Scotland’s unique package of winter heating support will begin this month
An estimated 1.4 million payments will be made to people across Scotland to help with heating their homes this winter, with payments set to begin from October.
The Scottish Government’s unique package of winter heating benefits provides guaranteed support to pensioners, low-income households and families with disabled children and young people.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland, providing people of State Pension age with a payment between £105.55 and £316.70 depending on their age and household circumstances. Payments are issued to all eligible pensioners but are recovered from those with an individual income of over £35,000 by HMRC. Payments will begin from November and continue throughout the winter.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports households with disabled children and young people who have the highest care needs in the winter months. This type of assistance is not available anywhere else in the UK. This year payments will start from week commencing 5 October.
Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for low-income households in receipt of certain benefits. This is paid irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week. Payments will begin from December.
For the majority of eligible people, the winter heating benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland are paid automatically with no need to apply.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Over a million people are set to benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of winter heating support – which is stronger than anywhere else in the UK.
“With energy costs predicted to rise again, this could be a valuable lifeline for older people, families on low incomes, disabled children and young people.
“We are committed to treating people with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. Our approach supports those most in need. The Scottish Government will continue to ensure vulnerable people get the financial help they need this winter.”
In winter 2025/26, over 1.57 million payments were issued for Child Winter Heating Payment, Winter Heating Payment and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
More than 1.46 million clients received at least one of the three winter heating benefits.
Tax cut will help households with their energy bills by taking around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap.
Part of Prime Minister’s wider plan for ‘everyday fixes’ to give families some breathing space.
Households will be better protected from rising global energy costs this winter after the Government cuts tax on household electricity bills from today.
The action keeps the Energy Price Cap £45 a year less than it would have been, giving people a bit of breathing space on their energy bills between October and December.
Around a third of households are on fixed tariffs and therefore will not be affected by the Energy Price Cap rise. The Government expects suppliers to pass on the VAT cut to these customers too, meaning they could be in line for their energy bills to fall overall. The Government encourages people to shop around for the best deal for their home.
This is the latest measure in the Prime Minister’s series of ‘everyday fixes’ to give families room to breathe. It follows action to cap bus fares at £2, ban fake discounts and end subscription traps, as well as cracking down on school uniform-rip offs and cut business-rates for the pubs, social clubs and high-street businesses that hold communities together.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For many families, the energy bill is the one they dread the most. I don’t accept that it has to be this way, and I am determined to bring down costs for good.
“But I know people can’t wait. Families need breathing space now.
“That’s why, from today, VAT is gone from your electricity bill. And we’re going further, capping bus fares at £2 from January and cutting business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues”.
While the Government is giving people short term relief on their energy bills, it is also taking action to fix Britain’s energy problems for the long term.
This week the Prime Minister committed to reduce energy costs so that they are in line with other countries in Europe within ten years by introducing greater public control in the system. He announced a new publicly owned body within Great British Energy – Great British Grid (GB Grid) – alongside other reforms to help improve competition, speed up grid connections for businesses, and lower costs.
It will help to reform the broken energy market so it better serves the public interest. Other measures include the delivery of Sizewell C to kickstart a golden era of nuclear, and investment in homegrown, clean energy production.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP, said: “This tax cut will help keep energy bills down a bit as we head into the winter.
“We are acting on cost of living pressures to give people some breathing space for the next few months while we make long-term changes to better shield the country from global shocks like those we face today.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, said: “I know energy price rises weigh heavily on homes across the UK this winter.
“From today, our VAT cut will give households some much needed breathing space, making the energy price cap £45 a year less than it would have been. This follows the £150 of costs we removed from bills earlier this year.
“Alongside this, we continue to look at what more we can do to protect families from unaffordable bills, as we drive down bills for good through clean power.”
Savings for households depends on how much energy they use, but the cut will help families keep more money in their pockets as temperatures fall and energy use typically increases.
The move follows a rise in global energy costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East and reflects the Government’s commitment to give people some breathing space, taking practical action where it can make the biggest difference.
This builds on the £150 of costs taken off energy bills in the Budget last year and expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount to around six million households. Our Warm Homes Plan will also lower bills for millions of households and help lift households out of fuel poverty.
