It is time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will say today
In a speech to council leaders, the Secretary of State for Scotland will make clear that there is no route to a decent and prosperous Scotland without strong and effective councils. And to ensure that, the Scottish Government must properly devolve funding and powers to Scotland’s local authorities.
Mr Alexander will set out how the promise of devolution has not been delivered, with the Scottish Government deprioritising councils for funding, and centralising powers at Holyrood.
Twenty five years on from the advent of devolution, Mr Alexander will call for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, for a proper debate on the delivery of powers from Holyrood to the regions and communities of Scotland.
Mr Alexander is expected to say: “During recent decades, Scottish local government has been systematically deprioritised for funding. Scotland’s local authorities have watched their powers being pulled to Holyrood rather than further devolved to local communities.
“There has never been a point where councils have been so persistently on the defensive – fighting cuts on an annual basis in order to defend an ever-shrinking core of services from further erosion.
“The Scottish Parliament should have heralded a new era of powers, esteem and resource – not just for Scotland, but also for Scottish local government. And yet the reality is that Scottish local government has been systematically starved of funds over the last two decades.
“At exactly the same time as these funding cuts we have also seen the systematic centralisation of decision-making in Holyrood, including on policing and fire and rescue. At the same time the Scottish Government has constrained council tax powers via national freezes and caps.
“It is now time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, to reach back to the core principles upon which our parliament was founded and restore the values of devolution. We must allow the Scottish Parliament to realise its potential to deliver change and reform for the people of Scotland. And Scotland’s local authorities, regardless of party allegiance, must be at the forefront of that cause.”
Mr Alexander will make clear this debate must be guided by the principle that powers are best exercised as close as possible to the people, rather than hoarded centrally, to the exclusion of local decision-making and accountability.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has unveiled a powerful new vision statement calling for urgent, sustained investment to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries.
Libraries are the beating heart of Scotland’s communities — vital community hubs that deliver cultural, educational, economic and digital benefits for millions across the country.
Places where people learn, connect and thrive. Yet, with 55 libraries lost since 2013 – seven libraries closed in 2024/25 alone – many more cut, and funding varying dramatically between councils, SLIC warns that without coordinated national action, Scotland risks deepening inequality and losing one of its most trusted and transformative public services.
The new vision, Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries, sets out a clear agenda for a financed, fairer and future-ready library network that supports the nation’s ambitions for inclusion, innovation and net zero.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are essential public infrastructure – every £1 invested delivers almost £7 in community benefit. They are engines of opportunity, equity and wellbeing.
“This vision is a call to action to ensure every person in Scotland, no matter where they live, has access to a thriving library service.”
Securing the Future of Scotland’s Libraries makes clear asks of government and partners to safeguard and strengthen the nation’s library network.
Under the themes of financed, fairer and future, the vision calls for:
Sustainable national funding to be factored this into any future growth or investment deals with regions or local authorities, reversing decline.
A national policy framework recognising libraries as essential public infrastructure, ensuring consistent funding and protection under Scottish law.
A minimum universal standard of library provision, guaranteeing that everyone — regardless of postcode — has access to a well-resourced local library.
Recognition of libraries’ cross-sector role in supporting education, health, wellbeing and climate literacy — embedding libraries in wider government strategies.
Sustained investment in digital infrastructure, modern facilities and innovation programmes to close the digital divide and prepare libraries for the future.
Commitment to long-term capital investment to deliver modern, energy-efficient, net-zero-ready library buildings that reflect the needs of 21st-century communities.
Scotland’s 14.5 million annual library visitors — nearly four times that of the Scottish Premiership football season attendance — demonstrate their enduring relevance. From supporting early literacy and digital skills to improving mental health and community wellbeing, libraries remain among the most effective and inclusive public investments available.
SLIC is calling on policymakers, partners and the public to back its vision ahead of the 2026 Holyrood Election and work together to secure the future of Scotland’s libraries for generations to come.
“A Scotland that values learning, creativity and fairness must also value its libraries,” added Alison Nolan. “Our vision is about ensuring that these vital spaces are not only protected, but empowered to flourish.”
To learn more and support the vision statement, visit:
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal, who will then distribute the toys to local children.
The Salvation Army has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years and offer practical support and services to all who need them.
They hold food donation drive weekends within the Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, and as well as collecting and distributing food to those in need, they also support the local community at Christmas by donating gifts and toys to the children of families that struggle daily, especially at Christmas time.
Catherine Potter, Store Manager at Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, said: “We are absolutely delighted for this opportunity to support the Salvation Army with toy donations for the children in the local area.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is struggling and may need some extra assistance this festive season.”
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas.
