Scotland’s third sector is the backbone of communities across the country — delivering vital, person-centred support in the face of rising demand and financial uncertainty.
Our newly published Annual Report showcases how, in 2024/25, we worked alongside charities and funders to strengthen resilience and unlock new opportunities for impact.
The organisations we support are often the first to respond to local needs, tackling poverty, inequality, mental health, and social isolation.
Our venture philanthropy model is designed to ease the burden, combining funding with tailored development support to help charities grow and adapt to changing circumstances.
In 2024/25, we managed over £47 million in funding across 16 programmes, supporting 333 organisations.
Our Specialist Volunteer Network delivered 460 projects, contributing 2,613 hours of pro bono support — equivalent to over a year and a half of full-time work.
As well as continuing to focus on delivering longer term funding for the sector, we also launched new initiatives, including the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, supporting 14 local nature restoration projects, and expanded our Intandem mentoring programme into Dundee, thanks to new philanthropic investment.
We’ve worked hard to keep funding flowing, championing the sector and demonstrating the difference it makes.
Through new funding collaborations and strategic support, we’ve built new philanthropic partnerships that extend the impact of our model to others.
Recognising volunteering as a powerful force for good, we continued to bring in skills and expertise through our Specialist Volunteer Network. Time, energy, and professional skills are vital forms of philanthropy, and we’ve seen how this generosity strengthens organisations and builds resilience.
We’ve increasingly used the insight gained from our work to inform and influence policy. This year, we’ve done more of this work than ever before — sharing evidence, amplifying voices, and contributing directly to policy discussions. We recognise the responsibility and privilege of our position, which allows us to take messages from the frontline straight to decision-makers.
Our work is rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared ambition for lasting impact. Whether managing Scottish Government programmes or unlocking new sources of investment, we are committed to building a Scotland where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you to our partners, funders, volunteers, and the organisations we support. Together, we are making a difference.
Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard, part of The University of Edinburgh, is joining forces with Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB) to mark the charity’s 40th anniversary with a Tree of Light installation honouring families supported by the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The installation will be housed at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard, the contemporary café restaurant located in the University’s Futures Institute, at the former site of Edinburgh’s Old Royal Infirmary, and will form the centrepiece of a special lighting ceremony on Saturday 29 November, creating a heartfelt moment of remembrance for families who have experienced the loss of a baby and offering a place of comfort at a time of year that can be especially difficult.
The free event, scheduled for 15:30, will welcome those who have had experiences at the Neonatal Unit – from children to their family and friends.
For many, the holiday season is a time of warmth and togetherness, yet it can also bring reflection and grief for loved ones lost. For families who have experienced the loss of a baby, the Tree of Light will stand until early January as a symbol of remembrance and healing.
With 1 in 8 babies requiring the Neonatal Unit’s support, it is hoped that the funds raised through this event will enable SSCB to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, support continued neonatal staff training and provide essential support to families during challenging times.
Tracey Ritchie, Assistant Head of Catering Operations, expressed her pride in hosting this event: “At Canopy, we’re proud to create a warm, welcoming space where people can relax and feel cared for.
“Being based in the former Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital makes hosting this event especially meaningful. We know this time of year can be emotional, and we’re honoured to offer Simpson’s families a place to pause, reflect and remember.
“Having the Tree of Light here, in a building so deeply connected to the charity’s past, feels like a fitting way to mark their 40th year. We’re delighted to host it and look forward to supporting Simpsons Special Care Babies in the months ahead.”
Those interested in supporting this cause can donate to SSCB through their website.
Free tickets must be booked in advance through the charity’s website.
A man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in multiple large-scale cannabis cultivations across Scotland.
Afrim Krasniqi, 29, pled guilty in relation to 12 cannabis cultivations identified at both residential and commercial properties in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Penicuik, Aberdeen, Ayrshire and Angus areas.
The cultivations had an estimated street value of up to £3.8million.
He pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 October, 2025, and was sentenced at High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, 25 November.
Detective Constable Karen Maxwell said: “The scale of this criminal operation was substantial, and Krasniqi is now facing the consequences of his actions.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy in identifying and dismantling organised networks involved in the supply and production of drugs.
“This type of criminality is not a victimless crime. Organised crime groups often rely on the exploitation of vulnerable people to support their activity, and it can cause extensive damage to the properties they operate from, as well as have a detrimental impact on the communities within which they are active.”
Anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
New outpatient waits over 52 weeks reduce for fifth month in a row
New figures show long waits have fallen for the fifth month in a row with significant progress reported by health boards across a number of specialties.
