The Scottish Government’s cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the people of Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The Programme for Government 2025-26 commits to a range of measures which will help households in a challenging economic climate.
The cost of living guarantee includes:
Lower income tax than in England for the majority of workers
Continuation of free prescriptions and free eye appointments
Free bus travel for 2.3 million people
Scottish undergraduate students will continue to pay no tuition fees
Funded childcare hours, which would otherwise cost families more than £6,000 a year per eligible child.
Free school meals, which save the average family who take up the offer £400 per child per year, will be expanded, and more breakfast clubs introduced.
Winter fuel payments restored for Scottish pensioners in 2025-26
The Programme for Government also committed to scrapping peak rail fares for good from September.
The First Minister said: “This Scottish Government will always do what it can to deliver the best deal for the people of Scotland.
“Our cost of living guarantee is delivering real savings for hard-pressed households across the country and it goes further than any package offered in the rest of the UK.
“These policies are already saving people money year on year, in the form of free prescriptions, free bus travel and more. This year we will go even further, funding the restoration of winter fuel payments for every pensioner in Scotland after they were abandoned by the UK Government.
“And from September, we will be scrapping peak rail fares for good – delivering a better deal for commuters.
“I know that too many people are still struggling during the cost of living crisis and that is why my government is taking action to keep more money in people’s pockets during tough times.”
First Minister John Swinney has written to the Conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party groups on India and Pakistan to express his support in light of the recent tensions between the two countries, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In his letter, the First Minister said: “For many in the community, this may be a worrying time, and my thoughts are with those who have family and friends in the region. Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities enrich Scotland socially, culturally, and economically.
“I have called upon leaders in the region to choose dialogue, diplomacy, and shared humanity ahead of force and bloodshed. There can be no winners from further military escalation. Protecting civilians is urgent and paramount.
“My officials are in contact with various stakeholders in the communities, as well as with Police Scotland, Universities Scotland, and diplomatic missions. I would urge you to support that dialogue and bring to us any concerns you hear from Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities.”
National initiative encouraging adults to learn and lead by example
EVERY SUMMER, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry.
For a surprising number, that isn’t a lifestyle choice – it’s the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions.
The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar.
Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family.
Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion.
The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.
John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back.
“Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they’re held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it’s too late to start.
“We’re challenging that idea head-on. It’s never too late to learn to swim – and there’s never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely.
“Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.”
That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland take part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow.
Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children’s safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach.
The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age.
For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they’re about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations.
While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles.
Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.
With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it’s not just about learning to swim – it’s about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family.
This Dementia Awareness Week, the Edinburgh-based care charity will host an expert-led evening event and a business breakfast to inspire local residents and businesses to become more dementia-friendly.
As part of Dementia Awareness Week this May, The Eric Liddell Community is taking a proactive step in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers.
The charity will host two engaging events: a dementia-focused evening on Thursday, 22nd May (6.30pm–8.30pm) and a business breakfast on Wednesday, 4th June (8am–9am). Both events will be held at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh.
The Thursday evening event will welcome guest speaker Jan Beattie, one of Scotland’s foremost voices in dementia care and policy.
A trained social worker with over 30 years of experience in regeneration, community development, and workforce transformation, Jan most recently served as Professional Advisor in Dementia to the Scottish Government.
In this role, she helped shape and deliver Everyone’s Story, Scotland’s national dementia strategy and its first two-year delivery plan.
Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and deep empathy to the subject. She commented:“It’s a genuine privilege to support The Eric Liddell Community during Dementia Awareness Week.Their person-centred, compassionate approach represents the very best of dementia care.
“Everything they do is grounded in strong values, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Edinburgh. That’s what makes their work so impactful, and why I’m proud to stand alongside them in their mission to make our city more inclusive and supportive for those living with dementia.”
On Wednesday, 4th June, the charity will host a Dementia Friendly Community Business Breakfast from 8am–9am.
