longer drives people who want to work to a life on benefits.
Through this process, those not fit for work are told they have Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) – meaning they won’t receive employment support or further engagement from the system at any point following their assessment – effectively abandoning and locking them out of work indefinitely.
The current system, in which people 25 and over on the standard rate of UC get £393.45 a month and those with a health condition get an additional £416.19, gives an incentive for people to say they can’t work – and get locked out of help and support – simply to get by financially.
Over the past five years, 67% of people on Universal Credit who have been through a WCA were considered LCWRA – a symptom of the assessment system pushing people to prove their inability to work for a more generous payout.
The Labour government says it has ‘hit the ground running’ to tackle health-related inactivity at its root, improving the country’s wellness by investing £26 billion in the NHS, delivering 2 million extra appointments to tackle medical waiting lists, and hiring an extra 8,500 mental health workers, so people get the treatment they need to stay healthy and in work.
This comes alongside the £250 million plan to get Britain working and the recently announced 1,000 Work Coaches will be redeployed to offer intensive employment support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people – a ‘downpayment’ on Labour’s plan ‘to restore fairness to our welfare system’.
Keith is a local volunteer for the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh that helps older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Keith gets the bus or walks to the homes of older and disabled people in EH3, EH4 and EH5 (and further abound!) who have booked some DIY work with the charity.
Keith has completed 50 jobs since August 2022 in the area which has included changing many lightbulbs, and he is up a ladder in a whizz!
This is the most popular job that Keith does and can make so much difference to someone who only has one bulb as the main light source in a room. Another popular request is changing lightbulbs in fridges and hanging curtains or setting up a new laptop.
Keith goes that extra mile and has done jobs like typing up simplified instructions on how to use a mobile phone for an older person. In many cases, just visiting the client makes a big difference to them especially if they are housebound and have had few visitors.
2025 is the 40th anniversary of the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh who provide practical help around the homes of the elderly and disabled residents of Edinburgh.
The charity, which was based in Leith, was established in 1985 with the premise of “helping elderly people who are in most need and whose homes require repair or improvement”.
Forty years later the charity still provides affordable DIY and repairs for older and disabled residents of Edinburgh, however the services and the number of people being helped has dramatically increased.
Between a four-year period of 1985 to 1989 670 clients were helped but in 2025 the charity will help nearly that number of elderly and disabled people in one month!
In 2024 Care & Repair Edinburgh carried out over 6,000 DIY jobs around the homes of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable residents.
This has ranged from changing lightbulbs and putting up pictures through the Volunteer Service or installing keysafes so that an older person can stay independent in their own home with a little bit of help from friends, family members or carers. Small electrical repairs have been carried, which have included changing cracked light fittings and socket plates.
The joiner has fixed sash cords in windows, installed grab rails and handrails so clients can get out into their garden or installed shelves and curtain poles to make a house more homely.
Interestingly the age range of clients that the charity has helped has also changed over the years. In 1985 only 17% of the clients were over 80 years’ old, while today the figure is more than 46% and 11over 100-year-olds were supported last year.
Care & Repair Edinburgh’s Director, Allison Strachan, said: “It is wonderful to see the difference that we can make to the lives of the elderly and disabled residents in Edinburgh, and we receive such kind feedback from clients.
“Sometimes what seems like an impossible job for an elderly person who does not have very good mobility, for example climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb can be done by our wonderful volunteers in a flash!”
Today Care and Repair Edinburgh help older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Please get in touch with Care & Repair Edinburgh if you think we can help you and need some practical work carried out around your home or you would like to volunteer or make a donation so that this Edinburgh institution can carry on for another 40 years.
2024 officially one of the worst years on record for UK butterflies
More than half of UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline for the first time on record
Small Tortoiseshell had its worst year ever and is in long-term decline
Common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and the wider countryside had their second-worst year since 1976
51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023
Newly released data has shown that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time on record, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline.
Nine species had their worst year since counting began, including the much-loved Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper.
Worryingly, last year was also the second-worst year on record for ‘wider countryside species’ – the common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and across the landscape such as Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Large White.
The figures come from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which has asked volunteers to count butterflies across the country since 1976 and now monitors more than 3,000 sites. The scheme is led by national charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
Overall, 2024 was the fifth worst year since records began for UK butterflies. Butterfly numbers always fluctuate annually, and last year’s low numbers are partly the result of a wet spring and relatively cool summer, however UKBMS data also show that 31 of the 59 resident UK species are now in long-term decline.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said:“I am devastated by the decline of our beloved British butterflies, and I’m sorry to say it has been brought about by human actions: we have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted the environment, used pesticides on an industrial scale and we are changing the climate.
