Cairngorms National Park wildfire: Major incident declared

  • SGORR meets to discuss evacuation of Nethy Bridge
  • Police Scotland declares major incident as emergency services respond to wildfire near Nethy Bridge

Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.

The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.

As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.

Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.

“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.

“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.

More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.

Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.

Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.

“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.

“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.

“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.

“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”

Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.

The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:

• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.
Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.

The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.

“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.

“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.

“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.

“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”

SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE

Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.

A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.

A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.

The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.

“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.

“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.

“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.

“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park –  it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”

Police swoop on local shoplifters

South West Community Policing Team (SWCPT) officers have been carrying out a shoplifting initiative with plain clothes patrols concentrating on the Gorgie, Dalry and Chesser areas:

A 35 year old male was arrested on 15 outstanding warrants and charged with 23 shoplifting offences.

A 34 year old female was arrested on 3 warrants and charged with 26 shoplifting offences.

A 24 year old male was arrested and charged with 9 shoplifting offences and an offence under the Protection of Retail Workers Act.

A 45 year old male was arrested and charged with a shoplifting offence having attempted to sell his stolen alcohol to a local pub. The pub refused to buy it from him.

A 26 year old male and female were both reported for a theft shoplifting and males aged 19, 20 and 35 were all given Recorded Police Warnings for shoplifting offences.

#SWCPT

#CommunityPolicing

Deadline approaches for first Making Tax Digital quarterly update

  • Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from their self-employment and property must send their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update by 7 August 2026
  • The quarterly update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year.
  • The update takes minutes through recognised software and is not a tax return.

More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords signed up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have just two weeks left before the deadline to submit their first quarterly update.

The update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year. The deadline for submitting it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is 7 August 2026.

The quarterly update is not a tax return. It is a short summary sent directly to HMRC through recognised software and takes minutes to complete.

Customers who have not yet signed up can still do so now by visiting GOV.UK, where they can also find software and access free guidance and webinars. If customers use an agent, they can sign them up instead. 

Some software includes digital support tool HMRC Assist, which gives tailored feedback to help customers spot potential errors before submission. Customers remain responsible for ensuring their return is accurate.

After each update, users can see an estimate of their tax bill, helping them to plan ahead.

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “This is a landmark moment for the tax system. Hundreds of thousands of sole traders and landlords are now keeping digital records and will be sending their first quarterly update in the coming weeks.

“For those already using software, this should be straightforward and take minutes. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time – visit GOV.UK and search ‘Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’ to get started.” 

Making Tax Digital is now a legal requirement and customers in scope should check now that they are signed up, that their software is compatible and submit their update before the deadline.

It will extend to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and to those earning more than £20,000 from April 2028.

The tax return deadline remains 31 January. Quarterly updates do not replace the tax return – customers will still need to submit their return and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.

CASE STUDY

“My first Making Tax Digital update was so easy – if they can all go this seamlessly, we’ll be set up for smooth sailing”

Natasha Patterson, 33, is a full-time potter based in Whitehead, County Antrim, and is already ahead of the game – she has submitted her first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update weeks before the 7 August deadline. 

She has been working as a potter since 2020 and opened her studio shop – Natasha Swan Ceramics – in 2023, where she specialises in functional wheel-thrown tableware including mugs, salt pigs and reed diffusers.

Like many small business owners, Natasha was not looking forward to a new tax obligation. She decided to submit early – just in case there were any issues along the way.

Natasha said: “I was expecting there to be some hurdles and I wanted to give myself time to work through any issues but was pleasantly surprised to find the process very smooth and straightforward.”

In the end, the submission itself took about ten minutes. Natasha had been adding receipts and updating her records throughout the quarter, so everything was ready to go when it came to submitting.

“I went back to check I did it right about three times, but it really was very straightforward.

“Everything made sense and was logical – it wasn’t overwhelming, even though it was all new to me.

“If they can all go this seamlessly, we will be set up for smooth sailing at the end of this tax year.”

One of the things she has valued most is being able to see a forecast of her tax bill straight away.

“It’s great to have a forecast of what I owe already, without mounds of paperwork. I feel more prepared knowing what’s expected of me in the coming months and also more confident going into the second quarter now knowing how straightforward the first submission was.”

