Report underlines public support for finishing Scotland’s land reform journey

More than 96% of respondents say Scotland needs further action on land reform

The Scottish Land Commission has published new research setting out public views on the future of Scotland’s land.

Developed through the ScotLand Futures initiative, the report reflects contributions from more than 1,200 people, with over 96% saying Scotland needs change — indicating strong public support for completing the nation’s land reform journey.

People across urban, rural and island communities described how land continues to influence almost every aspect of daily life, from housing and employment to local environments and community wellbeing.

While recognising progress made over the past 25 years, many respondents highlighted that key issues remain unresolved and that further action is required to make Scotland’s land work more fairly and transparently for everyone.

People across Scotland highlighted concerns about concentrated ownership, absentee landlords and a lack of transparency in how land is managed. Many also pointed to long-neglected sites in their communities and called for earlier involvement in decisions and clearer accountability from major landowners.

The report identified several key themes:

  • Around one in 20 people said it is far too difficult to find out who owns land and called for clearer, more accessible information.
  • Nearly one in four people highlighted concerns about too much land being held by too few, limiting opportunities for homes, jobs and community development.
  • Around one in five people said absentee ownership creates distance and a lack of accountability, and that landowners should be more connected to local communities.
  • More than one in 10 people felt locked out of decisions about land use and want earlier, more meaningful involvement in shaping what happens locally.
  • Around one in 40 people expressed frustration about derelict or unused land and called for stronger action to bring these sites back into use.
  • Almost one in 10 people said tax could be used more effectively to support fairer, more productive and more accountable land use.

Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, explains: “This research confirms that people across Scotland believe the country’s land reform journey is not yet complete.

“The findings highlight a broad desire for greater transparency, a more diverse pattern of ownership, and more meaningful opportunities for communities to shape decisions that affect them.

“People want to see land used productively and responsibly, and they want long-standing challenges to be addressed with greater clarity and purpose. With more than 96% of respondents calling for change, it is evident that continued progress on land reform remains an important national priority.”

A companion publication, Voices from Scotland, provides additional perspectives from community leaders, landowners, young people, campaigners and practitioners, contributing to a broader national conversation about the next steps in Scotland’s land reform journey.

The findings from both publications will help to inform the Commission’s ongoing work and its advice to Scottish Government.

Over the coming months, the Commission will use this evidence to help shape new guidance, develop policy options and support practical changes that improve transparency, strengthen community involvement and make better use of Scotland’s land. This insight will also play a key role in shaping the Commission’s recommendations for completing Scotland’s land reform journey.

REPORTS:

692444ee87aac_ScotLand Futures What We Heard – FINALDownload
692444ee8c10c_ScotLand Futures-Voices from ScotlandDownload

Tenement-focused charities urge immediate action on owners’ associations legislation following release of Law Commission report

Under One Roof and Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) are calling on the Scottish Government to act quickly to enact legislation on compulsory owners’ associations, following the release of the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ association.

Under One Roof and BEFS have welcomed the report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, as a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland and are in a significant state of disrepair.

Owners’ associations, which currently exist in some tenement buildings as voluntary bodies with no legal standing, are critical to ensuring flat owners have the communication, structures, and processes in place to organise repairs in common areas of their building, such as the stair and roof.

The report and draft legislation, proposed by the Law Commission, would in effect create an owners’ association in every tenement building, and place a duty on owners:

  1. to appoint a manager for the association,
  2. hold at least one annual meeting;
  3. approve a repair budget,
  4. ensure building information is provided to property registers.

The report also calls for the creation of a bespoke form on tenement incorporation, which would allow owners to sign repair contracts on behalf of the association, rather than placing liability on one or two owners, as currently exists.

Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, said: “The condition of Scotland’s tenements is a ticking timebomb.

“This year, as is the case every year in Scotland, there are far too many examples of stonework crashing to the streets from crumbling tenements, or flat owners being displaced due to unstable buildings.

