Month: September 2025

Discover! Creative Careers to reach 10,000 young people across Scotland

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH INTO FILM SCOTLAND

  • Discover! Creative Careers has announced its expansion into Scotland through a new partnership with Into Film
  • Discover Creative Careers Week, Scotland will run from 10-14 November to coincide with Scottish Careers Week

Following a competitive tender process, Into Film have been awarded the contract to implement the Discover! Creative Careers programme in Scotland across 2025 – 2026.  

Working in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Discover! Creative Careers in Scotland has an ambition to reach at least 10,000 young people across 2025-2026.

Nicola Kettlewood, Programme Lead for Into Film Scotland: “It’s a tremendous honour for Into Film Scotland to lead the Discover! Creative Careers Programme. Scotland’s creative industries are rich with opportunity, and this programme allows us to inspire and inform the next generation about the diverse roles available across the sector.

“We’re committed to making these pathways more visible and accessible, particularly for young people who may not have previously seen a place for themselves in the creative world.

“We have built strong, lasting relationships with schools, local authorities, and industry partners across the nation. The relationships include a committed group of Scottish Education Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Council members that meet regularly, providing insights and feedback to shape our programme as well as acting as influential advocates of Into Film’s work.”

Into Film will work with the central Discover! Creative Careers team at ScreenSkills and in collaboration with key local partners Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to shine a spotlight on careers in creative and cultural industries throughout Scotland.

The initiative will feature a wide range of exciting activities including industry visits and workshops, online and in-class talks and careers events at the Into Film Festival, an annual event that sees 400,000 children and young people visit cinemas across Scotland and the UK for free.

Michelle Fenwick, DYW National Projects Director commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Into Film to deliver the Discover! Creative Careers Programme in Scotland. 

“DYW make it easy for industry to connect with young people in education, so they develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the world of work.

“This exciting collaboration builds on DYW’s existing engagement with the creative industries, and it will create more opportunities for young people, parents, carers, and educators to find out about the vast range of opportunities and pathways in Scotland’s creative sector.” 

Mary Rose Programme Lead for Discover! Creative Careers said: “This expansion marks an exciting point in this year’s programme delivery. The tender process was extremely competitive with the highest quality of submissions from a range of organisations across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“The two separate tenders from Into Film demonstrated a robust approach to collaborating with the core programme, alongside years of experience and deep connections with the careers and education policy landscape in both Scotland and Wales.

“Like us, they are committed to bringing careers awareness across the entire breadth of the creative industries to under 18s as they work with us to help expand on our hugely successful programme.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “We believe that all young people, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to pursue a creative career.

“That is why the Discover! Creative Careers Programme is so important, connecting young people with the sector and giving them real insight into the many pathways on offer.

“I am delighted that Into Film have been chosen to deliver this vital programme in Scotland and shine a light on the variety of creative careers available to the next generation.”

Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey said: “I am delighted that Into Film Scotland will be delivering Discover! Creative Careers Scotland in partnership with DYW.

“This initiative expanding to Scotland is a vital step in empowering individuals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in Scotland’s creative sector. It is great that this programme will be offering a range of engaging activities that will play a key role in shaping young people’s experiences and creating more opportunities.

“I encourage schools and employers to sign up and find out more in advance of Discover! Creative Careers Month in November.”

Employers in the creative industries in Scotland can register their interest to participate here:

https://discovercreative.careers/employers/discover-creative-careers-week-scotland

Schools and educators can find out more and access the main Teacher and Careers Leaders hub here: 

https://discovercreative.careers/teachers-career-leaders/discover-creative-careers-week-scotland/

Lorna Slater MSP: End of peak rail fares a Green win for everyone in Lothian 

GREEN WIN AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO  PEAK RAIL FARES

The abolition of peak rail fares is a huge win for commuters and climate, says Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian.

The policy was first introduced as a pilot project, which was secured by the Scottish Greens in 2023 while they were in Government, but it was soon dropped by the SNP in 2024. 

In the year between the pilot project ending and the Scottish Government permanently introducing the Green policy for cheaper rail fares, commuters across Scotland’s largest cities have forked out thousands of pounds to travel. 

At present, people from Glasgow had to spend £32 to get a train to Edinburgh. Now that peak rail fares are scrapped, this will be reduced by 48% 

Lorna Slater MSP for Lothian said: “This is a really welcome change and one that Greens worked hard to deliver. 

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to remove this unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers. For too long, peak rail fares have penalized people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel. 

“Commuters in Lothian will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares ending permanently. I hope that this will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch the train, making our roads safer and doing their part for the planet. 