“It’s great to see Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore partnering with the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal this year to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”
Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK will have a dedicated toy donation point where customers can donate new, unwrapped toys purchased in store.
Last Christmas Tesco customers donated a total of 125,000 toys, with the retailer looking to beat that number this year.
COMING UP – It’s the fiftieth anniversary of National Tree Week – the UK’s biggest celebration of trees!
National Tree Week (NTW), from November 22 – 30, marks the start of the winter tree planting season. The Tree Council and partners want people all across the country to plant, connect with, celebrate and learn more about our trees and all that they deliver for people, wildlife and our planet.
They brighten our streets, parks and gardens – and are a vital element of our nation’s network of hedgerows.
In a year where emotions around trees ran high following the alarming damage, for example, to the ancient Enfield oak, and where convictions were handed down for the destruction of the Sycamore Gap Tree in a ‘seemingly mindless act of vandalism’ – NTW brings urgent focus, not just to the need to establish more trees, but also to ensure those we already enjoy are sufficiently protected.
With this in mind, the theme for NTW 2025 is ‘A Future Filled with Trees’.
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate our 50th National Tree Week, which provides a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together for the love of trees.
“Trees have faced so many challenges over the past 50 years, from Dutch elto ash dieback, from development pressures to water shortage, but we’ve never needed trees more.
“They provide homes for wildlife, help us cope with our warming climate and make our busy city lives more joyful every day, with their beauty, colour and form.
“They help us – and now we need to help them back – and by getting involved this planting season, you’ll be part of growing a greener, tree-filled future for everyone.”
The Tree Council’s official NTW webpage – www.nationaltreeweek.org.uk – has details of planting opportunities, events, talks, tours and more, taking place throughout the UK during NTW. We’ve developed an easy-to-use interactive map to help people search their local area. Simply visit the page and search the map!
For those unable to join in tree planting, download the pack of Tree Party materials to help celebrate the trees in your life.
The Tree Council is also sharing printed materials with more than 300 libraries across England, Scotland and Wales, to create colourful and informative tree-themed displays in these important and well-visited community hubs.
The packs contain activity booklets, posters, tree-themed reading lists, and even special NTW bookmarks!
On Wednesday November 26, Jon Stokes, The Tree Council’s Director of Trees, Science & Research, and the man behind WILD Guides’ 2025 publication, Trees of Britain and Ireland, will be joined by Paul Wood, the author of Tree Hunting; and Harriet Rix, the author of The Genius of Trees, for a conversation about Trees in Unexpected Places, hosted by Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom.
The final event of the week, on Thursday November 27, will see Riverford founder, Guy Singh-Watson and Soil Association Chief Executive, Helen Browning OBE share their experience of developing Trees on Farms with chair, Jon Stokes, and Ben Norwood, who was co-lead on the Trees on Farms research pilot – part of The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland project.
National Tree Week 2025 runs from November 22 – 30. To find out more about how to get involved, find your nearest NTW themed library or access resources, or to book events, please visit www.nationaltreeweek.org.uk
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has boosted its staffing by bringing in almost 100 new recruits ahead of winter.
The extra staff were announced yesterday (Tuesday, 11 November) by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray while visiting the Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in South Queensferry.
The new staff include 25 call handlers who are based in the Service’s ambulance control centres and 22 staff, including GPs, clinical advisors and advanced practitioners, who have joined the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub.
A dozen scheduled care coordinators who manage the Service’s patient transport vehicles have also been recruited, along with 36 ambulance care assistants who will transport patients to planned hospital or clinic appointments. An additional 72 ambulance care assistants will join SAS by April 2026.
Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “Compared to last year, we’re already seeing an increase of pressure on our services.It’s therefore essential that we continue to bolster our workforce to ensure we can give the best possible service to our patients and also provide support to our existing staff during this demanding time.
“To help our staff over winter, we’d like to remind the public that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or visit your GP during opening hours.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the new recruits and hardworking staff at the South Queensferry Control Centre.
“These new staff members will provide a crucial boost to the Scottish Ambulance Service as they deal with the increased demand and pressure that winter brings. This is on top of work already underway to recruit an additional 269 newly qualified paramedics this year.
“The additional call handlers and recruits to the Integrated Clinical Hub will all help to reduce conveyances and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. The new staff working in the Hub will help triage less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on emergency departments.”
~ Next-generation bedside devices, providing a result within 15 minutes, ease pressure on overcrowded emergency departments ~
People can find out if they are having a heart attack far faster using innovative tests, according to research supported by the British Heart Foundation and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference in New Orleans.
When someone with chest pain attends hospital as an emergency patient , they are given a blood test for troponin – the telltale protein released into the blood when the heart is damaged, which indicates whether they have had a heart attack.