“The introduction of owners’ associations in every building is not a silver bullet for fixing Scotland’s tenement stock; it’s a starting gun. The legislation will make it easier for owners of tenement flats to begin overdue conversations, look closely at what needs to be done and how quickly, and start long overdue repair, maintenance, and retrofit works.  

“Political parties and the Scottish Government must work quickly to ensure legislation making owners’ associations in every tenement becomes a reality, as well as move quickly to ensure buildings are inspected every five years, and every tenement in Scotland has a building reserve fund.”

Hazel Johnson, Director of BEFS, said: “Tenement maintenance is a pressing issue across Scotland.

“The connection between Net Zero goals and building condition is indisputable; regular maintenance, repair and wider focus on improving the fabric of homes including tenements, so they are more able to transition to clean heat, is crucial.

“Without this starting point, actions will not result in the energy reductions expected, failing to improve building performance, negatively impacting on occupant health, and failing to meet fuel poverty aims.

“It is within this context that we call for joined up action for tenements in Scotland. Well maintained tenements can deliver for Scotland’s housing needs, net zero, economy, wellbeing, and more – for many years to come. The establishment of owners’ associations is an important milestone on this journey.”

Gillian Campbell, Director of Existing Homes Alliance said: “The publication of this report and draft Bill is a significant milestone on the road to improving the condition of Scotland’s tenements and ensuring flat owners are not left behind in the transition to clean heating and energy efficient homes. 

“The proposed legislation is part of a much-needed framework that will help flat owners to work together to maintain their homes, making them more energy efficient and moving towards clean heating.   

“The introduction of owners associations for flats has support across the Scottish Parliament and the next Scottish Government now has an opportunity to take this forward, helping to ensure that all flat owners can benefit from living in warm, healthy, affordable to heat homes, with clean heating systems.”

Funding secures theatre’s future

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust receives £150,000

The Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, in North Lanarkshire, has been awarded £150,000 transition funding from the Scottish Government to help secure its future.

The funding will ensure the future of the Theatre as a going concern, so that it can continue its cultural programme and community work, while taking steps to enhance its financial sustainability and operations.

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust was the only was the only organisation to lose regular funding when Creative Scotland announced successful bidders for Multi-Year Funding in January, as a result of its application which was unsuccessful.

A record number of cultural organisations were successful in applying for Multi-Year Funding, following a £34 million increase for culture in the arts in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget. Over half of these organisations were awarded multi-year funding for the first time, and all successful applicants who previously received regular funding got a significant uplift.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Cumbernauld Theatre is an important cultural asset for North Lanarkshire and the wider culture sector in Scotland.

“As a result of its failure to secure Multi-Year Funding, the Trust faced a critical funding gap for 2026-27, which would have required the Trust to consult on redundancies.

“Given the Theatre’s significance to the community and in order to protect the sector-specific skills it provides employment opportunities for, the Scottish Government has agreed to support the Trust with £150,000 in grant funding over 2026-27, and a potential further £150,000 in 2027-28 – subject to the Trust demonstrating its sustainability issues are being resolved.

“This funding should enable the Trust to move beyond a challenging period and take the necessary steps to secure Cumbernauld Theatre’s future.”

Alan Caldwell, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and the Scottish Government for our constructive conversations over the last few months and today’s announcement of its strategic investment in the future of this important cultural organisation.

“Their grant of £150,000 in 2026/27 and a potential further award in 2027/28 allows the Trust time to plan for a long-term sustainable future, while continuing to deliver its valuable work for residents in an area of Scotland which is under-served in terms of cultural and community opportunities.”

Creative Scotland has also agreed to give Cumbernauld Theatre Trust £99,557 in support of a programme of community engagement and work celebrating the town’s anniversary over the course of 2026.

