Proposals aimed at creating new jobs and driving economic growth by keeping materials and goods in use for as long as possible have been published for consultation.
The draft Circular Economy Strategy sets out plans to increasing reuse, repair and recycling rates, for example by:
increasing the reuse of construction materials
supporting sustainable alternatives to fast-fashion
increasing EV battery re-purposing, recycling and material reprocessing
exploring ways to cut food waste
The draft Strategy will develop sector specific road-maps for four of the five sectors with the greatest potential for increasing reuse, repair and recycling rates in Scotland – the built environment, net zero energy infrastructure, textiles and food. Actions for the fifth sector, transport, will be included in the forthcoming draft Climate Change Plan.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Reducing, reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis.
“It also brings huge benefits to households and communities – from lowering the costs of items and creating new jobs to cutting the amount of litter on our streets, helping to improve our local environment and protect wildlife.
“By supporting Scotland to move towards a culture where keeping materials and goods in use for as long as possible is the norm, we will also be able to drive economic growth by increasing the resilience of our supply-chains and encouraging innovation.
“This consultation outlines priority sectors key to cutting waste and capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses. I urge everyone to take part.”
Did you know there are around 50,000 deaf children in the UK, with three born every day? Nine out of ten deaf children are born to hearing parents, with little or no knowledge of deafness.
Our own research has shown that the early years are absolutely vital in setting up deaf children with the essential communication and social skills they’ll need in later life, but all too often this happens too late. That’s why it’s critical that they get the right support as early as possible, so they can get the best possible start in life.
The National Deaf Children’s Society knows a lot about the challenges facing deaf children nationally, but it’s the parents of deaf children, and the local organisations who support them, who have the local knowledge. They are best placed by far to know what support deaf children need within their own communities – and how to get it to them quickly.
So we’re offering grants for local groups to provide support for deaf children in their local communities. We’re urging community groups across the region to join us in helping deaf children get the vital support they need, when they need it.
The Scottish Health Survey 2024 results, published yesterday, provide information on the health, and factors relating to health, of adults and children in Scotland.
Half of all adults now have at least one long-term condition, continuing the upward trend. Almost two in five adults (39%) reporting having a long-term condition that limits their activities.
Eight percent of adults report having doctor-diagnosed diabetes, the highest level recorded.
There has been a decrease in the proportion of adults eating five or more portions of fruit or vegetables per day, with only 11% meeting this guideline compared to 20% in 2021 when the questions were last included.
Food insecurity reduced with 8% of adults reporting being worried about running out of food due to a lack of money or other resources in the last 12 months, a decrease from 14% in 2023 which was the highest level recorded.
New questions on menopause and perimenopause showed that 76% of those who had experienced symptoms had utilised one or more ways of managing them. The largest proportions had utilised physical activity (40%), Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (38%) and/or vitamins, minerals or supplements (35%).
New questions indicated that prevalence of possible eating disorders among adults, based on self-reported eating behaviours and feelings towards food,was 13%. This was highest among those aged 16-24 (26%).
Other key findings show that in 2024:
The proportion of adults who reported having felt lonely ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’ decreased from 10% in 2023 to 7% in 2024, similar to the proportion recorded in 2021 (8%).
Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma amongst adults reached 18%, the highest proportion recorded.
Prevalence of any CVD (excluding diabetes or high blood pressure) remained in line with recent years at 16% of adults.
In 2023/2024 combined, 15% of adults reported being unpaid carers.
The proportion of adults with a GHQ-12 score of 4 or more, indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder, was 22%, similar to levels in 2021 and 2023 (22% and 21%) and lower than the peak in 2022 (27%).
In 2023/2024 combined, the prevalence of adults with two or more symptoms of depression was 10%, a decrease from 13% in 2021/2022 combined.
Seven per cent of adults reported currently having long COVID, consistent with 2023 (8%) and remaining higher than in 2021 (5%).
Around six in ten adults met the guidelines for moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (62%), a similar proportion as recorded in 2023 (63%).
The prevalence of hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption remained at 20% of adults, the same proportion as in 2023 and a decrease from 34% in 2003.
Almost a third of adults (31%) were living with obesity, a similar proportion to 2023 (32%), with a significantly higher proportion of females (35%) living with obesity compared with males (27%).
Fourteen per cent of adults were current smokers the same level as in 2023, maintaining the overall downward trend in prevalence recorded since 2003 (28%).
Current use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices (10%) remained in the range seen since 2022 (10%-12%).
Thirteen per cent of adults met the Scottish Dietary Goal for saturated fat of no more than 10% of energy excluding ethanol.