“Travel shouldn’t cost the earth. The Scottish Greens want to continue making our public transport here in Scotland the best it possibly can be; affordable, accessible, and ecofriendly, so that we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.” 

Education Scotland recognises ‘outstanding’ curriculum at Fettes College

Fettes students “benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that is outstanding” says Education Scotland’s recent inspection of Fettes College. The unscheduled inspection was instructed by Scottish Ministers in February, and the findings were published yesterday (2nd September).

Inspectors awarded Fettes excellent ratings in both ‘Curriculum’ and ‘Raising attainment and achievement’, alongside very good ratings in ‘Learning, teaching and assessment’ and ‘Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion’.

Inspectors rightly demand the highest standards, and their report highlights the distinctive strengths of a Fettes education, noting:

  • Staff have “successfully created a curriculum that supports children and young people to flourish in their academic and personal interests.” and “ensure the curriculum is strongly underpinned by an aspirational vision with a clear focus on academic excellence, building character and supporting personal wellbeing.”
  • Staff “foster very nurturing and mutually respectful relationships” and are “highly responsive to the wellbeing needs of children and young people”.
  • Students are “highly motivated to succeed”, producing work “of an exceptionally high standard” and making “excellent progress” in their learning.
  • Extensive opportunities for students to achieve beyond the classroom, helping them to “know themselves well” and aspire to reach their full potential.
  • A culture where students, staff and families “celebrate their own and others’ cultural diversity” and observe religious and cultural events together “in an inclusive, respectful way”.
  • Staff ‘recognise the need to ensure fairness and equality and to identify and mitigate against discrimination and bias in all aspects of the school’s work’.

This is testament to the exceptional work of the team at Fettes, which showed inspectors the values at the heart of the school community — academic ambition, character development, personal wellbeing, and a deeply inclusive culture where every individual is valued.

Head of Fettes College, Helen Harrison, said, “I am immensely proud of everyone at Fettes College – Senior and Prep – and extend my thanks to them all for their commitment and contribution to this fantastic achievement.

“We had a team of inspectors in our school for two weeks and they looked at everything. Their findings, published today about the learning and experience that happens in our classrooms and around our school sets us amongst those at the top of education in Scotland.”

The results of the inspection were published on 2nd September 2025 on the Education Scotland website: https://education.gov.scot/.

St Columba’s: Immediate action needed on hospice funding

Scottish Government and local partners must act now to protect vital palliative care services

St Columba’s Hospice Care and Marie Curie Edinburgh are warning that essential palliative and end-of-life care services are now at serious risk due to funding decisions made by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and inaction by the Scottish Government. 

The HSCP has chosen to reverse a 3% inflationary uplift in funding to hospices, which they committed to earlier in the year. This decision was taken in reaction to the Scottish Government announcement of an additional £5 million to help hospices address workforce pressures.

That £5 million was solely intended to support hospices with the recruitment and retention of skilled staff during a time of extreme pressure, not to replace existing funding agreements.  

This decision from HSCP undermines the purpose of the allocation and places essential palliative and end-of-life services across the Lothians at risk. To date, St Columba’s Hospice Care has not received its share of the £5 million, which is approximately £496,000. The delay is creating further financial uncertainty and threatening frontline services for patients and families.  

We call on the Scottish Government and HSCP to: 

  • Reinstate the 3% inflationary uplift immediately. 
  • Release the national pay parity funding without delay. 
  • Commit to a national review of hospice funding to ensure equity and sustainability across Scotland. 

Jackie Stone, CEO, St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “Hospice’s are being pushed to make very difficult decisions that may impact on our patients and families. This reversal sends a devastating message to our staff and to the families we care for that fair pay and essential services are negotiable. They are not.  

“The Scottish Government made a public commitment to fair pay and sustainable services, but we are being left with broken promises and growing deficits.

“We urge the Scottish Government and local partnerships to act now before we are forced to withdraw services that thousands of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians rely on every year.” 

 Hospices are an integral part of Scotland’s healthcare system and must be treated as such. They need sustainable, equitable funding. The government must act now to ensure a consistent national approach to hospice funding.

Hospices deliver vital, high-quality care that the NHS relies on, and they must be supported, not penalised, for working to achieve fair pay for their staff. 

Arrest following yesterday’s death on Great Junction Street

SIXTEEN YEAR OLD YOUTH ARRESTED

A 16-year-old male youth has been arrested in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man in Leith yesterday (Tuesday, 2 September, 2025).

Around 2.10am, police received a report a man had been injured on Great Junction Street at Bonnington Road, Edinburgh.

