The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced a ten-fold increase in its Accelerator Programme on the previous year to support 5,000 Scottish startups in 2026.
The Bank has also announced a £1 million partnership with the Scottish EDGE Awards to incentivise entrepreneurs from all of Scotland regions, scaling businesses and young innovators – including to deliver the largest prize fund in the competition’s history.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced a substantial increase in its Accelerator Programme to support 5,000 entrepreneurs, ahead of the opening of its new flagship Edinburgh Hub building later this year.
The 2026 ambition represents a 10-fold increase over the previous year and is more than all the businesses supported in the previous ten years that the Royal Bank Accelerator Programme has been delivered.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator provides entrepreneurs, from all sectors, with business coaching, support networks and access to expertise from across the Bank at no cost. Since launching its Accelerator App in March 2025, the Bank has seen over 1,500 downloads in Scotland.
The Royal Bank of Scotland also currently supports 1,000 businesses through its physical Accelerator Hubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, which offers meeting and working space to accelerator community members.
Notable Accelerator alumni have included Edinburgh-based pizza oven maker Ooni and Glasgow-based healthcare staffing platform provider Staffscanner. Together Scottish Accelerator community businesses have created over 900 jobs.
To recognise the best of Scotland’s entrepreneurial community, the Royal Bank of Scotland is also today announcing a £1 million investment in the Scottish EDGE Awards. These will help to fund three awards – a top Young EDGE and Regional EDGE award in their respective current rounds, and an increased Scale EDGE award of £200,000 in the next round, the largest single prize offered by the competition in its history.
The Scottish EDGE Awards are Scotland’s largest business funding competition and run biannually. The 27th EDGE Awards opened for applicants on 25 February with the finals due to be held on 11th June at the Royal Bank of Scotland Conference Centre, Gogarburn, Edinburgh.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has supported the Awards for the last 12 years as a founding partner, alongside the Hunter Foundation, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, and this new investment extends and expands the partnership to 2028. Since 2014, EDGE winners have collectively created over 4,400 jobs and achieved almost £800 million in turnover.
Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator & Partnerships, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “In our tenth anniversary year, we are going to turbocharge our support for Scotland’s entrepreneurs, by expanding our Royal Bank Accelerator community to 5,000 founders.
“I am also delighted that our extended partnership with the EDGE Awards will see us reward more of Scotland’s startup success stories. Our expanded support for regional awards recognises that the grit, potential and spirit that characterises so many entrepreneurs can be found in every part of our country.
“Royal Bank Accelerator continues to go from strength to strength in supporting Scotland’s innovators to grow.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO, Scottish EDGE said: “As a founding partner of Scottish EDGE, Royal Bank of Scotland has played a pivotal role in helping ambitious founders across Scotland turn great ideas into investable businesses.
“This new £1 million commitment over the next three years is a significant vote of confidence in Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent and in the proven impact that timely, early-stage funding can have.
“From earlier EDGE winners such as Ooni and Amiqus to the next generation of high-growth start-ups, our support can be the catalyst at a critical moment.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Royal Bank and look forward to seeing this investment translate into more innovation, more high-quality jobs, and a stronger Scottish economy.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, visited Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development in Leith yesterday to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week and meet with current and former apprentices building their careers in the construction industry.
The visit highlighted the important role apprenticeships play in supporting Scotland’s housing sector, developing future talent and creating sustainable career opportunities. During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the development, spoke with the site team and heard first-hand from apprentices about their experiences and career progression within the industry.
Tower Street at Merchant Quay, one of Barratt Homes East Scotland’s developments, features a range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. Barratt Homes has numerous apprentices across a range of disciplines on their sites, with several Construction Managers, Site Managers and Senior Site Managers beginning their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term career opportunities available within the business.
Coordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, said:“Apprentices are a central part of growing our economy and I’ve enjoyed hearing directly from the young people who are starting out their careers in the building industry.
“Through the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Programme we’re also increasing the number of planners and supporting future improvements in the planning system by supporting students to study and gain real work experience.
“We know how important these programmes are to the success of the whole housing sector which our new agency, More Homes Scotland, will help to grow. I wish every success to our apprentices and thank them for their contribution to our future workforce.”
Frank Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland Chair, said:“Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy.
