East Lothian business, Archerfield Walled Garden, raises over £80,000 for Reverse Rett, a charity dedicated to funding research to treat and cure the neurological condition, Rett Syndrome.
Since 2013, funds have been raised at the retail and leisure destination in various ways, including hosting the ‘Reverse Rett Run’. For the last decade, 50p from every burger sold from the main menu has been donated, raising £12k towards the total amount.
At Christmas, 750 turkey sandwiches were also sold with 50p from each one donated to the charity.
Visitors have been able to donate at the Wishing Tree, located on the Willow Walk, leading to the Fairy Trail, where they can choose a piece of twine, tie it to a branch on the tree and make a wish. Customers have also donated in collection boxes located at till points.
Catherine McKinney, mother of Eliza, who has Rett syndrome, and a trustee of Reverse Rett, said: “As a family, we have always been incredibly grateful to Elly and everyone at Archerfield Walled Garden for choosing to support Reverse Rett in so many ways.
“Eliza, our second child, was born seemingly healthy and developed typically as a baby. Around the age of two, she began to miss developmental milestones and then gradually lost skills she had already gained. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome just days after her third birthday — a birthday we had celebrated at Archerfield Walled Garden.
“We all love Eliza so much and are devastated by the impact this condition has had on her life. Ultimately, we want a better life for her — one where she has choices, can stand up for herself, laugh, argue and play, and tell us when she is in pain, as well as share her dreams and fears. Reverse Rett is the only UK charity funding medical research to help make this a reality.
“I began fundraising for Reverse Rett shortly after Eliza was diagnosed and joined the board in 2018. Every penny raised through the support of Archerfield Walled Garden is potentially life-changing, and we are so thankful for the support.”
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited, said: “Reverse Rett is a charity very close to our hearts, which is why we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited us and donated money and to those who have taken part in our fundraising events to help raise this fantastic amount over the years.”
Various other charities and local community groups have also received ongoing support from Archerfield Walled Garden over the years, including Dirleton Playgroup, who have received donations for raffles, a location for their Dirleton Run and use of the gardens. Dirleton Primary School has also received support with various donations, including a Christmas tree every year and hampers.
As part of its ongoing community support initiatives, local groups like Dirleton Village Association, have received hands-on help at their Market on the Green.
Archerfield Walled Garden has also hosted many charity events, including ‘Hops in the Garden’ for Leuchie House and the annual ‘Edinburgh Taxi Outing’ which culminates with a funfair on the Estate.
In addition, everything from compost and seeds to flowers, logs and willow are donated to local environmental charities and gardening projects, like Gullane Art Club and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People who received willow for their Lantern Festival.
Elly continued: “As a local visitor landmark in the area, it is important for us to be part of the community and provide help and support whenever we can.
“There are so many highlights over the years which we love being involved in, with the Edinburgh Taxi Outing definitely being one of them.”
A former photography student at Edinburgh College has been named one of the winners of the prestigious annual Portrait of Britain award.
The award, organised by the British Journal of Photography, recognises the 100 best portrait images captured across the UK in 2025, celebrates Britain’s modern diversity, and is in its 8th year.
Ritchie Elder, a former student of the College’s BA (Hons) Professional Photography course, will have his striking picture, titled “Faith”, displayed on digital screens up and down the country as part of the UK’s biggest annual photography exhibition. It’s also set to be published in the dedicated Portrait of Britain hardcover book.
His portrait forms part of a larger documentary project, examining the diversity of religious experience and identity in Edinburgh.
Ritchie, who left a career in finance to pursue his passion, says it’s a great honour: “In terms of portrait photography, this is really about as good as it gets.
“I think it’s important not to get all your validation from awards, but it is really special to be recognised like this. Knowing that your work will be seen by people up and down the country is quite special.
“The image was originally part of my portfolio for the College, and to see it make its way from there to an actual physical book is amazing.”
The 32-year-old Edinburgh native is encouraging anyone interested in pursuing a career in photography to consider studying at Edinburgh College:
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, my wife encouraged me to go for it and I have absolutely zero regrets. The College really gives you all the tools you need to succeed in what is a tough industry.
“The equipment available is of the highest standard, and the support and guidance you receive from the lecturers is unbelievable.
“If you’re a mature student, 30, 40, or if you’ve just left school, I can’t recommend enough studying at Edinburgh College.”
