Additional investment in business talent in the Scottish Budget
A new £2.5 million package to nurture more young entrepreneurs is part of record £45 million investment to drive innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship across Scotland in 2026-27.
The draft Scottish Budget supports investment in people and businesses at every stage of their journey, from continued investment to encourage those from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds to start and grow businesses, to tailored support for companies scaling up.
The SNP backs business. We back entrepreneurs.
And we’re backing the next generation to launch companies and grow here in Scotland. pic.twitter.com/gg3x5RcTjY
There will be further funding for the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme, which has over 1,900 members across more than 1,400 startup and scaleup businesses.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Galashiels to meet business founders who have been helped South of Scotland Enterprise’s Pathways Pre-Start programme.
The pilot programme is now in a second phase following a successful pilot in 2024-25 and has so far delivered specialist coaching to over 700 existing or prospective business founders, leading to over 220 new businesses being created.
The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Budget 2026-27 continues our support for the innovation and entrepreneurial talent that is the backbone of any prosperous, growing economy. We have been working systematically to develop the pipeline of support required to help businesses develop, grow and prosper.
“Scotland is one of Europe’s most dynamic start-up economies, outpacing the UK, and we are making clear progress in establishing the right conditions to help business founders succeed. I expect this progress to accelerate as we invest record funding in helping start and scale Scottish business talent.”
Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:“Scotland is making progress toward becoming an entrepreneurial nation, establishing strong foundations for those starting their businesses.
“This year’s budget strengthens that momentum by further investing in proven programmes, including Pathways Pre‑Start and Scottish EDGE, which increase access into entrepreneurship and widen participation.
“One of my top priorities is to listen to and support our entrepreneurs from startup through to scaleup. The Scottish budget allows us to build on this work as we ensure our entrepreneurs have the necessary support to start, scale and stay in Scotland.”
Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector Hit Hardest By Punitive Business Rates Rise
New official statistics show that the Scottish self-catering sector will be the hardest hit by the 2026 non-domestic rates revaluation.
Figures released by the Scottish Government highlight that self-catering properties will see an overall increase in rateable value of 88%, a much higher percentage rise than other property types like pubs, cafes, hotels, and shops.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has repeatedly criticised the flawed rental-led methodology for the revaluation process, which sees self-catering as an outlier compared with other commercial property classes, urging reform before it is too late.
Across the country, some self-catering operators have reported eye-watering increases to their non-domestic rates bills of around 400%. Former Scottish Government Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP labelled the proposed revaluations as “just garbage, utter garbage”.
This comes after the 15% rates relief package promised by the Scottish Government’s Budget “willbarely touch the sides” and does not go far enough to even mitigate business concerns.
The ASSC’s 2026 Manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, released earlier this week, calls for the adoption of profitability-based valuation method for self-catering sector to replace rental comparables. The trade body, as well as a number of cross-party MSPs, implored the Scottish Government to use its powers to halt the revaluation.
Alongside the troubling NDR revaluation, operators are also being clobbered by short-term let licensing fees. For example, Shetland Island Council has just hiked fees for local businesses by up to a staggering 113%.
The ASSC has characterised the regulatory and fiscal situation facing businesses as “overwhelming” and hopes Scotland’s main political parties will adopt the recommendations set out in their manifesto to help bolster the fortunes of Scottish tourism.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Self-caterers are being hit left, right and centre by all manner of costs and red tape. The cumulative impact on businesses is overwhelming.
“Unfortunately, the NDR relief package announced in the recent Budget will barely touch the sides. We need an immediate pause to the 2026 revaluation and reform of the process before many businesses decide to close for good, hitting local communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Our election manifesto signposts a positive and practical route forward on this issue and others impacting our industry. If taken on board, it will help build the foundations for the future sustainable growth of Scotland’s vital tourism sector.”
As Scotland kicks off a landmark year of sport, charitable organisations across Edinburgh are invited to apply for a share of a £63,000 fund from Barratt and David Wilson Homes. The newly launched 2026 Community Fund will support groups which promote healthy and active lifestyles, with funding of £1,500 provided to each organisation.
Part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland has launched its 2026 Community Fund, with a yearly focus on supporting healthy, active communities and delivering lasting, positive impact in the areas where they build new homes.
Through targeted financial support, the £63,000 fund will back organisations that aim to strengthen communities by improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for local residents. By funding these initiatives, the Community Fund seeks to make a tangible difference to the lives of local people.