BACKGROUND:

Multi-Year Funding Outcome Announcement | Creative Scotland

myf—organisations-awarded-funding-updated-february-2025Download

Rising seas and storms put Scotland’s past at risk: Historic Environment Scotland calls for action

  • Scotland’s heritage is under threat: rising seas, heavier storms, and wetter winters are accelerating damage to historic sites and experts warn time is running out
  • From castles to coastal ruins, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks are facing a climate crisis and urgent action is needed to help protect them for future generations
  • Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proposes a long-term approach to adapting and managing Scotland’s historic places, objects and archival records in draft strategy
  • Public invited to share views before consultation closes on 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.

Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.

Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.

Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.

Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.

2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.

HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.

The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.

HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.

According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.

“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.

“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”

Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.

In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:

  • Focus care on the places and objects that need it most and have the greatest potential to help people and communities.
  • Make decisions based on evidence, expert advice, including public input.
  • Work with others to protect and use these places in ways that benefit everyone.
  • Respond to climate change and rising costs with practical, long-term planning.
  • Support traditional skills and local jobs.
  • Improve access, learning, and visitor experiences.

HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.

“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.

“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Ending destitution for excluded people is possible – if Scotland acts at scale

New report warns that progress risks stalling unless proven models are rapidly expanded

SCOTLAND has made significant and internationally notable progress in reducing destitution among people who are blocked from accessing mainstream support because of their immigration status, a major new evaluation has found.

But the study warns that provision remains too limited to meet the scale of need.

The independent report examines the impact of Fair Way Scotland, an action-learning partnership providing integrated support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) or restricted or uncertain eligibility.

The model brings together specialist casework, modest financial assistance and access to community-based accommodation, helping people to meet basic needs and stabilise their circumstances. Funders, Scottish Government and charities are coming together today for a launch event to hear findings from the report and explore solutions that will reduce destitution.

The report found clear improvements in people’s safety and wellbeing when they receive consistent casework, access to community-based accommodation and modest financial support through Fair Way Scotland.

The report, authored by Heriot-Watt University and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), outlines how these types of support can reduce harm inflicted on people and build a foundation for longer term progress.

Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe, Deputy Director, at the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE), Heriot-Watt University, said: “This evaluation demonstrates that Scotland has taken significant and internationally notable steps to prevent destitution. But the scale of current provision does not yet match the scale of need.

“We found strong evidence that consistent casework, safe accommodation and small but reliable cash payments reduce harm and support people to progress their immigration cases. The question now is whether Scotland is prepared to expand what clearly works so that no one faces destitution.”

The report highlights the exceptional disadvantage facing people supported through Fair Way Scotland:

  • 93% of those surveyed were destitute
  • Almost one in five were sleeping rough at the point of contact
  • More than half had slept rough in the past year
  • 17% had left accommodation because they did not feel safe

Importantly, outcomes improved the longer people engaged with support. Those receiving help for more than three months were significantly less likely to be sleeping rough, living in overcrowded conditions, moving repeatedly, or going without essentials like food and toiletries.

Demand, however, far exceeds what current resources can meet. The evaluation estimates that around 4,000 people across Scotland require this type of support each year, with the country making great progress by meeting around a quarter of that demand thus far.

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “This evaluation shows in stark terms both the effectiveness of Fair Way Scotland and the scale of unmet need. The model works – but demand is far beyond what the current system can cope with. Scaling Fair Way Scotland is now urgent, not optional.

“We need coordinated action from all tiers of government. The UK Government, Scottish Government and local councils need to better use the powers they have, underpinned by a clear commitment from housing associations to provide the safe, stable accommodation that is essential to reducing harm. And ultimately the UK Government need to stop using policy to create destitution. 

“If we are serious about preventing destitution, every part of the system must step up together.”

Frontline accounts within the report underline the difference stability can make. Workers describe how access to casework, legal advice and community-based accommodation enables people to progress their status and access support to which they are entitled.

The evaluation also reflects the voices of people directly supported by Fair Way Scotland. Many described how cash payments – usually of £60 a week – allowed them to buy food and travel, restoring dignity and reducing crisis.

