Joint long-term alcohol and drugs strategic plan launched

A new plan to reduce deaths and harms caused by alcohol and drugs has been published.

The joint Scottish Government and COSLA plan aims to improve collaboration between government and grassroots delivery with a locally-led, accountable system, guided by clear national direction and support.

Backed by more than £160 million in 2026-27, the plan builds on the Scottish Government’s five-year National Mission on Drugs which ends in April.

A key priority is to expand treatment standards to include alcohol and all drugs. It has a renewed focus on prevention, with specific measures to stop people from developing problem alcohol and drug use. It also maintains support for residential rehabilitation with a focus on improving pathways through detox, crisis care and stabilisation.

The plan is underpinned by a human-rights based approach. This ensures that people with first-hand experience help shape the design and delivery of services and receive person-centred support.

Speaking at the Haven residential rehabilitation service, which has received £600,000 for eight additional beds, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The last five years have seen record investment in alcohol and drugs services, with significant progress, but we want to do more. This plan marks the next phase in our response to tackling alcohol and drug harms.

“We are already widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone, and Glasgow hosts the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility. As we respond to new challenges – including an increasingly toxic drugs supply – this plan refocuses our efforts in a more co-ordinated and sustainable way.

“As a joint Scottish Government and COSLA initiative, this plan will strengthen national and local partnership working so that people can receive the right help when and where they need it.”

The plan is aimed at preventing initial harm and supporting long-term recovery and wellbeing and focuses on four interconnected areas:

·       prevention and early intervention

·       harm reduction

·       treatment and care

·       the wider circle of support.

Priorities include strengthening local delivery, supporting the voluntary sector and workforce and improving data, research and evidence.  

COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Far too many individuals and families continue to be affected by drugs and alcohol harms. We need to do everything we can to support people, which requires us to work across spheres of government.

“Bringing local and national government together for the first time in this way represents a step change in how we plan and deliver support for people affected by drugs and alcohol.

“Local government works closely with our communities, across a range of preventative services, and has strong local knowledge of the challenges our communities face.

“No single service can respond to the ongoing challenge of drugs and alcohol harms. It is only by working in partnership, investing sustainably in vital supports and through the co-ordinated efforts of the whole system, that we prevent issues before they arise and support people to sustain recovery.”

The Haven Chief Executive Gary Lister said: “Through its holistic, recovery-focused programme, The Haven supports individuals to rebuild their lives, restore family relationships and move towards long-term recovery.

“The Scottish Government’s support for the current expansion of the facility — including eight additional residential beds and enhanced living spaces — will help ensure more people can access the safe, structured support they need to begin that journey.”

Paul Waterson, SAIP Chair said: “The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is committed to promoting responsible consumption and tackling harmful drinking. The data show that progress is being made in tackling harmful consumption, but more needs to be done.

“Scotland has had in place for many years a wide-ranging whole population approach. What is needed to make further progress is greater focus and more action to deliver targeted interventions such as community alcohol partnerships, and a greater use of assertive outreach.

“We welcome the commitment to engagement with business and industry on the alcohol harm prevention plan to be published later in 2026.”

Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035

YouthLink Scotland: Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund

We’re pleased to share that funding has been secured for a Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund, supporting 10 local youth work organisations to deliver early intervention projects!

Find out more about No Knives Better Lives’ approach:

We’re pleased to share some positive news. Funding has been secured for a Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund, which will support local partner organisations to strengthen early intervention work with young people.

Through this fund, 10 youth work organisations will be supported to deliver violence prevention initiatives using youth work approaches. These projects will focus on reaching young people early, building relationships, and providing support before issues escalate into harm.

Youth work has long been recognised as a key protective factor in young people’s lives. At its core are trusted relationships with prosocial adults, safe spaces, and opportunities for young people to build confidence, skills, and positive identities. These elements are central to preventing violence.

By offering consistent support, positive role models, and constructive alternatives, youth workers help young people navigate challenges and make safer choices.

