Public health charities, trade union representatives and people whose health or business improved following the ban of smoking in indoor public spaces are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free legislation coming into force on 26 March.
Longer term benefits of the ban included a 17% reduction in adult heart attack admissions to Scottish hospitals, reversing a previous rising trend, and an 18% decline in child asthma admissions. Second-hand smoke exposure among bar workers also reduced by 86%.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free public spaces legislation was a major public health success in encouraging many people to give up smoking and driving down the dangerous exposure of toxic second-hand smoke for staff and customers, including children, in indoor settings.
“We are delighted to celebrate what is considered one of the most important public health measures in the first quarter of the 21st century and a landmark achievement of the devolved Scottish Parliament.
“We hope its success encourages the next generation of MSPs to further extend smoke-free protections especially to areas most used by children such as in playgrounds, around schools and in sporting facilities.”
Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC), said: “The indoor smoking ban has been an unparalleled success and it was entirely right – thanks to the campaigning of organisations and unions across the country – that the then Scottish Executive showed leadership in introducing UK-leading smoke-free legislation.
“Protecting workers in their workplace is a core principle of our movement. We’re proud to have helped deliver improved health outcomes and a safer working environment for bar workers and hospitality staff across Scotland and will continue to build on that work as this leading legislation marks its 20th anniversary”
Lilian Macer, UNISON Scottish secretary,said: “The smoking ban marked a fundamental shift in public health in Scotland. UNISON is Scotland’s biggest health union, and this decision had a significant impact on our health services and improved workplaces.
“It seemed like radical legislation at the time, but it quickly became the new normal and it would now be unthinkable to return to smoke filled rooms.
“I remember feeling pride as people in Scotland just got on with it. The lack of resistance was because civic Scotland built a consensus around the legislation.
“It was a catalyst for a big reduction in smoking, particularly amongst young people and we’ll reap the benefits for generations to come – particularly in the NHS. Of course we’ve much more to do, but it’s important to mark the significant progress we’ve made.”
Gareth Brown, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “As we welcome the 20-year anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland, we can reflect that something that seemed controversial at the time is now commonplace across much of Europe and indeed the world with widespread and popular support.
“The ban ensured that smoking inside public places has thankfully ceased, with the link between socialising and smoking broken. Since then, generations of young people have never started smoking and have largely avoided the harms caused by passive tobacco smoke.
“This has helped to bring down smoking rates, but there is much still to be done, particularly in more disadvantaged area. Scotland needed this ban to improve the nation’s lung health, and our fight continues to help everyone breathe better.”
Initiatives to drive economic growth and tackle poverty
Funding for community regeneration projects in Granton and Wester Hailes
Projects to create jobs and regenerate communities across Scotland will benefit from funding set out in the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes outlined 32 projects across Scotland which will benefit from the latest round of the £36 million Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The proposals are expected to support more than 1,200 new jobs and 800 training opportunities as well as bringing 21 disused or derelict sites back into use.
Initiatives include funding to transform Granton Lighthouse into a hub for musicians, artists and creative businesses, with studios and offices as well as exhibition space and a café open to the public.
Other projects include:
starting works on an advanced manufacturing park for maritime technologies on the River Clyde
creating affordable homes in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands
expanding watersports businesses in Tarbert and Campbeltown
extending Harris’s only visitor centre to include retail and events space and student accommodation
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Granton Lighthouse in Edinburgh to outline projects benefiting from our Regeneration Capital Grant Fund in 2026-27.
The initiatives are expected to create more than 1,200 jobs and 800 training opportunities.
Following a visit to Granton Lighthouse Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment will make a real difference to people’s lives – providing affordable homes, economic opportunities and community spaces the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Creating hundreds of jobs and training opportunities will boost family incomes and give children a better start in life.
“Granton Lighthouse is a beacon for its community’s future. Once derelict, it will become a vibrant creative hub as part of our commitment to support plans to regenerate Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community.”
Granton Lighthouse will be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust after its restoration. Rob Hoon, Chief Executive of the trust, said: “Out of the Blue is delighted that the Scottish Government has granted regeneration funding for the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse.
“We have been an integral part of the team planning the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is a significant landmark listed building loved by local people, who see an exciting opportunity for involvement in a new creative space, with opportunities for learning, a cafe, studios, music practice and recording.”