Local businesses are invited to join for tea, coffee, and pastries while learning practical tips on becoming more dementia-informed. The event will also include a chance to hear about the support services offered by the charity and to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusivity.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, commented:“Creating a dementia-friendly Edinburgh doesn’t just start in hospitals and care homes – it begins in cafés, shops, offices, and neighbourhoods.
“At The Eric Liddell Community, we believe that by raising awareness and equipping people with the right tools, we can transform everyday environments into inclusive, supportive spaces.
“These events are a chance for all of us – whether you’re a business owner, neighbour, friend, or family member – to play a part in making Edinburgh a more understanding and compassionate place for those living with dementia.”
Caroline Heenan, Day Care Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, added:“Every day we see the difference a welcoming environment can make.Whether it’s a familiar face, a friendly voice, or a safe and engaging space, these small things are vital.
“Events like this help us share what we’ve learned and bring more people into our mission of making Edinburgh more Dementia-Friendly.”
The month of May will also see the launch of The Eric Liddell community’s Spring Appeal, which this year will focus on the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers, and will highlight the positive impact The Eric Liddell Community’s Befriending Project has had on the health and wellbeing of those people caring for individuals living with dementia.
Audiences are invited to travel the globe – both musically and visually – this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre
Arriving at Vue today (Thursday 8 May) to mark the national treasure’s birthday, Ocean with David Attenborough welcomes viewers to an incredible journey alongside the celebrated personality and filmmaker, as he reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.
From vibrant coral reefs to sweeping kelp forests and the vast open ocean, Britain’s broadcasting icon takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey beneath the waves – sharing uplifting stories from across the globe alongside urgent, never-before-seen challenges facing our seas.
Eurovision mania returns to Vue later this month as the Grand Final of the iconic song competition hits the big screen.
Broadcasting live from Basel, Switzerland, fans are invited to join the ultimate musical celebration and be ‘united by music,’ experiencing every spectacular performance of the year’s biggest, boldest, and brightest music event. Don’t miss Eurovision Grand Final Live 2025 at Vue on 17 May.
Other musical moments heading to the big screen this month include Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago, which celebrates the band’s four-decade career.
This concert film, captured in 4K, provides an unparalleled opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to catch one of Britain’s most beloved bands up on the big screen on 15 May.
Theatre lovers won’t want to miss the National Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire, coming to Vue on 5 June. Starring Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor), this gripping adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ classic was filmed during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre. A truly unforgettable performance, now available on the big screen.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre, said: “We’re excited to bring a diverse range of incredible moments to the big screen this May.
“From the year’s biggest musical performances to breathtaking cinematography of our own planet, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Vue this month.”
The Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh.
The review into the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh seeks to improve funding certainty in future years. This includes how grant funding and commissioning is delivered, how third sector organisations monitor and report on their work, and what in-kind support is provided.
Third sector organisations of all types – voluntary, social enterprises and charities – are being asked to share their views through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub survey or by attending a workshop.
The results will be reported to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said: “The third sector provides vital support to local communities, with many giving direct support to the most vulnerable in our city.
“We know that they, like the Council, are under significant financial pressure and that there needs to be longer-term change in how they are supported by us and our partners.
“We want to hear about how we can make it simpler, provide more stability, and work better together to help vulnerable people. You can share your views through the council’s consultation hub webpage, or by attending one of the workshops.”
Workshops run from Monday 19 May until Thursday 5 June. Details are available on the Consultation Hub and booking is required.
As part of the city’s commitment to help the sector, the council has dedicated £3.5m this year to help organisations impacted by unexpected loss of grant funding or reduced commissioning.
Six libraries and information centres across Scotland have been awarded a share of £34,000 to support a series of pioneering projects during 2025.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has again opened its annual Innovation and Development Fund to support projects that encourage creativity,following the success of previous funding stream initiatives.