Crucially, this approach is not about reinventing the wheel. The youth work sector already knows what works. Early intervention, relationship-based practice, and community-led youth work have proven time and again to be effective in reducing risk and strengthening protective factors around young people.

Alongside delivery, the programme will also focus on building the evidence base. We will gather learning and develop case studies that demonstrate the real impact youth work can have in preventing violence. While it’s encouraging to see increasing recognition of youth work nationally, it is vital that this recognition is backed by strong evidence that can help secure further investment and resources for the sector.

We’re excited to work with partners on this initiative and will share updates as the programme develops.

YouthLink Scotland

@YouthLinkScot

YWPV-Fund-26-2Download

650,000 Scots urged to quit tobacco on No Smoking Day

650,000 Scots are being urged to quit tobacco this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 11 March 2026)to boost their health, wellbeing and personal finances.

The call is coming from health charity ASH Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government as part of the 2026 national ‘Quit and Win’ No Smoking Day campaign.

The campaign is highlighting that an average smoker who gives up tobacco could save ?3,332 after a year, reduce feelings of anxiety, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and, within 10 years, cut the risk of lung cancer by half.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “There is an average of 172 preventable smoking-attributable deaths in Scotland every week, with people in our poorest communities among those most affected.

“Free expert advice offered by NHS Scotland’s Quit Your Way services, however, can improves the chances of quit smoking success by three to four times. We encourage everyone who wants to live tobacco-free to mark No Smoking Day by reaching for Quit Your Way’s specialist support which is the best thing to do to improve health, wellbeing and personal finances.”

Jenni Minto MSP, Public Health Minister, said: “If you are a smoker, please let this No Smoking Day be the start of your journey to a tobacco-free future. I know that quitting is hard but, in Scotland, there is free support available through the NHS stop smoking service Quit Your Way.

“The website offers expert advice and you will be directed to local services where you can access a range of free support, medications and products.”

Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly ?– even for people who have smoked for a long time. 

“Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”

Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.

Hereditary Peers Bill passed

“One of the biggest reforms to Parliament and UK democracy in a generation” – really?

  • Hereditary peers will no longer have the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords in one of the biggest reforms to Parliament in a generation.
  • Fulfilling a key manifesto pledge of the current Government, the Hereditary Peers Bill will ensure that places in the Lords are not reserved for people born into certain families.
  • The passage of the Bill completes a process started a quarter of a century ago to remove the hereditary principle from the House of Lords and bring the UK into line with other 21st century democracies.

The Hereditary Peers Bill has passed in the House of Lords in one of the biggest reforms to Parliament and UK democracy in a generation’. 

The Bill, which was passed on Tuesday evening, fulfills one of the Government’s key manifesto pledges and marks the completion of work started over 25 years ago to remove the right for hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords.

The Government believes that no one should be able to vote on legislation solely on the basis of their inheritance, so reform of this outdated and undemocratic principle has been long overdue.

Leader of the House of Lords, Baroness Smith said: “The Lords plays a vital role within our bicameral Parliament, but nobody should sit in the House by virtue of an inherited title. That is why the government committed to removing the remaining hereditary peerages, completing the reforms that were started over a quarter of a century ago.

“Getting this bill through is a major first step towards reform of the Lords, with further changes to follow – including on members’ retirement and participation requirements.”

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: “Hereditary peerages are an archaic and undemocratic principle. I am proud that we have fulfilled a key manifesto pledge of this government.

“Our Parliament should always be a place where talents are recognised and merit counts. It should never be a gallery of old boys’ networks, nor a place where titles, many of which were handed out centuries ago, hold power over the will of the people.”

In making this change, the Government is committed to ensuring that the House can continue to function effectively. The Government has therefore agreed to offer additional life peerages to the Official Opposition and Crossbenchers. As always, it will be for the Opposition to decide which individuals they wish to nominate for peerages.

The Bill is the first step in wider reform to the House of Lords which, besides Lesotho’s Senate, is the only legislative body that still contains a hereditary element. The Government believes that there should not be places in the second chamber of Parliament reserved for those who were born into certain families.