Latest data from Public Health Scotland shows, between April 2025 and October 2025, new outpatient waits of over a year reduced by 17.9% and that these waits reduced for five consecutive months. In the same time period, the total over 52 week waiting list size for new inpatient/daycase procedures also reduced by 26.1%.
On a visit to Gartnavel General Hospital in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Health Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the progress, saying: “These figures show we are turning a corner in our efforts to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic and our plan is working – long waits are reducing and we are treating patients more quickly.
“We are seeing downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators and this is testament to the tireless work of our NHS staff – I thank them for their outstanding efforts.
“The First Minister put health at the very heart of this year’s budget and we are seeing the tangible impact of our additional targeted investment of £135.5 million. Outpatient waits over a year are down 17.9% and inpatient/daycase waits over a year have reduced by 26.1% – this is the first time we have seen this level of sustained improvement since the pandemic.
“Thousands more appointments, operations and procedures are being delivered this year and we are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.
“I was pleased to meet the Gartnavel ophthalmology team and hear about their progress – since April 2025 new outpatient waits for ophthalmology are down by 72.6% across NHS GGC and we have a 53% decrease in new inpatient/daycase waits for orthopaedics – reducing the over 52 week waiting list in Scotland by 6.3%.”
Between April 2025 and October 2025 health boards reporting significant reductions in new outpatient waits, including:
• a 72.2% decrease in Ear, Nose & Throat waits at NHS Ayshire & Arran • a 74.1% reduction in Gynaecology waits and a 60.6% drop in Orthopaedic waits at NHS GGC • a 23.9% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lothian • a 80.6% reduction in Neurology waits at NHS Highland.
Between April 2025 and October 2025, health boards reported reductions in inpatient/daycase waits, including:
• a 52.98% reduction in Orthopaedic waits and a 54.66% drop in General Surgery waits at NHS GGC • a 60.86% decrease in General Surgery waits at NHS Lothian • a 29.59% reduction in Urology waits at NHS Tayside.
The new statistics also show increased levels of patients being seen and treated in shorter periods. In October 2025, 58.3% (14,235) of inpatient/daycases were seen within 12 weeks – up compared to 55.5% in March 2025. For new outpatients waits, 61.9% (72,698) were completed in 12 weeks or less compared to 60.8% in March 2025.
For ongoing waits – at the end of October 2025, 42.8% (234,414) of new outpatient waits had been waiting less than 12 weeks, an increase from 41.4% at the end of March 25. For inpatient/daycase waits, 36.9% (57,468) had been waiting less than 12 weeks, an increase from 34.6 % in March.
Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF) has celebrated its 35-year anniversary at a Scottish Parliamentary reception hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP, whilst launching a refreshed identity in line with the organisation’s future ambitions.
Edinburgh Tenants Federation is a tenant-led charity that supports tenants across Edinburgh to understand their housing rights, have their voices heard, and influence decisions about housing and related services locally, city-wide, and nationally.
The Scottish Parliament celebration featured speeches from Sarah Boyack MSP, who hosted the organisation’s 25th anniversary in 2015, as well as newly elected City of Edinburgh Council Housing Convenor, Councillor Tim Pogson.
MSP Gordon MacDonald also attended the celebration, along with representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council and ETF staff, past and present.
Sarah Boyack MSP said: “It’s amazing to be here to celebrate the collective voice of tenants in Edinburgh; a voice that is heard, respected and acted upon.
“Edinburgh Tenants Federation is that organisation on the ground listening to these voices, ensuring that tenants’ lives are transformed for the better.”
Attendees also heard from ETF Convenor, Betty Stone who has served as Chair of the organisation since 2005, having been involved as a volunteer since the Federation’s inception. Reflecting on the past, Betty noted the achievements of the organisation, thanks to the countless hours poured in by volunteers and encouraged attendees to browse the archive display of photos and newsletters dating back to 1985.
Founded in 1990 from a merger of tenant networks to collaborate over similar housing issues, ETF has been at the forefront of the housing debate in Edinburgh campaigning for better tenants’ rights in areas such as stock transfer, rent increases and tenant living conditions.
Today, its volunteers work closely with the City of Edinburgh Council to help inform tenant participation strategy across the city.
Looking at the organisation’s ambitions moving forward, Ilene Campbell, former CEO and current Associate at the Tenant Information Service (TIS) gave attendees a sneak-peak at the refreshed branding, mission, vison and values that has been launched to coincide with the organisation’s 35th year.
The charity’s new identity is driven forward by their three-year mission statement: through collaboration, representation, and meaningful participation, ETF tenant volunteers will work with tenants’ and residents’ groups, The City of Edinburgh Council, housing organisations, and key decision makers to strengthen communities and drive positive change.