The evaluation recognises that Scotland is the only part of the UK with a national strategy that explicitly commits to ending destitution for all, including those with No Recourse to Public Funds or restricted eligibility. Yet, progress remains slow, with local authorities and third sector organisations under increasing pressure.

Human rights lawyer, Jen Ang of Lawmanity, said: “Scotland already has more scope to act than many decision-makers realise. The evaluation shows that when existing powers are used confidently and consistently, people can be protected from the deepest harms associated with destitution.

“What stands out in this report is the strength of the evidence for scaling Fair Way Scotland. It offers a lawful, practical and humane approach that reflects Scotland’s commitments to dignity and fairness. The task now is ensuring that these findings translate into action so that support is available to everyone who needs it.”

Key recommendations within the report include:

  • Expanding community‑based accommodation
  • Widening access to specialist legal advice
  • Establishing a hardship fund for those excluded from mainstream support
  • Ensuring councils consistently use the powers available to them.

Beth added: “Scotland has the tools, evidence and experience to end destitution for those currently excluded from mainstream support. What is needed now is the resolve to act at scale. Doing so would prevent severe hardship, reduce avoidable harm and uphold Scotland’s commitments to fairness and dignity.”

Fair Way Scotland is a partnership of third sector organisations seeking to prevent homelessness and destitution among those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) in Scotland.

Key Fair Way Scotland delivery partners include theScottish Refugee Council, Simon Community Scotland, Turning Point Scotland and Refugee Sanctuary Scotland– supported by Homeless Network Scotland and learning partners Heriot-Watt University and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Specialist legal expertise is commissioned from a coalition of legal firms: Just Right Scotland, Latta & Co, Legal Services Agency, Settled and Shelter Scotland. COSLA and the Scottish Government are strategic partners, committed to working with Fair Way as part of their commitment to Ending Destitution Together and Ending Homelessness Together.

The great public services rip-off

Billions a year lost to private profit: STUC report into Scotland’s outsourcing crisis

Almost £3 billion of public money is “lining the pockets” of private profiteers within Scotland’s public services according to a shock new report from Scotland’s largest trade union body.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has issued a stark warning following the publication of new research by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), estimating that outsourcing is draining £2 to 3 billion EVERY YEAR from Scotland’s public services through private profit and financial extraction.

The report shows that Scotland’s public money is being siphoned away from vital public services, including health, social care, education and local government and into the pockets of investors, global corporations and private equity funds.

Published by the APSE on behalf of the STUC, the report highlights the private-dominated care sector, where 79% of care home places are now in private hands and more than 20% of income leaks out of the system to corporate owners and investors.

Scotland spends more than £16 billion a year buying services, goods and works from external suppliers. The services that are most commonly outsourced, such as social care and soft facilities management, are overwhelmingly staffed by women. The report highlights that sacrificing the pay and pensions of thousands of low paid women is discriminatory, unfair and counterproductive.

STUC Leader Roz Foyer condemned the findings and called into question the aims of the Scottish Government’s own Public Service Reform Strategy, which stresses prevention, whole-system planning, fair work and community wealth building.

Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, said: “This report exposes the true cost of Scotland’s rip-off outsourcing crisis – a systematic extraction of public wealth on an industrial scale.

“Billions of pounds that should be paying for health, care staff, cleaners, refuse workers and local services are instead lining the pockets of shareholders and private equity interests with not a penny reinvested into our public services.

“We are urging the Scottish Government to act now. The bear minimum they need to do is ensure the same level of scrutiny is applied to the extent and quality of privately delivered public services as the Government applies to direct provision.

“However, you cannot build a Fair Work economy on the backs of the private profiteering of our public services.  Insourcing, directly awarding services and embracing trade unions as partners in that endeavour is not only fairer but also economically smarter. Every pound kept in public hands supports local jobs, local economies and better services.

“As we approach the election, Scotland cannot afford political silence from prospective MSPs who ignore the silent privatisation of Scotland’s public services.  Our public services are too important to be auctioned off to the lowest bidder and should not be handed to profiteers.”