Currently, 92 excepted hereditary peers, which include a range of Dukes, Viscounts, and Earls, can vote on legislation in the Lords. While over 600 hereditary peers were removed from the Lords in the House of Lords Act 1999, 92 were retained as an interim measure.

The Bill will come into effect at the end of this session of Parliament, after which no peer will be a member of the House of Lords on the basis of their hereditary peerage.

IT’S A START, I SUPPOSE …

Families freed from school meal debt

Fund cleared historic debt in over 70,000 cases across Scotland

More than 70,000 instances of support were provided to families to clear historic school meal debt as a result of nearly £2.9 million investment, a new report shows.

The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt accrued by families up to 31 March 2024.

The fund was established in response to cost-of-living pressures and the stigma that school meal debt can place on children.

The School Meal Debt Fund Report, published today, also sets out councils’ strategies for addressing meal debt, such as flexible payment options, simplified free school meal applications and extended free meal provision.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “No child should feel the burden of school meal debt, and no family should face unnecessary stress over the cost of their child’s lunch.

“This report highlights the compassionate and innovative approaches being taken by councils to support families – from streamlining free school meal applications to offering flexible payment options and working directly with families facing hardship.

“School meal debt is still an issue. While councils are proactively identifying and supporting those who need help the most, they must ensure that all families never reach the point of debt in the first place. We will continue to work with councils to ensure that more can be done to address this.

“Over 230,000 pupils are currently benefitting from free school meals, a crucial element in our commitment to eradicate child poverty. This saves families who take up the offer every school day around £450 per child, per year.

“Our 2026-27 Budget expands free school meal provision to reach an additional 5,500 pupils, continuing our mission to give every child the best possible start in life.”

School Meal Debt Fund: report – gov.scot

Food banks provide almost 220,000 food parcels to people facing hunger across Scotland

Majority are for families with children, reports Trussell

  • Families with children continue to be among hardest hit, receiving 56% of parcels despite representing only 38% of the overall population 
  • Severe hardship among older people is rising sharply, with parcels provided to people aged 65+ more than doubling (106%) since 2019 
  • Scottish stars including Brian Cox, Sanjeev Kohli, Julie Graham, Mark Bonnar and Gregor Fisher join call for political parties to commit to ending need for food banks ahead of Holyrood elections 
  • Trussell warns that people are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as the strain eases for some, while ongoing, day-to-day hardship continues to weigh heavily on other families 

New figures released today by Trussell reveal that almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hunger and hardship across Scotland in 2025, as hunger continues to grip communities. 

Trussell’s community of food banks in Scotland are providing the equivalent of 600 food parcels a day – or one parcel every 2 and a half minutes.  

Trussell reported a 13% drop in the total parcel numbers provided in Scotland compared to the previous year of 2024, largely due to easing inflation – reflecting a slowdown in the rising cost of essentials – alongside fewer people losing their jobs. While this means some people have been able to get back on their feet, the charity warns too many are feeling “overlooked and left behind” as incomes from social security and wages continue to fail to cover the high costs of essentials like food, utility bills, and toiletries. 

Parents are among the people shouldering the heaviest burden, as families with children received more than half (56%) of all parcels in 2025, despite making up just 38% of Scotland’s population. Trussell is also reporting an alarming rise in hardship among older people in Scotland. Between 2019 and 2025 the number of parcels provided for people aged 65 and over more than doubled (106% increase).

Food banks are describing the persistent hardship they witness as “appalling”, with people sitting in the dark to save electricity, parents skipping meals to feed their children, and people in such impossible situations that they open food parcels to eat before leaving the food bank. 

At the same time, levels of need continue to outpace donations. Many food banks say they are at breaking point and are having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep shelves stocked. 

The charity says such appalling levels of hunger and hardship should serve as a wake-up call for the upcoming election. In Scotland, there are high levels of public concern about hunger and hardship with 94% of people saying it’s a problem. (Trussell Public Attitudes Survey 2025) 

This Holyrood election, the charity is calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good.