Emergency services attended, however the 22-year-old man died at the scene.

His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification has yet to take place.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance of the Major Investigations Team said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Officers remain in the area carrying out enquiries as our investigation continues, and we would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”

NHS Lothian: Help improve services for British Sign Language users

THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 12 – 1pm

Want to help improve services for British Sign Language (BSL) in the Lothian area? Come along to a public event for BSL users and their families to share your views on how to deliver our BSL Plan!

#BSL

#DeafCommunity

For more info go to: https://news.nhslothian.scot/2025/08/27/public-events-to-improve-services-for-bsl-users-in-lothian/

CAMHS: Ongoing improvements to children and young people’s mental health services

WAITING TIMES STANDARD MET FOR THIRD TIME IN ROW

  • Latest figures highlight 146 children waiting more than a year for mental health treatment, says SCSC

For the third consecutive quarter in a row, there has been continued progress on waiting times for children and young people’s mental health care.

From April to June this year, 91.8% of those referred to CAMHS were seen within 18 weeks, according to the latest statistics from Public Health Scotland. This is a slight increase from 91.6% in the previous quarter, and above the national standard of 90%.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I welcome the continued progress in these services – staff across Scotland are working hard to ensure children and young people are getting the support they need when they need it, and I am grateful for their continued dedication.

“We have exceeded our promise to provide funding for 320 additional staff for CAMHS by 2026, and this will have contributed to the improvements we are seeing.

“However, I am aware there is still more to do to ensure standards are consistent across the country and we are supporting all NHS Boards to meet the standard and continue development in the delivery of CAMHS and all mental health services.”

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling for parity of action and parity of spend as new figures highlight 146 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment in Scotland.

These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published today (2nd September), indicating that 146 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending June 2025.1 

Additionally, 271 individuals have been waiting for between nine months and a year for treatment.

The figures come out following a Freedom of Information request to NHS Boards that found that in 2024/25, a patient in NHS Highland waited 1189 days – more than three years – for treatment by CAMHS, and in NHS Tayside, a patient has been waiting 1,137 days to start treatment. 2

The Scottish Government’s target, dating back to December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.

This comes against the background of a mental health emergency, with an increasing demand on services, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with overstretched and under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand.

However, it should be noted that despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget. 3

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 146 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment are extremely alarming.

“While the fact that the Scottish Government is meeting its waiting time target is to be welcomed, many children and young people are still waiting years for help, which worsens their mental health and is a sure-fire way to add to their pain.

“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.

“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a negative impact on classroom behaviour, affecting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

In response to today’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services figures, chief executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show the importance of keeping the spotlight on children’s mental health. 

“The reduction in waiting times is welcome, but while four months is the target, it is still too long, especially when children are suffering in severe distress.

“By urgently investing in more early help and support the Scottish Government can prevent children reaching a point of emergency.

“Every day our support line and our teams across Scotland hear from children and young people with high levels of worry and anxiety coming to us desperate for help.”

“If you are worried about your child our friendly support line team is here for you on 08000 28 22 33.”

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Quarter ending June 2025 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Publications – Public Health Scotland

Decrease in drug misuse deaths but ‘still work to be done’ in Scotland

DRUG-RELATED DEATHS IN SCOTLAND REPORTED FOR 2024

The number of deaths caused by drug misuse fell by 13% to 1,017 last year – the lowest level registered since 2017.

According to statistics published by National Records of Scotland yesterday, there were 155 fewer deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The statistics showed that people in the most deprived areas were 12 times more likely to die from drugs as those in least deprived areas. This is a drop from 15 times more likely in 2023.

There was also a drop in the number of deaths among young people with 34 under-25s compared with 58 in 2023.

However, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said there is still work to be done by the Scottish Government to deal with the harm caused by drugs.

During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, which offers a variety of creative workshops to support people dealing with substance use, Ms Todd said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

“It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.

“This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death.

“That is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.

“The spread of grassroots support, enhanced by our funding of more than 300 organisations and projects, has also made a difference on the ground. However, we will always want to do more and will continue to work hard to adapt to new patterns of consumption and demand to direct support where it is most needed.”

The Scheme Livi co-founder Aidan Martin said: “At The Scheme Livi, we’ve seen first-hand how grassroots projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since launching full-time in March 2023, we’ve welcomed over 3,100 attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits.

“These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe, supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, and social deprivation.”

The annual report for drug related deaths from the National Records of Scotland, published today, shows that there were 1017 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2024; a decrease of 13% (155 deaths) compared to 2023.

