New Strategy to deliver economic growth and prosperity
Wide-ranging measures have been unveiled to place Scotland at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
Scotland’s AI Strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure people, businesses and public services across the country benefit from AI.
Independent analysis estimates the AI sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035 and the Strategy details increased support for businesses to expand the use of AI to develop new products and services, grow market share and generate new jobs and investment.
Initiatives to be implemented in the first year include:
establishing an independent expert advisory board to provide strategic guidance on the strategy’s delivery
appointing AI Champions to represent priority sectors and regions
rolling out an expanded AI adoption programme for businesses to help drive productivity and competitiveness across the economy
creating a Future Jobs Panel to assess AI’s impact on the workforce and establishing an AI Leadership Academy
Launching the Strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The unprecedented pace at which AI is increasing and evolving presents an enormous opportunity.
“It has the potential to be genuinely transformative – for every sector of our economy, and for people from all backgrounds and communities.
“This strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI responsibly with practical, tangible steps to be taken this year to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.
“In establishing AI Scotland we will use the expertise of our enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to lead an accelerated, co-ordinated approach to ensure Scotland’s economy and society reaps the rewards of this incredible technology.”
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Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here.
Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly.
“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear.
“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”
Vaccination against meningitis
The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.
There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.
Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.
The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is offered to infants and young children under 2 years old.
The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 as part of the school-based immunisation programme. This vaccine protects against disease caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.
Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations
More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at
Pledge to Turn Wasted List Votes into Working Class Independence Voice at Holyrood
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland (ATLS) has hailed Thursday night’s packed Glasgow candidate launch at the Renfield Training and Conference Centre as “the moment Glasgow’s working class put Holyrood on notice that wasted list votes are no longer acceptable.”
Speaking to an overflowing audience, Glasgow Regional List lead candidate Tommy Sheridan argued that the old “SNP 1 & SNP 2” message has repeatedly failed to deliver additional independence representation for Glasgow on the regional list, and has instead handed list seats to Labour and the Conservatives in a city that votes Yes.
In Glasgow alone, around 245,000 SNP second votes (SNP2-Regional List Vote) across the last two Holyrood elections failed to elect a single SNP list MSP, while Labour and the Tories took all seven regional seats in our Yes city.
Sheridan pointed to the Scottish Parliament elections of 2016 and 2021, where the SNP swept all nine Glasgow constituency seats yet failed to secure a single additional regional list MSP in the city, despite topping the regional vote on both occasions.
In 2021, Glasgow’s regional list MSPs were returned as four Labour, two Conservative and one Green, but zero SNP list MSPs, even though the SNP won the largest share of the list vote.
Tommy Sheridan said: “The facts are crystal clear. In Glasgow, in both 2016 and 2021, tens of thousands of SNP list votes did not elect a single additional pro-independence MSP. Those ‘SNP 2’ votes were effectively wasted, while Labour and Tory unionists walked into Holyrood from the Glasgow list. That cannot be allowed to happen again in a Yes city.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland exists to give Glasgow’s working class a hard, effective independence vote on the list. A list vote for ATLS is not a gesture – it is the serious business of putting more pro-independence fighters into parliament and cutting the number of unionist MSPs sent from this city.”
Independent analysis of past elections has repeatedly highlighted how large blocks of list votes for parties already dominant in the constituencies can fail to translate into list seats under Scotland’s Additional Member System, particularly in regions such as Glasgow, where one party already holds most or all constituency seats.
Second-placed Glasgow list candidate Dhruva Kumar, who chaired the event, said the campaign would speak directly to working-class voters across all of Glasgow’s communities:
Dhruva Kumar said: “Last night showed that Glasgow’s working people – old and new, from every background – are hungry for a serious, disciplined independence strategy.
“This campaign is about unity and action. When people give their list vote to the Alliance, they are turning frustration into seats, anger into votes, and hope into hard numbers for independence at Holyrood. Glasgow’s working class built this city, now we intend to help them win the power to shape its future.”
Glasgow list candidate Gail Sheridan stressed that ATLS offers determined, grassroots-rooted representation rather than careerist politics. She said: “I’ve stood with Tommy through every major battle for justice and independence in this city.
What we heard from the floor last night was clear: people are tired of politicians who talk about independence but park it the day after the election.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland is different. We are rooted in working-class Glasgow, we are organised, and we are ready to fight tooth and nail in Holyrood for decent wages, warm homes and real self-determination. A list vote for ATLS is an independence vote that counts.”
Glasgow list candidate Hilda McMahon drew a direct line from Glasgow’s radical history to the new Alliance campaign. She said: “Glasgow has never begged for change; it has organised for it.