Seven Skating Ministers! National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day today (14 December), the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings from Scotland’s collection, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Teaming up with Edinburgh’s Christmas, seven skating ministers took to the ice rink on George Street to imitate the world-famous painting.

Painted around 1795, the artwork is actually named Reverend Robert Walker (1755 – 1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch, but has become fondly referred to as the Skating Minister. Since it was purchased on behalf of the people of Scotland in 1949, millions of visitors have flocked to National Galleries Scotland: National in Edinburgh to see the iconic painting on display for free. 

Visit the Skating Minister at the National this Christmas to re-create the stance in front of the man himself or feel inspired to take to the ice at Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink on George Street. 

Three arrested following £8 MILLION cocaine recovery

Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest ever drugs recoveries in Scotland, worth more than £8 million.

On Thursday, 11 December, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a premises on Melford Road in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire and cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £8m was recovered.

The men, aged 29, 46 and 65, were arrested and charged in connection and they are due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 15 December, 2025.

Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliot said: “This was a sizeable recovery – one of the most significant we’ve seen in Scotland.

“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.

“Drugs cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.

“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us via 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Photography competition to kick off 30th birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Residents and visitors are invited to enter a photography competition, launched to celebrate Edinburgh’s 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The competition is being run by the partners who look after the site: Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take price of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, where they were recognised as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world. With its division into Old and New Town, Edinburgh is a remarkable example of urban growth, showcasing two distinct but equally significant styles of city planning.

Photography enthusiasts will have until October 2026 to submit their work showcasing Edinburgh in all its glory across the seasons. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using any camera or device.

The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.

Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a city of matchless qualities.  It is a city of contrasts; of distant prospects and intimate details; a city of old and new; a place to be admired and be lived in.  

“These very picturesque qualities make it the perfect subject for photography.  To mark 30 years since inscription, we hope that everyone will be inspired to share their favourite views, details, buildings and places with us, so that we can share them with others.”

James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “When a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List, that is by no means the end of the story.

“Edinburgh is a living, breathing place, and we are excited to support this competition and give local photographers the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique beauty and win a membership to visit historic sites across the country.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in photography to help us celebrate this significant milestone for the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site by entering the competition for a chance to be part of this exciting calendar.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

“It’s a huge accolade to hold World Heritage Status and it’s extra challenging for a living, breathing city. We look after the Site with our partners and it’s important to us to make sure our residents from across the city feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the Site.

“The competition and resulting calendar is a great opportunity for people to reflect on what the Site means for them through their art as well as what they find special or feel proud of in this internationally renowned part of the Capital.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

  1. Medieval Old Town
  2. Neo-classical New Town
  3. Gardens and open spaces
  4. Urban planning/street layout
  5. Topography and skyline
  6. Public and commercial monuments
  7. Conservation
  8. Layering of heritage
  9. Architectural detail
  10. Graveyards
  11. Juxtaposition
  12. The Living City

To learn more about the competition and prepare to take the perfect shot, visit this document.

MSP calls for review of NHS policy that may unfairly remove vulnerable patients from waiting lists

During First Minister’s Questions this week at the Scottish Parliament, Foysol Choudhury MSP raised concerns about an NHS policy which he warned could be unfairly disadvantaging vulnerable patients. 

Mr Choudhury highlighted the case of a constituent currently on an NHS waiting list who recently received a letter from NHS informing that, if they did not confirm within 21 days whether they wanted to remain on the list, they would automatically be taken off.    

He stressed that, while the policy reflects current government guidance, its impact is far more troubling. Mr. Choudhury cautioned that vulnerable groups, including older people, and those with additional support needs, may easily miss such a tight deadline, leaving them unknowingly removed from the queue for essential care. 

Calling for urgent action, Mr Choudhury asked the First Minister to instruct Ministers and officials to review the policy to ensure that no vulnerable patient is struck off a waiting list unfairly.