Regeneration Capital Grant Fund projects for 2026-27:
Granton Lighthouse Creative Hub (City of Edinburgh) — £2,277,545
The Scottish Marine Technology Park (West Dunbartonshire Council) – £4,229,000
Achagarry: homes for Coigach (Highland Council) — £575,920
Sustainable living in Applecross (Highland Council) — £552,000
Hebrides People Visitor Centre (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) — £1,850,000
Kintyre Seasports (Argyll and Bute Council) — £800,000
Tarbert Harbour Community Water Sports and Activity Hub (Argyll and Bute Council) — £850,000
North Uist Community and Heritage (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) — £599,000
Tighnabruaich community refuelling and business hub (Argyll and Bute Council) — £120,000
130–132 High Street, Dumfries (Dumfries and Galloway Council) — £838,909
GDI site remediation and enabling works, Gatehouse of Fleet (Dumfries and Galloway Council) — £1,034,058
Kirkton Community Centre (Dundee Council) — £1,426,916
Bourtreehill village regeneration (North Ayrshire Council) — £1,169,000
The Cairnlea Centre: a wellbeing hub for Airdrie (North Lanarkshire Council) – £1,700,000
Grant Lodge: gateway to Moray (Moray Council) — £1,104,827
Speldiburn Community Hub enhancement project (Shetland Council) — £997,943
A new community hub and civic square for Dalgety Bay (Fife Council) — £1,500,000
First Minister: “Qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment”
First Minister John Swinney has met the Scotland men’s national team in Glasgow to celebrate the squad qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.
The Scotland men’s national side, managed by Steve Clarke and captained by Andy Robertson MBE, will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C this summer, with matches taking place in Boston and Miami.
The Scottish Government has announced £2 million for a “Summer of Sport” football fund to support clubs across the country to deliver new opportunities for children and young people by using the power of football.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football is woven into the fabric of life in Scotland. The men’s team qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark illustrated how important football is to this country.
“Thousands of fans will make the journey to the USA, but the whole country will be right behind the team. The Scottish Government will build on the excitement surrounding the World Cup and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games to deliver new sporting opportunities for young people across the country.
“Qualifying for the finals is an incredible achievement and I’m very proud of the team – tonight was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that success.”
The race distance is only 70 metres but for the packed field taking part in Musselburgh Racecourse’s famous Corgi Derby on Easter Saturday it will take a marathon effort to claim victory.
Now in its fifth year, the hotly-contested event returns on Musselburgh’s opening Flat fixture of the season on 4 April, bringing together 15 dogged rivals in a race that has grown from a one-off Jubilee celebration into an event with genuine international interest.
First staged in 2022 to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and her well-known love of corgis, the race has taken on a life of its own, attracting entries from across the UK.
More than 50 dogs were entered so a ballot was held, but among those lining up are familiar faces including former champions Georgie Rumbles (2022) and Rodney (2023) – returning to try to recapture their titles – while ever-present contenders Toffee and Pippin maintain their record of having competed in every race so far.
Mussleburgh Racecourse Easter Saturday 2025
Last year’s top dog and local hero Juno, will be looking to retain the crown, fresh from a training routine that including chasing down seagulls on nearby Portobello Beach. The race is scheduled for 12.15pm, with the runners gathering beforehand in the racecourse parade ring where the 2026 champion corgi will return for a trophy presentation.
While the corgis may grab the headlines, the day itself offers the highest quality Flat racing with a £300,000-plus card, featuring the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup, the historic Queen’s Cup and the introduction of a new £80,000 Listed contest – the Virgin Bet Goliath Cup.
Off the track, Musselburgh lives up to its reputation as one of Scotland’s best family day-out venues, with live music between races provided by Banjo Lounge, a wide range of street food and bars, and a lively after-racing party hosted by Forth One’s Garry Spence, ensuring the fun continues after the final race.
For families, the popular Kid’s Clip Clop Zone returns, complete with free fairground rides, face painting and the Easter Bunny who will be handing out free chocolate eggs, while children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Mussleburgh Racecourse Easter Saturday 2025
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development, at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The famous Corgi Derby has become something of a runaway hit and what started as a bit of fun has grown into a real highlight of the Easter weekend for thousands of our visitors.
“It’s a perfect fun start to what is a high-quality day of racing and it underlines that a day at the races can combine both top-class competitive sport and great entertainment.”
Admission tickets purchased before midnight on 3 April benefit from a £4 discount. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
Scottish Recommended Allowance to increase in line with inflation
Financial support for kinship and foster carers will increase in 2026-27 – helping them meet the cost of living challenges and to provide more for the children and young people they care for.
The Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) will be uprated by 3.8% for 2026-27, which is in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate recorded in September 2025. This uplift – part of the Scottish Government’s work to Keep the Promise to Scotland’s care experienced young people by 2030 – will be supported by an additional £4.3 million investment.
From April 2026, kinship and foster carers will receive a weekly allowance, based on the age of each child they care for, of:
0 to 4 years: £177.68
5-15 years: £206.71
16-17 years: £283.35
The SRA was first introduced in Scotland in August 2023 to ensure all eligible foster and kinship carers receive a consistent minimum level of financial support, regardless of where they live.
Following a review of the allowance, the Scottish Government agreed in March 2026 to uplift the SRA annually in line with inflation.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “Foster and kinship carers do an extraordinary job in providing safe, stable, and loving homes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people. It is only right that the financial support they receive keeps pace with the cost of living.
“This uplift is a clear demonstration of our commitment to Keep The Promise and to ensuring that carers are properly supported in the vital work they do. I am grateful to all the foster and kinship carers, local authorities, and organisations who contributed to the review of the SRA, and look forward to continued partnership working to build on the progress we have made.”
The Scottish Government provides an annual investment of £17.9 million for the allowance. The uplift for this year is backed by an additional £4.3 million.
Children and families across Scotland will soon benefit from expanded outdoor play opportunities, as 41 organisations receive funding to develop local initiatives.
Three Edinburgh projects are set to receive funding:
Bridgend Farmhouse £15,625.00
Smart Play Network £15,972.00
Wester Hailes Growing Communities £19,751.00
The Outdoor Community Play Fund, managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, supports free, child‑led outdoor play in communities where it can have the greatest impact.
Outdoor play is essential for healthy childhoods, stronger families, and thriving communities. Access to this funding ensures that children living in Scotland’s most deprived areas, as well as those in rural and remote communities, can access safe, high-quality and inclusive play opportunities.
Minister for Children, Young People, and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up. Playing outside is great for children’s health and happiness.
“For the first time, local grassroots groups in rural areas will receive funding to create opportunities for children to play outside in rural parts of Scotland, and the fund will also continue to support play charities to create opportunities for children in the most deprived areas to play outside.
“While the funding supports opportunities for outdoor play all-year-round, with the warmer months approaching it’s a great time to find out what outdoor play is on near you. I’m really pleased the Scottish Government can help make this happen.”
Twenty-two Scottish charities working in the most deprived communities will receive funding support to deliver free, child‑led outdoor play.
Outdoor play will be delivered using the Play Ranger model, helping children build confidence, develop social skills, and enjoy nature in a way that supports their wellbeing and development.
A further 19 grassroots groups in rural and remote areas will receive funding to develop sustainable outdoor play provision that reflects the needs, geography, and character of local communities.
The aim of this funding is to help smaller community organisations overcome barriers, build capacity, and commence delivery of outdoor play for children and families.
OutLET: Play Resource, one of the organisations to receive funding, said: “We are delighted to have received Outdoor Community Play funding this year.
“This valuable funding ensures we can continue delivering our Wellwoods programme, providing inclusive, high-quality outdoor play experiences for children and their caregivers.
“Families tell us these opportunities are a lifeline – providing a welcoming space where they can support their wellbeing, and feel confident enjoying their local woodlands and greenspaces for play, connection and growth.”
In addition to managing the fund, Inspiring Scotland plays a central role in strengthening the sector by offering funded organisations a wide range of support to build capacity and share best practice nationally.
Through hands-on guidance, practical tools, and strategic advice, Inspiring Scotland helps enhance the quality and effectiveness of third sector delivery across the country.
Funded organisations also benefit from support to secure match funding, increasing investment in communities experiencing high levels of deprivation as well as those in rural and remote areas.
Julia Abel, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland, said: “This welcomed investment recognises what the evidence has long shown: outdoor play is essential for children’s wellbeing, development, and long-term outcomes.
“Inspiring Scotland is proud to continue to collaborate with community organisations nationwide to create high quality, inclusive outdoor play opportunities that build resilience, strengthen families, and improve life chances.”
Funding will support the delivery of outdoor play opportunities and contribute directly to the ambitions set out in the Scottish Government’s Play: Vision Statement and Action Plan.