“From Mary Barbour to Jimmy Reid and John Maclean, our city’s heroes understood that real power comes when working people stand together. The Alliance to Liberate Scotland is carrying that flame into the 2026 Holyrood election.
“We are deadly serious about increasing the number of pro-independence MSPs and finally delivering the self-determination that the people of Scotland demand.”
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland insists that, in the 2026 Holyrood election, a Glasgow Regional List vote for ATLS is the most effective way for independence supporters in the city to turn previously wasted list votes into additional pro-independence MSPs, strengthening the voice of Glasgow’s working class at the heart of Scotland’s democracy.
Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information about the care and support they can expect from the NHS.
The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy’s, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the rights and entitlements women should receive during and following a miscarriage.
It builds on the Scottish Government’s Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care, which is changing the way in which NHS Boards support women — ensuring they are supported after a first miscarriage, rather than after three.
Women across Scotland should be able to access private spaces in hospitals, progesterone treatment where clinically appropriate, and compassionate, culturally competent bereavement support with additional improved information available online and in printed patient leaflets in 18 languages including BSL and audio formats.
Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Miscarriage is devastating, and for too long women have not had the care and support they deserve.
“That is changing. Scotland will become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, meaning women know exactly how they will be supported by health services following their loss.
“This charter is a landmark moment — it tells women clearly what they should expect from their NHS, and it holds services to account for delivering it. Scotland is leading the way, and I am proud of the progress NHS Boards, and our charity partners have made together.”
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said: “The care and support offered to women after a miscarriage in the UK has for too long been inconsistent and inadequate.
“We welcome the commitment to change that for women in Scotland, and we’re delighted to have worked with the Scottish Government to create its charter for miscarriage care.
“We will continue to push for similar improvements across the UK and for the roll-out of Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care, which promises women support and care from their first miscarriage rather than only after their third.”
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain and Lithuania on the Strait of Hormuz:
We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.
We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.
We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.
Following publication, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain and Lithuania confirmed they also joined this joint leaders’ statement.
Support worth up to £26,000 by a child’s 16th birthday
One parent families are being urged to check if they are eligible for social security support this National Single Parents Day (21 March 2026).
Lone parent families make up 24% of all families in Scotland with 87% headed by women. As one of the household types most vulnerable to financial pressures, they are disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis, often cutting back on essentials. Research shows 70% have no or low savings and are more likely to be in debt or arrears.
Social Security Scotland’s package of support for families – including Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, could make a difference to household budgets. Updated calculations for 2026/27 show they could be worth £11,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, and around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16. This compares to less than £2,000 for families in England and Wales, where support ends when an eligible child turns four.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is urging all parents and carers — including single parents — to find out if they are eligible.
Ms Somerville said: “We know that families are struggling to make ends meet and National Single Parents Day is a timely reminder that lone parent families are particularly vulnerable, but help is available.
“The Scottish Government is providing families right across Scotland with the best cost-of-living support package in the UK. This financial support can boost household incomes and help families pay for everyday essentials such as nutritious food and clothes, helping to ensure a child’s circumstances doesn’t stop them getting the best start in life.”
Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, added: “Too many single parents are still facing the daily challenge of making ends meet. With four in ten children in single parent families living in poverty, financial support such as the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants can make a real difference.
“These payments provide vital help directly to families who need it most, easing the pressure of rising living costs and helping ensure children have the essentials they need to thrive. One Parent Families Scotland is proud to continue working alongside Social Security Scotland to support single parents understand and access the support they are entitled to.”
Michelle Goldie, a single mum of three from Edinburgh said: “As a single parent, Scottish Child Payment has been a huge help to me. I have three young daughters, and the extra money allows us to do activities together and enables the girls to attend clubs.
“I feel that there is a stigma around being a single parent and around asking for help which is a shame as it may put people off from applying. I encourage all parents, including single parents, to check if they are eligible for support and get the help they are entitled to. It may make all the difference.”
National Single Parents Day is celebrated annually on 21 March to recognise the dedication of single parents and highlight available support.
Ben Macpherson MSP is urging the Scottish Government to open one of its newly announced walk‑in GP clinics at Ocean Terminal – a location very well placed to meet growing local demand for primary care. He has written to the First Minister and Health Secretary to make the case.
Five months ago, the Scottish Government confirmed plans for 15 new GP‑led walk‑in services, offering same‑day access to healthcare without the need for an appointment. The first clinic opened in February at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, marking a major step in strengthening primary care across Scotland. It is already delivering tangible benefits on that side of the city. The rest of the initial tranche of 15 walk-in clinics are currently being delivered across Scotland.