A host of Scottish celebrities have also joined Trussell’s call. 

Brian Cox, actor and Succession star, said: “No one should have to turn to a food bank to get by. But shockingly, almost 220,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Scotland last year – with so many of these provided for children.  

“I know from my own experience that poverty has a lasting impact that never leaves you. It has a stubborn grip. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist in a just and compassionate society. 

“That’s why I’m calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good. Because hunger is not inevitable.” 

Sanjeev Kohli, Still Game star and comedian, said: “Finport & Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length & breadth of our country, too many people are struggling to afford the essentials and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support. 

“Parents are being forced to ration nappies and people are opening food parcels to eat as soon as they leave the food bank. I don’t want to live in a country which stands by as people are forced to the brink like this.

“I stand with Trussell in putting pressure on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks for good.” 

Julie Graham, Shetland actor, said: “It’s not right that anyone should be facing hunger in Scotland today. 

It’s especially alarming how many children are experiencing this, struggling to get through a day at school on an empty stomach. 

“That’s why I’m standing with Trussell and calling on all political parties in the Holyrood elections to commit to ending the need for food banks, so no one has to go through this.” 

Mark Bonnar, actor and Celebrity Traitors star, said: “It’s shocking that so many people are still facing hunger and hardship in Scotland today.

“This shouldn’t be the case in 2026. Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t be necessary. I am standing with Trussell to call on all political parties to commit to ending the need for food banks in Scotland for good.” 

Gregor Fisher, actor and Rab C Nesbitt star, said: “The number of people having to turn to food banks across Scotland in order to survive is unacceptable.

“With almost 220,000 emergency food parcels being distributed to people across the country, and so many of these provided for children, it’s clear that the time for action is now. 

“It’s a disgrace that so many families are struggling to get by. That’s why I’m standing with Trussell to call for all political parties in the Holyrood elections to prioritise solutions that will end hunger, and commit to a future without food banks.” 

Cara Hilton, senior policy and public affairs manager at Trussell Scotland, said: “Today’s figures show that too many people across Scotland are still being pushed to the brink. Hunger continues to hold a harsh grip on communities, leaving many people feeling overlooked and left behind. 

“This is heartbreaking. No one should be forced to turn to a food bank because they can’t afford the essentials we all need, like food, bills and toiletries. But right now, too many people are being forced to skip meals so their children can eat, or survive on cups of tea because they don’t have any food left in the cupboards.  

“This Holyrood election, we need to see the political will to act on the unacceptably high levels of hunger and hardship. We must build a Scotland where everyone can afford the essentials, where every child has a decent start in life, and where charitable food provision is consigned to history.  

“We urge all political parties and candidates to commit to a plan to end the need for food banks in Scotland for good. We won’t stop until everyone has enough to afford the essentials and we can end the need for food banks for good.” 

Pam, 59, a former police officer from Kirkintilloch, said: “Having worked as a police officer until I had to quit due to ill-health, I never thought I’d need to use a food bank. I had to get a hip replacement due to arthritis, and then my house was repossessed as I just couldn’t afford to keep going.  

“I visited the food bank in some of my darkest days, and the support of the food bank helped me not only get the food I needed but the right support too. They gave me the help I needed to cope with my illness and that’s why after using the food bank, I volunteered there to help give back.   

“Despite being able to get back on my feet a little, I later suffered an aneurysm in my brain which left me having to learn to walk again, and the damage that caused means I sometimes struggle with the sheer level of administration that comes with claiming Universal Credit.  

“I am now at risk of having to use it again because the health element of my benefits is being reviewed.” 

Trussell says food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK.

The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK. 

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode 

Arrests following Old Firm disorder

‘ROBUST’ INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING

Nine people have been arrested following disorder around the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (8 March).

A ‘robust’ investigation is ongoing and Police Scotland is working with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association as enquiries continue.

Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match. The men are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

A number of officers and members of the public were injured during the scenes which took place on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.

Items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown and a 10-year-old child was struck by a coin.