His work will be displayed on billboards, bus stops and other screens across high streets, airports and shopping centres until early February.
Jon Lee, course leader for Photography at Edinburgh College, says it’s a proud moment for Ritchie, and the College: “We’d like to offer Ritchie our sincere congratulations on winning this award, it’s well-deserved recognition for a photographer we always knew would go on to great things.
“Everyone at the College is proud of his achievement, and its further proof of how well our courses set students up for success”.
It’s been a good few weeks for Edinburgh College’s photography alumni, with Jack Currie, another graduate, recently winning the Gold Award at the Association of Photographers Emerging Talent Awards 2025.
SCOTTISH Palestine Solidarity Campaign@scottish_psc has launched a new Scotland-wide interactive map spotlighting 120+ Apartheid Free Zones, including @govanhillapartheidfreezone.
Cafés, shops, unions, musicians, community groups and organisations standing in solidarity with Palestine.
These spaces have pledged to support the BDS movement, boycott companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, and build anti-racist, ethical communities rooted in justice.
From local workplaces to cultural hubs, AFZs show that while governments stall, people are taking action. An act of solidarity forming a powerful, growing network of hope and resistance across Scotland.
Explore the map: www.apartheidfree.scot� Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
The Jewish Council of Scotland response to Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign
The Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) is alarmed at the announcement reported in yesterday’s media of the Apartheid Free Zones in Scotland campaign – launched by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which aims to achieve a boycott of Israel across Scotland in support of the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The strident hatred and intimidation associated with this movement has a profound effect on Jews living in Scotland, and with ever increasing incidents of antisemitic behaviour towards the Jewish population this activity is of significant concern to us.
JCoS believes the impact of this campaign will build on the fear created by the so-called Leith ‘Zionist Free Zone’ in Edinburgh, which many Jews in Leith regarded as targeting them, regardless of their personal views on Israel.
“Our concern is that Jewish people in Scotland will be branded as racist”, says Timothy Lovat, Chair of JCoS. “This campaign does nothing to attack racism and promote racial equality in Scotland.”
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.” – Joel Borseth
It’s a new year, and many people will think of a fresh start, a clean slate, and they may have some personal goals they’ve set for the year ahead. Whether they last longer than January is a different story. But this year, there’s a renewed opportunity for Scotland, and the people who call it home. A chance that we at Samaritans want to take with both hands.
When politicians and parties bring their manifestos to the people of Scotland, with promises of a brighter future ahead, what kind of difference is really possible?
The kind that saves lives.
Life can be wonderful. Life can be tough. Relationships. Work. Money. Loneliness. Mental health. Self-harm. We can all struggle. Any place. Any time. One in four of us have had suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is often viewed as a health issue only – but this isn’t the way we need to look at suicide to be able to save lives. Suicide is complex, and often suicidal feelings arise from a multitude of factors rather than one single issue. The next Scottish Government needs to treat suicide in the same way.
We need to do more to help people before they reach crisis point. Suicide prevention needs to be embedded across government policy, from social care to finance to employment.
We recently launched our manifesto, ‘Five Priorities to Save Lives’ ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May this year. We’re asking the next Scottish government to make prevention a priority.
Our asks are based on research and evidence, and on the insight of people with lived and living experience of suicide. If delivered, we believe that it we will begin to see a fairer, more compassionate Scotland where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
Our five priorities to save lives:
· Increase funding for frontline mental health services
· Deliver a Minimum Income Guarantee for Scotland
· End harmful stigma through workforce training
· Increase support for people in prison
· Increase resourcing for community services
At the heart of our manifesto is our Lived Experience Advisory Group. This group of people come together with us to share their insights and perspectives as people with lived or living experiences related to suicide or bereavement by suicide.
Joel Borseth, one of the group members, shared why these five asks are fundamental in helping others through suicidal crisis and into recovery:“As an individual who has had Lived Experience of crisis, mental health services – both in the local community and from frontline services – played a pivotal role in not just my recovery, but in enabling me to see my own worth in supporting others on their journey to recovery.
“Committing to provide more funds to mental health services, both within the NHS and other national to local services, can enable some individuals, such as myself, to not just to have a better mental wellbeing, but to ‘pass on’ that support to other individuals both in a volunteer and employed setting.
“It is with this experience and confidence that I am able to contribute to the Lived Experience Advisory Group at Samaritans Scotland.
