Responding to the First Minister’s comments on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland said: “I am disappointed that the First Minister will not be voting to progress Liam McArthur’s Bill.
“I know, and appreciate that he took the time to speak with dying people who are desperate for this choice, and to families who had watched someone suffer a painful death. I believe him when he says it was not an easy decision to reach.
“The sad truth is that if MSPs were to vote against extending safe and compassionate choice to dying Scots many more terminally ill people will suffer and the harm created by the blanket ban on assisted dying will persist.
“Doing nothing is the worst thing Parliament can do here. With people going to Switzerland, stopping eating and drinking and taking matters into their own hands its clear that assisted dying is happening in Scotland right now – but in unsafe, unregulated and unkind ways.
“I value the First Ministers comments that his vote is on a personal basis, and he does not seek to influence others decision on this.
“I am optimistic that Tuesday’s vote will bring a breakthrough for terminally ill Scots who are desperate for more choice. The mood of the Parliament seems to have caught up with the views of the vast majority of Scottish people – that it is time for a more compassionate and safe law.”
A colourful exhibition, showcasing the artwork of 3–18-year-olds from across Scotland opens this Saturday [10 May] at National Galleries Scotland: National and is free to visit.
The nationwide call for the Your Art World exhibition has inspired nearly 500 incredible young artists from across the country to get involved, with the opportunity to have their work displayed in Scotland’s National gallery.
Their creations will be on show in the same building as iconic works such as The Monarch of the Glen and The Skating Minister aka Reverend Robert Walker (1755 – 1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch, as well as works by Scottish artists including William McTaggart and Phoebe Anna Traquair.
In the National you can discover over 20 works created by community and school groups who have been collaborating with the National Galleries of Scotland over the last few months.
The talented artists include young people from Redhall School in Edinburgh, Victoria Primary and Nursery in Falkirk, Oban High School and North Edinburgh’s LIFT Kids’ Club (Low Income Families Together).
Separated into four installations, the groups worked to create extraordinary displays ranging from drawings and embroideries engaging with social issues, to 3D sculptures, sensory works and vibrant abstract paintings.
Displayed on screens in the exhibition you can also explore the works of nearly 300 children from across the country who submitted their art digitally.
The young people were invited to be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations. From drawings, paintings, 3-D sculptures or video – there were no limitations on what they could make.
Plus, there is still time for young people to submit their works for display! All 3-18 year olds living in Scotland are invited to send their art for inclusion in the digital exhibition.
All you need to do is photograph their work and upload it to the National Galleries of Scotland’s online gallery, then come along to the exhibition and see their creations featured proudly on digital screens at the National.
New entries will be accepted throughout the exhibition and added to the rolling display on the digital screens every month until the end of September.
Your Art World is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative, so why not see what’s possible.
Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: “I’m so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland. The response so far has been truly inspiring, and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity.
“We can’t wait to see what else is still to come! Your Art World is incredibly important to us at the National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.
“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun. This project and exhibition truly celebrates that art really is for everyone.”
The National Galleries of Scotland working with p1 and nursery children at Victoria primary school in Falkirk.
The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project, designed to inspire and engage young people in art. With online resources available for teachers and families, the project supports children in creative activities.
By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and invites everyone to explore and enjoy art.
First Minister John Swinney has written to the Conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party groups on India and Pakistan to express his support in light of the recent tensions between the two countries, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In his letter, the First Minister said: “For many in the community, this may be a worrying time, and my thoughts are with those who have family and friends in the region. Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities enrich Scotland socially, culturally, and economically.
“I have called upon leaders in the region to choose dialogue, diplomacy, and shared humanity ahead of force and bloodshed. There can be no winners from further military escalation. Protecting civilians is urgent and paramount.
“My officials are in contact with various stakeholders in the communities, as well as with Police Scotland, Universities Scotland, and diplomatic missions. I would urge you to support that dialogue and bring to us any concerns you hear from Scotland’s Indian and Pakistani communities.”
Excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu tomorrow:
– Root vegetable and herb medley soup
– Beef brisket with roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips
– Cauliflower cheese (V) with roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips
– Raspberry and almond slice with custard
Please check the board or ask our lovely volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up – our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy.
National initiative encouraging adults to learn and lead by example
EVERY SUMMER, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry.
For a surprising number, that isn’t a lifestyle choice – it’s the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions.
The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar.
Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family.
Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion.
The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.
John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back.
“Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they’re held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it’s too late to start.