Her message to other sole traders approaching their first update is straightforward. She said: “If you can complete your Self Assessment tax return, this is much easier. As far as tax submissions go, it was probably as pleasant as they come.”

SACRO: Help with prison visits

If you live in Edinburgh and have difficulty travelling or receive certain benefits, we may be able to help you visit a family member residing in a Scottish prison or the State Hospital, at no cost:

https://buff.ly/VSw0MPV

@scottishprisons

@familiesoutside

@HMPJustVisiting

Queens Manor care home to host free Fringe Cares performance

On Saturday August 1st from 2pm staff and residents at Queens Manor care home in Barnton will be hosting an afternoon of exciting contemporary performances as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Cares Fest, now in its fifth year.  

Taking to the stage at 3pm will be Lai Yee, an acrobat and contemporary street performer from Hong Kong who specialises in flow arts which include juggling, Cyr wheel and light dancing. 

Then at 4pm, talented and versatile vocalist Anna Vanosi will showcase some of her broad repertoire working across jazz, contemporary and storytelling-led live performance. Her work ranges from intimate jazz sets to theatrical interpretations of songs, always focused on character, rhythm, and emotional connection. 

Both performances promise to be a feast for the senses.

The performances are free of charge and open to the local community, the team at Queens Manor very much hope that friends and neighbours will come along to enjoy the event and some refreshments along with the residents and their loved ones. 

General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson said, “The Fringe Cares Fest started right here in Queens Manor five years ago and it is wonderful to watch it grow from strength to strength every year, I think there are performances in 20 Edinburgh care homes this year. 

“We hope that everyone will come and join us to enjoy the performances, it will be a fantastic event and everyone is welcome.”

Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor  provides residential and residential dementia care for 60 residents from respite breaks to long term stays.

This Weekend: Big Nature Drawathon

Granton Hub Big Nature Drawathon

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026

Dig out your pencils and come out and play for a weekend celebrating nature and art in our community.

Whether you are a keen artist, or last drew at primary school, all are welcome to come and get stuck in with our art materials and activities. Get arty on Saturday and see the full exhibition of works on Sunday.

Activities include:

• Learning plant identification through sketching (workshop at 11am and 1pm)

• Design your own mythical beast of Granton

• Clay creature sculpting

• Ant’s eye view – get up close to tiny worlds

• Get imaginative with our art materials – stay and make for as long as you like

• Add your nature art to our exhibition

• Teas, coffees and snacks by donation

Click here for free Eventbrite booking.

Find us at Granton Hub, Maldevic House, Granton Park Avenue, EH5 1HS (We are wheelchair accessible).

Get arty – Saturday 25th July, 10.30am to 3.30pm

Exhibition of work – Sunday 26th July, 2 to 4pm

granton:hub | community arts | Madelvic House

Making Britain Better, or just a gimmick? No10 North opens for business

Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North, declaring ‘the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over’

  • Burnham throws open the doors to No10 North, marking a new era of power flowing out of Whitehall and into every postcode
  • PM revives the National Economic Council in Manchester, bringing ministers and regional mayors around the table to drive devolution from week one
  • Comes as PM gives families and business owners breathing space with VAT off electricity bills, £2 bus fare cap restored, and a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues

Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he declared the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over.

Operating from Heron House in Manchester’s city centre, No10 North will be the government’s new situation room for growth. It brings the levers of local economic growth and devolution together under one roof for the first time.

The Prime Minister is expected to work from No10 North each week so that decisions about the country’s economic future will no longer exclusively be made in Westminster. Other ministers will also work from No10 North on a regular basis, underlining this Government’s determination to do things differently. 

The Prime Minister will chair the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council at No10 North today (Friday), bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors to put devolution at the centre of the Government’s mission to make Britian better. 

The National Economic Council was first established in 2008 to provide a national response to an economic emergency. Its revival reflects the Prime Minister’s belief that delivering economic growth now requires the same level of urgency, focus and collective action, bringing together other government departments and local leaders.

Regional mayors will be invited to sit around the table, cementing devolution at the centre of economic decision-making and backing the Prime Minister’s pledge to rewire Britain so that decisions are taken with local leaders, not just for them.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve.

“No 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country.

“It will be the situation room for making Britain better – the place we use to get power out of Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can turn things around.

“The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, for good.”