Grants will be available exclusively to registered charities operating in the areas in which Barratt and David Wilson Homes build across the North, East and West of Scotland.
Supported projects can include sports, physical activity and youth programmes, inclusive fitness initiatives, youth sports and coaching projects, improvements to local playgrounds and recreational facilities, walking or cycling trails and health and wellbeing activities that encourage people of all ages to lead more active lives.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said:“At Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, we’re committed to building more than just homes – we want to create thriving, sustainable communities.
“With Scotland preparing to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the national team heading to the FIFA World Cup, this fund is about supporting organisations that inspire healthier, more active lifestyles and make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone.
“Our 2026 Community Fund will help support the fantastic work already taking place across the country, enabling local groups to deliver projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The launch of the 2026 Community Fund builds on Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement and reflects the excitement around Scotland’s upcoming sporting calendar.
The housebuilders are creating a range of new communities across Edinburgh, including Cammo Meadows, West Craigs and West Craigs Quarter.
The Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund is funded by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charitable arm of Barratt Redrow. Its mission is to help communities across the UK to thrive.
Applications for 2026 funding will close on 30 October 2026 with successful applicants selected throughout the year.
For more information about the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund including eligibility and how to apply, visit:
Questions have been raised around whether the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, as drafted, is the best way forward, says Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee.
In its Stage 1 Report of the Member’s Bill, the Committee say that they consider ecocide should be treated as a ‘grave criminal wrongdoing’. However, owing to the lack of time remaining to address significant issues raised in evidence, a majority (see note 1 in Background) agree that the Bill as it stands should not proceed further during this parliamentary session.
The Bill, introduced by Monica Lennon MSP (above) in May 2025, aims to create a distinct criminal offence of ecocide; to reduce the likelihood of future incidents; and help protect Scotland’s population, wildlife and ecosystems.
Its proposals allow for both people and organisations to be convicted, with custodial sentences of up to 20 years and unlimited fines.
The report highlights questions over the definitions of key terms in the offence as set out in the Bill and an alternative approach of amending Section 40 of the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.
It says also that there are issues around the enforcement of environmental law and concerns that existing legal sanctions are rarely used.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2014642871215751250
Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain MSP, said: “The Committee commends Member in Charge, Monica Lennon MSP for her work on this Bill, which has launched an important discussion about how we deal with ecocide.
“We agree with the principle of having stronger criminal penalties for severe environmental damage. However, the concerns raised during our scrutiny must be fully explored and this would require detailed consultation with prosecutors, regulators and expert stakeholders.
“Realistically, we do not believe there is any prospect of the issues being addressed comprehensively within the time we have remaining during this Parliamentary session. As a result, it would not be responsible for us to recommend that the Bill proceeds further at this stage.”
A key question raised during scrutiny was whether, instead of creating a standalone offence, existing environmental legislation (Section 40 of the 2014 Act) could be amended to create an ‘apex’ tier for ecocide-level harm, with increased penalties.
Related to this, the report says the Committee was struck by the lack of prosecutions under the existing Section 40. To gain a better understanding of why this is the case, and irrespective of any future route taken with this legislation, the Committee recommends that the Scottish Government undertake a short, targeted review of Section 40, early in next parliamentary session.
The report says that concerns about the legal clarity and workability of the Bill were raised. Uncertainty around the definition of key terms such as ‘severe environmental harm’ along with the Bill’s treatment of harm caused over a period of time, omissions and courses of conduct, left doubt as to whether prosecutors would be able to achieve the criminal standard of proof.
Furthermore, the report says that the Bill in its current form could create legal uncertainty within the planning system and potentially have a ‘chilling effect’ on decision-taking and major developments. It recommends that any future legislative approach, should provide a clear defence for licensed or authorised activities, which would protect operators acting within permits and public authorities exercising statutory functions lawfully and in good faith.
If you’ve got a few minutes this weekend, take a look at Pathways to Progress – a new project focused on improving fair work in Scotland’s social care sector.
The project, delivered by Living Wage Scotland at the Poverty Alliance and funded by the Robertson Trust, is exploring how better pay, more secure hours, and improved working conditions can make a real difference for people working in care. [pathwaysto…rogress.uk]
It’s a thoughtful, accessible site with insights into the challenges facing social care – and the practical pathways that could help build a fairer future.
On Thursday Hibernian Community Foundation, in partnership with Pilmeny Development Project and Edinburgh Community Sports Hub, held our annual Burns Supper Tea Dance at the Hibs Supporters Club in Sunnyside!