Now in its 13th year, the fund has supported the development of new resources, inspired original research and enhanced staff training – and this year turns its focus to innovative projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill out space for students and a podcast studio for a rural part of Scotland.
Cardonald Campus Library’s chill out space
Glasgow Clyde College will create a quiet, restful place for students to take breaks in the Cardonald Campus Library, complete with a mindful selection of books and air purifying plants for a digital detox away from screens and teaching spaces. The project aims to increase literacy skills, while promoting student wellbeing by encouraging reading for pleasure by fostering a nurturing environment.
GAITLib: Generative AI toolkit for librarians by the University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences will develop an AI toolkit and set of guidelines for Scottish libraries that can be used to educate and empower library staff to make optimum use of the emerging generative AI tools for undertaking information-related tasks or activities.
Mastering META skills through creative practice at Forth Valley College
Forth Valley College aims to enhance the core and essential skills of its students by developing and delivering a series of innovative and creative workshops to aid the growth of META skills (eg leadership, creativity and critical thinking) in a fun and engaging way.
The project will also boost social interaction, promote collaborative working and encourage new learning centre users.
National Library of Scotland school library and engagement plan
The National Library of Scotland will increase engagement with students in Scotland to ensure every child has access to the national collections held by the National Library of Scotland.
This project will focus on developing the relationship with Scotland’s school libraries, piloting new ways of providing support, training and resources and giving students access to the collections and research resources through school libraries.
Opening the door: celebrating literacy, celebrating literature at Glasgow Women’s Library
This project extends the work of Glasgow Women’s Library’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) project which supports women to understand, read and write words and numbers.
It aims to increase the knowledge of potential learners, partner organisations and the general public, as well as making the wider ALN project more accessible to women who struggle with their literacy, or whose first language isn’t English.
UHI Moray podcast studio: building digital skills and strengthening community ties
UHI Moray will set up a fully equipped podcast recording studio at the library, giving students, staff and the local community the chance to develop digital skills, express themselves creatively and engage with modern media.
Administered and financed by SLIC, the Innovation and Development Fund is aimed at those who do not benefit from other annual funding programmes – including the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) – such as further education, higher education and specialist libraries and information centres.
Ground Floor, Study Pods. Edinburgh University Library.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information centres continue to evolve, creating vibrant, future-facing spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve – and the Innovation and Development Fund is a vital catalyst for that continued progression.
By backing bold, creative projects, we’re not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world. These six initiatives demonstrate the power of libraries to lead on digital skills, wellbeing and inclusive learning in both urban and rural communities.”
Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £400,000 to over 40 projects, with previous projects including the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library’s TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series, the climate change and sustainable development measurement framework for libraries by the University of Strathclyde and the National Library of Scotland’s ‘Andrew Watson’s Legacies’ series, representing stories from Black and ethnic minority sportspeople.
Edinburgh-based Children’s Holiday Venture (CHV) is one of three good causes across the East of Scotland that has been awarded a share of a £25,000 Scotmid funding pot. The funds were allocated following a vote by Scotmid members.
CHV is a student-led charity run by volunteers from the University of Edinburgh, supporting children aged 7–17 from some of the most deprived areas in and around the city.
The volunteers work with around 140 children who take part in free fortnightly activities designed to boost emotional wellbeing and build social skills.
The programme includes the provision of engaging experiences such as science nights, bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts and day trips, which the £5,000 will help support.
Fergal Francis, Treasurer at Children’s Holiday Venture, said:“We’re incredibly grateful to have been awarded this funding from Scotmid.
“It means we can continue to run fun, enriching activities that make a valuable difference to the children we work with. These sessions help build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond the day itself.”
The other two good causes that have received a share of the £25,000 are Answer Day Care Centre based in Whitburn and Rio Community Centre based in Fife.
The festival has teamed up with R2 and Lauriston Farm to bring you food demonstrations and free HOT tatties n toppings and Leek & Tattie Soup.