“If I had not had support from these services at the right time over ten years ago, I would have never been able to contribute to society and likely continued to struggle with my wellbeing for many years.
“In an increasingly turbulent economic climate, people need the support of frontline services like Samaritans all the way down to local community services that outreach to the most rural areas of Scotland.
“For myself, it was just one simple conversation from that made me believe I could have positive life experiences twelve years ago again that changed everything for the better.
“I know that I have provided similar moments for others in their journey to recovery. Funding for mental health services does not vanish into a void – people like me can change their whole lives around from the support this funding provides.”
Join us in calling for the next Scottish Government to make suicide prevention a priority.
Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO announce the opening of applications for the Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign, the second nationwide match funding campaign dedicated exclusively to small charities.
Following the success of the inaugural 2025 campaign, Small Charity Week will expand in 2026, aiming to support more small charities than ever before. Building on last year’s support for small charities, the match funding campaign will, for the first time, include funding for UK-based organisations working internationally, with increased funding also available for eligible charities based in Scotland and Wales.
The match funding pot will help participating charities maximise donations, providing vital unrestricted income at a time when many small organisations are facing rising costs, increasing demand for services, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.
In just seven days, Small Charity Week 2025 raised £1.84 million, supporting 189 small charities through 9,208 donations. Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO provided a suite of free training, resources, and practical support to help charities successfully communicate their involvement in the campaign, and impact data from participating charities shows the campaign delivered benefits well beyond the week itself:
97% of charities reported increased confidence in digital fundraising, despite 90% having little or no prior experience.
97% received donations from new supporters, with 39% of the total donations from the campaign coming from completely new donors.
90% raised more, and larger donations, compared to other non-matched fundraising activity.
These results demonstrate that the power of match funding, combined with targeted support, helps small charities not only raise vital funds but also build long-term fundraising capability.
Alongside this, the campaign will again be supported by a multi-channel national marketing and PR approach, which last year achieved an estimated media reach of more than 66 million.
Amplification comes through Global’s radio brands and Out Of Home media, and NCVO’s digital channels, connecting charities with thousands of potential new supporters.
In 2026, partners aim to build on this momentum, helping even more small charities gain the resources, recognition and resilience they need to transform lives and strengthen communities.
The Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign will run from 22 June to 29 June 2026, aligning with NCVO’s national awareness week, which shines a spotlight on the essential role small charities play across the UK.
Thanks to match funding provided by a growing network of Champion funders, public donations made during the campaign will be doubled.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery will once again join the campaign as a headline Champion, doubling donations throughout the week, with conversations ongoing with additional funders set to further expand the available match funding pot for participating charities.
Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness, CEO of Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “Small Charity Week shows the incredible impact that match funding and national visibility can have for small charities.
“Last year, so many organisations saw new supporters, increased donations, and greater confidence in digital fundraising.
“So many more charities need our support, and Small Charity Week offers a powerful opportunity to boost income and strengthen long-term sustainability.
“We’re thrilled to continue partnering with Big Give, NCVO, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and more generous funders to support them.”
Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Small charities play a vital role in our communities, and while they may be small, the impact of their work is anything but.
“Small Charity Week exists to amplify and celebrate that impact, enabling charities to raise more through matched funding and reach wider audiences through national visibility and support.
“We’re delighted that the 2026 match funding campaign will benefit even more charities, including UK-based charities working internationally, recognising the important contribution many small organisations make overseas.
“At a time of rising costs and growing demand, this campaign offers much-needed support to help small charities reach new supporters and build long-term resilience.”
Alex Day, Managing Director of Big Give, said: “Small charities are the backbone of our communities, yet they often face the greatest challenges when it comes to fundraising.
“We’re proud to be continuing Small Charity Week in 2026 so that more charities can benefit from match funding and the generosity of the public.
“Thanks to the match funding available, this campaign offers a powerful opportunity for small charities to grow their impact and resilience.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Small charities play a vital role in communities, often delivering life-changing work with limited resources.
“Through Small Charity Week, funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, in addition to public donations, will provide small charities with vital flexible funding and the confidence to reach new supporters.
“It’s fantastic that player support will help even more charities to build stronger, more resilient futures.”
Applications for Small Charity Week 2026 are open now and will close at 17:00 on 11th February 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the Small Charity Week page.
The 2026-27 Budget will support a stronger NHS, with a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, expand cost of living support and invest in Scotland’s infrastructure.