The Dance was attended by over 90 elderly people in our community: coming together to enjoy warm company, a traditional Burns’ supper, hours of dancing, and the official Hibs Bagpiper @Lou_piper (above).
The Burns Supper Tea Dance is one of four events we hold a year to bring together elderly people from our community as part of our work in the Leith Older People’s Project.
A group of Edinburgh College students had the right Royal honour of helping cater and host a ship-naming ceremony attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in the Port of Leith this week.
Princess Anne took part in the ceremony at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal, breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull and formally naming the vessel POLE STAR.
The students worked alongside professional caterers in a variety of roles, with some cooking up a storm in the kitchens, others taking on front of house duties to make sure all the VIP guests were as comfortable as possible, and some preparing delicious baked goods and cakes to be enjoyed by all.
The event was put on by East Coast Catering Ltd, which is ran by Edinburgh College graduate Kieran Wight, with our students providing vital support. Their hard work was recognised by The Princess Royal herself, who stopped for a chat and learned from the group all about the skills they are being taught on their course.
Adam Robertson, a Level 1 Hospitality student, set out from his home in the Borders at 5am to make sure he was in Edinburgh in time to do his part in the kitchen. He said it was all worth the effort: “When we found out there was an opportunity to cook for such a prestigious guest, I was desperate to do it.
“I think if you want to go out and work in a professional kitchen, it’s so important to have this sort of experience behind you.The College has given us so many amazing opportunities in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s really helped build up my confidence.”
Jodie Dixon is studying HNC Events and she said it was an honour to take part: “I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity like this, to get involved in a literal royal event.
“There’s so much you can learn just by being here, and it’s really nice knowing you’re part of a group that’s all supporting each other too. The lecturers have been great, and have provided us with a lot of support, but they’re also great at letting us go and do our jobs, it makes you feel like you’re trusted.”
Stephanie Tanner, the Head of School for Cookery, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism, said the experience will prove invaluable for the students: “It’s a proud day for everyone at the College, seeing them putting all of their training to use in the real world, and doing so incredibly well.
“Getting the chance to take part in events like this gives them such an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. Employers will be able to look at their CVs, and say ‘Wow, they’ve catered an event for a member of the Royal Family!”
Aisha Elshani, a Professional Cookery lecturer, said the students represented the College well: “They’ve all worked so hard, leading up to the event and on the day itself, and it’s really nice to see how well they are all doing.
“They’re all getting on with their jobs, and just conducting themselves really professionally. I think they all have bright futures ahead in the industry”.
It’s the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever
The series finale of The Traitors averaged 9.4 million with a peak of 9.6 million and an audience share of 54.9%.
This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC said: “The dramatic conclusion to series four of The Traitors, expertly produced by the brilliant team at Studio Lambert Scotland, proved exactly why this grippingly unmissable game continues to surprise, entertain and delight with over 9 million faithful viewers watching the nail-biting finale so far.
“Only the BBC can bring audiences all across the UK together for edge of the seat entertainment like this that every generation can enjoy.”
As a founding member of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States of America has contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, and progress against many other public health threats including polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and more.
WHO therefore regrets the United States’ notification of withdrawal from WHO – a decision that makes both the United States and the world less safe. The notification of withdrawal raises issues that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on 2 February and by the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting in May 2026.
WHO takes note of statements from the government of the United States that say WHO has “trashed and tarnished” and insulted it, and compromised its independence. The reverse is true. As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty.
In its statements, the United States cited as one of the reasons for its decision, “WHO failures during the COVID-19 pandemic”, including “obstructing the timely and accurate sharing of critical information” and that WHO “concealed those failures”. While no organization or government got everything right, WHO stands by its response to this unprecedented global health crisis.
Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence.
WHO recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns. We supported sovereign governments to make decisions they believed were in the best interests of their people, but the decisions were theirs.
Immediately after receiving the first reports of a cluster of cases of “pneumonia of unknown cause” in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019, WHO asked China for more information and activated its emergency incident management system.
By the time the first death was reported from China on 11 January 2020, WHO had already alerted the world through formal channels, public statements and social media, convened global experts, and published comprehensive guidance for countries on how to protect their populations and health systems.
When the WHO Director-General declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations on 30 January 2020 – the highest level of alarm under international health law – outside of China there were fewer than 100 reported cases, and no reported deaths.