Speaking of the organisation’s new visual identity and updated mission, vison and values, Betty Stone, ETF Convenor said: “This is a major milestone for our organisation as we celebrate our 35th year.
“With a clear purpose firmly embedded, we can move forward with our commitment to supporting tenants to understand their rights, amplifying their voices, and influencing the housing decisions that affect them every day.
“By building on our strong foundations and refreshing our mission, vision, and values, we are well placed to grow our reach, increase our impact, and continue driving positive change for tenants across the capital.
“If you are a tenant or part of a tenants’ or residents’ organisation in Edinburgh and want to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in communities, I would encourage you to join us.”
Join the Federation – it’s free!
Joining Edinburgh Tenants Federation is simple. Membership is completely free of charge and open to any tenants’ or residents’ organisations in Edinburgh – regardless of who your landlord is. Equally, if you live in an area without a tenants’ group, you can still join as an individual associate member, and organisations that share our aims and values can also become associate members.
To find out more about membership, contact the Federation office by email at info@edinburghtenants.org.uk or call 0131 475 2509.
Funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront.
With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage.
Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.
Restoration projects
Granton Lighthouse
At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.
Madelvic House
Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
Granton Station building platforms
The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS.
The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.
Granton Castle Walled Garden
The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.
Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development.
As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities.
These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about.
Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations.
The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement.
Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so.
“Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today.
“From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past.
“By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.
“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come.
“As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.
“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion.
“The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty.
“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together.
“In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.
“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”
granton:hub responded: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that granton:hub has been included in a £2.9 million investment as part of the Granton Waterfront Regeneration project
“Madelvic House which is ‘B’ listed and from the 1890s will also benefit.
“Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
“We are thrilled to be in fantastic company alongside @grantoncastlegarden @ootbdrillhall and look forward to seeing their projects expand and develop for the local community in Granton.”
The Granton:hub AGM takes place this Saturday 29th November, from 11am – 2pm.
This is a chance to come together as a community, hear about everything we’ve been up to@over the last year, and find out what’s ahead for 2026.
Next year marks a significant step forward for the hub, as we look to renovate our historic building – preserving its heritage for future generations while making it more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.
Scottish families will benefit from a Budget to cut the cost-of-living, create more high skilled jobs and invest in public services, as the Chancellor reaffirmed her commitment to drive economic growth.
Chancellor announces fair deal for working families with removal of two-child benefit cap, energy bill saving and fuel duty freeze
Scottish industry backed by investments in Grangemouth, Greenock, Leith and Fife
Public services backed with extra £820 million for Scottish Government
Rachel Reeves recognised Scotland’s huge £204 billion annual contribution to the UK economy with investments in Grangemouth, Greenock, Leith and Kirkcaldy, and provided long-term certainty to the oil and gas industry to support North Sea jobs and investment.
Despite wages growing more in the first year of this government than at any point in the 2010s, the Chancellor was clear too many families are still struggling with the cost of living which is why the Budget included a range of measures to cut bills and boost pay packets.
Saying that the fairest way to help people with the cost-of-living was to cut inflation and increase wages, Reeves announced £150 off energy bills, a fuel duty freeze, and national minimum and living wage rises.
The Chancellor announced the removal of the two-child limit. 95,000 children in Scotland will benefit from this change. Funded by tackling welfare fraud and long-overdue reforms to the Motability scheme, it will result in the biggest reduction in child poverty at any Budget this century.
The Chancellor’s Budget also ensured that Scottish public services are fairly-funded, with an extra £820 million for public services in Scotland through the Barnett Formula, on top of a record settlement in June.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander MP said: “This is a Budget which delivers for Scotland – raising children out of poverty and helping tackle the cost of living for working families with action on energy bills.
“Scrapping the two-child benefit cap will lift thousands of Scottish children out of poverty. Funded by raising online gambling taxes and tackling welfare fraud, it will result in the biggest reduction in child poverty at any Budget this century.
"This is a budget that we were determined to deliver and to make sure address the priorities and the needs of the people of Scotland."
“The UK Government has backed Scotland’s public services with an extra £820 million — on top of the extra annual £9.1 billion already committed at the Spending Review.
“The £14.5 million announced for Grangemouth is also vital investment in Scotland.”
Ms Reeves also announced reforms to modernise the tax system, asking those with broader shoulders to contribute more through long-overdue fair reforms.
Backing Scottish industry
£14.5 million will back Grangemouth’s transition to a hub for low carbon technologies as the UK Government cements Scotland’s place as the home of the UK’s clean energy revolution.
A further £20 million for Inchgreen near Greenock will upgrade the port’s dry dock, creating up to 1,750 jobs.