Published alongside the latest multi-year Scottish Spending Review, Infrastructure Strategy and Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline, the draft Budget invests almost £68 billion including direct support for families and household budgets.
The 2026-27 Budget includes:
a cost of living package to: help families with funding to trial a programme of activities in a range of primary schools between 3-6pm; a Summer of Sport – free children’s sporting activities, including lessons on how to swim for every primary school child in the country; and a breakfast club for every primary school by August 2027
continued investment in Scotland’s existing cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail, free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
funding to increase Scottish Child Payment to £28.20 per week and investment to allow the introduction of a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months from 2027-28, bolstering efforts to drive down child poverty
extra funding to keep more children out of poverty from funds initially set aside to mitigate the UK Government’s two-child cap, including £50 million of whole family support and a further £49 million for measures to be announced in the Child Poverty Delivery Plan in March
tax choices which increase the Basic and Intermediate rate income tax thresholds to put more money in the pockets of low and middle income earners, maintain current income tax rates and bands, and provide a competitive non-domestic rates relief package worth an estimated £864 million, including measures for pubs, restaurants and retailers
a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, including a record £17.6 billion for NHS boards and resources to begin the national rollout of walk-in GP clinics, making it easier to access same-day appointments
an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
significant extra funding for universities and colleges, with colleges seeing a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding, equivalent to a 10% uplift, targeted support to help retrain workers in the oil and gas sector and ongoing commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeships, which this year will provide more than 31,000 Scots with a pathway to sustainable, well-paid jobs
over £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience as well as backing regenerative and sustainable skills in food and farming
£4.3 billion transport funding including investment in railways, the renewal of the ferry fleet, removal of peak season fares for residents of Orkney and Shetland on Northern Isles ferries and nearly £200 million for the dualling of the A9
record investment in new affordable homes
Ms Robison said:“This Budget delivers for families across the country, for a stronger NHS, and for a more prosperous future.
“It will fund landmark policies to continue efforts to eradicate child poverty – investing in a brighter future for Scotland and the children growing up here.
“Almost £68 billion is being invested in 2026-27 and almost £200 billion through the Scottish Spending Review and Infrastructure Investment Pipeline, demonstrating the scale of our ambition for our nation.”
Other measures include:
from April 2027, an Air Departure Tax (ADT) will come into force and the framework offered by the new ADT will be used to introduce a private jet supplement
the introduction by April 2028 of two new council tax bands for the most expensive properties in Scotland, those worth more than £1 million, on an up-to-date valuation
support for high-growth firms to attract private investment and connect entrepreneurs
£200 million for the Scottish National Investment Bank – delivering on the commitment to invest £1 billion in the Bank by the end of the parliamentary term
record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services
a £20 million increase in the culture budget, recognising Scotland is richer because of its world-famous culture and creative sector
support for the creation of a diverse and sustainable supply chain for offshore wind, to boost the economy.
Responding to today’s proposed Scottish Budget, Poverty Alliance Policy & Campaigns Manager Ruth Boyle said: “People in Scotland want a just and compassionate society – but too many feel the system is rigged against them.
“There was some good news today – but we can do much more to make sure that every child in Scotland gets the investment they need for a decent life and a better future.
“Ensuring that every child in primary school gets a healthy breakfast is an excellent investment, because no child should go to school hungry.
“Increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for eligible households with a baby under 1 is welcome and will help families at a time when they face increased costs. However, this must be a first step towards boosting that payment to £40 for every eligible child in the country.
“That is the kind of fundamental investment the Government needs to make if they are serious about meeting the 2030 child poverty targets.
“With Scotland not on track to meet those legally binding targets, we need all political parties to set out their plans to invest in country where no child lives in poverty. Our children can’t wait any longer.
“We can make that kind of investment in Scotland – and there is support for it. In among the Budget documents is new polling from YouGov showing that 54% of people in Scotland believe that Government should redistribute income from the better-off to those who are less well off. Just 29% disagree.
“The Scottish Government must raise revenue to invest in our shared national priorities, like tackling child poverty and reducing the cost of living. It’s right that the Government has turned to those with the biggest assets to contribute more with a tax on private jets and increased council tax for the highest value homes.
“This has to be the start of long-promised, fundamental reform of council tax so that our local councils can provide the services that all of us need, and that are a vital lifeline for so many households in poverty.