A new blueprint sets out how people across Scotland can play a bigger part in the country’s response to the climate and nature crisis.
The Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature aims to enable people to understand what climate change means for them, encourage local action and ensure people’s voices shape the decisions that affect them.
A separate Delivery Plan, due in spring 2027, will set out the specific activities, partnerships and commitments that will bring the strategy to life at a local and national level.
With 72% of people in Scotland agreeing climate change is an urgent problem, the strategy aims to turn that concern into meaningful participation, while stepping up work to prepare communities for impacts like flooding and extreme weather. The launch also continues the progress made on climate action, with greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland cut by 50% since 1990.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin launched the strategy ahead of a visit to Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre in Paisley to view Scottish Government-backed environmental improvements including solar panels, battery storage and an EV charging point. She said: “Everyone has a part to play in tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Everyone also stands to benefit from doing so. People and communities are central to this, not just by making their own lives more sustainable, but by helping shape the solutions that work best for their local areas.
“This strategy, published during Scotland’s Climate Week, is about turning that opportunity into action, and that means giving people a real say in the decisions that affect them.
“The last year has shown just how urgent and necessary climate action is. From wildfires to flooding, coastal erosion and even water scarcity, climate change is already affecting our communities, and these impacts will only become more frequent and severe. Climate Week is a chance to show what progress actually looks like, and to remind people that this is something positive we’re all part of, together.”
The new strategy recognises the value of different approaches to supporting people to meet the challenges of the changing climate – from grassroots initiatives to national awareness campaigns.
For local people, this means information on practical help with protecting their homes from flooding, restoring habitats such as rivers and peatland, and changing travel habits or how homes are heated, as well as more targeted support for those most at risk from extreme weather.
It also means having a say in how their area responds, and a stronger connection with nature closer to home.
A fire starting at night while you’re asleep means less warning to escape.
Your smoke alarms should wake you if a fire does break out but you can further reduce your risk by carrying out these simple checks before you go to bed.
Earn up to 4.84% annual return by investing in nature-based projects and flood prevention in Edinburgh.
By investing you will help us to reduce emissions, improve access to nature, offer cooler spaces during heatwaves, reduce flood risk during heavy rainstorms, and boost biodiversity.
GOVERNMENTS AND UNIVERSITIES MUST ACT NOW TO PROTECT OUR STUDENTS, SAYS FORMER MSP
The commencement of a five-week strike at the University of Edinburgh, planned to run until 30th October, is deeply alarming for students, families, and our wider Lothian community (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MBE).
While I fully respect university staff and support their fight against compulsory redundancies and excessive workloads under proposed £140 million budget cuts, we cannot allow our students to become collateral damage in this ongoing crisis.
There is a common misconception that all home students in Scotland attend university completely free. The reality is that thousands of local Scottish students enrolled in Postgraduate Diplomas, professional qualification courses, and specialized diploma programs are paying thousands of pounds directly out of their own pockets. Many exhaust life savings or take on heavy personal debt to gain these essential qualifications for their future careers.
At the same time, international students pay exorbitant tuition fees alongside steep visa and living costs to study in our capital city. Whether local diploma students or international postgraduates, these individuals have invested enormous amounts of money with the expectation of receiving top-tier, uninterrupted education.
To expect students to pay premium fees, or exhaust life savings, while losing over a month of core lectures, seminars, and academic support is unjust and unacceptable. Their degrees, financial livelihoods, and future career prospects are being placed at serious risk through no fault of their own.
University management must urgently return to the negotiating table with staff and trade unions to resolve this dispute fairly. Crucially, university leadership must immediately put protections in place, including academic remediation and financial compensation or tuition fee rebates for lost teaching time.
However, the burden does not rest solely on the university. The Scottish Government must also take accountability for the systemic funding crisis across our higher education sector.
Throughout my tenure in the Scottish Parliament representing the Lothian region, I have continuously raised parliamentary questions, challenged Ministers, and worked on parliamentary committees to champion student welfare, from campaigning against spiraling student housing costs to advocating for hardship support and fair education funding.
Our universities cannot fix institutional budget deficits at the expense of staff security and student futures.