A 54-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a police assault. He was released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was also released to appear at a later date.

There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.

Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated.

Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander said: “These were utterly disgraceful scenes and must be condemned by everyone involved in football and the wider society.

“No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences.

“Several officers and members of the public, including a child, were injured as a result of what unfolded. This is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour.

“It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?

“Policing will play its role in addressing these issues but it requires collective action by a number of organisations with whom we are currently engaging.

“Crucially, however, I would also call out the need for individuals who see fit to behave in such a despicable manner to take personal accountability. No game of football should be overshadowed by the behaviours of a few.

“A policing enquiry team has been established today to investigate all incidents pertaining to the quarter final fixture and I would appeal to any member of the public who has information which may assist those enquiries to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.

“I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course. For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team. The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here.

£2.2 million boost for volunteering across Scotland

Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 grants announced

More than 100 grassroots organisations across Scotland will share £2.2 million to recruit and support volunteers in their communities.

Over the next two years, the Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 will benefit small and medium sized third sector organisations from the Highlands to the Borders with grants of up to £20,000 to projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives.

Projects receiving funding include the Inverness Tool Library which enables people to borrow equipment they might not otherwise afford and Toryglen Community Youth Project, a fully volunteer-run charity improving the lives of children and families in deprived communities.

Edinburgh projects to receive funding are:

EdinburghAction Porty
EdinburghDoor in the Wall Arts Access CIC
EdinburghEdinburgh Street Pastors
EdinburghFirsthand Lothian
EdinburghJock Tamson’s Gairden
EdinburghLINKnet Mentoring Limited
EdinburghNo Boundaries School CIC
EdinburghPianodrome Community Interest Company
EdinburghPilmeny Development Project
EdinburghRhyze Mushrooms Co-op CIC
EdinburghStarpic Project
EdinburghThe BIG Project
EdinburghThe Linda Tremble Foundation (t/a SupportED)
EdinburghThink Circus SCIO
EdinburghVintage Vibes
EdinburghWester Hailes Growing Communities

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to help others, asking for nothing in return, and I want to thank every volunteer for their selflessness.

“This £2.2 million investment recognises the incredible contribution volunteers make across our country. From supporting refugees to tackling loneliness, from running youth projects to protecting our environment, volunteers are there making Scotland a better place.

“I would also encourage anyone considering volunteering to take that step whether you have a few hours a week or a few hours a month. Volunteering offers the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and experience the genuine fulfilment that comes from helping others.”

Toryglen Community Youth Project trustee Kay Wright said: “The Volunteering Support Fund is helping us to remove barriers and create opportunities for people in our community to get involved.

“The support empowers us to do more, especially for those who have lacked opportunities in the past, by creating personalised and bespoke pathways into volunteering.”

Head of Operations and Development for the Impact Funding Partnership Diane Wilson said: “As the only fund specifically supporting volunteer development programmes nationally, the Volunteering Support Fund is vital to the 116 organisations receiving a grant. 

“It enables them to employ essential co-ordinator roles, develop and strengthen policies and procedures, and provide bespoke support to engage with people experiencing barriers to volunteering. This funding will contribute to stronger organisations and more connected communities.”

The Volunteering Support Fund is managed by Impact Funding Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. Following a competitive application process, 116 organisations were selected from 252 applications.

The full list of funded organisations is available here: 

www.gov.scot/publications/volunteering-support-fund-projects-funded   

Can You Help? Police appeal to trace 30-year-old Patryk Michalak

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information to help trace 30-year-old Patryk Michalak. He was last seen around 7.20pm on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, in the Ferry Road Place area.

Patryk wears glasses and has a beard. He was last seen wearing a three-quarter length dark woollen jacket, a blue hooded top underneath with black leather sports shoes and dark tracksuit bottoms. He was carrying a dark coloured backpack.

Police Sergeant Tom Archer said: “We are growing increasingly worried for the welfare of Patryk and would appeal to anyone who knows his whereabouts to get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0914 of 10 March 2026.