“The Poverty Alliance will continue to call for the measures we need to provide a Minimum Income Guarantee that no-one will fall under – including increasing wages, investing in strong public services, and providing a social security system that gives everyone in Scotland a secure foundation to build a better future.
“Today’s budget has some positive steps towards that ambition – but we need to go further and faster if we are to build a Scotland free from poverty.”
Commenting on today’s draft Scottish Budget, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, said: “It’s hugely positive to see child poverty being made a top priority in today’s budget.
“The significant funding boost to whole family support and extra resources for third sector organisations will provide a lifeline to families who need help most, right across Scotland.
“But we can’t afford to slow down. Scotland’s legal target to eradicate child poverty demands bold, accelerated action. Life is tougher than ever for many children and families and at Children First we witness this first-hand every day.
“That’s why we urgently need a National Front Door that offers a simple accessible way for families to get the help they need when they need it.”
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.
Trussell’s Cara Hilton said: ‘While we welcome the @scotgov‘s £40 SCP rate for babies under 1, we continue to call for an increase to £40 a week for all.
‘Our @TrussellUK data shows food parcels for families with children aged 12-16 in Scotland rose by 7% over the past 5 years. #ScotBudget‘.
Responding to the Scottish Budget and Scottish Spending Review, Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive, said: “Too often and for too long, voluntary organisations that provide vital services to people and communities across Scotland are treated as the poor relation to mainstream public services.
“They have had to contend with budget cuts, short-term funding cycles, late payments, incoherent decision-making, poor communication, inadequate grant management, and more.
“Reform of the voluntary sector funding landscape is long overdue. The Scottish Spending Review is welcome, giving the Government the long-term outlook to make progress on its commitment to deliver improvements, including multi-year funding for Scotland’s voluntary organisations.
“Welcome too is the Scottish Government’s commitment to multi-year funding for sections of the voluntary sector—this shows, again, what is possible.
“Today we had hoped for more than a recommitment to the ‘first step’ announced last February—the Scottish Government’s ‘Fairer Funding’ pilot.
“We know the benefits of multi-year funding: better staffing, stability, and future planning for the services people and communities rely on. The Government’s own research confirms this.
“Multi-year funding alone, however, will not provide the sustainable funding environment the voluntary sector so desperately needs, funding that is flexible, sustainable, and accessible.
“We need to see real progress and recognition of SCVO’s Fair Funding asks beyond multi-year funding. Wider reforms are, unfortunately, now unlikely to be seen before the next parliamentary term.
“In the meantime it is essential that in the weeks following the Scottish Budget the Scottish Government support local authorities and voluntary organisations by meeting their commitments to timely notifications and payments.
“We look forward to further engagement on both Fair Funding and charity regulation in the next parliamentary term.”
Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson said:“Social housing delivery in Scotland remains too slow, too little and too late for the more than 10,000 children homeless tonight. Today’s budget doesn’t do enough to change these facts.
“Shona Robison’s budget was an opportunity for Ministers to put their money where their mouth is. On the face of it an additional £34 million for social housing, compared to the most recent budget, is a step in the right direction – but it is not enough.
“The extra money will only deliver 36,000 affordable homes by 2030 – more than 26,000 short of where they say they would need to be to deliver their promise of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.
“The new Parliament will need a new approach and new money to deliver the social homes needed to reduce homelessness. Homes that the government promised, that academics say we need but for which there is still no credible plan to deliver.
“We must be honest about the real costs of failure. Failing to build the social homes we need means rising homelessness, rising child poverty, rising costs for councils, health boards and the taxpayer.”
Responding to the Scottish Government’s Budget, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “It is disappointing to see nothing new in this Budget to adequately respond to the growing number of older people in poverty.
“One in six pensioners now live in poverty across Scotland, a total of 160,000 older people, and we must see more action to support them.
“We want the Scottish Government to set out a clear, targeted strategy to bring down the alarming number of older people in poverty, increase access to the vital Discretionary Housing Payments that can help older renters meet shortfalls in rent, and increase the social security support available to those on a low income in later life.
“With pensioner poverty at its highest level in nearly 20 years, and likely to continue to rise as our population ages, it’s vital all political parties include measures to bring down the levels of poverty in later life in their manifestos’ ahead of May’s Holyrood elections. In a compassionate and wealthy society, we should all be able to live a financially secure, dignified later life.”
