Fund cleared historic debt in over 70,000 cases across Scotland
More than 70,000 instances of support were provided to families to clear historic school meal debt as a result of nearly £2.9 million investment, a new report shows.
The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt accrued by families up to 31 March 2024.
The fund was established in response to cost-of-living pressures and the stigma that school meal debt can place on children.
The School Meal Debt Fund Report, published today, also sets out councils’ strategies for addressing meal debt, such as flexible payment options, simplified free school meal applications and extended free meal provision.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “No child should feel the burden of school meal debt, and no family should face unnecessary stress over the cost of their child’s lunch.
“This report highlights the compassionate and innovative approaches being taken by councils to support families – from streamlining free school meal applications to offering flexible payment options and working directly with families facing hardship.
“School meal debt is still an issue. While councils are proactively identifying and supporting those who need help the most, they must ensure that all families never reach the point of debt in the first place. We will continue to work with councils to ensure that more can be done to address this.
“Over 230,000 pupils are currently benefitting from free school meals, a crucial element in our commitment to eradicate child poverty. This saves families who take up the offer every school day around £450 per child, per year.
“Our 2026-27 Budget expands free school meal provision to reach an additional 5,500 pupils, continuing our mission to give every child the best possible start in life.”
Majority are for families with children, reports Trussell
Families with children continue to be among hardest hit, receiving 56% of parcels despite representing only 38% of the overall population
Severe hardship among older people is rising sharply, with parcels provided to people aged 65+ more than doubling (106%) since 2019
Scottish stars including Brian Cox, Sanjeev Kohli, Julie Graham, Mark Bonnar and Gregor Fisher join call for political parties to commit to ending need for food banks ahead of Holyrood elections
Trussell warns that people are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as the strain eases for some, while ongoing, day-to-day hardship continues to weigh heavily on other families
New figures released today by Trussell reveal that almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hunger and hardship across Scotland in 2025, as hunger continues to grip communities.
Trussell’s community of food banks in Scotland are providing the equivalent of 600 food parcels a day – or one parcel every 2 and a half minutes.
Trussell reported a 13% drop in the total parcel numbers provided in Scotland compared to the previous year of 2024, largely due to easing inflation – reflecting a slowdown in the rising cost of essentials – alongside fewer people losing their jobs. While this means some people have been able to get back on their feet, the charity warns too many are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as incomes from social security and wages continue to fail to cover the high costs of essentials like food, utility bills, and toiletries.
Parents are among the people shouldering the heaviest burden, as families with children received more than half (56%) of all parcels in 2025, despite making up just 38% of Scotland’s population. Trussell is also reporting an alarming rise in hardship among older people in Scotland. Between 2019 and 2025 the number of parcels provided for people aged 65 and over more than doubled (106% increase).
Food banks are describing the persistent hardship they witness as “appalling”, with people sitting in the dark to save electricity, parents skipping meals to feed their children, and people in such impossible situations that they open food parcels to eat before leaving the food bank.
At the same time, levels of need continue to outpace donations. Many food banks say they are at breaking point and are having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep shelves stocked.
The charity says such appalling levels of hunger and hardship should serve as a wake-up call for the upcoming election. In Scotland, there are high levels of public concern about hunger and hardship with 94% of people saying it’s a problem. (Trussell Public Attitudes Survey 2025)
This Holyrood election, the charity is calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good.
A host of Scottish celebrities have also joined Trussell’s call.
Brian Cox, actor and Succession star, said:“No one should have to turn to a food bank to get by. But shockingly, almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Scotland last year – with so many of these provided for children.
“I know from my own experience that poverty has a lasting impact that never leaves you. It has a stubborn grip. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist in a just and compassionate society.
“That’s why I’m calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good. Because hunger is not inevitable.”
Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game star and comedian, said:“Finport & Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length & breadth of our country, too many people are struggling to afford the essentials and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support.
“Parents are being forced to ration nappies and people are opening food parcels to eat as soon as they leave the food bank. I don’t want to live in a country which stands by as people are forced to the brink like this.
“I stand with Trussell in putting pressure on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks for good.”
Julie Graham, Shetland actor, said:“It’s not right that anyone should be facing hunger in Scotland today.