Up to £20 million will transform Kirkcaldy town centre and waterfront, including the creation of ‘Adam Smith Growth Works’, boosting local business and tourism.
£25 million will be released following the full sign-off of Forth Green Freeport – spanning Leith, Grangemouth and Fife.
To support oil and gas workers, the UK Government is introducing ‘Transitional Energy Certificates’ to manage existing North Sea fields for the entirety of their lifespan, and a new Jobs Brokerage Service – offering end-to-end career transition support.
Tackling child poverty, the cost-of-living and economic inactivity
95,000 children in Scotland will benefit from the removal of the two-child limit.
Raising the National Living Wage by 4.1% and the National Minimum Wage by 8.5% —building on April 2025 increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage that already directly benefitted 220,000 workers in Scotland.
Uprating Universal Credit Standard Allowance by 6.1%, the first ever permanent real terms increase.
Increasing the State Pension by 4.8% from April 2026, directly raising incomes for 1.1 million pensioners in Scotland.
Extending the fuel duty freeze and 5p cut, saving the average car driver £49 next year.
Unleashing talent and opportunity with a Youth Guarantee package. This will include ensuring every eligible 18-to-21-year-old who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months in Great Britain will get a six-month paid work placement.
Public services investment
The Budget provides an extra £820 million for the Scottish Government to spend on its priorities such as education and tackling NHS waiting times— on top of the extra £9.1 billion already committed during the Spending Review.
The Scottish Government continues to receive over 20% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending across the rest of the UK reflecting the real costs of delivering services across Scotland’s diverse geography, from the Highlands to the central belt.
Holyrood: ‘Chaotic’ UK Budget fails to deliver for Scotland
Finance Secretary responds to Chancellor’s statement
The UK Budget “fails to deliver” for Scotland and will not move the dial on the cost of living for squeezed households, according to Holyrood’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison.
Responding to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement, Ms Robison said: “This Budget has been absolute chaos from start to finish. Westminster has been consumed with leaks, briefings and out and out incompetence – with Scotland left as an afterthought and families left to pay the price.
“We needed a step change from the UK Government with investment in public services, support for jobs and industry in Scotland and serious action on energy bills. Instead, we got a chaotic mess and the increase in funding for the Scottish Government will not even cover half the cost of the employer’s national insurance contributions brought in this year.
“With UK energy bills £340 higher than the Prime Minister promised even after today’s announcement, the UK Government are not even trying to deliver on the their promises. It is insulting to see the UK Government stand up and trumpet a proposed reduction that does not even cover the increase since they came to office.
“It does not come close to meeting the Prime Minister’s pledge on energy bills – they have not even attempted to keep their promises.
“The electric vehicle tax is the wrong decision for motorists, the climate and for Scotland given its disproportionate impact on rural drivers.
“And there is no serious support for jobs and industry in Scotland. The Energy Profits Levy is to remain in place – risking thousands of jobs in Scotland and in the North East in particular. Yet again, Scotland is an afterthought.
“And while the moves on the two child cap are welcome, they are long overdue and the UK Government has been forced into this position by the Scottish Government and other campaigners. And without a simultaneous change to the benefit cap it falls well short of the bold anti-poverty measures we have been calling for from the UK Government.
“But the complete chaos around this Budget gets to the heart of the fact that we should not be leaving crucial decisions around the economy, public finances and household bills in the hands of a deeply incompetent Westminster UK government. We should take these decisions for ourselves with the fresh start of independence.”
The impact of the increase Employers National Insurance contributions on public services is forecast to cost the Scottish Government at least £2 billion over the next five years.
Responding to the UK Government’s Budget, Poverty Alliance Chief Executive Peter Kelly said: “The Chancellor’s decision to fully scrap the unjust two-child limit is the right thing to do.
“For eight years, this cruel policy has severed the link between what families across the country need and the support they are entitled to, pushing children into poverty and limiting their potential. Our children deserve better.
“Campaigners across Scotland have been unified in their demand to scrap the two-child limit and we are pleased that the UK Government has listened, sending a strong message that every child in this country matters. The end of this policy must be the starting point of reform which ensures that our social security system truly provides security.
“This decision also frees up money earmarked for the mitigation of the policy in the Scottish Budget. Coupled with the additional £820 million allocated to the Scottish Government in this UK Budget, this will allow further investment in the action we know is needed to meet our child poverty targets, including increases to the Scottish Child Payment.”
Commenting on the UK Government’s Budget response, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said: “The Autumn Budget was an opportunity to address pensioner poverty across the UK. However, the UK Government has sadly missed the chance to take action on an issue that now affects almost two million older people across the UK, including 160,000 pensioners in Scotland.