Building on this momentum, the First Minister, John Swinney MSP, announced on Saturday 14 March, at the SNP’s party conference that, should the SNP be re-elected in May, a total of 30 walk-in clinics will be delivered across the country, including a second clinic in Edinburgh.
Ben Macpherson, who has served as Leith’s MSP for a decade, argues that a walk‑in clinic at Ocean Terminal would deliver significant benefits for residents.
The centre has already hosted a successful NHS vaccination clinic for several years, and is very well‑connected by public transport, making it an ideal site for other NHS services, including primary care and a walk-in GP clinic.
This would provide services for local people in Leith and those across Northern and Eastern Edinburgh. Ocean Terminal is also rejuvenating generally, with modern and accessible facilities.
Establishing a GP clinic there would cost less to fit out than creating a new building.
Commenting, Ben Macpherson said: “The SNP Scottish Government’s new GP walk‑in clinics will help make sure people get the care they need at a time that suits them.
“Opening one of these in Ocean Terminal in Leith would be very accessible for a lot of people, ease local pressures on current GP clinics, help meet the demands of population growth in the area, and Lothian more widely, and positively enhance the healthcare facilities on offer in Northern and Eastern Edinburgh.
“I have long advocated for a GP clinic at Ocean Terminal, raising the suggestion in Parliament and writing to the Scottish Government in recent years.
“The existing vaccine clinic has been a clear success, and the site is very well located to host a new NHS facility and GP walk-in clinic. This would meaningfully boost healthcare provision in Leith and for the wider area.”
A 33-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime offences whilst on bail. Dale Cleeton was sentenced to three years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow today, Friday, 20 March, 2026.
At the same court on Wednesday, 11 March, he pleaded guilty to being involved in serious and organised crime.
Cleeton was stopped by officers on the M8 eastbound near junction 2 in August 2023. He was later arrested and charged in connection with serious and organised crime offences on 29 November, 2023.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “I hope this sentencing sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities. Such operations underline our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this issue and make our communities safer.
“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we would continue to urge anyone with knowledge or concerns about serious and organised crime in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
On World Storytelling Day (Friday 20 March), TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel Abercrombie as the new Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. An experienced creative arts producer deeply embedded within the storytelling community in Scotland, Daniel will take up his appointment from April 2026.
Daniel has been Associate Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF) for the past five years, and at the forefront of the much-loved Scottish Storytelling Centre since 2010.
He has been a key figure in driving and shaping the current resurgence of interest in traditional and contemporary storytelling, and his work, just like a traditional ceilidh is rooted in shared creativity, partnerships and collaboration.
Under Daniel’s guidance, the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme has developed into a thriving platform for storytellers and trad-artists, becoming a must-see programme of first-class creativity each August.
In 2013 Daniel was also part of the team that led the creation of Edinburgh Tradfest.
Raised in Edinburgh, Daniel has a deep understanding of the city’s festivals, but also how the SISF reaches across Scotland and absorbs international friendships. As part of his appointment he will join the Directors of Festivals Edinburgh bringing with him a wealth of experience in working with a wide range of artists and cultural organisations and an educational background in cultural and literary tourism.
SISF was founded in 1989 by former director Donald Smith to promote storytelling, nurture new talent and celebrate community. Today, the festival welcomes audiences in excess of 40,000 participants and connects with new and well-known storytellers from all across Scotland and in other parts of the world.
SISF is the world’s largest annual celebration of storytelling and is organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), the national network for traditional arts in Scotland. In 2026 the festival will run from 21 to 31 October.
Daniel Abercrombie, new Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival said: “It’s a great joy to be tasked with continuing the great work of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
“I have seen first hand the natural evolution of the festival into the thriving cultural community force it is now and I look forward to being a steward, celebrant and advocate for the great stories, storytellers and traditional artists that make our festival a light in a world in need of stories.”
Beverley Bryant, Chair of the Scottish Storytelling Forum said: “Daniel absolutely understands the importance of storytelling; both the tradition and culture we are preserving and the need for storytelling in contemporary settings.
“He is a passionate advocate of the art form and of the Scottish arts scene more broadly. It will be exciting to see the SISF develop in new ways under his direction.”
Steve Byrne, CEO of TRACS,who led the recruitment process, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to the TRACS team after many years of working alongside him in partnership, having long admired his innovative programming work at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
“His track record speaks for itself – he is an outstanding candidate whose commitment to traditional arts is first rate. I look forward to seeing SISF flourish under his leadership.”
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