Responding to the Scottish Government’s Budget statement which slashed the 40% discount on business rates bills for pubs at the same time as a rates revaluation will lead to higher bills from 1 April, Stuart McMahon, Director of pubgoers group CAMRA Scotland said: “Pubgoers and publicans simply won’t stand for a Budget which will force more of our locals to go to the wall by landing them with bills they simply can’t afford.
“I fear that slashing the 40% discount on business rates bills for pubs to just 15% at the same time as these bills are increasing will be absolutely disastrous.
“Transitional reliefs may sound good but if this Budget still means higher business rates bills than pubs are paying now then this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many hard-pressed licensees.
“Pubs need permanently lower business rates bills so that they can survive, thrive and play their part as vital community hubs.”
The Scottish Government’s budget announcement of further funding for the college sector, which includes a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding, received a qualified welcome. Principal of Edinburgh College, Audrey Cumberford said: “While this is a welcome step in the right direction for college funding, there is still more that needs to be done.
“This increase will help to undo some of the damage done by years of real terms cuts, but more is needed if we are to ensure the future sustainability of our sector.
“There is now a clear consensus across the political spectrum for better funding for colleges.
“I would urge parties to continue to work together to make sure we unleash the true potential of our sector so we can continue to drive economic growth and improve the lives of Scots across the country.”
Responding to the Scottish government’s 2026-27 budget, announced today by Finance Secretary Shona Robison, RCEM Vice President for Scotland Dr Fiona Hunter said: “Scottish Emergency Departments are in the midst of a crisis born of political apathy towards tackling the difficult problems of social care capacity, delayed discharges and the overall issue of hospital flow.
“Today’s budget indicates once again that the Scottish government understands what the issues are. £2.3bn extra for social care, an uplift in frontline NHS spending, specific targeted action on delayed discharge and local engagement – these are all measures we warmly welcome from the government.
“As well as this, our members will be pleased to hear about improvements to training, retention and working conditions.
“However, we’ve been here before. Time after time the reality in our A&Es has got worse, not better, despite claims from the government that the NHS has been on ‘the path to recovery’ in recent years.
“We are seeing more and more patients waiting alone on trolleys in hospital corridors for hours on end, getting sicker and being put at risk of harm.
“This has happened because exit block has not been tackled, despite promises to the contrary from the government.
“The devil will be in the detail and I will reserve judgement for when myself, and the members I represent, see improvements in our Emergency Departments.
“We look forward to continued engagement with the government on how it seeks to tackle hospital flow, and await further information on how the Health Secretary will take today’s promises and turn them into action and, ultimately, improvements for our patients.”
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “This Budget offers some short-term stability for councils, but it ducks the bigger questions about how local government is funded.
There is still no meaningful move towards multi-year settlements, which councils overwhelmingly say they need in order to plan sustainably. Our annual State of Local Government Finance in Scotland research, launched last week, reinforces this.
Incentivising a council tax freeze risks further undermining local fiscal autonomy, while adult social care remains the single biggest pressure on council finances without clear, dedicated funding.
Housing investment is welcome, but spreading it across the country without enabling local flexibility limits its capacity to tackle the areas of greatest need.
Overall, this is a Budget that manages immediate pressures but avoids the structural reform required to put local government finance on a sustainable footing.”
The Existing Homes Alliance (EHA) is a coalition of over 20 housing, environmental, fuel poverty, consumer and industry organisations calling for urgent action to transform Scotland’s existing housing stock.
Lori McElroy, Chair of the Existing Homes Alliance said:“While we welcome the ongoing support to help homeowners, landlords and tenants to make their homes warmer, healthier and more affordable to heat, this remains a drop in the ocean when we have over 800,000 households living in fuel poverty and 44% of Scotland’s homes falling below Energy Performance Certificate band C.
“Scotland has excellent fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes such as Warmer Homes Scotland, Area-based Schemes and the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, as well as generous grants through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme, but the gap between what is needed and what is currently being delivered is wide.
“This Budget, as it stands, is a missed opportunity to significantly scale up these programmes which would reduce fuel poverty, improve public health by tackling damp and mould, and prepare the workforce and supply chains needed to deliver our climate change targets – supporting thousands of jobs and economic opportunities across Scotland.”
Joanne Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “For children to thrive, it’s vital that they have the best start in life, and so we are heartened by the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase the Child Payment for under ones. But we are disappointed that young families now will not reap those benefits, with it starting in more than a year’s time.