It’s especially alarming how many children are experiencing this, struggling to get through a day at school on an empty stomach.
“That’s why I’m standing with Trussell and calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks, so no one has to go through this.”
Mark Bonnar, actor and Celebrity Traitors star, said: “It’s shocking that so many people are still facing hunger and hardship in Scotland today.
“This shouldn’t be the case in 2026. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t be necessary. I am standing with Trussell to call on all political parties to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good.”
Gregor Fisher, actor and Rab C Nesbitt star, said: “The number of people having to turn to food banks across Scotland in order to survive is unacceptable.
“With almost 220,000 emergency food parcels being distributed to people across the country, and so many of these provided for children, it’s clear that the time for action is now.
“It’s a disgrace that so many families are struggling to get by. That’s why I’m standing with Trussell to call for all political parties in the Holyrood elections to prioritise solutions that will end hunger, and commit to a future without food banks.”
Cara Hilton, senior policy and public affairs manager at Trussell Scotland, said:“Today’s figures show that too many people across Scotland are still being pushed to the brink. Hunger continues to hold a harsh grip on communities, leaving many people feeling overlooked and left behind.
“This is heartbreaking. No one should be forced to turn to a food bank because they can’t afford the essentials we all need, like food, bills and toiletries. But right now, too many people are being forced to skip meals so their children can eat, or survive on cups of tea because they don’t have any food left in the cupboards.
“This Holyrood election, we need to see the political will to act on the unacceptably high levels of hunger and hardship. We must build a Scotland where everyone can afford the essentials, where every child has a decent start in life, and where charitable food provision is consigned to history.
“We urge all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good. We won’t stop until everyone has enough to afford the essentials and we can end the need for food banks for good.”
Pam, 59, a former police officer from Kirkintilloch, said: “Having worked as a police officer until I had to quit due to ill-health, I never thought I’d need to use a food bank. I had to get a hip replacement due to arthritis, and then my house was repossessed as I just couldn’t afford to keep going.
“I visited the food bank in some of my darkest days, and the support of the food bank helped me not only get the food I needed but the right support too. They gave me the help I needed to cope with my illness and that’s why after using the food bank, I volunteered there to help give back.
“Despite being able to get back on my feet a little, I later suffered an aneurysm in my brain which left me having to learn to walk again, and the damage that caused means I sometimes struggle with the sheer level of administration that comes with claiming Universal Credit.
“I am now at risk of having to use it again because the health element of my benefits is being reviewed.”
Trussell says food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK.
The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK.
You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode
Nine people have been arrested following disorder around the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (8 March).
A ‘robust’ investigation is ongoing and Police Scotland is working with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association as enquiries continue.
Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match. The men are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
A number of officers and members of the public were injured during the scenes which took place on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.
Items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown and a 10-year-old child was struck by a coin.
A 54-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a police assault. He was released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was also released to appear at a later date.
There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.
Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander said: “These were utterly disgraceful scenes and must be condemned by everyone involved in football and the wider society.
“No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences.
“Several officers and members of the public, including a child, were injured as a result of what unfolded. This is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour.
“It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?
“Policing will play its role in addressing these issues but it requires collective action by a number of organisations with whom we are currently engaging.
“Crucially, however, I would also call out the need for individuals who see fit to behave in such a despicable manner to take personal accountability. No game of football should be overshadowed by the behaviours of a few.
“A policing enquiry team has been established today to investigate all incidents pertaining to the quarter final fixture and I would appeal to any member of the public who has information which may assist those enquiries to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.
“I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course. For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team. The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here.
Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 grants announced
More than 100 grassroots organisations across Scotland will share £2.2 million to recruit and support volunteers in their communities.
Over the next two years, the Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 will benefit small and medium sized third sector organisations from the Highlands to the Borders with grants of up to £20,000 to projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives.
Projects receiving funding include the Inverness Tool Library which enables people to borrow equipment they might not otherwise afford and Toryglen Community Youth Project, a fully volunteer-run charity improving the lives of children and families in deprived communities.
