Resilience Room meets to discuss impacts on goods and services
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night (Tuesday 31st March) to consider the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Scotland’s people and businesses.
The meeting included discussion on the potential impacts on the supply and price of various goods and services, including energy, food and fuel.
It was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs, the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands and the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.
The First Minister said: “The impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on people and businesses in Scotland is becoming more significant by the day.
“As concerns continue to grow across our communities and sectors, I convened SGoRR to assess the situation in detail and to consider what further engagement, support, or actions may be required from the Scottish Government, our partners and others in the days and weeks ahead.”
Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said: “The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society.
“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.
“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.”
On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States, The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America.
Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the UK and the US, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
The King will continue to Bermuda to undertake His Majesty’s first Royal Visit as Monarch to a British Overseas Territory.
A further four males have been arrested and charged in connection with assault, possession of weapons and breach of the peace following a disturbance in the Jewel area.
The males, aged 20, 19, 18, and 15, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Around 4.20pm on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, officers were called to a report of males with weapons causing a disturbance. There were no reported injuries.
Two males, aged 18 and 17, were previously arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Chief Inspector Alison Macdonald said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance during our enquiries.
“This type of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers are committed to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the local community. Targeted patrols will continue to deter and detect any criminality.
“Anyone with any concerns should speak to local officers or contact us through 101.”
Thursday 2 April marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM). Every year, we come together to raise awareness of autism and this year will be no different.During April, hundreds of autistic people and families across Scotland will be walking 5k to celebrate WAAM, raise awareness and show solidarity with one another.
This year is especially important because it coincides with National Autistic Society Scotland’s Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, which calls for urgent change ahead of the Holyrood election.
So far, almost 3,500 letters have been sent by autistic people and families calling on all party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights by committing to introduce the long overdue Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
It is clear that in education, diagnosis, healthcare and employment, autistic people are being denied rights and opportunities which should be available to them:
There has been a 768% increase in the number of pupils recorded as receiving Additional Support for Learning since 2004.
Over 42,000 children were waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment, a figure which has increased by over 500% in some areas since 2020.
Autistic people have an estimated employment rate of 29%, compared with Scotland’s national employment rate of 82.5% for non-disabled people and 50.7% for disabled people.
In a survey of 624 autistic people, 51% of respondents found it hard to get a referral and 62% did not feel well informed about the assessment process once referred.
The Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill can make a genuine difference.
Mandatory training in public services can ensure autistic people’s needs are identified and met at the earliest opportunity, rather than only getting support once a crisis point is reached.
Legally binding national and local strategies can also bring about the planning and resources needed to tackle the backlog for assessment and diagnosis, as well as making sure services are properly signposted in our communities.
WAAM leading into the upcoming election is a vital opportunity to ensure parties don’t just talk about the importance of improving outcomes and opportunities for autistic people this election, but that they also Act Now to affect real and meaningful change.
Rob Holland, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “World Autism Acceptance Month is a time for everyone to get involved, raise awareness and celebrate autism acceptance, and so it couldn’t come at a better time to join the calls for change as part of our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign this election in May.”
“Now is the time to get involved by urging party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights and introduce the LDAN Bill, and to spread the word to your friends and families too. This is our chance to ensure the next Scottish Parliament takes overdue action to ensure autistic people’s rights are understood and respected. We cannot miss this opportunity”.
Becca, NAS Scotland Campaigner, said:” I’ve spent my life feeling unsupported, invalidated and left out on account of my autism and I’ve known many who’ve felt the same. This has to change.
“The LDAN bill is urgent and will make a vital positive difference to many people, allowing us to lead fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful lives. It must come into effect as soon as possible”.
If you take regular medication, now’s a good time to check how much you have left.
GP practices and pharmacies may have changed opening hours over the Easter weekend, so ordering what you need in plenty of time can help avoid a last‑minute rush.
Following the successful trial of bridal and occasion wear at our Ocean Terminal charity shop, we’re delighted to announce that we are going to open a standalone bridalwear store, Ever After by St Columba’s, at Newhailes Musselburgh.
As we make the move to our new location we won’t have any bridal wear available to shop or try-on in store for a short period of time. Please bear with us during this transition – we promise it’ll be worth it, as we’ll have lots of space for even more beautiful gowns, occasion wear, and accessories in our new location!
We’ll share opening dates and times as soon as we can – look out for updates in the next few weeks!
Please also note that from 1 April we’re updating our OT shop opening hours.
We’ll be open Friday to Sunday each week, and closed Monday to Thursday.
Scottish Government benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland are being increased by 3.8%, in line with inflation as measured by the annual rate of September 2025 Consumer Prices Index.
The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will also be increased to £204 per week.
These increases will take effect from tomorrow – 1 April 2026.
Seen suspicious activity?
Heard someone bragging about stolen bikes?
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One small thing to do before Easter 