“We also welcome the Scottish Government’s renewed investment in the whole family support fund and its work to continue to deliver the Promise. But it is so important that in this it recognises the fundamental need for support for very young children, just like the Scottish Child Payment does, so that families get the help they need right from the start.”
Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has responded to the Scottish Government’s tax and spending plans for 2026 to 2027.
Chief Constable Farrell said: “I recognise a £90m cash-terms uplift to revenue funding and an improved capital allocation for policing against a challenging public finance picture.
“I set out the funding requirements for policing in evidence during the Criminal Justice Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny work.
“Police Scotland will continue to engage with the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Government to understand the full implications of the budget and develop our planning for the year ahead.
“My focus continues to be on prioritising our frontline to deliver safer communities, less crime, and supported victims as part of our vision for policing.”
January can be a particularly challenging time for mental health. The combination of shorter days, colder weather, financial pressures after Christmas, and a sense of anti-climax following the festive period can affect many of us. For members of the veteran community, these challenges can be even more pronounced.
Many veterans face ongoing issues linked to their service, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. During the winter months, feelings of isolation can intensify, especially for those living alone or with limited support networks.
At the RAF Benevolent Fund, we see first-hand how vital timely, accessible support can be. We offer a confidential Listening and Counselling Service, providing serving personnel, veterans and their families with a safe space to talk through challenges and access professional support. We are also preparing to launch an online wellbeing portal, which will give easy access to trusted mental health resources and self-help tools.
Loneliness is another major concern at this time of year. To help combat this, we run Telephone Friendship Groups and facilitate local veteran meet-ups across the country, helping people reconnect, share experiences and feel less alone during the darker months. In addition, our financial support can help relieve some of the pressures associated with higher energy bills and living costs over winter, which are often a significant source of stress.
No one in the RAF Family should feel they have to face these challenges alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be the first step towards making a positive change.
For more information, please visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.
With permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on AI, social media and online safety.
No woman or child should live in fear of having their image sexually manipulated by technology.
Yet in recent days, the Grok AI tool on the social media platform X has been used to create and share degrading, non-consensual intimate deepfakes.
The content which has circulated on X is vile. It is not just an affront to decent society – it is illegal.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reports “criminal imagery” of children as young as 11, including girls sexualised and topless.
This is Child Sexual Abuse.
We’ve seen reports of photos being shared of women in bikinis, tied up and gagged, with bruises, covered in blood. And much, much more.
Lives can and have been devastated by this content, which is designed to harass, torment, and violate people’s dignity.
They are not harmless images – they are weapons of abuse, disproportionately aimed at women and girls.
And they are illegal.
Last week, X limited the image creation function to paid subscribers.
This does not go anywhere near far enough.
It is insulting to victims to say you can still have this service if you are willing to pay.
And it is monetising abuse.
So let me be crystal clear: sharing, or threatening to share, a deepfake intimate image without consent – including images of people in their underwear – is a criminal offence.
Under the Online Safety Act, sharing images – or threatening to share them – is a criminal offence. For individuals, and for platforms.
My predecessor – the Right Honourable Member for Hove and Portslade – made this a ‘priority offence’, so services have to take proactive action to stop this content from appearing in the first place.
The Data Act, passed last year, made it a criminal offence to create – or request the creation of – non-consensual intimate images.
And today, I can announce to the House that this offence will be brought into force this week and that I will make it a priority offence in the Online Safety Act too.
This means individuals are committing a criminal offence if they create – or seek to create – such content – including on X – and anyone who does this should expect to face the full extent of the law.
But the responsibilities do not just lie with individuals for their own behaviour.
The platforms that host such material must be held accountable – including X.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Ofcom this morning confirmed that they have opened a formal investigation into X and will assess their compliance with the Online Safety Act.
The government expects Ofcom to set out a timeline for the investigation as soon as possible.
The public – and most importantly, the victims of Grok’s activities – expect swift and decisive action. So this must not take months and months.
But X doesn’t have to wait for the Ofcom investigation to conclude. They can choose to act sooner to ensure this abhorrent and illegal material cannot be shared on their platform.
If they do not, Ofcom will have the backing of this government to use the full powers which Parliament has given them.
And I would remind X – and all other platforms – that this includes the power to issue fines worth millions of dollars, or 10% of a company’s qualifying worldwide revenue.