Less than a quarter (22%) of adults met the Scottish Dietary Goal of free sugars accounting for no more than 5% of energy excluding ethanol.
ASH Scotland calls for smoking cessation service funding transparency as survey shows stagnation of adult smoking rates
ASH Scotland is calling for the Scottish Government and NHS regional health boards to demonstrate increased transparency regarding funding being invested in smoking cessation services, which can help people to give up tobacco and reduce their risks of non-communicable diseases such as cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
ASH Scotland’s call comes as the Scottish Health Survey 2024 findings published today (Tuesday 21 October 2025) by the Scottish Governent show that fourteen per cent of adults were currentsmokers, which is the same level as in 2023.
The charity is raising concern that the Scottish Government has not provided details of its annual funding to health boards specifically for smoking cessation services in 2025/26. The last publicly available figure regarding government annual funding to NHS health boards to deliver specifically smoking cessation services was £7,852,085 invested in 2021/22, a significant reduction from the £9,110,000 allocated in 2016/17.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer in Scotland causing nearly 9,000 premature deaths each year, it is concerning that there is stagnation in the nation’s overall smoking rate, although we welcome the decrease from 26% down to 23% in our most deprived communities.
“The vast majority of people in Scotland who successfully give up smoking don’t use anything to aid their quit attempts, but it is vital that those who need behavioural support can benefit from NHS Scotland’s free person-centred specialist Quit Your Way services delivered by qualified health professionals which improves the chances of success by three to four times to reach a tobacco-free life and reduce the risk of cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“As the Scottish Government’s funding for smoking cessation services showed a downward trend between 2016/17 and 2021/22, and no details have been provided for 2025/26, ASH Scotland is calling for increased transparency by the government and regional health boards regarding funding for Quit Your Way services, which are needed to drive progress towards Scotland becoming a tobacco-free nation in 2034.”
The Scottish Health Survey 2024 main report, including a summary of key results, is available on the Scottish Health Survey website.
Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland is calling on businesses, tourist destinations and landmarks across the country to ‘Light Up Red’ to raise awareness of the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
From castles to council buildings, and schools to statues, the charity is urging some of Scotland’s most iconic buildings to show their support in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday on 9 November.
Last year, almost 200 destinations took part from Stornoway to Selkirk, including The Kelpies, Smeaton’s Bridge in Perth, Stornoway Town Hall and the University of Glasgow. The charity hopes to surpass this total in 2025.
Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to its lights, joining this striking visual display of remembrance. Previous participants include castles, abbeys, war memorials, bridges, lighthouses, cranes and fountains.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising campaign, raising more than £2 million for the charity’s welfare work with veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Earlier this month, Scots chart-topper Cammy Barnes helped send 2.1 million poppies, handmade by veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, on their journey around the country ahead of the Scottish Poppy Appeal launch next week.
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager (Scotland), said: “Light Up Red is always a fitting and poignant tribute to our Armed Forces community, and we know it means a lot to them to see this visible support for their contribution, past and present.
“We have had cathedrals, museums, bridges, racecourses, schools, churches, ships and even a telephone box join in. It is always wonderful to see so many Scottish landmarks lighting up red for the Poppy Appeal, and we have been delighted by how this idea has captured people’s imaginations.
“We are very grateful for the support of so many businesses and organisations.”
For more information about how to ‘Light Up Red’ for Poppyscotland and the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red or contact Clare Shaw at c.shaw@poppyscotland.org.uk.
Scottish housebuilder, Lochay Homes, has commenced groundworks on its latest residential development near Penicuik, Midlothian. The project, set within 6.39 acres of the former Wellington School site, has planning consent for 46 two to four-bedroom bungalows and is expected to see its first completions in Summer 2026.
Offering low-density housing and surrounded by mature woodland, the single-story homes are being planned with modern energy-saving features and will be designed to significantly reduce household running costs.
With bungalows representing just one per cent of current UK housing stock – down sharply from 11 per cent of new home registrations in 1990, and 38 per cent of over 55’s preferring a bungalow for their next move, – the development is expected to attract strong interest, particularly amongst downsizers. The new homes are also positioned as a practical choice for families, close to good schools and offering a fast commute into Edinburgh.
Now in its 15th year, Lochay Homes has built more than 500 homes across Scotland.
Jamie Thomson, Commercial Director at Lochay Homes, commented: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on this exciting development in such a desirable location.
“It is our hope that these stylish new homes will not only deliver genuinely lower energy bills but also provide the flexibility and accessibility buyers are looking for – whether downsizers or growing families. We have only just started on groundworks and have already had enquiries, so we do expect this to be popular development.”