Emergency action is required now from both university leadership and government ministers to step in, protect our staff, and ensure our students get the education and fairness they have paid for.
We’re joining #WeeRead26 – a national campaign celebrating the joy of reading, encouraging people across Scotland to make time for a wee read.
Make your pledge today, link in the comments. Visit Corstorphine or your local library if you need help finding something to read, but anything counts!
Get ready for half term with hands on activities and workshops at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian and the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
Looking further ahead, the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire opens in November with a legion of special events including the return of Museum Lates and a weekend of ancient craft demonstrations.
EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
OPENING SOON Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Saturday 14 November 2026 – Sunday 18 April 2027
Tickets from £13.50, concessions available.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. This exhibition will bring the military communities of Rome’s most northern frontier to life through new research, significant loans from across Europe, and previously unseen archaeological discoveries.
Visitors will encounter objects and stories that bring a vibrant and diverse frontier community to life. This will include finds from a 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk, East Lothian. Central to the exhibition will be two spectacular altars from the fort’s Mithraeum (a temple to the god Mithras).
Scotland’s First Warriors Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Until 16 May 2027
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Scotland’s First Warriors is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Short Courses with the University of Edinburgh 1 Oct 2026 – 28 May 2027 Various prices, book via Centre for Open Learning website
Explore our collections with expert tutors on a University of Edinburgh Short Course hosted at the National Museum of Scotland. Courses include Victorian Edinburgh, Georgian Scotland and Colour in Science and Nature.
Find out Fridays Until 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00 Free, drop-in All ages
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Scotland 4 Oct – 6 Dec 2026 10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in All ages
A monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to families with neurodiverse children, neurodiverse young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct 10:00 – 16:00 Free, drop-in All ages
This October Half Term explore a world of stories with free family activities.
From historical happenings and fantastical myths to local gossip and traditional folktales, explore the different ways people of the past and present have kept a record of the world around them. Journey through the many forms that stories can take, from oral storytelling and written tales to stories told through dance, song and objects. Discover the stories that shaped Scotland and those that have reached us from distant shores.
Creative Workshops for Kids: Imagine That! Wed 14 Oct 9:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 16:30 Tickets £20, Members and concessions available Ages 7 -11
Artist and writer Hannah Kelly leads a workshop all about stories. Children will explore the museum through playful prompts and let their imaginations transform objects into story ingredients. Back at the studio they will create their own terrific tales.
Shadows on the Wall: Storytelling through Shadow Puppetry Wed 14 Oct 9:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 16:30 Tickets £15, Members and concessions available Ages 7-11
A creative workshop exploring storytelling, Scotland, and shadow puppetry. Taking inspiration from Scotland’s landscape and folktales, children will learn more about the museum’s collection. Then they will craft a story of their own, told through the art of shadow puppetry.
Museum Socials Fri 17 Jul – Fri 19 Mar 2027 10:30 – 12:00 National Museum of Scotland Free, booking required
Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
Perspectives: Black History Month Tour Fri 16 Oct 16:00 – 17:00 and 17:30 – 18:30 Free, booking required Ages 16+
Join Lisa Williams for an after-hours tour of the National Museum of Scotland to celebrate Black History Month. Lisa will explore the stories behind iconic objects and give fresh insights on the links between Scotland and Africa and the Caribbean. From the Darien Chest to Althea McNish fabrics, you’ll uncover groundbreaking design and new perspectives.
We Were Here: Film screening and in conversation Fri 16 Oct 19:00 – 21:00 Free, booking required Ages 12+
We Were Here interweaves art history with social narratives, offering a fresh lens on European Renaissance and the complex tapestry of Black presence often overlooked in conventional historical accounts. After the screening, there will be a discussion and Q&A with Director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu and historian, writer and presenter, Dr Onyeka Nubia. The event will be chaired by Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History.
Family Storytelling Day Sat 24 Oct 10:30 – 16:30 Free, drop-in All ages
Join us for a day of free fun for families, including storytelling, crafts and object encounters. Get to know birds, beasts and beasties of all kinds at the National Museum of Scotland this October half term.Settle in for a story with our friends from the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, get creative at our craft tables, or get up close to some of the incredible animals in our collections.