In the first weeks and months of the pandemic, the Director-General urged all countries repeatedly to take immediate action to protect their populations, warning that “the window of opportunity is closing”, “this is not a drill” and describing COVID-19 as “public enemy number one”.
In response to the multiple reviews of the COVID-19 pandemic, including of WHO’s performance, WHO has taken steps to strengthen its own work, and to support countries to bolster their own pandemic preparedness and response capacities.
The systems we developed and managed before, during and after the emergency phase of the pandemic, and which run 24/7, have contributed to keeping all countries safe, including the United States.
The United States also said in its statements that WHO has “pursued a politicized, bureaucratic agenda driven by nations hostile to American interests”.This is untrue. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, governed by 194 Member States, WHO has always been and remains impartial and exists to serve all countries, with respect for their sovereignty, and without fear or favour.
WHO appreciates the support and continued engagement of all its Member States, which continue to work within the framework of WHO to pursue solutions to the world’s biggest health threats, both communicable and noncommunicable.
Most notably, WHO Member States last year adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which once ratified will become a landmark instrument of international law to keep the world safer from future pandemics.
Member States are now negotiating an annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, which if adopted will promote rapid detection and sharing of pathogens with pandemic potential, and equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
We hope that in the future, the United States will return to active participation in WHO. Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people.
UK Government plans to crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut cancer risks to teenagers
Unsupervised sunbed use by young people to be banned as part of National Cancer Plan
Consultation to launch in Spring 2026, new rules could come into force as soon as 2027
Drive to tackle avoidable cancer and help make the NHS Fit for the Future
More young people will be better protected from skin cancer through a proposed crackdown on sunbed harms, clamping down on rogue businesses flouting the law and putting children’s health at risk by selling sessions to under-18s.
New proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
Recent investigations have shown that teenagers as young as 14 are gaining access to tanning salons, routinely flouting the existing ban on under-18s using sunbeds.
Sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.
Using them before 20 increases risk of melanoma by 47%, yet teens as young as 14 still do.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) January 25, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classed sunbeds to be as dangerous as smoking. Using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one, according to the WHO.
Reducing avoidable cancer risks is a central action in the upcoming National Cancer Plan and will help make England a world leader for cancer survival.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences.
“The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks.
“These proposals will crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced. Prevention saves lives, and we will do everything we can to protect people from avoidable cancers.”
There are inherent risks associated with exposure to UV radiation emitted from sunbeds. This is why the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 bans under 18s from using commercial sunbeds and requires businesses to prevent children from using them. Despite this, there is evidence that rogue operators are continuing to sell these services to teenagers.
Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, said: “My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated, a mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma.
“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ sent me into shock. I was rushed back into the NHS system for more surgery and lymph node tests, all within weeks. The procedures and the waits for results were brutal.
“Although some results were clear, others were inconclusive, leaving me living with constant uncertainty. If I’d known earlier how dangerous UV exposure and sunbeds were, I would never have taken the risk.”
Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Melanoma Focus, said: “We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly.
“The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s. Additionally, the rates of melanoma in the UK have risen considerably.
“To protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers, we strongly advise against using sunbeds. Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing.”
The crackdown forms part of the government’s wider focus on prevention in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will set out our ambition to reduce lives lost to cancer.
By tackling avoidable risk factors before they lead to serious illness, the government is taking a proactive approach to reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients. Prevention is not just good for public health—it is essential to building a sustainable health service for the future.
In 2023, there were almost a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually.
Despite these risks, public awareness remains dangerously low. Polling from Melanoma Focus shows that only 62% of adults know that sunbed use increases cancer risk, and nearly a quarter of 18-25 year olds wrongly believe sunbeds actually reduce their risk of cancer.
The consultation will also seek views from businesses, including the many small and medium-sized enterprises that operate in the tanning industry.
The government recognises the need to balance public health protections with the impact on businesses and will use the consultation to gather evidence on costs and practicalities. This will ensure that any new requirements are proportionate, enforceable, and deliver meaningful improvements to public safety.
Additionally, a call for evidence will also be launched to understand whether further action to reduce cases of melanoma is justified.
Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, said: “A sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime.
“Sunbeds blast your skin with high levels of UV radiation raising the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly for young people.
“These proposals, as part of the National Cancer Plan, will help close dangerous loopholes, crack down on illegal sunbed use and keep people safe.”
Weekend reading suggestion:
Have a read this weekend:
