Scottish Connections Fund awards announced

Connecting Scotland and the world

Eighteen projects have been awarded a share of around £77,000 from this year’s Scottish Connections Fund to help strengthen Scotland’s international diaspora.

Launched by the Scottish Government in 2023, the Scottish Connections Fund supports new initiatives led by Scotland’s overseas community that build international networks and promote the country’s reputation and interests around the world. 

The fund received 79 applications from across six continents bidding to secure grants of up to £5,000.

Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson said: “I am delighted to see the Scottish Connections Fund growing year on year. It’s a testament to the dedication that the members of Scotland’s international community have to celebrating their links to Scotland. 

“Scotland’s diaspora around the world is vibrant and diverse – and the variety of this year’s projects shows that in action. I share my congratulations for all of this year’s successful fund recipients.” 

One of the successful applicants was ‘Whanganui X Dundee: Textile Legacies’, based in New Zealand, which will receive £4,795.

Emma Bugden, Focal Point at UNESCO City of Design Whanganui said: “We are delighted to receive the funding from Scottish Connections, Textile Legacies is a residency programme that connects indigenous and ancestral textile practices between Whanganui, New Zealand, and Dundee, Scotland, to foster meaningful cultural and creative exchange.

“The project initiates a new connection between two UNESCO Cities of Design, supporting the development of contemporary textile design specialists.”

Annie Marrs, Lead Officer at UNESCO City of Design Dundee, added: “The project recognises the deep-rooted history of textile production in both cities, and the significance of textiles in expressing and sustaining ancestral and familial connections within both Māori and Scottish cultures.

It also acknowledges the vital role that the reclamation of traditional textile practices plays in cultural revitalisation in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland. We are looking forward to developing the programme thanks to this additional funding.”

  • The Scottish Connections Fund was established in 2023 to help Scottish diaspora organisations and communities and their individual members further the aims of the Scottish Connections Framework. 
  • The Scottish Connections Framework outlines the work of Scottish Government and partners to engage with Scotland’s diaspora around the world – whether they are connected through heritage, education, business or any other affinity. The Framework can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-framework/ 
  • The fund supports initiatives including (but not limited to) community projects, seminars and conferences, hackathons and workshops, and academic research. Projects that set the scene for longer-term initiatives are also eligible. 
  • Grants will be paid in arrears on completion of the projects.  
  • A full list of the successful projects can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-fund-successful-applicants/ 
  • The Scottish Connections Fund has supported 33 successful projects across three previous funding rounds.

Projects 2025 to 2026

The third round of the Scottish Connections Fund was launched in July 2025 to help Scottish diaspora organisations and their members set up projects to promote Scotland’s reputation and interests. 

Applications closed on 9 September 2025. All projects align to the aims and objectives of the Scottish Connections Framework.

International organisations and their members were able to apply for a maximum of £5,000. Applications were assessed using a competitive scoring process.

The available budget for 2025 to 2026 was £75,000. A total of 79 applications were received, with a very high quality demonstrated. We are able to fund the following 18 projects, with a total value of up to £77,737.51.

Ref No: SCF25-26-01
Grantee: Business Improvement District (Not for Profit) BID4Oban
Grant: £4,500
Title: Round the World Clipper Yacht Race – bringing Oban and Argyll to the global diaspora

Oban has successfully secured host post status for the prestigious 2025-26 Round the World International Yacht Race.

We want to leverage this event by working closely with Clipper Events, Visit Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, SAMS, Diageo and BID4Oban. We are partnering with Washington DC, the American Scottish Foundation, the British Embassy in US and the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations to promote the Highland heritage and Gaelic links in Oban to the US diaspora and to develop digital content and events which can be used to attract more trade links, visitors, and students.

Ref No: SCF25-2 -12
Grantee: The Charleston Pipe Band
Grant: £1,244.51
Title: The Teaching Tent: An Open Invitation for Making Scottish Connections

The Charleston Pipe Band’s “Teaching Tent” initiative will encourage meaningful connections between potential students and knowledgeable piping and drumming tutors for on-the-spot teaching moments. Interactions such as these will remove the above-mentioned impediments to making inquiries about how to learn to play the pipes and drums. Through “The Teaching Tent” initiative, the Charleston Pipe Band plans to be more strategic about “growing” our Scottish pipe band, while supporting the scope of Scottish traditions connections through musical participation. Inside “The Teaching Tent,” curious passersby will have the opportunity to meet with an experienced piper and/or drummer for casual drop-in group instruction. These hands-on sessions throughout the event day will provide the opportunity for the public-at-large to experience playing the practice chanter and/or snare drum pad.

The project will encompass public appearances to capitalize on the outreach initiative of “The Teaching Tent” at the following events from October 2025 to March 2026.

October 11 2025: 30th Anniversary Showcase of Celtic Connections: Hosted by The Charleston Pipe Band with invited guest Celtic musical groups based in Charleston.