In partnership with the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Words of the Wild: Changing Seasons Sat 24 Oct 15:00 – 16:00 Free, booking required Ages 6+
Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust and storyteller David Hughes to take a turn of the “Celtic Wheel of the Year”. David will explore what can be learnt about our changing seasons when Scottish myths, legends and folk tales are looked at through an ecological lens.
This event is part of Family Storytelling Day and is held in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
The Sunday Sketch 25 Oct 14:00 – 16:00 Tickets from £13 Ages 16+
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Music at the Museum 27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027 11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15 Free, drop-in All ages
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 10:30–12:00 Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
Curiosity Club Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027 10:30 – 12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9) Ages 7-11
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027 14:30 – 15:30 £10 (Members and concessions £9) Ages 7-11
These relaxed sessions are designed for children with additional support needs and their families.
Get inspired through games, activities and an optional gallery visit. Explore some of the fascinating facts and stories behind our collection. We aim to create a fun, friendly, and relaxed environment for ASN children to explore our Curiosity Club activities with the reassurance of their parents/carers being with them or nearby.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club
Magic Carpet Nov 9, 16, 23 10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30 Tickets from £4 per session Ages 0-4
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Perspectives: A guided LGBTQ+ tour of the National Museum of Scotland Fri 13 Nov 2026 and Sun 21 Feb 2027 14:00 – 15:30 Free, ticketed Ages 16+
Researcher Joe Setch presents a free guided tour that highlights some of the LGBTQ+ histories in the National Collection. Explore the museum’s collections from a queer perspective. Discover stories of creativity, innovation and love, alongside often hidden truths about harm and exclusion.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/perspectives-lgbtq-tour
Museum Late: When in Rome Fri 20 Nov 19:30 – 22:30 Tickets £26, Members and concessions available Ages 18+
A night of Roman-inspired revelry in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland after hours, inspired by the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
When in Rome, do as the ancient Romans do! Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars and Roman-themed performances and activities throughout our galleries.
Meet the Makers: Prehistoric and Roman Scotland Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 10:00 – 16:00 Free, drop in All ages
Free, drop-in demonstrations and displays showcasing craftsmanship of the past.
Contemporary makers will represent craft skills from Bronze Age Scotland to the Roman military occupation. Discover how pottery, jewellery, textiles, leather, tools, and wooden objects were made in the past. Inspired by our major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
Find our more nms.ac.uk/events/meet-the-makers-prehistoric-and-roman-scotland
Creative Workshop: Roman Pottery Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov 10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 Tickets £50, Members and concessions available Ages 16+
Master potter and ancient pottery specialist Graham Taylor leads a workshop on the skills and techniques of ancient Roman Pottery making and decorating, inspired by objects on display in the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire. Working with a pot fresh from Graham’s wheel, participants will create their own replica pot that will be taken back to the Potted History workshop, fired, and returned to them.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-roman-pottery
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life
Autumn Explorers Tue 13 – Fri 16 Oct 10:30 – 15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass All ages
Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going back to our roots, digging into the traditions of the Scottish potato harvest.
Ever wondered why there’s a school holiday in October? Come along and discover how this tradition began when children would swap the classroom for the fields to help with the tattie howking. Find out how this crop has fed families for generations and get hands-on with sustainable activities, some surprising science and spud-tacular storytelling.
Autumn Explorers is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/autumn-explorers
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Every second Sunday of the month 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight
Half Term: How Things Fly Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct 10:30 – 15:30 Free with admission Ages 3+
The National Museum of Flight is full of things that fly of all shapes and sizes. This October half term, families can discover how they fly with a range of fun activities. Build a glider with wings shaped like a real aeroplane, try some popular flying toys from and watch the How things fly show.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/half-term-how-things-fly
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 16 Oct 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission Ages 7+
Learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. In October, Curator Ian Brown will discuss ‘Mythbusting the Raid on the Forth, 16 October 1939’. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk.
Learn more about the Edinburgh Green Investment, including full terms and risk information 
Make your pledge today, link in the comments. Visit Corstorphine or your local library if you need help finding something to read, but anything counts!