“While we welcome the retention of the Triple Lock, this measure alone does not go far enough for older people on the lowest incomes who are living across Scotland in cold homes and with not enough money to live on.
“We continue to call on the UK Government to increase the Warm Home Discount to ease the burden of escalating bills, to support older private renters by uprating Local Housing Allowance so no one has to make dangerous sacrifices to pay their rent, and to boost income through a comprehensive take-up strategy for entitlements, including Pension Credit.
“The absence of meaningful action to address later-life poverty will leave many older people on a low income in Scotland feeling forgottenand many will be worried about losing more of it in tax, because of the extension of the freeze on personal tax allowances to 2031, a year longer than was expected.
“We estimate that without decisive government intervention almost 190,000 pensioners in Scotland could be in poverty by 2040. Worryingly, nothing in this Budget suggests we are being steered away from this frightening outcome.”
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity said: “We welcome the UK Government’s decision to scrap the two-child limit as outlined in the Office for Budget Responsibility report. This is long overdue and frees up Scottish Government budget for other crucial support for children and families.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s mental and physical health, development, happiness and ability to learn that can last a lifetime.
“Both governments must now work together to build on progress and meet the legal target to reduce child poverty in Scotland. Families need a stronger social security offer, for example, through the Scottish Child Payment and whole family support across Scotland to give every family the financial, practical and emotional help they need to tackle the root causes of poverty.
“Children can’t wait. The Scottish Government must use this opportunity to go further and faster in their stated mission to eradicate child poverty.”
Children First’s manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections calls on the next Scottish Government to deliver a comprehensive offer of whole family support to tackle child poverty and give every family the emotional, practical and financial support they need.
Helen Barnard, director of policy at Trussell, said: “Trussell is delighted to see the Chancellor take this bold step which will protect hundreds of thousands of children from growing up facing hunger and hardship. She has listened to the families and food banks across the UK who have been imploring her to act.
“The cruel two-child limit has driven countless families into hardship, forced to turn to food banks to survive. Today’s announcement of its full and swift removal will help ensure all our children have the best possible start in life, ease pressure on public services, and help to boost our economy.
“This government came to power promising to end the need for emergency food and reduce child poverty. Removing the two-child limit will make a vital and significant contribution towards delivering on those manifesto commitments.
“This move will pull 470,000 children out of severe hunger and hardship by 2027 and ease pressure on food banks throughout the UK.
“The government has built on positive steps in strengthening support for people facing severe hunger and hardship. But this cannot be the end. Food bank need remains well above levels five years ago and many people are still struggling to afford the essentials.
“We need more bold choices to transform lives across our communities.”
Thanks to everyone who came along the National Gallery yesterday to take part in the Resistance – North Edinburgh panel discussion.
It was great to see so many old friends and colleagues and a pleasure to meet new ones too. Participants were not only from North Edinburgh, ‘outsiders’ were also welcomed: we had Leithers, we had folk from Gorgie, Stockbridge and a wee crowd from Wester Hailes too.
But there’s got to be a special mention for one particular online viewer – he was watching from Sydney, Australia (or maybe it was just a bloke called Sidney?)!
Wherever and however you were watching, though, I hope you enjoyed the discussion as much as we did. As you know we went slightly over our allotted time (at one point I thought we might have to apply for a late license!) and we appreciate the organisers at the National Gallery allowing us some leeway.
Even so, I know there was a lot more to share so apologies if you didn’t get the opportunity to ask your question – if it’s any consolation I know I didn’t get to ask half of mine!
Our hope before the event was that it would be informative, interesting and enjoyable and a celebration of vibrant communities, and I think we got there.
I’d like to think we could do it all again one day before too much longer, before we all get just too old and our memories and recollections of events, experiences and the characters who have helped to shape North Edinburgh’s proud history dim and fade.
And if there’s just one message to remember, it’s this: NEVER GIVE UP!
The celebration continued at the National Portrait Gallery in Queen Street, where the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition was launched after an excellent lunch provided by North Edinburgh’s very own Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts.
The exhibition was created by a local collaboration of North Edinburgh Arts’ Art for Grown Up in partnership with Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts & Culture Group and features art works, music, archive films and research material.
The exhibition will be on display in the Portrait Gallery’s Contemporary Space until – do visit if you can.
And to end the day on a high note, there was music from the Resistance Choir – a new song, no less!
SOLIDARITY WINS: A SONG FOR GREATER PILTON may not become the Christmas Number 1, but it definitely struck the right note with Portrait Gallery punters yesterday!
All together now:
We all come from somewhere and now we’re all here …
