Views sought on extending Freedom of Information provisions
Private and third sector providers of care home and ‘care at home’ services may be made subject to Freedom of Information laws.
Following the Covid pandemic, ministers agreed to look at extending provisions in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to cover care services. The Act enables the Scottish Government to extend Freedom of Information rules to cover organisations delivering ‘functions of a public nature’.
A consultation will seek views on whether providers of care homes and ‘care at home’ fall under that definition and if so, whether and how the Government should exercise its power to extend FOISA to cover them.
It will also cover other issues, including whether services should only be covered if they receive public funding, whether services for children and young people should be included and how a change in the rules might affect organisations of different sizes.
Minister for Parliamentary Business Graeme Dey said: “Care home and ‘care at home’ services are of the utmost importance to people, including some of our most vulnerable citizens.
“There is a good argument that these services can be considered to be public functions, and that statutory FOI obligations should therefore be extended to private and third sector providers in this area. Doing so would put the same obligations on those providers to be open and transparent that we already place on public sector providers of similar services, such as local councils.
“We will therefore publish a public consultation to gather the views of people who rely on these services for the care of themselves, their friends and family and the wider community. We also want to hear the views of people who work in and with the sector, and from provider organisations.
“This government recognises the significant pressures that the social care sector is facing and to be effective, any future roll out of Freedom of Information will need to take place in partnership with the sector, taking this into account. Therefore I hope as many people as possible will engage with this consultation.”
The consultation will open on January 5th 2026 and close on March 30th 2026.
Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) has launched its new community-led manifesto, calling for a fairer Scotland where local people have the power, investment and opportunity to shape their own futures.
Representing nearly 400 development trusts across Scotland, DTAS works with communities to take ownership of local assets, build sustainable enterprises and drive local regeneration. Its support helps communities safeguard vital services, bring a new lease of life to local spaces and strengthen social and economic wellbeing in towns, villages and islands across the country.
Last year, DTAS supported 81 local organisations, helping them secure more than £1.1 million in funding.
The manifesto highlights the ways in which communities are already leading change – from transforming disused buildings into thriving community hubs, to tackling rural depopulation and building a fairer local economy. However, it also highlights how limited funding and a lack of long-term investment is still holding them back.
To help Scotland’s communities reach their full potential, the manifesto sets out practical steps and policy asks centred around five key pillars:
A sustainable and supportive environment for communities
Developing local democracy
An inclusive, sustainable, wellbeing economy
Land reform and community ownership
A just transition and climate action
Among its proposed actions, DTAS is urging greater investment in long-term community development, reforms to land policy to expedite community ownership, and the creation of a community wealth fund to help local people take on and transform assets for public benefit.
Pauline Smith, CEO at DTAS, said:“Communities across Scotland are already delivering life-changing solutions to the challenges they face – from keeping vital services running to building a fairer local economy. But too often, their ambitions are limited by short-term policy and centralised control.
“This manifesto is our call for change to give local citizens real power, not just a voice. With the right investment and trust, they can shape a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Scotland.”
Case study: Huntly Development Trust
With DTAS help, member Huntly Development Trust has been able to secure the Strengthening Communities Funding needed to grow its organisational capacity and sharpen its impact locally. DTAS’ Community Ownership Support Service has helped the Trust taken ownership of key community assets and accelerate its vision for local regeneration.
Donald Boyd, general manager at Huntly Development Trust, said: “Development trusts across Scotland are the beating heart of local action. We’re practical, on the ground anchor organisations – the “first responders” of community development – finding ways to meet local needs and secure new opportunities for local wellbeing.
“Here in Huntly, our work results in major local benefits and cost-savings to the public purse, but it requires long-term, consistent support.
“While we’ve made great strides in tackling local challenges, the support mechanisms identified by DTAS could help us and other communities across the country achieve so much more to drive lasting change.”
Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK
Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.
Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits.
This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week.
Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.
All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.
“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”
Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.
“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.”
Keep warm in the cold weather
Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can)
It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Back in November, Hampden Park erupted as Scott McTominay smashed in a phenomenal overhead kick in a crucial qualifier clash against Denmark. A 4-2 victory secured Scotland’s place in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans said the goal belonged in an art gallery – and now it is!
Ross MacDonald’s iconic photograph is free to see at the Portrait gallery on Queen Street in Edinburgh until 5 January 2026.
A moment of football magic, free for everyone to enjoy!.
Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses as people are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves
Flu levels are beginning to stabilise for the first time this season, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). After an early start to the season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, the flu positivity rate is starting to decrease.
These are encouraging signals but it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures, with limited time now left to get a flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
Flu is an unpredictable virus and while there is currently evidence that it is plateauing, the flu season is not yet over with the virus previously peaking well into January and February. Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated now will help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.