November 1 2025: Charleston, South Carolina Scottish Games

February 22 2026: Northeast Jacksonville Florida Scottish Games and Festival

March 14 2026: North Charleston, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

March 15 2026: Hilton Head, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 2026: Charleston, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Ref No: SCF25-26-17
Grantee: Ceilidh Stockholm
Grant: £4,000
Title: Ceilidh Stockholm goes to Gothenburg

Our project is to organise and deliver a traditional Scottish ceilidh in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March 2026. This event will celebrate Scottish culture, foster community spirit among the Scottish diaspora, and introduce Scottish music and dance to a wider Swedish audience. Ceilidhs are renowned for being welcoming, lively, and family-friendly occasions that encourage participation from all, regardless of age or experience. We have identified Gothenburg as having one of the largest Scottish communities in Sweden, yet opportunities for cultural connection remain limited. Numerous Scots and locals have approached us about hosting a ceilidh in Gothenburg, but until now, costs have made this impossible. Our aim is to establish the ceilidh as an annual event, laying the foundation for ongoing community building and cultural exchange.

Ref No: SCF25-26-21
Grantee: Erli Sarilita, BDS, MSc, PhD Director Non Degree Education, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
Grant: £5,000
Title: Scottish Higher Education and Cultural Festival in Indonesia

The Scottish Higher Education and Cultural Festival in Indonesia will highlight Scotland’s academic excellence, cultural heritage, and creative industries in partnership with Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad). The week-long programme at the Unpad Knowledge Theatre will showcase Scottish films, present profiles of leading Scottish universities, and feature a cultural photo booth with traditional costumes alongside authentic Scottish cookies. The festival will be officially opened by the Rector of Unpad. By fostering meaningful people-to-people connections, the event will strengthen Scotland’s visibility in Southeast Asia and build sustainable education and cultural partnerships.

Ref No: SCF25-26-22
Grantee: Social Enterprise Academy
Grant: £5,000
Title: Connecting Scotland and Canada – Community-led Tourism Leaders Sharing and Learning Together.

Social enterprises in the community-led tourism sector support the sustainable development of remote rural communities across northern Canada and the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. These communities have a shared Gaelic and Celtic heritage. Community-led social enterprises lead the tourism sector in these areas with peripheral communities and are already stepping up and doing things for themselves. This project will bring together practitioners in this space across Northern Scotland and Scotland’s diaspora in Northern Canada (particularly Nova Scotia), in a collaborative, online learning programme across four evenings to identify best practice and develop networks for future collaboration.

Ref No: SCF25-26-26
Grantee: The Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation (VSHCF)
Grant: £1,320
Title: The Big Melbourne Kilt Run

When you visit Melbourne it is a must that you either walk, jog or run Melbourne’s iconic ‘Tan Track’ around the beautiful Botanic Gardens beside Melbourne’s Yarra River. The Tan, Melbourne |The Long Run Australia

Suitable for participants of all abilities, The Tan has become one of the most popular running/walking tracks in the world. The Tan will be the high profile, publicly visible location of the inaugural Big Melbourne Kilt Run and is open to individuals, families, workplace, club & school teams. The event’s aim is to promote our Scottish connections, reach out to the Australian Scottish diaspora, connect with young 2nd and 3rd generation Australian/Scots and be inclusive of our wider multicultural community in a fun, outdoor activity which promotes health, wellbeing, mental health and community inclusion.

Entrants are encouraged to wear kilts or an item of tartan clothing and will be greeted by pipers. Highland Dancers in traditional dress who will act as arrival course marshals. Prizes will be linked to Scottish connected companies or themes

Ref No: SCF25-26-31
Grantee: Greater Moncton Scottish Association
Grant: £4,953
Title: Tartan & Tides: A Saint Andrew’s Day Celebration

Tartan & Tides: A Saint Andrew’s Day Celebration launches the lead-up to the Greater Moncton Scottish Association’s 20th anniversary Highland Games & Scottish Festival. This variety concert & community gathering will invite acclaimed artists such as Gaelic singer Cathy-Anne MacPhee, World Highland Dancing Champion Marielle Lesperance, award-winning New Brunswick fiddler Samantha Robichaud, & talented local youth, showcasing Scotland’s living traditions while fostering diaspora pride in Atlantic Canada. Outreach to school music & drama programs will engage young performers, while a full recording will be shared with seniors’ residences, extending access to those unable to attend in person & ensuring lasting cultural impact across generations.

Ref No: SCF25-26-35
Grantee: Chris Moser, CEO, Redwine Productions LLC
Grant: £5,000
Title: THE SCOTS-IRISH – A MUSICAL HISTORY

Our two-hour documentary film for U.S, U.K. and Ireland television will combine narrative and music performance to explore the important role of the Scot-Irish in the history of American democracy. There will be significant attention to Irish and Scottish history to provide context. This grant will support field production in Scotland and development of a section of our website previewing the film’s content related to Scotland. Topics will include Scottish migration to Ulster, influence of the Scottish Enlightenment and Scottish Presbyterianism on the American Revolution, and Scottish/American traditional music connections.

Ref No: SCF25-26-36
Grantee: The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York
Grant: £5,000
Title: Finding Scotland in the Declaration of Independence

This project will highlight the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment on the founding of the United States, with a particular focus on Scotland’s role in shaping the Declaration of Independence, addressing a potential gap in public awareness. The project will deliver a lecture supported by an educational booklet, held in partnership with the Fraunces Tavern Museum. The lecture will be recorded and shared with the public on our website. The event seeks to deepen appreciation of Scotland’s intellectual impact on the formation of our country, foster transatlantic collaboration, and provide lasting educational resources for use in future events or commemorations.