“We’re challenging that idea head-on. It’s never too late to learn to swim – and there’s never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely.
“Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.”
That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland take part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow.
Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children’s safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach.
The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age.
For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they’re about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations.
While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles.
Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.
With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it’s not just about learning to swim – it’s about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family.
Outlined in the Scottish Government’s recent Programme for Government is the Children and Young People (Care) Bill.
This legislation aims to further support The Promise, produced by the Independent Care Review in 2020, and which is Scotland’s pledge to care-experienced children and young people that they will grow up loved, safe, and respected.
As a coalition, along with others, we have been advocating for care-experienced individuals, who often face complex situations alone, to have the right to lifelong, independent advocacy. This will ensure that care-experienced individuals are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about their lives.
With the Promise Bill now part of the legislative landscape, it is time for this fundamental right, as committed to in The Promise itself five years ago, to be enshrined in law. Too many individuals are currently missing out on the advice and support they desperately need, often when they need it most.
Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way, and the Bill provides the opportunity to deliver action on advocacy.
Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000 17 May 2025 – 12 October 2025 Free Admission
Duncan, John; Tristan and Isolde; City of Edinburgh Council; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/tristan-and-isolde-93241
Opening this month, the City Art Centre presents Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945 – 2000, a compelling new exhibition that charts the story of Scottish art in the tumultuous years following the Second World War.
Featuring over 60 works—paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photographs—the exhibition draws exclusively from the City Art Centre’s acclaimed collection of Scottish art.
The exhibition brings together work from some of the most significant artists of the period, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Byrne, Calum Colvin, Victoria Crowe, Alan Davie, Pat Douthwaite, Joan Eardley, Ian Hamilton Finlay, William Gillies, Morris Grassie, Peter Howson, William Johnstone, Bet Low, Will Maclean, Alexander Moffat, James Munro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Tom Pow, Barbara Rae, Anne Redpath, Jon Schueler, and Maud Sulter.
The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future.
Contemporary artists responded to these rapidly changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.
Timed to complement the forthcoming exhibition John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, Out of Chaos offers broader context to Bellany’s career by surveying the major movements and developments in post-war Scottish art. Visitors will explore a wide range of approaches, from figurative and landscape art to abstraction, pop art, and the rise of new media.
Among the highlights are a wind-swept Catterline landscape by Joan Eardley, a bronze cast of the haunting sculpture Horse’s Head by Eduardo Paolozzi, a large-scale environmental triptych by Elizabeth Ogilvie, and the avant-garde Fallen Angels, a rare surviving painting by Tom Pow.
The exhibition also introduces several recent acquisitions, such as Alan Robb’s striking Surrealist-inspired oil painting Cool House, James Munro’s sleek 1980s sculpture Pick Up Trio, and Morris Grassie’s preparatory sketches for The Sou’Westers, Arbroath. Notably, a drawing by Milein Cosman capturing the first-ever Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 will be on display for the first time at the City Art Centre.
Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “Between 1945 and 2000 far-reaching changes took place across politics, society, culture and science, and contemporary artists were compelled to react to these developments – from the tensions of the Cold War to the rise of mass consumerism and popular culture.
“Artists working through these years analysed and questioned everything, repeatedly challenging conventions and reshaping the artistic landscape. Looking back now, the pace of change was incredible.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with our visitors – both those who lived through this dynamic period and younger generations as well.
“There is a wide array of artistic forms and styles on display here, so really there’s something for everyone.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council said: “Out of Chaos offers a powerful reflection on how Scottish artists responded to a rapidly changing world. These works capture the resilience, imagination, and innovation that shaped the nation’s cultural identity in the post-war era.
“The City Art Centre continues to champion our cultural heritage, and Out of Chaos is a powerful reminder of how art helps us understand and navigate times of change.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 May 2025, and continues until 12 October 2025. Admission is free.
This week the First Minister John Swinney unveiled an earlier than usual Programme for Government covering the final year of this parliament ahead of Scottish elections in May 2026 (write Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE and EMMA CONGREVE).
The rationale for the Programme for Government is that it sets out the parliamentary programme for the year ahead. The FM said that this is being presented now to ensure a “year of delivery” in the run up to the election.
Since the last PfG, there have been a number of changes to this programme with some dropped (Misogyny Bill), some being substantially re-drafted ahead of being introduced (Heat in Buildings Bill) and others that are already going through Parliament being substantially scaled back (National Care Service Bill). As such, it makes sense for the government to be updating how it intends to make the best use of the scarce parliamentary time in the year ahead.