Sustainable by design and in the way they reduce energy consumption, Lochay Homes is planning to incorporate heat pumps, extensive solar panelling, home batteries systems, high levels of insulation and EV charging. The developer will local materials wherever possible, with timber-frame construction and natural stone detailing to reflect the local vernacular.
Surrounded by mature woodland, the development will also include extensive new planting, with more than 1,000 additional trees to be introduced, alongside orchard areas with apple and plum trees, native hedgerows, shrubs and woodland mix.
Work on the access to the site has now begun, with full construction due to start in the New Year following detailed planning approval for updated house types.
Finalised designs and details on pricing are expected to be confirmed in early 2026. For further details, or to register interest, visit www.lochayhomes.co.uk
David Wilson Homes, part of the UK’s largest housebuilder Barratt Redrow, is marking the change in season with a search in Edinburgh for vibrant wildlife and landscape photography that celebrates the beauty of autumn.
The premium housebuilder, which has developments at Cammo Meadows and West Craigs Quarter, is inviting both seasoned and budding photographers to capture new imagery of Scotland’s local wildlife and natural surroundings.
From bundles of amber leaves draped across woodland paths to the golden light filtering through the branches, and wildlife preparing for winter, autumn in Scotland is one of the most beautiful times of the year.
The new David Wilson Homes photography initiative launched on Thursday 9 October. It is designed to inspire local residents to pause and appreciate the natural beauty around them, while celebrating the diverse wildlife and nature that share their community.
Two runners-up and one overall winner will be selected from three areas across Scotland where David Wilson Homes builds communities, including in the North, East and West of Scotland.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Scotland is one of the most scenic places in the world and home to an incredible variety of wildlife.
“It’s easy to get swept up in the pace of daily life and forget to pause and appreciate the beauty of the natural world around.
“We share our communities with hundreds of species, from birds and insects to mammals, and just like David Wilson homeowners, this wildlife calls Edinburgh home too.
“This campaign is about celebrating the wildlife that lives alongside us and capturing those special moments when we connect with nature.
“You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take part. Whether you have a keen eye or simply a passion for nature, we’re inviting everyone to get involved.”
To enter photography please share your submissions to:
AI Growth Labs will unlock new ways to accelerate innovation and cut bureaucracy in a safe environment
More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations for professional services among potential wins for the public
This new approach to regulation will help drive forward growth and national renewal under the government’s Plan for Change
More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations are among the benefits people can expect to see from a new blueprint for AI regulation being announced today, as the government slashes bureaucracy and ramps up the safe adoption of AI to unlock its full potential.
At the Times Sech Summit today (21st October), the Technology Secretary will announce plans to look at how companies and innovators can test new AI products in real-world conditions, with some rules and regulations temporarily relaxed under strict supervision.
Known as sandboxes, individual regulations are temporarily switched off or tweaked for a limited period of time in safe, controlled testing environments. They would initially be set up for key sectors of the economy like healthcare, professional services, transport, and the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing, to accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products.
The announcement comes as the Chancellor also details progress made towards delivering on the government’s vision for a regulatory system that better supports growth and innovation.
At today’s Regional Investment Summit, the Chancellor will announce a range of pro-growth reforms that will help deliver that vision set out March’s Regulation Action Plan, including a plan to save businesses across the country nearly £6 billion a year by 2029 by cracking down on pointless admin tasks.
AI applications hold the potential to make the lives of citizens better, faster. The AI Growth Lab will pilot responsible AI which can otherwise be held back by certain regulation, and generate real-world evidence for the impact they can deliver. This will ramp up adoption of AI and deliver opportunities for people across the country, cutting bureaucracy that can choke innovation and supporting businesses to flourish to deliver tangible national renewal.
For example, a testing ground focused on building AI tools could support health workers deliver better patient care on an accelerated timeline. This would also help reduce NHS waiting lists and time demands on frontline NHS staff, as well as ensure that public services are working around the lives of the British public.
Currently, a typical housing development application racks up 4,000 pages of documentation and takes as long as 18 months from submission to approval. By reviewing regulations to explore how AI could support officials, those times could be slashed – speeding up decision making and putting the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current Parliament in the fast lane.
Close working between businesses and regulators are already delivering transformations for the public. A sandbox led by the Information Commissioner’s Office has supported age verification company Yoti to fine tune their age estimation technology to help keep young people safe online, while another trial has helped FlyingBinary to develop online services which support mental health patients.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “To deliver national renewal, we need to overhaul the old approaches which have stifled enterprise and held back our innovators.
“We want to remove the needless red tape that slows progress so we can drive growth and modernise the public services people rely on every day.
“This isn’t about cutting corners – it’s about fast-tracking responsible innovations that will improve lives and deliver real benefits.”