But doctors say that the test result from blood sent to the laboratory is often not available when they first need it to help make decisions for patients, and a result can sometimes take as long as two hours.
A new study, led from Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand in collaboration with BHF-funded researchers at the University of Edinburgh, investigated the performance of a new type of troponin test. Blood is placed directly onto a cartridge, and analysed on the spot, with some models of the test able to reveal if someone has had a heart attack within 15 to 20 minutes.
In the study, people given a rapid test were admitted to a ward or sent home 47 minutes faster, depending on whether it indicated they had experienced a heart attack, researchers found. This shorter stay in the emergency department, which was the average across six hospitals, was seen in comparison to troponin tests in the lab.
The new tests, produced by various technology firms, are already in use within some British hospitals and could help to tackle long waits and overcrowding within the NHS. Researchers say they could potentially also be used in GP surgeries and chest pain clinics, potentially helping to identify people whose heart attacks might otherwise have been missed.
Nicholas Mills, BHF Professor of Cardiology at the University of Edinburgh and a consultant interventional cardiologist at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, helped to design the study, conducted in New Zealand.
Professor Mills said: “When people go to the emergency department fearing they have had a heart attack, a blood sample is taken and sent to another part of the hospital for analysis in a lab.
By the time the results are available, it is likely the doctor or nurse will have been called away, so there are unfortunate and unintended delays in making decisions for patients.
“The average turnaround for a lab troponin test can be as long as two hours, so tests which can be performed in real-time within minutes are far better for patients, reducing anxiety as they wait for an answer on what is happening to them.
“Crucially, these tests could also ease some of the pressure on overcrowded emergency departments, helping people move through more quickly.”
Troponin is a protein found in the muscles, including the heart. When the heart is injured or damaged, such as during a heart attack, troponin is released into the blood.
Hospitals used to routinely test people twice for troponin, to measure changing levels of the protein and establish if they had a heart attack. But the process was sped up, moving people through emergency departments an average of three hours faster, thanks to previous research led by the University of Edinburgh.
This showed just one troponin test could effectively identify people who were at high risk of having had a heart attack, and also the people at lower risk who could safely be sent home.
This approach was used in the current study, but, to deliver answers to patients even more quickly, researchers investigated the new generation of devices which can analyse troponin levels in the blood on the spot.
The study included almost 60,000 people attending an emergency department in New Zealand between February 2023 and January 2025. A faster test was given to 31,392 patients, while the rest had the standard test with blood samples sent to the laboratory.
Those given a rapid test, compared to the lab-based test, had a 13 per cent shorter stay in the emergency department on average. That meant they were discharged or admitted to a hospital ward an average of 47 minutes faster.
The calculation was made after taking into account other factors affecting how long people wait, such as the time of year and time of day.
Researchers tracked all the people in their study for 30 days after they visited the emergency department, finding that the rate of people dying from cardiovascular disease or having a heart attack in that time was similar whether they were given a fast test or the regular test.
This suggests a faster test is a safe way to decide if people should be admitted to a ward or discharged, which should not put people at extra risk by missing their heart attacks.
The test involves a drop of blood, from a standard blood test, being placed on a cartridge which is inserted into the device. The level of troponin then appears on the screen, helping a doctor to provide a diagnosis.
People who have not had a heart attack can be quickly reassured, thanks to a faster test. Those who have had a heart attack can receive earlier treatment with blood-thinners and be admitted directly to a specialist ward for treatment, which may include a procedure to restore the blood supply to the heart. Early treatment reduces the risk of lasting heart damage.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, said: “Every minute matters if you are having a heart attack. And if you aren’t, you will want to be reassured or diagnosed with something different as soon as possible.
“Troponin is the telltale protein which leaks into the bloodstream when the heart is damaged, so measuring it can be crucial for doctors to diagnose or rule out heart attacks.
“But laboratory results can take hours to come back. So, it’s exciting to see that the bedside troponin test used in this study had a faster turnaround – providing results within minutes, and without compromising accuracy and safety.
“Reducing delays in diagnosis is vital for patients, and also important for pressurised emergency departments working to ensure everyone gets the care they need, when they need it.”
Scottish charities are set to benefit from changes to legislation which will raise the audit income threshold from £500,000 to £1 million.
Secondary legislation has been laid in the Scottish Parliament which, subject to approval by MSPs, will come into force on 1 January next year.
That means 93% of Scotland’s 24,500 charities won’t need an audit once the new rules come into force, reducing their administrative and financial burdens.
The change responds to feedback from charities about rising costs and the limited availability of specialist charity auditors.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It’s important that charity regulation not only meets the needs of charities, but is fair and works well.