However, this also provides a convenient time to make some noise about the good things the government is doing in Scotland. The timing, shortly after was expected to be, and indeed was, a difficult week for Labour and Conservatives in elections in England, doesn’t feel entirely accidental. But enough of the politics – what was in the substance of what was discussed?
What were the top priorities?
The key themes of the programme for Government are growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, tackling the climate emergency and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services.
On the economy, the First Minister was keen to first set out the measures that the Scottish Government had pursued to reduce the cost of living for citizens in Scotland, in particular focussing on the decision to partially reinstate the winter fuel payment given it is now a devolved benefit. He also referenced global economic developments, and announced a new “Six Point Export Plan”, which will focus on unlocking target markets. It will be good to examine in the coming months how this lines up with previous efforts such as the Trading Nation Strategy.
The FM was keen to reiterate that eradicating child poverty was at the heart of the SG’s programme, and highlighted the impact that the Scottish Child Payment was directly having on child poverty. The modelling suggests that the measure reduces child poverty by 4 percentage points in 2025-26, which represents about 40,000 children in Scotland. Having said that, as we covered extensively recently, the SG have missed their interim statutory child poverty targets. If these statutory targets are to be met, the child payment will not be sufficient on its own.
Tackling the climate emergency did not feature prominently in the FM’s speech, but there is more in the document on this than was presented in the chamber. The removal of peak fares was presented as a cost of living measure, but is also discussed as a measure likely to support modal shift.
This announcement is interesting in the context of the Government ending the pilot of peak fare removal in September 2024, as (according to the government’s evaluation) it didn’t encourage enough modal shift to pay for itself, and generally helped out those from better off households, rather than those in the poorest households.
Finally, there was the section on public services, which had as the headlines the commitments on the health service that had been well-trailed, including an extra 100,000 GP appointments.
While this had been covered as dealing with the “lottery of the 8am call”, it would appear to be a more general commitment to increase capacity, which the government will hope will improve the way that people experience their interactions with primary care.
The Programme for Government’s claim that additional GP appointments will “address the root causes of ill health” appears to contradict much of the Scottish Government’s own public health messaging—as well as broader expert consensus—which emphasises the importance improving living conditions (also known as Primary Prevention) as the key to improving health outcomes, rather than relying on healthcare services alone. A new Population Health Framework is due to be published in the next month – we’ll have to wait and see how this all fits together.
It goes without saying that none of these issues can be solved in 12 months. And while they may be government priorities, we do not have the detail on delivery. A high-level document is not the place to be setting out the nuts and bolts of this, but the concern is that rather than sparing us the detail, the government lacks the enough of a grasp on the issue to solve it and has even less of a plan on how progress will be measured and evaluated.
For example, on GP appointments. How many GP services are unable to meet demand? Why are some having to operate restrictions on appointment booking and others are not? How will the government monitor whether additional resource allocated is making a difference? How is this compatible with some GPs currently not able to take on staff because of funding restrictions?
To be clear, allocating additional resources to a problem is not the same as delivering an improvement.
Fiscal pressures limit ambition
The PfG usually comes out a few months before the Scottish Budget meaning that pledges set out by the First Minister could then make their way into the budget process with money allocated and available for the start of the next financial year.
With the Scottish budget likely to be at least 6 months away, and the next financial year 11 months away, this PfG had to fit into the fiscal envelope already set. And this is an envelope already under pressure, with more potentially to come.
The Scottish Government has got less than it wanted from the UK Government to compensate for the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions, and this money will need to be found within existing budgets for 2025-26.
We are also yet to see the conclusion of pay deals for 2025-26, an issue that has seriously derailed government budgets in previous years; and there was no provision for the likely progression of staff on pay scales, which will add further pressure.
Unfortunately, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance has said today that the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which should normally kick off the year-round budgeting process (see here for more MTFS chat), has been delayed until the end of June. Shona Robison has said in a letter to the Scottish Fiscal Commission, released this afternoon, that it is due to the timing of the UK Spending Review. This has been known for some time and a further delay to the MTFS is disappointing.
What was missing?
As mentioned, the Heat in Buildings Bill is being revised and this involves taking out some of the more ambitious elements related to mandating replacement of domestic heating systems. Other, non-legislative but still PfG relevant, pledges around reducing car use have been dropped recently following an Audit Scotland report citing minimal progress towards its target.
The FM reiterated the government’s commitment to ending the two-child limit on benefits, but there was little extra detail on the delivery timetable for this given the repeated statements the FM has made on introducing this before April 2026 if possible.