Ahead of the first meeting of the National Economic Council, the Prime Minister will speak to leading Business Representative Organisations including the Federation of Small Business, CBI and the BCC to discuss how Government and business can work together to unlock growth, investment and create jobs across the country.

The NEC’s attendees will flex according to the issues under consideration, bringing together business leaders, trade unions and other partners where their expertise can help drive delivery.

Local economic growth, devolution strategy and local growth policy are being brought together so that government departments, mayors, combined authorities and business can work from a single plan rather than competing ones.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “Today marks a fundamental re-balancing of where power sits in our country. No10 North has been set up to drive economic growth in every postcode and put power in the hands of every community.

“Through this department, this Government will ensure that the places overlooked by Westminster for decades are given a real voice. No.10 North is open for business.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP added:  “This is a new era for devolution. Never before has a government been so serious about passing on its own power from Westminster in favour of local areas.

“No10 North sits at the heart of that plan. This is the way we signal real change – and the way we get it done.”

The meeting comes off the back of a series of interventions made to ease the cost of living and back local high streets, setting the tone for the PM’s cost-of-living government.

This week the government has announced:

  • The removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, saving a typical household around £45 a year.
  • The £2 cap on bus fares in England will kick in from January 2027.
  • A 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, benefiting nearly 32,000 venues and worth around £1,100 a year to a typical pub, on top of the 15% relief already in place.

First Minister welcomes start of zero US tariffs on Scotch whisky

SWINNEY: “A win for Scotland and a win for the United States”

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the lifting of US tariffs on Scotch whisky and the creation of a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime from today.

The exemption announced by President Trump following the King’s State Visit in April, was confirmed by US Authorities today and come into force today (Friday).

Scotland exports more whisky to the United States than to any other country.

The First Minister said: “The end of US tariffs on Scotch whisky has now been confirmed by the US Authorities and from, tomorrow, will be whisky will be tariff free.

“This follows the remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand.

“We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda.

“The result is a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime that is a win for Scotland and a win for the United States. It benefits businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic and not just among whisky producers but also the businesses and communities that support the sector across Scotland.

“This is a good day for Scotland.”

International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association Ian Duddy said: “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

“As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.

“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.

“This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.

“We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.”

To mark the long-awaited milestone, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in the heart of Glasgow.

https://twitter.com/UKGovScotland/status/2080571196970557645/video/1

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry. The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.

The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.

This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next ten years.

Businesses have also benefitted from recent deals with China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the US, as the UK Government delivers for Scotland and continues to use the strength and reach of the UK to support economic growth in Scotland.

“I join all those raising a dram today for the efforts to reach this point and look forward to seeing our whisky industry flourish.”

The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. 

The removal of tariffs by the US is the latest big win for the industry this month, with the India FTA coming into force and reducing whisky tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over ten years.

SEPA: More parts of Scotland move into water scarcity as prolonged dry weather continue

WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT

More parts of Scotland have moved into water scarcity following another week of exceptionally dry weather, with several areas now close to Significant Scarcity.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows conditions have deteriorated across much of the country.

The Deveron and Almond catchments have moved into Moderate Scarcity, joining the Tyne (Lothian), Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk and Tweed.

Water scarcity is now most severe across eastern and southern Scotland, where many catchments are at Alert or Moderate Scarcity. Early Warning conditions form a broad band through the interior of the country and extend into the north and the Outer Hebrides. Much of the north-west and west coast remains at Normal Conditions, although Early Warning is beginning to extend into some western catchments.

Across eastern Scotland, most locations have recorded less than 10mm of rainfall during July, while Angus has received less than 3mm over the past three weeks. Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms have also experienced exceptionally dry conditions.

The prolonged lack of rainfall has left soils across much of eastern Scotland very dry, with many rivers experiencing prolonged low flows. Several river monitoring stations are now recording flows amongst the lowest on record.

If exceptionally low river flows continue over the next few days, Berwickshire Coastal, Whiteadder Water, Lower Tweed, Lunan Water, Lower Don, Fife (East Neuk) and North Fife are expected to move into Significant Scarcity.

Significant Scarcity is declared when river flows remain below Q95, a recognised low flow threshold, for 30 days. When a station reaches Significant, SEPA will introduce targeted and temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions to protect rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.