“That means that when we have poor weather, these already-depleted butterfly populations are highly vulnerable and can’t bounce back like they once did – and with climate change, that unusual weather is becoming more and more usual.”
In total, 51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023, with just six species showing any increase.
Among the most concerning species is the Small Tortoiseshell: one of the most well-known butterflies in the UK, its bright colours and appearance in gardens have made it a recognisable favourite.
However, since the first UKBMS results in 1976, its abundance has plummeted by 86%. Numbers in 2023 were the worst ever at that point, and last year were down again.
Unlike many of the species that are faring worst, the Small Tortoiseshell is not a rarity confined to nature reserves but a ‘wider countryside species’, living in all parts of the UK and drinking nectar from a wide variety of flowers. Its caterpillars feed on stinging nettles.
Of the eight other species that had their worst year on record, Green-veined White, Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Small Copper are also wider countryside species.
The Green-veined White, one of the UK’s most widespread butterflies, is also now in significant long-term decline.
The Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Chalk Hill Blue, which also had their worst year on record, are already listed as threatened on the GB butterfly Red List.
These species all require specific habitat to thrive, and those habitats have been destroyed over the past century.
Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UKCEH, said: “These deeply concerning results from the UKBMS emphasise just how important it is to monitor and record our wildlife so we can target conservation efforts and protect our beloved species.
“Butterflies in particular are valuable not just in their own right but also as indicator species, meaning they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general.”
The UKBMS figures come after Butterfly Conservation declared a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency following the worst-ever results of its Big Butterfly Count last year.
Dr Fox said:“Most people will not be surprised by these results: all last summer we were inundated with people asking where the butterflies had gone and what they can do to help.
“By far the best thing we can do to help butterflies is to create more habitat. Last year we published research which showed that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass increases the number and variety of butterflies that you see.
“That is why we are calling on people and councils across the UK to pledge to not cut their grass this year from April to September: this simple act can make a real, immediate difference to butterflies, moths and other wildlife.”
Dr James Heywood, Bird Survey Organiser at BTO said:“We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of skilled volunteers who monitored butterflies last year at more than 3,000 sites as part of the UKBMS, as well the 300 volunteers who are recording both birds and butterflies at the same locations.
“The collective data, which reveal a concerning picture for so many species, will help to inform lasting, impactful conservation decisions. We will continue to support and encourage these brilliant citizen scientists to contribute to this scheme and ensure a better future for our amazing British wildlife.”
Steve Wilkinson, Director of Ecosystem Evidence & Advice at JNCC, said:“The results revealed by the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme highlights why robust wildlife monitoring is absolutely essential for conservation.
“Without the dedicated efforts of thousands of volunteers tracking butterfly numbers, we wouldn’t fully understand the scale of this decline. This comprehensive surveillance allows us to identify which species need urgent intervention, track long-term trends, and measure the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.
“The UKBMS data doesn’t just tell us about butterflies – it provides a critical indicator of the health of our wider environment. In the face of habitat loss and climate change, these monitoring schemes provide the evidence base we need to take meaningful action before it’s too late.”
Encouraging small businesses to thrive and foster collaboration amongst producers and food groups to promote local produce.
The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 funding for the sixth round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to Scottish food business for projects aimed at elevating Scotland’s food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best local produce the country has to offer.
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the Scottish economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
“However, we realise how vital engaging with regional markets is in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through remarkable initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing small projects the opportunity to promote and showcase their regional goods.
“This funding enables businesses to raise awareness of locally available produce to communities and showcase some of Scotland’s most exciting food and drink ventures.”
Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond said: “As the Regional Food Fund enters its sixth round, we look forward to reviewing a diverse range of applications.
“Over the years, the fund has supported everything from food and drink festivals and campaigns to collaborative initiatives showcasing the journey from field to fork. This highlights the strength of the desire for local produce and the growing food tourism scene in Scotland.
“The fund encourages regional collaboration and celebrates unique food and drink stories that continue to nurture and elevate Scotland’s thriving food culture, making it a renowned destination for food experiences.”
Just one in five (21%) older people say the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.
‘Older people living on a low income, with caring responsibilities, or with a health condition are more likely to have cut back on heating and food.’
Independent Age call on Scottish Government to create a Pensioner Poverty strategy.
A charity’s new annual index on the economic wellbeing of older people in Scotland has revealed the difficult reality of being on a low income in 2025.
‘Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index: Scotland 2024-25’, commissioned by Independent Age and conducted by the Diffley Partnership is a nationally representative poll of people aged 66 and over. This year marks the first year of the Index. The research will be repeated annually to track trends over time.