This Dementia Awareness Week, the Edinburgh-based care charity will host an expert-led evening event and a business breakfast to inspire local residents and businesses to become more dementia-friendly.
As part of Dementia Awareness Week this May, The Eric Liddell Community is taking a proactive step in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers.
The charity will host two engaging events: a dementia-focused evening on Thursday, 22nd May (6.30pm–8.30pm) and a business breakfast on Wednesday, 4th June (8am–9am). Both events will be held at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh.
The Thursday evening event will welcome guest speaker Jan Beattie, one of Scotland’s foremost voices in dementia care and policy.
A trained social worker with over 30 years of experience in regeneration, community development, and workforce transformation, Jan most recently served as Professional Advisor in Dementia to the Scottish Government.
In this role, she helped shape and deliver Everyone’s Story, Scotland’s national dementia strategy and its first two-year delivery plan.
Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and deep empathy to the subject. She commented:“It’s a genuine privilege to support The Eric Liddell Community during Dementia Awareness Week.Their person-centred, compassionate approach represents the very best of dementia care.
“Everything they do is grounded in strong values, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Edinburgh. That’s what makes their work so impactful, and why I’m proud to stand alongside them in their mission to make our city more inclusive and supportive for those living with dementia.”
On Wednesday, 4th June, the charity will host a Dementia Friendly Community Business Breakfast from 8am–9am.
Local businesses are invited to join for tea, coffee, and pastries while learning practical tips on becoming more dementia-informed. The event will also include a chance to hear about the support services offered by the charity and to connect with like-minded professionals committed to inclusivity.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, commented:“Creating a dementia-friendly Edinburgh doesn’t just start in hospitals and care homes – it begins in cafés, shops, offices, and neighbourhoods.
“At The Eric Liddell Community, we believe that by raising awareness and equipping people with the right tools, we can transform everyday environments into inclusive, supportive spaces.
“These events are a chance for all of us – whether you’re a business owner, neighbour, friend, or family member – to play a part in making Edinburgh a more understanding and compassionate place for those living with dementia.”
Caroline Heenan, Day Care Manager at The Eric Liddell Community, added:“Every day we see the difference a welcoming environment can make.Whether it’s a familiar face, a friendly voice, or a safe and engaging space, these small things are vital.
“Events like this help us share what we’ve learned and bring more people into our mission of making Edinburgh more Dementia-Friendly.”
The month of May will also see the launch of The Eric Liddell community’s Spring Appeal, which this year will focus on the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers, and will highlight the positive impact The Eric Liddell Community’s Befriending Project has had on the health and wellbeing of those people caring for individuals living with dementia.
Police Scotland has made around 100 arrests, seized more than 200 kilograms of illegal drugs, taken three firearms off the street and safeguarded 11 children as part of a significant investigation to dismantle a Scottish organised crime gang.
Operation Intensity, which began in May 2023, involved officers from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and targeted a criminal network operating across the country, including in Dumfries, Ayrshire, and Central Scotland.
Intelligence indicated the group was well resourced and was exploiting vulnerable people in some of our most deprived communities to fund their crimes.
Couriers travelling by car were used to operate dealing lines, who were then resupplied from safe houses.
The arrests, in both rural and urban areas, took place within a number of local divisions, spanning from Argyll to Tayside.
Forty-six search warrants were executed as part of action to disrupt the gang, which resulted in large quantities of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, pills and herbal cannabis being seized.
More than £600,000 in cash and firearms, including a handgun, air weapon and a BB gun, were also recovered with ammunition from the addresses.
Alongside this enforcement activity, 11 children were safeguarded after officers identified they were at risk from the gang as part of their criminal activities. They were referred to partner agencies or passed into the care of family members.
Detective Superintendent Stevie Elliot said: “This operation is a clear example of how we use our national resources, alongside the knowledge of our local policing teams, to bring down large gangs operating across the country.
“Our strategy was maximising the safety of the public and protecting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people who are all too often coerced and groomed by County Lines drug dealers.
“Organised criminal gangs show no shame or remorse for their actions and all their activities are focused on profiting from exploitation.
“These arrests and seizures highlight our dedication to tackling organised networks in Scotland. Illegal substances cause real harm and misery to individuals, families and communities.
“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce where we work with partners on a multi-agency approach to tackling the threat of OCGs.
“We cannot do this alone and we need the public’s help to rid these gangs from their communities. I would urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs or organised activities should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