There are simple measures that can be taken to help reduce the spread of flu this winter. Washing your hands regularly, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated and if you have symptoms, stay home where possible. If you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.
Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those with certain long-term health conditions.
For children who missed out on their school immunisation programme, parents are reminded that they can still get them vaccinated in local community clinics. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.
“There are simple steps we can all take to protect one another when mixing indoors. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.
“Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated helps and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering.
“For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it’s not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out.
“Please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation. By continuing to take these precautions, we can all do our bit to reduce the chances of another spike.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/2001684097412837648
In the week between 8 and 14 December 2025:
influenza activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
Flu surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
flu activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
flu positivity remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.7% compared with 21% in the previous week. Positivity started to decrease in the later days of the week
overall, flu hospitalisations were stabilising at 10.32 per 100,000 compared with 10.19 per 100,000 in the previous week
For the 2025-26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.
Up to the end of week 50 (14 December), vaccine uptake stands at:
38.6% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long term health conditions
36.5% in all pregnant women
72.8% in all those aged over 65 years
42.1% in children aged 2 years and 43.1% in children aged 3 years
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
RSV activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
the overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was increasing at 3.70 per 100,000 compared with 3.35 per 100,000 in the previous week
emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
COVID-19 positivity decreased slightly to 1.9% from 2.1% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations were decreasing slightly at 1.02 per 100,000 compared with 1.10 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.05 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week
Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 49 to 50 (1 December to 14 December 2025)
In week 49:
norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels
total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (4.9% lower) for the same 2-week period
overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 were 29.8% higher than during the previous 2-week period
the rate of norovirus reports has started to increase in individuals aged 65 years and over and is now comparable to the reporting rate among individuals aged 0 to 4 years
total rotavirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (2.0% lower) for the same 2-week period
the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 48.5% lower than the 5-season average
during the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (83.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (31.1%)
in recent weeks GII.4 has emerged as the predominant genotype and detections of GII.17 have decreased
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.
“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”
Despite being called the “most wonderful time of the year”, for so many of us, the festive season doesn’t always bring joy.
In our latest blog, Aaron explores his own difficulties with Christmas as well as the challenges many of us face during the festive season and the steps we can take to help protect our mental health during this time.
When days get shorter and temperatures drop, the natural inclination for most of us is to stay indoors and keep warm. Lara Campana, however, decided it was time to set herself the challenge of keeping active and outdoors by taking on two fundraising runs and raising £582 for the British Liver Trust!
“I’m one of the co-founders of Resolution Theraputics, based at Edinburgh University and have worked in liver disease research for over 10 years now.
I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and stigmas which patients in this community and their families endure. The British Liver Trust is there advocating for them, day in and day out; they are amazing partners to help people navigate this scary disease. So, when I took on a winter fitness challenge, it made perfect sense to support their work at the same time.”
Lara opted for two races, the Forth Road Bridge 5K in November and the Edinburgh 10K on December 7.
“I love being outside in all weathers, but it didn’t stop me catching back-to-back chest infections which have made training slightly more challenging!” she says. “However, I’m really pleased to have completed both runs and to have smashed my fundraising target!”
Audrey Cornelius, Director of Fundraising at the British Liver Trust said: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health.
“But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that.
“So we’re very grateful to Lara for braving the cold and taking on these two runs – we hope she enjoyed the experience!”
Actions to combat sexual abuse set out alongside next steps in national review
Immediate action will be taken to address any harms or risks identified in the first part of an independent inspectorate-led review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced to Parliament that the first part of the independent national review will be taken forward at pace and focus on rigorous, detailed scrutiny of local councils’ assessments of the threat and risk of group-based CSAE.
Further parts will follow, and Ministers plan toupdate Parliament more fully by the end of February.
The Education Secretary also confirmed an additional £220,000 will be invested this financial year to enhance support for victims and families impacted by sexual offending, improve access to training for professionals to respond to sexual harm, and support improvements to Police Scotland’s forensics capabilities.
The Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Skills and for Justice and Home Affairs have jointly written to the Cross-Party Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to request to meet survivors in the new year.
The Education Secretary also confirmed that Ministers support mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in principle. The National CSAE Strategic Group has agreed to consider next steps to develop options for mandatory reporting in Scotland, and will also further consider approaches to involve survivors in an appropriate and trauma-informed way.
Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is taking determined action to establish the potential extent and scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Scotland’s recent past.
“Those who have suffered, as victims of child sexual abuse, have been let down by a system which should have protected them. We must ensure that survivors’ experience is at the heart of our considerations – their voices must be heard and be listened to.