The report also highlights the worrying extent of premature mortality, with 46% of deaths (467) occurring in the 35-49 age group, similar to 2023, when this age group accounted for 49% of deaths (583).

Opioids continue to be the most common drug type implicated in drug-related deaths (80%), which reflects a similar picture to 2023.

Reflecting on the publication of the figures, Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said: “We must all take a moment to pause and reflect on the stark reality of this report. 

“These deaths are not just numbers; they reflect real people in our communities and families. Those who are working tirelessly within the system will feel the weight today as drug related deaths, and harm, continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges in Scotland.

“Whilst there was a slight decrease in deaths from 2023, Scotland continues to have one of the highest drug death rates in the developed world. Our most recent RADAR quarterly report showed an increase in drug harms during 2025.

“In order to tackle this, we must also address the underlying social determinants of health. Poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma play a key role in further entrenching the problematic drug use. We are working with health boards, local authorities and third sector organisations right across the country to reduce these inequalities.

“Scotland’s Population Health Framework 2025-2035 sets out a vision that we, collectively, need to focus on prevention and create supportive environments that promote health and wellbeing and reduce health harming activities.

“Through research and consultation, PHS is working across the system to actively engage with partners, stakeholders and people with lived and living experience.

“Our aim is to prevent substance use harm – making sure our schools, families and communities can reduce early risks and support healthier futures.”

COSLA has issued a short statement following statistics published today (2nd September 2025) on drug-related deaths in Scotland.

A COSLA Spokesperson said: “Every death from drug misuse is a tragedy. These numbers represent loved ones: parents, sons, daughters and siblings. It is a stark reminder of the challenges we still need to overcome across the public and third sectors to end deaths of this nature.

“Local Authorities continue to work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to support to people affected by addiction and drug misuse, and reduce the devastating impacts on our communities.”

View the drug-related deaths in Scotland 2024 report

Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures Fund Moves into Next Phase

Edinburgh’s pioneering Regenerative Futures Fund has reached a major milestone in its long-term effort to shift power and resources into the hands of communities tackling poverty, racism and the climate crisis.

From 97 proposals, a Panel, made up of 15 Edinburgh residents with direct experience of poverty and racism, selected 34 projects to advance to the next stage of funding.

50% of selected projects are led by Black and People of Colour, reflecting the city’s commitment to dismantling racism, tackling the climate transition, ending poverty, and addressing the interconnected challenges shaping a just and thriving future.

Included among the projects initially selected are local initiatives Lauriston Farm Collective, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and R2 (above).

The Resident’s Panel has spent months listening, learning and working through each application with care, mapping projects across the City by geography, theme, and approach. Projects selected will enter the capacity-building phase, from August until December, giving groups the time, space and funding to develop full proposals for long-term, unrestricted funding.

Proposals submitted at the start of 2026 will then be considered for an annual award of £100,000, for ten years. Between 10 and fifteen projects will be selected.

However, the work of the fund goes beyond this as all 34 groups, and dozens more from the initial 97 projects, have registered interest in joining the Regenerative Futures Fund wider network for peer learning, collaboration and collective action – a shared movement for the future of Edinburgh.

“We’re here to build movements, as well as to distribute funds,” says Aala Ross, Co-Head of the Fund. “If we accept that the Fund exists to redistribute power, not just resources, we can reimagine our role as something more powerful.

We nurture conditions for collective power, we build trust across difference, and we learn together, to challenge the systems that shape our lives.”

Leah Black, Co-Head, adds: “We’re flipping the usual script on funding. We’re saying: here’s the time, here’s the space, here’s the support – now let’s imagine and build the future we actually want.

“That’s what makes this different. It’s rooted in care, equity and collaboration, and it’s led by the people who live and breathe these challenges every day.”

The Regenerative Futures Fund is backed by some of the UK’s biggest charitable funders, including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, Foundation Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council.

Crucially, these funders have stepped back from decision-making, placing control firmly with local people.

City Council Leader Jane Meagher said “Five years ago, Edinburgh became the first UK city to set a target date to end poverty. To achieve this, we must be ambitious and drive the change that is so greatly needed, which means being brave and being innovative.

“We know this is a challenging time for the third sector and we’re working to increase stability for organisations. By giving greater, longer-term support to community projects, they can get on with what they do best – supporting residents, tackling poverty, and changing lives.

“Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures Fund is a unique new fund to help us achieve just that and end poverty together. 

“I’m excited to see a shortlist drawn up by individuals with lived experience of poverty and looking forward to funding awards being presented early next year.”

In September, the wider network of applicants and community groups will come together for the first time to begin a city-wide journey of learning, connection and shared action. 