Ref No: SCF25-26-40
Grantee: Scottish Society of Ottawa
Grant: £4,950
Title: The Scots of Bytown Part of Bytown’s Bicentennial celebrations (1826–2026) by Scottish Society of Ottawa with Scottish Connections

The Scots of Bytown is a new historical play by acclaimed playwright and performer Pierre Brault, known for his award-winning historical works such as Blood on the Moon and Dief the Chief. This original piece celebrates the vital role of Scottish immigrants in the founding of Bytown (later Ottawa) and the building of the Rideau Canal in 1826. Through humour, history, and lively Scottish voices, Brault’s script conjures up engineers, masons, navvies, doctors, entrepreneurs, and families whose resilience and spirit shaped the future Canadian capital. The play honours the Scots’ enduring legacy with wit, humanity, and a strong sense of cultural pride.

Ref No: SCF25-26-41
Grantee: MacPB Inc dba MacMillan United Pipe Bands
Grant: £4,900
Title: Recruiting and Training the MacMillan Youth Pipe Band

MacMillan United Pipe Bands is starting a youth pipe band to effect change in 3 key areas:

1. Enriching the Scottish Arts in the United States: we will build the first youth program based in Virginia with plans for expansion into Maryland and Washington, DC.

2. Create Competitive Success: we will train and bring students to competitions across the US, Canada, and Scotland

3. Train the next generation of music leaders and performers in Highland Piping & Drumming: this band will be managed and led by its members, giving youth opportunities to develop leadership skills alongside world-class instruction for their musical success.

Ref No: SCF25-26-42
Grantee: The Chicago Scots, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
Grant: £3,725
Title: Advancing Dementia Care:  A Collaborative Symposium on Best Practices & Future Possibilities from Scotland & U.S.

Chicago Scots will convene leading experts from Scotland and the U.S. to discuss and exchange knowledge on research advances and best practices addressing the global rise of dementia which is estimated to triple by 2050.  This symposium will help shape the recommendations and solutions Chicago Scots will model to create a “Centre of Excellence in Memory Care” at the senior community it has owned and operated for more than 100 years – Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.  The symposium will be multidisciplinary bringing together neurologists, neuroscientists, social workers, epidemiologists, geneticists, neuropathologists, and leaders in dementia care. 

Ref No: SCF25-26-48
Grantee: Scots in London Events Ltd
Grant: £3,800
Title: Kidlit Scotland Roadshow and St Andrew’s Day Reading Record

In this new initiative, we will bring award-winning children’s authors from Scotland (KILTS – Kidlit Scotland), to facilitate events for London schools, both in-person and virtually for a wider reach.  We will launch a lasting partnership with London schools to participate in the annual St Andrew’s Day Reading record (current record over 13k pupils and over 150 schools reading something Scottish simultaneously). The aim is to champion Scottish books beyond Scotland’s borders. We will also offer public family events over the weekend.

Ref No: SCF25-26-49
Grantee: Leisure & Culture Dundee
Grant: £4,795
Title: Whanganui X Dundee: Textile Legacies

Textile Legacies is a residency programme that connects indigenous and ancestral textile practices between Whanganui, New Zealand, and Dundee, Scotland, to foster meaningful cultural and creative exchange. The project initiates a new connection between two UNESCO Cities of Design, supporting the development of contemporary textile design specialists.

The project recognises the deep-rooted history of textile production in both cities, and the significance of textiles in expressing and sustaining ancestral and familial connections within both Māori and Scottish cultures. It also acknowledges the vital role that the reclamation of traditional textile practices plays in cultural revitalisation in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland.

Ref No: SCF25-26-52
Grantee: Digital Skills Education
Grant: £4,600
Title: “Code Your Own Tartan – Live Lesson for young people”

Can you use code to craft a digital tartan?

This workshop is a mashup of Scotland’s heritage and traditional tartan design with creative computer coding and generative digital art.

In this interactive online event, thousands of teenagers will learn about how tartan is designed and woven, then use computer code to create their own unique tartan patterns.

Participants will reflect on what these new tartans mean in today’s digital world – how do we identify as belonging to a group or “clan”?

This live massive collaborative lesson mixes digital skills, textile design, and storytelling, all centred around Scotland’s cultural history.

Ref No: SCF25-26-62
Grantee: The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA
Grant: £5,000
Title: THE BURNS PROJECT / US Tour

THE BURNS PROJECT is a new piece of theatre by Scottish performer and educator James Clements, commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland and based on the Trust’s recently digitized archive of Robert Burns manuscripts. The work conjures a complex, irreverent, and honest portrait of Scotland’s national hero and a global cultural icon. THE BURNS PROJECT premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025 and, following a tour to Trust properties across Scotland, will come to the US in March 2026 for performances and post-show talk backs in New York City, Washington, DC, and Chicago.