And in the most serious cases, Ofcom can apply for a court order to stop UK users accessing the site.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this government will do everything in our power to keep women and especially children safe online.
So I can today confirm that we will build on all the measures I have already outlined and legislate in the Crime and Policing Bill – which is currently going through Parliament – to criminalise nudification apps.
This new criminal offence will make it illegal for companies to supply tools designed to create non-consensual intimate images, targeting the problem at its source.
And in addition to all of these actions, we expect technology companies to introduce the steps recommended by Ofcom’s guidance on how to make platforms safer for women and girls without delay.
And if they do not, I am prepared to go further.
Because this government believes tackling violence against women and girls is as important online as it is in the real world.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this is not – as some would claim – about restricting freedom of speech, something I and the whole government hold very dear.
It is about tackling violence against women and girls.
It’s about upholding basic British values of decency and respect, and ensuring the standards we expect offline are upheld online.
And it is about exercising our sovereign power and responsibility to uphold the laws of the land.
I hope this is a time when MPs on all sides of the House will stand up for British laws and British values and call out the platforms that allow explicit, degrading and illegal content.
It is time to choose a side.
If I may Madam Deputy Speaker, I would also like to address calls from MPs on all sides of this House for the government to end its participation on X.
I understand why many colleagues have come to this conclusion when X seems so unwilling to clean up its act. The government will of course keep our participation under review.
But our job is to protect women and girls from illegal and harmful content wherever it is found.
It is also worth bearing in mind, with 19 million people on X in this country, and more than a quarter using it as their primary source of news, that our views – and often simply the facts – need to be heard.
Madam Deputy Speaker, let me conclude by saying this.
AI is a transformative technology which has the potential to bring about extraordinary and welcome change.
Creating jobs and growth. Diagnosing and treating diseases. Helping children learn at school. Tackling climate change. And so much more besides.
But in order to seize these opportunities, people must feel confident that they and their children are safe online and that AI is not used for destructive and abusive ends.
Many tech companies want to and are acting responsibly. But when they do not, we must and we will act.
Innovation should serve humanity; not degrade it.
So we will leave no stone unturned in our determination to stamp out these demeaning, degrading and illegal images.
If that means strengthening the existing laws, we are prepared to do so.
Because this government stands on the side of decency.
We stand on the side of the law.
We stand for basic British values supported by the vast majority of people in this country.
Almost 340,000 Self Assessment filers have already paid their tax bill using the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app.
It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders.
Taxpayers need to file their return and pay tax they owe by 31 January.
The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax bill has increased by nearly 65%.
Almost 340,000 people have used it to pay since 6 April 2025, an increase of 132,788 people compared to the same period last year.
Self Assessment customers need to file their tax return online for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2026. HMRC is encouraging those yet to start theirs, to go to GOV.UK and do it now. Anyone who misses the deadline could be subject to an automatic £100 penalty.
Filing tax returns ahead of the deadline means knowing how much tax to pay sooner. It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders to make sure the deadline isn’t missed.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:“The Self Assessment deadline is less than one month away, and thousands of people have already paid their tax bill via the HMRC app. It is quick and easy to do, and you can also see your payment history.
“Search ‘download the HMRC app’ on GOV.UK to access the app and make your Self Assessment payment.”
People unable to pay any tax owed in full may be able to set up a Time To Pay arrangement, if they meet the eligibility criteria and they owe less than £30,000.
Alternative options include paying directly through a bank account, direct debit or paying online via GOV.UK. A full list of payment options can be found on GOV.UK.
HMRC expects more than 12 million tax returns to be filed by the deadline. Those who miss the deadline will be issued with a penalty:
an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater
There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.
Customers who need assistance to complete their Self Assessment can access support and guidance online 24/7, including YouTube videos, webinars, digital assistant and step-by-step guidance covering different sections of a tax return. Most queries can be resolved online.
Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.
The new High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) PAYE digital service means thousands of Child Benefit claimants who are only in Self Assessment to pay HICBC can choose to pay the charge back through their tax code.
Eligible customers can call HMRC before the filing deadline to say they want to be removed from Self Assessment to use the digital service. Where a tax return has already been filed, customers can choose to stop from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through PAYE.
Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.
Self Assessment customers are sometimes targeted by criminals and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
Launched: Scotland’s Apartheid Free Zones Map 
Explore the map: 
Not listed yet? Businesses and organisations are invited to join and help grow the movement.