The Fund is also inviting new partners, funders, donors, philanthropists and supporters to join this long-term collaborative effort to reimagine how resources are shared in the city.

For more information, including the list of the 34 projects in the capacity-building phase, visit Services 4 — Regenerative Futures Fund | Working Together Towards A Regenerative And Just Future For Edinburgh | Community Fund | Scotland – UK

Scottish Government publishes Housing Emergency Action Plan

PLAN TO END CHLDREN LIVING IN UNSUITABLE ACCOMMODATION, SUPPORT VULNERABLE GROUPS AND BOOST INVESTMENT

Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan has published the Housing Emergency Action Plan to tackle the housing crisis.

The plan focuses on three key areas – ending children living in unsuitable accommodation, supporting the housing needs of vulnerable groups and supporting growth and investment in the housing sector.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Housing Secretary set out a number of key commitments, including:

  • A new commitment to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, delivering around 36,000 affordable homes by 2029-30 and providing a home for up to 24,000 children.
  • Doubling investment in acquisitions this year to £80 million, which will help take between 600-800 children out of temporary accommodation.
  • Implement Awaab’s Law from March 2026, starting with damp and mould, subject to parliamentary approval, to ensure landlords promptly address issues hazardous to tenants.
  • A new £1 million national ‘fund to leave’ to provide financial support for up to 1,200 women and their children to leave an abusive partner.
  • Unlocking land for housing in rural areas by working with the Scottish National Investment Bank, landowners and public bodies
  • A new Ministerial direction to planning authorities.

Ms McAllan said: “Tackling the housing emergency will be a cornerstone in our efforts to achieve the Scottish Government’s key priority of eradicating child poverty. I am determined this action plan will deliver positive and lasting change.

“At the heart of my mission is ensuring children are not spending time in unsuitable accommodation or long periods in temporary accommodation; that the housing needs of vulnerable communities are met and that we create the optimum conditions for confidence and investment in Scotland’s housing sector.

“Our efforts so far since declaring a housing emergency have seen 2,700 families with children into a permanent home, up to December 2024. Our action plan will see tens of thousands more families have a place they can call home.

“Since I took up the role of Cabinet Secretary I have listened to calls from the sector for multi-year funding to give housebuilders more long-term certainty.

“Today I have committed to investing up to £4.9 billion in affordable homes over the next four years. This long-term certainty and increase in funding will support delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes and provide up to 24,000 children with a warm, safe home.

“We cannot tackle this emergency alone though and I need everyone from across the private and public sector to pull together and deliver this plan to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to a safe, warm and affordable home.”

Crisis Scotland’s Head of Policy and Communications Maeve McGoldrick said: “We welcome today’s announcement. Homelessness is the most acute form of poverty, and we see the damage it does through our frontline services every day.

“Investment in new housing will help prevent more people being forced from their homes, while the expansion of Housing First will provide a vital route out of homelessness for people who have been let down by services for too long.

“We can’t allow more people to be trapped in the limbo of the homelessness system– we need to act now to help build a Scotland where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”

Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “Scottish Women’s Aid warmly welcomes announcement of a roll-out of the original Fund to Leave pilots to the rest of Scotland.

“Every day we and our local Women’s Aid services see women and children struggling to get free of an abuser.  The Fund to Leave offers a critical helping hand when women and children need it most. 

‘Leaving’ is difficult and dangerous, and the Fund to Leave is such an important step to making leaving and staying free from an abuser a reality across Scotland.” 

Right There works to prevent people becoming homeless and separated from their loved ones, and believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

Commenting on the plan, CEO, Janet Haugh said: “Scotland is in the midst of a national housing emergency which needs ambitious and robust action to reverse it.

“We are encouraged that today’s plan recognises the crisis our country is in, with over 53,000 people currently without a home, and over 10,000 children living in temporary accommodation.

“We welcome the focus on ending children’s time in unsuitable or temporary accommodation. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to call home – it is the foundation of wellbeing, learning and hope for the future.

“We know that a house alone is not enough. The right support around people – whether they are rebuilding after domestic abuse, facing poverty, or at risk of homelessness – is vital to turn housing into a home.

“We see every day the pressure on families and individuals waiting far too long in temporary accommodation. While progress is welcome, the reality is that thousands still need urgent solutions.

“We stand ready to play our part. Local organisations like Right There can be powerful delivery partners, bringing together housing, support and community. Sustainable investment and genuine collaboration will be critical.

“Housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about fairness, dignity, and giving people the chance to thrive. The Housing Emergency Action Plan will only succeed if it holds true to those values.”

Tackling Scotland’s Housing Emergency – gov.scot