Ref No: SCF25-26-64
Grantee: The DataKirk
Grant: £4,950
Title: African-Scottish Educational Diaspora Digital Storytelling

This project will create a series of high-quality digital stories, including videos and podcasts, to showcase the contributions of the Scottish educational diaspora from Africa. By highlighting the academic and professional achievements of this community, the project aims to strengthen connections between Scotland and Africa, enhance Scotland’s global reputation, and inspire future generations. The content will be hosted on a dedicated section of The DataKirk’s website and promoted via social media, providing a lasting resource that celebrates the diaspora’s role in promoting Scottish interests

Ref No: SCF25-26-75
Grantee: The Washington Tattoo
Grant: £5,000
Title: Drams, Drums & Diplomacy: Scotland in America 250

Drams, Drums & Diplomacy: Scotland in America 250 is a three-event cultural diplomacy and business engagement series in Washington, DC, led by The Washington Tattoo. Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the programme will showcase Scotland’s music, whisky, food, textiles, and innovation in the build-up to America’s 250th anniversary. With Scottish music as the constant heartbeat, the series will highlight Scotland’s heritage, strengthen diaspora and political connections, and create pathways for trade, cultural exchange, and investment, ensuring Scotland’s story is visible at this once-in-a-generation commemoration.

Scottish Parliament team up with St John Scotland to install new Public Access Defibrillator at Holyrood

The Scottish Parliament has installed a new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) outside the public entrance to the Parliament building.

The installation is a collaboration between The Scottish Parliament and St John Scotland.

Every year, over 3000 people in Scotland suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, an event which is fatal unless CPR and defibrillation are started by bystanders within minutes.  

The installation provides 24 /7 access for the public 365 days a year to the PAD.

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “We’re pleased to partner with St John Scotland to give the public access to a defibrillator outside the Parliament building.

“Evidence shows the chances of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be increased two-to-threefold by the immediate provision of bystander CPR and defibrillation so this is a very positive step which can help save lives.”

Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer, St John Scotland said: “St John Scotland is proud to support the Scottish Parliament with a new Public Access Defibrillator. We are committed to strengthening community resilience across Scotland and ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible in every community.

“Together with our ‘Save a Life for Scotland’ partners, we continue to expand CPR awareness and increase access to defibrillators — helping save lives across the country.”

Don’t lose out on School Age Payment

Parents and carers in Scotland have until midnight on 28 February 2026 to apply for over £300 of support for children when they are old enough to start primary school.

School Age Payment is worth £319.80 for each child to help with the cost of preparing for school.

The payment helps carers and families facing additional costs at a key stage in a child’s development. The money can be spent on anything a child needs for school, including clothes, school trips and stationery.

Part of the Best Start Grant package, which is unique to Scotland, School Age Payment is available for children born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021. Parents and carers can receive the payment for multiple children born during this time and there is no requirement to take up a place at school.

Since the launch of Best Start Grant in 2018, Social Security Scotland has delivered School Age Payment to more than 114,000 parents and carers.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Families and carers should not miss out on support they are entitled to – especially at such an important milestone in a child’s life.

School Age Payment helps ease the financial pressures of starting school while playing an important role in our mission to tackle child poverty. I strongly encourage parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply before the February deadline to make sure their child gets the best start possible.”

To apply for School Age Payment, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/how-to-apply

Eligibility:

A person may be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods if they or their partner meet all these conditions:

  • live in Scotland
  • are pregnant or have a child who’s the right age for a payment
  • are the main person looking after the child
  • get certain benefits or payments

The person or their partner must get one of these qualifying benefits to be eligible for Best Start Grant and Foods:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance

People under 20 years old who do not get one of these payments, may still be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.

Social Security Scotland automatically pays School Age Payment to eligible people who get Scottish Child Payment. If people do not receive Scottish Child Payment or have opted out of automatic payments, they are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 28 February 2026.

Some families who are not eligible for Scottish Child Payment might still be eligible for the School Age Payment. This includes parents and carers who receive housing benefit; are under 18 and do not receive any other benefits; or are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else who receives benefits for them.

School Age Payment has not replaced School Clothing Grant. School Age Payment does not affect payments of School Clothing Grant in any way. Eligible parents and carers can apply for both payments.

Social Security Scotland usually only makes each of the payments once for the same child. If responsibility for the child changes, they may make extra payments to the person who’s now responsible for the child. For example, if a child moves to live with a different kinship carer or adoptive parent within the same application window.

Accounts Commission: Scotland’s councils risk becoming financially unsustainable

Whilst councils have made significant savings, the cost of delivering services is rising faster than available funding. This risks the financial sustainability of councils over the next three to five years, says public spending watchdog.

Although Scottish Government funding to councils has been increasing, this hasn’t kept pace with rising costs and demand. Councils are overspending on delivering services and borrowing more.

In its latest update on council finances, the Accounts Commission report that councils face a budget gap of nearly £1 billion by 2027.

In 2024/25, councils met 90 per cent of their savings targets. But for the first time in six years, they reported a collective overspend on the costs of delivering services. Debt levels are increasing. Many are relying on reserves.

Whilst councils are increasing the amount of money they raise through fees and charges, income generated isn’t keeping pace with rising costs and inflation.

With Scottish Government funding to deliver capital projects falling, councils are also taking on more debt to deliver local infrastructure projects such as building schools and housing.