Many organisations in North Edinburgh have planted potatoes at Lauriston Farm over the last month or two. These tatties wont be ready for our festival but we have been extremely lucky to have received a very kind donation of tatties from Potato House/Skea Organics and Denhead Farm.
At the festival we will have 5-6 food demonstrations from cooks in our local community showcasing diverse cultural recipes using the humble potato as the main ingredient.
MasterChef Sarah Rankin Cooks, will be putting our cooks through their paces pre festival so that they are ready to take on the day at the festival.
Scran Academy will be providing hot baked potatoes from Denhead Farm with toppings courtesy of Asda and Empty Kitchens Full Hearts SCIO will be handing out free Leek and Potato soup using the potatoes from The Potato House.
Potato House is the baby potato of Skea Organics, and grew out of a need to service smaller orders for gardeners, allotment growers, market gardeners and independent gardening and hardware stores.
They also supply eating potatoes to shops, box schemes and restaurants as well as to the general public. The Potato House website is dedicated to the gardeners and small passionate growers who are looking for high-quality seed potatoes with unique taste and specific characteristics.
So many thanks to Potato House, Denhead Farm, Sarah Rankin for the potatoes.
Recipes from the cooks will also be available to view on The Love of Potatoes website too. The Love Potatoes website is dedicated to chefs and passionate home cooks looking for fantastic potato recipes using high-quality potatoes.
Post festival, the cooks will host lunch clubs showcasing their recipes again in the lead up to the Harvest Festival at Lauriston Farm in September.
On the day, we are looking to hand out over 1500 tattie dishes!
‘Take the test – it could save your life’: grateful patient urges others to use bowel screening kit
A patient who feels his life was saved by a simple bowel screening test is encouraging everyone to take the test when it drops through their door.
Colin Mearns, a 54-year-old photographer from Glasgow, made national news last month when he told his story, and explained how sending away his sample led to the early discovery of cancer.
Colin was one of thousands of people who are sent a bowel screening test every day. Everyone aged 50 to 74 years receives a kit every two years, and it only takes a couple of minutes to use the test and send it back for screening.
And for Colin, those couple of minutes meant his cancer was spotted early and, following an operation at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to remove the affected part of his bowel, he is now cancer free.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Scotland. Around 4,000 people get it every year according to Public Health Scotland (PHS). It is treatable and curable – and if it’s found early nine out of ten people survive bowel cancer.
And that – the importance of early diagnosis – was the key for Colin. He said: “Because I did the test and sent it back quickly, my tumour was still at the early stages, and while at the time it was very traumatic to hear the ‘C’ word, and to face up to the fact I had cancer, the quick treatment I received means I can now look forward to a life without cancer.”
PHS data shows that, while two-thirds of people who were sent the screening kit, did it and returned it, the other third don’t.
That’s a statistic that Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, would like to change. She said: “If it’s detected early, bowel cancer is treatable and, in the vast majority of cases, curable.
“We understand that some people might put it off to a time when they’re less busy, or maybe just feel embarrassed about returning a stool sample, but we would encourage everyone not to wait.
“People like Colin are proof that taking this simple test really can change a life. Even if you’ve missed one in the past, taking the test when it drops through your door is so important.”
Dr Crighton stressed that taking the test and sending it back does not necessarily mean you will have to undergo a colonoscopy. In fact, only a relatively few – around 2-3% – have test results that suggest the need for a colonoscopy.
If in the unlikely event a cancer is found, doing the test in this way means it has been caught at an early enough stage that an operation is often enough to remove the cancer.
She also pointed out that if you find blood in your stool, or you worry you might have any other symptoms, you shouldn’t wait until the next test is posted to you.
“When it comes to bowel cancer, early detection is the key, so please don’t wait – if you’re experiencing symptoms that worry you, call your GP and get yourself checked out.”
To find out more about bowel screening or to order a test kit, go to NHS Inform. Alternatively, call the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre on 0800 0121 833.