The Index shows that nearly one in five (19%) older people in Scotland have a household income of less than £15,000 a year, and paints a stark picture of difficulties in later life in income, costs, housing, quality of life and political representation. The research shows that certain groups are being particularly affected by the cost of living on a low income, including carers, people in one-person households and people living with a disability.
The number of older people in poverty is rising, with 156,000 or one in seven currently affected, a number that has risen by 25% in the last decade. Independent Age are calling for the Scottish Government to create a dedicated strategy to tackle this and for the UK Government to make sure that all social security payments provide enough to live on.
Income and financial wellbeing
The Index shows that older people across Scotland on a low income generally do not feel positive about their financial situation and that Government support for older people does not feel sufficient.
Just over one in five (22%) older people with an income of less than £15,000 rate their financial situation as good.
Three in five (61%) older people say the amount they receive from the State Pension isn’t enough to cover basic living expenses.
One in four (24%) older people with a health condition are not aware of Attendance Allowance/Pension Age Disability Payments.
One in four (24%) older women reported having an income of less than £15,000 compared to one in eight (13%) men.
Costs and cutbacks
Rising costs are hitting older people across Scotland, especially those living on a low income. Women, disabled people, carers and one-person households were found to be at particular risk of being financially forced to cut back on heating, skip meals and reduce social interaction.
Almost one in three (29%) older people in Scotland have skipped meals in the last 12 months
Less than half (47%) of older people in Scotland on an income of less than £15,000 are confident they will be able to pay their heating bills over next 12 months
Half (50%) of older people report that they have cut back on heating or utilities at least occasionally because of financial difficulties.
Over four in five (83%) older people with an income of less than £15,000 have cut back on heating or utilities.
Almost a third (32%) of older people with a health condition have skipped meals because of costs, compared to a fifth (21%) without a health condition.
Almost one in four (23%) women frequently or always cut back on heating or utilities, compared to one in six (17%) men.
Housing
The number of older private renters is rising across Scotland, yet this group often feel ignored by society. The Index shows that for too large a number, their housing situation is less than ideal.
People in the most deprived neighbourhoods (SIMD 1) are least likely to own their home outright and the most likely to rent from a social landlord compared to those in all other neighbourhoods (SIMD 2-5).
Older people renting from a private landlord were the least likely to say their home is ‘entirely suitable’ (40%) compared to those who own with a mortgage or loan (61%) or those who out-right owned (63%).
One in four (24%) older people report a challenge with the affordability of their housing, with it becoming unaffordable for them to live there.
Quality of life and political representation
Although most older Scottish residents polled said they are satisfied with their quality of life, most felt they were not well represented by political offices.
63% of people of pensionable age say they are not represented by the Scottish Government. This increases to 77% when it comes to the UK Government.
85% of older people supported the Scottish Government creating a pensioner poverty strategy and 81% supported the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner.
Across the board, older individuals with one or more health conditions are less likely to be satisfied with each aspect of life than those without any health conditions, including their quality of life as a whole (67%; 90%), their level of social interaction with others (66%; 83%), their general health (50%; 90%) and their ability to access public transport (54%; 73%).
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Managersaid: “In a fair and just society, no one should be living their later years cutting back on food or not using the heating. They shouldn’t be living in a home that doesn’t meet their needs. Our new Index paints a stark picture of the reality of living on a low income in Scotland in 2025.
“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to develop a Pensioner Poverty strategy to address the misery felt by a rising number of older Scots on a low income. This should set out actions to boost incomes and social security take up and improve housing affordability and energy efficiency.
“They should also work to create an Older People’s Commissioner who could make sure that the voices of older people across Scotland are heard in policy making. Also, the UK Government must make sure that the social security payments that they control are adequate to live on.
“An Index to measure the economic wellbeing of older people across Scotland is overdue. We know that many in this group feel ignored by wider society, and that the poverty facing many of them isn’t given the attention it needs. We hope that the Index will change that.”
Mark Diffley, Founder and Director of the Diffley Partnershipsaid: “This important new survey provides valuable insight into the challenges older Scots face and highlights areas where support is needed, particularly for those on low incomes.
“Many are struggling financially and feel poorly supported and represented by government bodies and political representatives. Cost cutting behaviours are pervasive amongst older people and are especially prevalent amongst those who are further marginalised, such as those living in deprived neighbourhoods and people with health conditions.
“As the population ages, it’s vital to develop policies which ensure financial security and confidence to support continued independence and dignity in later years. We look forward to continuing to work with Independent Age to measure how these attitudes change over time.”