Derek Yule, member of the Accounts Commission, said: “Despite increased funding and income, councils are struggling to cope with the financial pressures they face. A growing gap between costs to deliver services and funding available is risking the financial sustainability of councils.

“We’re already seeing the impact on services – the pace of improvement is slowing, some services are being cut or are harder to access and there are growing levels of dissatisfaction from communities. Councils must fundamentally reconfigure how they operate and deliver services.”

Commenting on the report, Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Spokesperson for Resources, said: “While we acknowledge increases in uncommitted funding in the local government settlement, today’s report reinforces the message that local government finances are under severe and growing strain.

“Councils have worked hard to manage budgets responsibly, delivering significant savings year on year and meeting the vast majority of savings targets. However, there is a clear limit to what can be achieved without impacting the services communities rely on. Increasing reliance on reserves, borrowing and fees and charges is not a sustainable long-term solution.

“As we look ahead to 2026/27, the budget settlement falls far short of what is needed to sustain essential local services without difficult decisions being made locally.

“We are especially concerned by the continued underfunding of social care and the Real Living Wage across portfolios.

“The medium-term outlook for local government is deeply concerning, with continued de-prioritisation and the prospect of significant real-terms cuts. If councils are to remain financially sustainable and continue delivering for communities, there must be a more honest conversation about funding, priorities and local flexibility.

“Urgent action is needed to ensure councils have the resources and certainty required to support Scotland’s people and places now and in the future.”

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Harry Gow takes the biscuit!

Scotland’s bakery sector came together yesterday at Fife College, Dunfermline in a spectacular celebration of skill, creativity and jam filled ambition at the Scottish Baker of the Year 2026 Empire Biscuit Challenge.

The event marked the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards, which will take place in May 2026. 

Hosted by Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins, the high energy challenge saw four bakeries go head to head to create the world’s largest Empire Biscuit, and attempt to break an unofficial world record. 

Industry Icons Harry Gow and McGhee’s competed against Local Heroes Company Bakery and John Gillespie & Sons, pushing the limits of scale and structure in a bold test of baking expertise.

An expert judging panel crowned industry icon Harry Gow the “Empire Biscuit Champion” for their incredible 78 inches Empire Biscuit, claiming the title of the largest Empire Biscuit ever created. The victory adds to Harry Gow’s impressive credentials as previous Scottish Baker of the Year winners.

David Gow, Managing Director at Harry Gow Bakery, said: “Being part of the Empire Biscuit Challenge has been an absolute blast. The scale, the detail, the friendly rivalry, it was all amazing.

“Huge congratulations to everyone who took part, and we’re delighted to bring the win home for the Icons today!”

Peter Sawkins, The Great British Bake Off winner 2020 and host of the Empire Biscuit Challenge, added: “There was such a great atmosphere throughout the day, competitive, yes, but also incredibly supportive.

“Everyone involved should be proud of what they achieved. It’s events like this that remind you how strong and connected the Scottish baking community really is.”

Lesley Cameron, CEO at Scottish Bakers, commented: “What a brilliant day celebrating the incredible talent across Scotland’s baking industry. Whether you’re a Local Hero or an Icon, today was about pushing creativity, precision, and teamwork to the next level.

“We’d also like to thank our Awards Partner BAKO, the leading supplier of Bakery Products and Ingredients servicing customers across the UK, for their invaluable support. Congratulations to our winners and to every baker who took part, you’ve made history and made Scotland very, very jammy!”

McGhees and Company Bakery donated their empire biscuits to local food banks, while Harry Gow and John Gillespie & Sons have gifted their empire biscuits for Fife College to enjoy.

The Empire Biscuit Challenge officially launches the new look Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026, a one day and night competition celebrating excellence across Scotland’s bakery sector. Driven by industry insight and expert judging, the awards aim to boost bakery pride, unite bakers, and raise consumer awareness of the skill behind Scotland’s baking.

Entries for the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026 are now open. Bakeries across Scotland are invited to enter.

Find out more and enter at https://bakeroftheyear.scot/.

IMAGES: Sandy Young Photography

Free AI training for all

Every adult in the UK is eligible to take free, newly benchmarked courses to gain practical AI skills for work – as joint government and industry programme sees a major expansion to upskill 10 million workers

  • Free AI foundations training for all workers expanded by government to upskill 10 million people, with new partners including NHS and techUK
  • Government to ensure UK workers benefit from the changes AI will bring, through launch of new cross-government unit to advise on AI’s economic and labour market impacts
  • £27 million funding to connect people to tech jobs in local communities, and create new professional practice courses and graduate traineeships
  • Plans unveiled as Technology Secretary vows to make Britain the leading AI adopter in the G7 and build a workforce that excels in developing, adopting and benefiting from AI

Every adult in the UK is eligible to take free, newly benchmarked courses to gain practical AI skills for work – as the joint government and industry programme sees a major expansion to upskill 10 million workers.

In order to make Britain the fastest adopting AI country in the G7, the UK is setting ambitious targets to ensure the workforce is adequately skilled, confident and ready to grasp the full opportunities of AI.

This could create more higher-skilled jobs and free workers up from routine tasks, with increasing the adoption of AI potentially unlocking up to £140 billion in annual economic output (note) as part of our plans for national renewal.