In a further push to unlock benefits for the wider public through AI, a pot of £1 million is being set aside to support the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to pilot AI-assisted tools.
These would support scientific expertise, speed up drug discovery and clinical trial assessments, and licensing to improve efficiency and consistency – while keeping all decisions firmly in human hands.
The continued safe and responsible development of AI would be central to the government’s plans for its proposed AI Growth Lab. It would not be a testing ground where regulations could be switched on or switched off at will, but would see strict, time limited restrictions being put in place to set out which specific regulatory hurdles could be avoided or modified under close supervision.
It will be overseen by tech and regulatory experts and backed up by a strict licensing scheme with strong safeguards, meaning any breaches of individual agreements, or the emergence of unacceptable risks would stop testing in its tracks and open users who have breached their terms up to potential fines.
While this would mark new ground in terms of AI, other regulatory testing grounds have already been put to effective use across the economy.
The Digital Securities Sandbox for example is helping finance firms and innovators by giving them the ability to test innovative tech solutions for some of the most urgent challenges in the financial sector. It is helping to deliver a more secure and efficient financial system by focusing on Distributed Ledger Technology, which creates a single bank of data on financial transactions to speed up efficiencies and help tackle fraud.
Internationally, countries are already using sandboxes to speed safe deployment. Jurisdictions such as the EU, USA, Japan, Estonia and Singapore have announced or implemented some form of regulatory sandbox for AI.
The UK pioneered the global sandbox model with the launch of the FCA’s 2016 fintech sandbox – with transformative AI approaching, the UK must stay at the vanguard of international best practice in regulatory innovation – and the benefits this brings for UK innovation and jobs.
The government will now move ahead with a public call for views on its AI Growth Lab proposals. At the heart of that process will be considerations over whether the programme should be run in-house by the government, or overseen by regulators themselves.
The adoption of AI is the defining economic opportunity of the coming decade, but currently only 21% of UK firms are using the technology. The OECD currently estimates that AI could improve UK productivity by as much as 1.3 percentage points every year – worth the equivalent of £140 billion.
The AI Growth Lab will provide a route to test and pilot responsible AI innovations hindered by regulation – driving AI adoption and economic growth.
Driver MOT roadshow visits The Gyle Shopping Centre as part of Scotland-wide tour
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a national driver MOT roadshow, which is set to visit The Gyle Shopping Centre on 23-24 October as part of a Fitness to Drive campaign, encouraging local drivers aged 60 and over to reflect on their driving skills and take steps to stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
Transport Scotland data show a continuing trend towards increasing numbers of casualties aged 60 and over.1 With more than 850,000 drivers2 in this age group in Scotland, the campaign highlights the importance of recognising changes that can come with age and taking simple, practical steps to address them.
These include booking regular eye examinations, reducing night-time driving, avoiding busy junctions at peak hours, and refreshing driving skills with a mature driving review.
The driver MOT roadshow visiting Edinburgh will raise awareness of these measures. Local drivers can drop by for information and reassurance, as well as advice on how to adapt driving habits to continue driving safely for longer.
Friends and family are also encouraged to attend for tips on starting supportive conversations if they have concerns about a loved one’s driving.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “As we get older, changes to eyesight, hearing, and reaction times can all affect our ability to drive safely.
“The Fitness to Drive campaign is about supporting older drivers to recognise those changes and take action to continue to stay safe on the road.
“Even one death on Scotland’s roads is one too many. By encouraging older drivers and their families to reflect on driving fitness, we can help save lives and ensure people feel confident and secure when they travel.”
Caroline MacQueen, Centre Manager at The Gyle Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the national driver MOT roadshow and look forward to welcoming local drivers and their families to our Shopping Centre”
The campaign is backed by IAM RoadSmart, a leading UK road safety charity, helping to improve driving and riding skills through courses and coaching. IAM RoadSmart offers mature driver reviews to help maintain driving skills and confidence and has played a key role in supporting the delivery of the driver MOT roadshow.
IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager for Scotland Stewart Mackie said: “Having a mature driver review can be a great way to boost your confidence on the roads and ensure that you and your passengers are safe.
“We know just how important driving is, and how it represents the freedom to go anywhere, anytime. This is why many mature drivers choose our course, because it gives them the confidence and skills to carry on driving and maintain their independence.
“We’d encourage anyone who is interested to come along to their local driver MOT event, where a friendly team will be on hand to offer support, guidance and practical advice to help you drive safely for longer.”
The driver MOT roadshow will run until January 2026, with stops at shopping centres, garden centres, and community hubs across Scotland.
SilverCloud – a website with courses that help you learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing.
Daylight – a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Sleepio – a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