Edinburgh projects to receive funding are:
Edinburgh
Action Porty
Edinburgh
Door in the Wall Arts Access CIC
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Street Pastors
Edinburgh
Firsthand Lothian
Edinburgh
Jock Tamson’s Gairden
Edinburgh
LINKnet Mentoring Limited
Edinburgh
No Boundaries School CIC
Edinburgh
Pianodrome Community Interest Company
Edinburgh
Pilmeny Development Project
Edinburgh
Rhyze Mushrooms Co-op CIC
Edinburgh
Starpic Project
Edinburgh
The BIG Project
Edinburgh
The Linda Tremble Foundation (t/a SupportED)
Edinburgh
Think Circus SCIO
Edinburgh
Vintage Vibes
Edinburgh
Wester Hailes Growing Communities
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to help others, asking for nothing in return, and I want to thank every volunteer for their selflessness.
“This £2.2 million investment recognises the incredible contribution volunteers make across our country. From supporting refugees to tackling loneliness, from running youth projects to protecting our environment, volunteers are there making Scotland a better place.
“I would also encourage anyone considering volunteering to take that step whether you have a few hours a week or a few hours a month. Volunteering offers the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and experience the genuine fulfilment that comes from helping others.”
Toryglen Community Youth Project trustee Kay Wright said: “The Volunteering Support Fund is helping us to remove barriers and create opportunities for people in our community to get involved.
“The support empowers us to do more, especially for those who have lacked opportunities in the past, by creating personalised and bespoke pathways into volunteering.”
Head of Operations and Development for the Impact Funding Partnership Diane Wilson said: “As the only fund specifically supporting volunteer development programmes nationally, the Volunteering Support Fund is vital to the 116 organisations receiving a grant.
“It enables them to employ essential co-ordinator roles, develop and strengthen policies and procedures, and provide bespoke support to engage with people experiencing barriers to volunteering. This funding will contribute to stronger organisations and more connected communities.”
The Volunteering Support Fund is managed by Impact Funding Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. Following a competitive application process, 116 organisations were selected from 252 applications.
The full list of funded organisations is available here:
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace 30-year-old Patryk Michalak. He was last seen around 7.20pm on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, in the Ferry Road Place area.
Patryk wears glasses and has a beard. He was last seen wearing a three-quarter length dark woollen jacket, a blue hooded top underneath with black leather sports shoes and dark tracksuit bottoms. He was carrying a dark coloured backpack.
Police Sergeant Tom Archer said: “We are growing increasingly worried for the welfare of Patryk and would appeal to anyone who knows his whereabouts to get in contact with us.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0914 of 10 March 2026.
In times of crisis, access to the arts is not a luxury — it is essential. It gives young people a voice, builds resilience and offers joy and connection when the future feels uncertain.
For over 18 years, Leith-based charity Strange Town has provided life-changing access to the arts for hundreds of young people across Edinburgh each year.
Through youth theatre groups, holiday programmes, film skills workshops, stage management experience, a Young Company and professional agency support, the organisation nurtures the next generation of Scotland’s creative talent — many of whom would not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
Strange Town is committed to creating meaningful professional pathways for early-career artists — opportunities that are increasingly rare in today’s funding landscape. All artists and practitioners are paid fairly and supported throughout.
The charity also extends its impact beyond Edinburgh, enabling local performers to progress to stages in London’s West End and onto the small screen and major streaming platforms.
This March, the charity shines a spotlight on its Young Company (18–25), returning to Summerhall following previous sell-out runs with a newly commissioned production:
Aphrodite Rogue
by Eleanor McMahon
Set in a near-future Edinburgh, Aphrodite Rogue follows four flatmates navigating heartbreak, climate dread and a flat that is quite literally falling apart. When one of them begins to suspect that something — or someone — is quietly sabotaging their lives, tensions rise in this sharp, timely comedy about love, uncertainty and the importance of trying again.
The Child Poverty Action Group (UK) – CPAG are carrying out research to understand the impact of the two child policy on children and family life prior to abolition of the policy in April.
This is so they can conduct further comparative research later in the year on the impact of getting rid of the policy.
It would really help them if you can spare a few minutes to answer some questions about your experience of the two child limit.
They want to hear from parents who are not receiving tax credits or universal credit for a child born after April 6 2017.
The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
No information will be used that could identify anyone involved.