A selection of industry-developed AI courses, newly available on the Government’s AI Skills Hub, have been checked against Skills England’s AI foundation skills for work benchmark, with those who complete these courses receiving a virtual AI foundations badge. 

Open to all UK adults online, taking as little as under 20 minutes, the courses will give people the skills needed to use simple AI tools effectively in the workplace and teach the use of AI for tasks like drafting text, creating content and completing administrative tasks, to free up time to focus on other work.

This training will give both workers and employers confidence in their new skills, and set standards for what good AI upskilling looks like. The programme has already delivered one million courses since June through monumental government and industry efforts.

NHS workers and local government employees will be among those to benefit. Major public sector, business representative organisations, and industry partners onboarding – including Britain’s biggest employer, the NHS – is enabling government to raise the ambition to now reach 10 million workers this decade. This is equivalent to upskilling nearly a third of this country’s workforce and includes reaching at least 2 million SME employees. This is the biggest targeted training programme since Harold Wilson started the Open University.

Recognising that AI will bring changes to jobs and work as we know it, the Tech Secretary is also launching the new AI and the Future of Work Unit to remain front-footed in addressing inevitable challenges. 

Backed by a panel of experts from business and trade unions, the unit will provide the best analysis and evidence on AI’s impact on the economy and labour market to provide timely advice on when new policies should be implemented across government. It will ensure the AI transition boosts economic growth, supports workers to adapt, protects communities from the mistakes of past industrial change, and delivers a fair, dignified future of work for everyone, where people are supported into better jobs in a more productive economy.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall said: “We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI.

“Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits.

“That starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities AI brings, putting the power and control into their hands.”

Research published yesterday finds only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, and adoption remains low with only 1 in 6 UK businesses using AI as of mid-2025. UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) report a lower rate of AI adoption, with micro businesses 45% less likely to adopt AI than large businesses.

The Technology Secretary addressed Bloomberg HQ in London yesterday (Wednesday 28 January). where she confirmed:

New partners – British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Cisco, Cognizant, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Department for Education (DfE), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Directors (IOD) – Local Government Association (LGA), Multiverse, NHS, Pax8 and techUK will unlock AI upskilling for even more workers.

They will join the esteemed ranks of founding partners – Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, SAS and Salesforce to take the AI Skills Boost programme to the next level and upskill 10 million workers with AI skills by 2030.

£27 million funding announced to kickstart government’s TechLocal scheme – part of the £187 million TechFirst programme – which will help employers fill or create up to 1,000 tech jobs in communities across the UK, and enable new professional practice courses, graduate traineeships, and work experience opportunities in AI.

Government has launched offers to apply for the Spärck AI Scholarship at 9 UK Universities. The scholarships will give up to 100 talented AI and STEM Master’s students access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities throughout their studies, alongside covering both tuition and living expenses.

This comes alongside government’s Skills for Life digital skills offer. The campaign provides easy access to thousands of free or government subsidised courses covering the essential digital skills people need for work and life, and digital skills people need to be able to take the next step towards a career in technology. AI is one of the pillars of the digital tech sector plan as part of the Industrial Strategy.

Since making the commitment in June, founding partners Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, Salesforce, and SAS have been hard at work to get AI skills to millions of workers by the end of the decade.

From workshops to online training, workforce and business outreach, all industry partners have played a crucial role in changing the lives of workers in communities country-wide.

To see what this looks like firsthand and hear from people taking part in AI upskilling and the positive impact it’s had on them in their personal and professional lives, Secretary of State, Liz Kendall visited a Google Digital Garage session at Google HQ in London on Monday 26th January.

Irvine Welsh to appear at childhood library as Paper Trails brings literary stars to Muirhouse

Val McDermid, Irvine Welsh and Joseph Coelho lead major free programme for North Edinburgh – including 100 free books for local children 

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will return to the Muirhouse library he visited as a child this February, as the Edinburgh International Book Festival brings some of Scotland’s biggest literary names directly into the heart of North Edinburgh. 

The programme – part of Paper Trails, a flagship initiative launched by Her Majesty Queen Camilla in 2025 – will see Val McDermid, Doug Johnstone, Claire Mitchell, Zoe Venditozzi, Maisie Chan and former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE appear at North Edinburgh Arts and Muirhouse Library. All events are completely free to attend. 

Welsh’s appearance marks a significant homecoming for the globally renowned author, who will appear digitally to discuss his Edinburgh roots and literary career to young people sat in the same library that helped shape his love of reading decades ago. 

Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Libraries are where so many of us first fell in love with books, and they remain at the heart of our communities.

“Having Irvine Welsh return to the library that shaped him as a reader shows exactly why Paper Trails matters – these aren’t just buildings, they’re launchpads for imagination and possibility.

“At a time when literacy rates are declining and more than a quarter of older adults experience weekly loneliness, we’re committed to ensuring that world-class literature and creative experiences reach every neighbourhood, not just festival venues.

“This programme is about co-creating with communities, listening to local voices, and supporting libraries as the vital cultural hubs they’ve always been.” 

Irvine Welsh, novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and filmmaker, said: “I’m joining remotely, but it still feels like I’m back in the room that first lit the fuse for me.