“We recognise the real financial pressures on charities particularly the challenges they face as a result of the UK government’s increase to employers’ national insurance contributions.
“We have listened and responded with this change to the audit income threshold. This means that only around 93% of charities registered in Scotland will require an audit.
“Charities will still be held to high standards because they are accountable to the public.”
Chief Executive of SCVO Anna Fowlie said: “I very much welcome this move by Scottish Government.
“The threshold for requiring a full audit has been static for decades, placing a burden on small charities who simply can’t afford the cost or the time. There is also a shortage of auditors prepared to take on such small pieces of work.”
600 school girls from 15 state and independent schools across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have gathered today for the third annual Fearless Women in Computing event at St George’s School.
The event aims to address the gender gap in Computing Science by bringing together schools, tech companies and innovators to create an immersive, hands-on experience, with more than 20 companies in attendance, including The National Robotarium, IBM and The Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.
Computing Science teacher and founder of dressCode, Toni Scullion, said:“The Fearless Women in Computing event is a fantastic initiative.
It’s amazing to hear the sounds of high fives and exclamations from the girls when they solve a problem or make something happen. If we don’t act now, we won’t see equality in our lifetime.”
St George’s Head, Carol Chandler-Thompson, said:“Women make up only 22% of the AI workforce, meaning they are being left out of the most influential, high-paying jobs of the future.
“Our Fearless Women in Computing event brings together state and independent schools, companies and innovators. The day is an eye-opener to the world of computing.”
Through hands-on workshops, dynamic demonstrations and real-world role-models, the day underlines that tech careers are for everyone and encourages these young women to step confidently into their future in computing, STEM and tech careers.
The Financial Conduct Authority’s review of certain types of credit builder products found little evidence that they are effective for most consumers.
FCA want consumers to be able to make informed decisions so that they can navigate their financial lives.
That’s why we carried out work to understand how some credit builder products operate and have been working with firms and credit reference agencies (CRAs) to drive improvements in the market.
Here we explain the work we’ve done, and where consumers can access useful information on improving credit profiles, such as via MoneyHelperLink (external)
What we looked at
Credit builder products claim to help you build a record of making payments, which could improve your credit history and score.
Our review focused on specific credit builder products that simply report your regular payments to CRAs with the sole aim of helping you ‘build’ your credit score or history.
These products typically do not involve regulated credit. But because they are closely linked to the wider credit market and tend to be marketed to people who have little or no credit history, we looked at how they affect consumers.
We didn’t look at other products or features often described as credit builders like low-limit credit cards, rent reporting services, or services which simply explain how your credit file works.
Our key findings
Effectiveness: For most consumers, there is little evidence that these credit builder products significantly improve credit scores.
Potential risks: In some cases, firms reporting payments on these products to CRAs can potentially misrepresent a customer’s financial circumstances and help facilitate access to unaffordable credit. For consumers experiencing financial difficulty, these products are even less likely to positively affect credit scores and may reduce the amount of income available for essential living expenses.
Complexity and regulation: The majority of the credit builder products we looked at are unregulated and firms often fail to clearly explain their limitations and risks.
Our work
Based on our feedback, 5 firms have chosen to stop offering this type of credit builder product. Others have changed their products, business models and marketing materials.
We continue to work with firms offering these products as we decide whether we should take further action.
We’ve engaged with CRAs on new data reporting guidance to ensure that only appropriate information is reported that accurately reflects repayment performance.
What to consider as a consumer
There’s little proof that these products will help improve your credit score or make it easier to get affordable credit.
Think carefully about whether these products fit your needs and are worth the cost.
For more information on improving your credit profile, like tips on low-limit credit cards, or for free debt advice if you’re having money problems, visit:
StepChange has welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) review into credit builder products, and the harm that they can cause to consumers, particularly if they are struggling with debt.
Peter Tutton, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs at StepChange, said:“We welcome the FCA’s new review into credit builder products.
People who have a poor credit history or are new to credit may choose to use these products explicitly to build their credit score. Advertising of these types of products can exaggerate the benefits of having a good credit score, and lead consumers to believe it will help them get access to credit or other financial services.
“Our research finds people in financial difficulty delay seeking help because of worries about their credit scores – almost half (45%) of people finding it difficult to keep up with credit repayments were offered more credit. This increases harm and makes debt problems worse.
“The reality is that credit scores are only one element of what lenders look at when assessing credit worthiness. We support the FCA’s wider work as part of the Credit Information Market Study that lenders should report forbearance arrangements more positively which would make people more confident to get better and earlier help with their debts.
“We need to ensure the credit information system is not used to push people further into harmful debt.”