By investing in locally‑led outdoor play, the fund aims to strengthen community resilience, support parents and families, improve wellbeing, and enable more children to enjoy everyday play in nature.
A man has died following a road crash in Dalkeith which took place on Friday, 20 March, 2026.
Around 1.40pm, police received a report of an electric mountain bike colliding with a white Transit Van on the A6106, Old Dalkeith Road.
Emergency services attended and the 44-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital, where he died on Monday, 23 March, 2026.
Sergeant Mike Nash said: “Our enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding this crash. I would urge anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police to contact us.
“Anyone with dash-cam footage from the area at the time is asked to check if it holds anything relevant and please get in touch if you can help.”
Contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1660 of Friday, 20 March, 2026.
Over a quarter of a million pounds has been given to 25 dementia projects across Scotland to support the growth of community-led support for people living with dementia, their carers and family members.
Age Scotland’s dementia ‘Encouraging and Supporting Grassroots Activity’ (ESGA) fund is providing a total of £314,662 in community grants to groups across Scotland.
These grants have been supported by Scottish Government funding, allocated via a National Dementia Resilient Communities Programme Board made up of lived experience voices, local and national partners.
This funding, and the work of the Board, supports the aims of the new National Dementia Strategy, particularly in building resilience and sustainability in community support for people living with dementia and unpaid carers.
Funding decisions were made in collaboration with a lived experience panel of people living with dementia and unpaid carers, ensuring that those with first-hand insight played a key role in shaping the allocation of grants.
The 25 successfully funded projects are:
Beith Community Development Trust (North Ayrshire)
Big Hearts Community Trust (Edinburgh)
Feniks (Edinburgh)
Networking Key Services (Edinburgh)
Boots and Beards (Glasgow)
Wing Hong Chinese Elderly Centre (Glasgow)
Central Wellbeing (Falkirk)
Cobhair Bharraigh (Western Isles)
Community Connectors (Moray)
Connecting Carers (Highland)
Raddery House / Inverness Openarts (Highland)
Craignish Community Company (Argyll and Bute)
Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy (Perth and Kinross)
Dementia Friendly Prestwick (South Ayrshire)
Friends of Dundonald Castle (South Ayrshire)
DG Voice (Dumfries and Galloway)
Forget Me Not Club (Aberdeenshire)
Inchgarth Community Centre (Aberdeen city)
Friends of Kilsyth (North Lanarkshire)
North Lanarkshire Muslim Women & Family Alliance (NLMWFA) (North Lanarkshire)
Inspiring Communities (Stirling)
Lyle Gateway (Inverclyde)
Montrose Connections (Angus)
Past Times (South Lanarkshire)
Peebles Old Parish Church (Scottish Borders)
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 will be distributed by April 2026 and will allow communities to deliver projects and realise the benefits and impact of their work as soon as possible.
Anna Clements, Head of Dementia at Age Scotland, said:“We were blown away by the number of applications and are proud to announce the recipients of one of our largest allocations of ESGA funding to date.
“From towns and cities to islands and remote areas in different corners of Scotland, it’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects receiving funding to help people living with dementia, their carers, and families stay connected and supported in their communities.
“This year we made a conscious effort to ensure a broad spread of grant holders across Scotland, particularly in rural areas and projects supporting people from ethnic minority communities, where access to dementia services can be especially limited and underrepresented.
“We look forward to seeing the funding in action across the country and are confident the projects will play a vital role in empowering people to live well with dementia.”
Funded grassroots dementia projects thriving:
The Forget Me Notes Project is a singing group which aims to create inclusive choirs for everyone, including people living with dementia.
The organisation is based in Edinburgh and hosts weekly sessions alternating between Saughton Park and The Salvation Army on Gorgie Road.
It also runs an online Zoom choir which attracts participants from across the UK.
While these choirs had already been running for two years, it was only when funding from About Dementia was secured last year that the choirs became weekly offerings, enabling them to recruit new volunteers to provide assistance to members.
Alan Midwinter, chief executive of The Forget Me Notes Project, said: “The grant was used to consolidate our work and make it consistent, we wouldn’t be able to keep it going as much without it.”
On a warm sunny day Alan says between 70 to 80 people usually turn up at the outdoor Choir In The Park, including many people living with dementia and unpaid carers.
On colder or wet days, the group move into the park’s glasshouse to sing.
Alan added: “People with dementia who attend our choirs get a sense of achievement, community involvement, its inclusive for people who might be genuinely isolated.”