“Muirhouse gave me a quiet seat, a friendly word and a shelf full of new worlds—that’s all it takes to set a life on a different course.

“It’s brilliant to see Paper Trails investing in these spaces so every young person here can feel that same jolt of inspiration.”  

Tony Stewart, Librarian at Muirhouse Library, said: “We see every day the impact and benefit for our users and the community, in having access to a safe and welcoming space filled books, activities and a team dedicated to helping in any way we can, and of course, a good book recommendation.

“We are very excited to be able to work with EIBF and Paper Trails to bring top class authors right to our community’s doorstep and provide some inspiration for any budding authors in the Muirhouse area, maybe even the next Irvine Welsh…” 

The February programme will distribute over 500 free books to children attending events with Maisie Chan and Joseph Coelho – part of the festival’s five-year commitment to supporting Edinburgh’s libraries as creative community hubs. 

Programme Highlights – February 2025 

Claire Mitchell & Zoe Venditozzi: How to Kill a Witch

Wed 4 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

A lively, provocative exploration of Scotland’s witch-trial history from the hosts of the popular Witches of Scotland podcast. Mitchell, one of Scotland’s leading lawyers, and Venditozzi uncover the brutal reality behind historical persecution. 

Val McDermid: Winter Crime

Monday 9 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

Scotland’s ‘Queen of Crime’ discusses her latest Karen Pirie thriller Silent Bones and her new memoir Winter. With over 18 million books sold worldwide, McDermid rarely appears in intimate community settings. 

Doug Johnstone: 20 Years in the Making

Wed 11 Feb, 6pm — North Edinburgh Arts 
 

The bestselling crime writer reflects on two decades of literary success ahead of his landmark 20th novel. Johnstone’s Edinburgh-set thrillers have earned international acclaim and multiple award nominations. 

Irvine Welsh: Writing Edinburgh

Thurs 26 Feb, 6pm — Muirhouse Library 
 

A special remote appearance from the Trainspotting author, returning to the library he visited as a child. Welsh will discuss how Muirhouse and Edinburgh shaped his groundbreaking literary voice, followed by audience Q&A. 

Maisie Chan: Family Fun

Wed 18 Feb, 2–3pm — Muirhouse Library 
 

A half-term celebration of stories and creativity for families. Every child attending receives a free book to take home. 

Schools Event: Joseph Coelho OBE — Poetry Alive!

Wed 11 Feb, 10.30–11.15am — Muirhouse Library 
An energising poetry workshop from the former Children’s Laureate (2022-24). Local primary school pupils will receive free books and participate in creative writing activities. 

All events are free with advance booking recommended via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/muirhouse-library 

Keep Scotland Beautiful: Nature & Biodiversity Training

Our nature & biodiversity training takes place next month 🗓️

The new, certified nature and biodiversity training course will help you understand and re-connect with the natural systems, wildlife and plants that support Scotland to flourish in so many different ways.

You will understand the value of nature and biodiversity, reasons behind its decline and how to support the recovery of habitats which will benefit planet and people.

The February course takes place online and is available to book now:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/nature-and-biodiversity…

Letters: Tinnitus Week

Dear Editor, 

As we mark Tinnitus Week (2 – 8 February), we know that for many people with tinnitus, it’s not just a hum in the background, but something that can make everyday life a challenge. 

Despite tinnitus being more common than most people realise with one in seven adults experiencing it, too many are still left confused, worried or unsure of where to turn for help. Through our new research, two thirds (66%) of people with tinnitus told us it can impact their stress levels, while half (51%) said it makes them feel anxious or overwhelmed. 

Thankfully with the right support, lots of people can live well with tinnitus. There are many practical ways to manage each person’s needs, such as talking therapies, hearing aids, or mindfulness. 

No one should face tinnitus alone. If you’re finding your tinnitus difficult to manage or you’re worried about someone close to you, we’re here to help. RNID’s free online tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus offers plenty of helpful information, practical tips and advice to help you live a good, balanced life with tinnitus.

Sincerely,

Franki Oliver 

Audiology Manager at RNID 

UK Government announces support package that backs British pubs

  • Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they play in local communities.
  • Pubs will get a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, as well as a review into the method used to value them for business rates. This is on top of support announced at Budget.
  • Government also announces a new High Street Strategy to help ensure retail, leisure and hospitality businesses can thrive, as the bedrock of strong communities.

The Chancellor is backing British pubs with the announcement of a major support package, as the government recognises the challenges facing the industry and the vital role they play in building strong local communities.

Pubs have faced significant pressure as their numbers have fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010, a roughly 15% reduction and amongst the highest across hospitality overall. The sector has also raised concerns around the way they are valued for business rates purposes.

Recognising the value they bring and the challenges they face, the government is introducing a support package to save the average pub an additional £1,650 in 2026/27. Around 75% of pubs will see their bills fall or stay flat over the same year with the pub sector as a whole paying 8% less in business rates in 2029 than they do currently.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “If we’re going to restore the pride in our communities, we need our pubs and our high streets to thrive.

“We’re backing British pubs with additional support, and our new High Streets Strategy will help tackle the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have faced. Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering.”

Other sectors continue to benefit from the £4.3 billion support package and from permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties.