“The National Review, Police Scotland’s ongoing work, and the advice of the National Strategic Group chaired by Professor Jay, will gather evidence, help us to take action where it is needed now, and inform advice to Ministers on whether a national inquiry on group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation is required.”
Stuart Allardyce, Director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “Demand for our services to prevent child sexual abuse keeps rising. Each year, more adults concerned about their behaviour, young people who have caused sexual harm to others, and families affected by a loved one’s arrest turn to us for help.
“This funding is a lifeline that will enable additional groupwork sessions this financial year, so no one has to wait for support, and allows us to extend our helpline hours to those across Scotland who need our services. It’s a vital boost that shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting children from harm.”
Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17 December 2025. Embrace the strange and explore one of the most important and comprehensive holdings of surrealist art in the world, all belonging to the people of Scotland!
Encounter art by leading figures such as Salvador Dalí, Dorothea Tanning, Max Ernst, René Magritte and Toyen. Step inside the minds behind one of the most radical and influential artistic and literary movements of the 20th century. With over 40 works on display over two rooms, find bizarre creatures and weird machines, eerie landscapes and curious spaces. These uncanny compositions juxtapose the familiar with the peculiar, challenging reality and exploring the potential of the mind.
For the first time ever, visitors will be able to discover two works by Remedios Varo and Leonora Carringtonin the same space since the works were acquired Encounter (Encuentro) (1959) by Varo and Portrait of Max Ernst by Carrington.
Varo and Carrington were amongst many creatives and intellectuals who fled Europe during the Second World War. Both artists eventually settled in Mexico City, where they became friends and collaborators. They profoundly influenced each other’s work and remained close until Varo passed away suddenly in 1963.
Having been on tour for the last two years, visitors can once again explore the collection at its home in Scotland.
The nation’s collection of Surrealism is one of the most important in the world, largely thanks to the acquisition of two major private collections in the 1990s. The first collection arrived between 1994 and 1995 with the purchase of a selection of paintings, sculptures, works on paper, rare books and manuscripts from the collection of Sir Roland Penrose.
Artist, writer and patron, Penrose encountered Surrealism in Paris in the mid–1920s. His collection reflects the artists he met, the friendships he made, and his deep fascination with surrealist art and ways of thinking.
A short time later, in 1995, Gabrielle Keiller donated her collection of surrealist art to the National Galleries of Scotland. This features a comprehensive library and archive that consisted of over 1,000 books, periodicals, catalogues and other archival items which are housed in the Keiller Library at Modern Two, which is also free to visit.
Since then, this incredible collection has continued to grow, exploring Surrealism as an international phenomenon that spanned decades and stretched across continents. The display gives an insight into Surrealism not only as a movement, but also as a mindset, and one with enduring cultural significance.
Surrealism (meaning ‘beyond realism’ in French) was founded in 1924, with the publication of the first Surrealist Manifesto It evolved from the anti-art Dada movement, which formed during the First World War.
Like the dadaists, the surrealists rejected the ordinary and embraced the strange, using their art to question the state of the world at a time of great social, economic and political upheaval. Surrealist artists were united by ideology rather than by a particular style or medium.
Influenced by the psychoanalytical writings of Sigmund Freud, they attempted to reach beyond reality and immerse themselves in dreamworlds. Some even developed new ‘automatic’ techniques that relied on chance effects. These were believed to produce uninhibited, visionary signs and symbols, free from the constraints of rational thinking.
Tor Scott, Assistant Curator at National Galleries of Scotland, said:“We are delighted to be welcoming this incredible collection back to Modern One after its successful international tour.
“The National Galleries of Scotland boasts one of the most comprehensive holdings of surrealist art in the world, and it is always so popular with our visitors. Whether people have existing knowledge of Surrealism or are seeing these works for the first time, there is something about the dreamlike, uncanny and bizarre that always captures people’s attention.
“The display includes paintings by international artists such as Remedios Varo and Max Ernst, as well as works by English and Scottish artists like Edith Rimmington and Edwin Lucas, exploring the far-reaching impact of this radical movement.”
The surrealist collection is on display at National Galleries Scotland: Modern One. Visit for free from 17 December 2025.
A man has been jailed for a serious assault in Leith. Damien May, 58, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday n Wednesday , 17 December 2025.
He previously pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 20 November.
The incident happened around 2pm on Monday, 20th May 2024, outside a premises on North Junction Street. A 56-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.
Detective Constable Calum Turnbull, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This was a serious and violent assault which resulted in significant injuries that will have a long-term and lasting impact on the victim’s life.
“Violent behaviour such as this is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will continue to thoroughly investigate incidents like this and take robust action against those involved.”