Any restrictions would be proportionate, based on local conditions, kept under regular review and lifted as soon as conditions improve.

Since the beginning of May, SEPA has published weekly water scarcity reports and worked closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association to help water users prepare for the season. SEPA have also engaged directly with licensed abstractors in affected areas, providing advance notice of changing conditions and practical advice to help them plan ahead.

With conditions continuing to deteriorate, SEPA are urging farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors who have not already done so to put those plans into action. This includes reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions with neighbouring users where appropriate and implementing contingency plans. These actions can help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions later in the season.

Anyone can monitor conditions using SEPA’s online Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT), which shows colour-coded monitoring stations across Scotland and how close local areas are to reaching Significant Scarcity.

SEPA will continue to publish weekly water scarcity reports every Thursday throughout the summer so water users can stay informed as conditions change.

 Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Weeks of exceptionally dry weather are continuing to put pressure on rivers across much of Scotland, particularly in the east where some river flows are now amongst the lowest on record.

“Since the beginning of May we’ve been providing weekly updates and practical advice, while working closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, as well as engaging directly with licence holders in affected areas. Our aim has always been to give abstractors as much notice as possible so they can prepare.

“For many abstractors, now is the time to put those plans into action. Reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions and making use of contingency plans can all help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions if exceptionally low river flows continue.

“Our weekly water scarcity reports and Drought Risk Assessment Tool help people understand what’s happening in their local area and plan ahead. If restrictions become necessary, they will be targeted, temporary and only remain in place for as long as they are needed to protect Scotland’s water environment.”

People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website. These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland.

The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s water scarcity pages.

Commonwealth debt reform backed

Action urged on global debt and sustainable development

The Scottish Government, Malawi and Zambia are calling on Commonwealth countries to work together to tackle the global debt crisis and give Global South countries a stronger voice in international financial decision-making.

A joint statement calls for urgent reforms to the international debt system, including: 

  • fast and fair debt restructuring that helps countries resolve debt problems before they become crises
  • a new international framework, led by the UN or another global body, to help countries resolve debt problems more fairly and efficiently
  • new debt legislation ensuring private lenders share the burden of debt restructuring fairly with other creditors
  • improved access to financial help for climate projects

It highlights growing concern that unsustainable debt repayments are limiting the ability of many countries in the Global South to invest in essential public services, climate resilience and economic development. 

Announcing the joint statement at a reception celebrating Scotland’s longstanding relationship with Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, First Minister John Swinney said: “During my visit to Malawi and Zambia, I met communities who are taking control of their lives and livelihoods through Scottish Government supported, community-led climate resilience programmes, and I learned first-hand about the impact that both debt and climate injustice can have on communities.

“Across the Commonwealth unsustainable debt repayments are consuming resources that should be used to build schools, hospitals, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and climate change is exacerbating this problem. The Global South should not be forced to choose between repaying their creditors and helping their communities to recover from storms and droughts.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners across the Global South on a fair, long-term solution to the global debt crisis and supporting debt solutions that allow countries to invest in people, public services and climate resilience.”

Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika said: “Where Malawi stands now, debt relief needs to be considered seriously as the ameliorative effects of debt restructuring have been very minimal and inconsistent at best.

“We also need debt reforms that improve access to emergency liquidity before, during and after climate disasters.”     

Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka said: “Zambia welcomes this important joint statement and the spirit of solidarity it reflects.

“Our experience has shown that debt justice is not only about easing immediate pressures, but about creating a fairer international system that allows countries to invest in their people, strengthen resilience, and pursue sustainable development.

“We look forward to working with Commonwealth partners to advance reforms that ensure debt solutions are timely, fair, and climate-responsive.”

Chief Executive of Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund Lorraine Currie said: “Bringing diplomats, campaigners and academics together for the roundtable on debt justice was a powerful reminder that real progress begins with listening to those most affected and acting alongside them.

“The energy and unity in the room showed what genuine partnership can unlock. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for convening this vital conversation and for keeping debt justice high on Scottish, UK and global agendas.”

The statement was agreed earlier this week by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin, Zambian High Commissioner to the UK Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka and Malawian High Commissioner to the UK His Excellency Dr Thomas Bisika. 

Debt Justice in the Commonwealth: Glasgow statement – gov.scot