The government is also launching a review into how they are valued. The review will be carried out by the government alongside businesses and their representatives as well as valuation experts, ensuring that any decisions that follow will be implemented for the 2029 revaluation.

Over the last decade, changing consumer habits, increasingly working from home and shopping online, combined with the pandemic and the increase in energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on all high street business.

Recognising this, the government is also announcing a High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate Britain’s communities. Working alongside businesses and representatives, this cross-government strategy will be published later this year and will look at what more the government can do to support our high streets.

This government is committed to supporting pubs build sustainable business models over the long-term. In the spring, the government will consult on further loosening planning rules to benefit pubs, helping them add new guest rooms or expand their main room without local planning applications. We will continue to engage with the sector to ensure other retail, leisure, and hospitality premises also have sufficient planning flexibilities.

The Chancellor also announced £10 million of funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years – upped from £1.5 million for one year announced last April – to support pubs across the UK.

The additional funding aims to help over 1,000 pubs provide extra services for local communities, including creating community cafes, village stores and play areas to help pubs bring locals and families together and boost their footfall. It will also support people who are furthest from the labour market to move into jobs in hospitality.

As part of further licencing reforms, pubs and other licensed venues will be able to open after midnight for Home Nations’ games in the later stages of this summer’s Men’s FIFA World Cup, meaning more time for fans at the pub while boosting takings behind the bar and supporting jobs in hospitality. The government is also bringing forward a consultation to allow them to open late for other big events such as Eurovision.

The government will legislate later this year to increase the number of temporary events pubs and other hospitality venues can hold to help screen other World Cup games or host community and cultural events.

This support comes on top of the £4.3 billion package the Chancellor announced at Budget 2025. This includes capping business rate bill rises by 15% for most businesses from April, or £800 for the smallest, next year as pandemic-era reliefs end and new revaluations take effect.

This government is committed to reforming the business rates system and has already begun the work. At Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced a permanent 5p cut in the business rates multiplier for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, funded by a higher tax rate for the most expensive 1% of properties.

Stakeholders react to pubs support package:

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are pleased the government has listened to our concerns, and those of publicans, consumers and MPs who rallied to defend our locals.

“This pub specific package will stave off the immediate financial threat posed by accelerating business costs and will help keep the doors open for many.

“This additional support will provide certainty for tens of thousands of pubs, with many seeing their bills frozen or falling and there will be a sigh of relief from landlords across the country.

“We will now work closely with government to establish a transformative long-term plan that works for all pubs through permanent business rates reform to ensure they remain at the heart of communities.”

Heineken / star pubs: “Although we will need to fully digest the detail, this announcement is a huge boost for pubs and will ease the immediate concerns of publicans up and down the country.

“I am pleased that the Chancellor has clearly listened to the many Star Pubs licensees who expressed their objections to the plans published at the Budget. This support is a welcome acknowledgement of the pub as the cornerstone of British society, and we are committed to working with the Treasury in the coming weeks and months.

“This support means publicans and their staff are able to focus on the day job – running great pubs at the hearts of their communities.”

Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “The Institute of Directors welcomes today’s decision by the government to provide targeted business rates relief for pubs, recognising the intense pressures facing this sector. This support will offer much-needed breathing space for businesses grappling with rising costs and tight margins.

“More broadly, the business rates system remains in urgent need of reform to address the disincentives to investment embedded in the current framework, and we welcome the government’s commitment to take action in this area.

“That said, stronger policy design at an earlier stage would deliver greater benefits for business confidence, planning and costs. We reiterate our call for more detailed, sector-by-sector analysis of the impacts of tax changes to be undertaken alongside each Budget. This would allow concerns to surface earlier in the process, enabling risks to be identified and addressed before they crystallise.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO & Founder, Small Business Britain: “It is good to see the Government widen the business rates support available to pubs and music venues – many small, independent establishments will undoubtedly welcome this additional headroom.

“We also look forward to supporting the work of the newly announced High Street Strategy to ensure retail, leisure and hospitality businesses can thrive. Given the crucial role these sectors play at the heart of local communities it is vital small businesses are given as much support as possible and that we see swift action taken to address existing issues.

“The long-overdue work to reform the business rates system, which the government has already committed to and reaffirmed today, will be especially key.”

Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “We welcome the recognition by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the scale of the challenges facing the hospitality sector. They have listened to us about the acute cost challenges facing businesses, all of which is impacting business viability, jobs and consumer prices.

“The rising cost of doing business and business rates increases is a hospitality-wide problem that needs a hospitality-wide solution. The Government’s immediate review of hospitality valuations going forward is clear recognition of this.

“The devil will be in the detail, but we need to see pace and urgency to deliver the reform desperately needed to reduce hospitality’s tax burden, drive demand, and protect jobs and growth. We will work with the Government over the next six months to hold their feet to the fire to deliver this.

“This emergency announcement to provide additional funding is helpful to address an acute challenge facing pubs.

“The reality remains that we still have restaurants and hotels facing severe challenges from successive Budgets. They need to see substantive solutions that genuinely reduce their costs.

“Without that clear action, they will face increasingly tough decisions on business viability, jobs and prices for consumers. Those are costs borne by us all, and I hope the Government delivers on its promise to support the whole hospitality sector.”