“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society. At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution apprentices make to our business and the wider construction industry.
“We were proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our Tower Street at Merchant Quay development to meet some of our talented apprentices and hear about the vital work being done on site. Apprenticeships are fundamental to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and addressing the construction skills gap.
“At Barratt Homes, we are committed to investing in people, providing structured training and clear progression pathways so that individuals can build long and rewarding careers with us. “Developments like Tower Street at Merchant Quay demonstrate how investing in skills supports both local communities and Scotland’s housing ambitions.”
As one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Barratt Redrow continues to play a central role in tackling Scotland’s housing challenges while supporting the local economy and helping to close the construction skills gap through investment in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and training initiatives.
For further information about Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development, visit:
Charities across Edinburgh entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established.
According to the register, 101 charities were registered in Edinburgh during 2025, while 122 were removed from the register.
Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.
This local picture mirrors UK trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.
Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.
Photo of a group of friends studying together at home
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Edinburgh has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become.
“Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”
To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:
Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.
Despite the pressures, the registration of new charities in Edinburgh during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.
Adam Tier added: “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions.
“The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”
‘Stricter conditions for migrants receiving asylum support will create a fairer, compliance-based system that’s better for the British taxpayer‘
Asylum seekers who break the law, illegally work or can support themselves financially will have their accommodation and financial support removed under new laws introduced yesterday.
The statutory legal duty to provide asylum seekers with support and accommodation will be revoked. Instead, it will be replaced with a conditional approach, so support is reserved only for those who genuinely need it and follow the law.
The measures, laid in Parliament yesterday (Thursday 5 March) and which will come into force in June, will remove support payments and accommodation for asylum seekers who illegally work, have the ability to support themselves, have the right to work or have broken the law. Those convicted of serious crimes face removal or deportation.
The move comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduces new legislation to restore order and control to our borders. She outlined her plans in a speech at the Institute For Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank outlining how these reforms are in line with her British values.
The measures deliver on last November’s asylum policy statement, which set out this government’s plan to fix our broken asylum system and maintain the public’s confidence so we can continue provide sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing danger.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution. But taxpayers cannot be expected to fund the lives of those who exploit the system or break our laws.Asylum support and accommodation will now become conditional – reserved only for those who play by our rules.“
Last year a total of £4 billion was spent on asylum support in the UK. As of December, there were 107,003 individuals in receipt of asylum support, with 30,657 in around 200 asylum hotels, costing the Home Office an average of £53,000 a year.
Among this group, around 21,000 migrants could be granted the right to work because they have been waiting for more than 12 months for their asylum claim.
Meanwhile, a record-breaking 9,000 illegal working arrests were made across the UK last year – some of which were asylum seekers.
Under the tougher policy, these people could be eligible to have their support removed, alongside those who break the law, refuse removal and can financially support themselves.
The UK Labour government has already reduced the number of migrants in asylum hotels by 19% in the past year (to the end of December 2025), and overall asylum support costs by 15% in the last financial year (to the end of March 2025).
Tougher rules like those set out could help reduce this even further and lead to greater savings for the taxpayer.
It will ensure the UK offers asylum support that is decent and humane, without attracting illegal migrants to the UK and placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.
Yesterday’s announcement comes after the Home Secretary visited Denmark last week to see how it has tackled immigration with extraordinary results, bringing asylum claims to a 40-year low.
Ms Mahmood has set out that her sweeping reforms to the UK immigration system will follow the Danish model to ramp up removals of those with no right to be here and make it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to Britain.
This work includes closing every asylum hotel in the UK and moving migrants to alternative accommodation, such as former military sites like Crowborough, which is already housing male migrants.
The government will also reform the interpretation of Article 8 of the ECHR to ramp up removals, threaten visa sanctions on countries who do not take back illegal migrants, create a one-stop-shop to fix the broken appeals system and open new safe and legal routes.
The Labour Government says: “Taken together, these are the most sweeping reforms to Britain’s immigration system in modern times.
“It sits alongside existing work which has seen illegal working enforcement activity in 2025 reach the highest level in British history in a calendar year. Removals have also scaled up to nearly 60,000 since July 2024 – a 31% increase compared to the 19-month period ending June 2024.”
Social Bite’s Rose Street coffee shop has officially reopened following a full renovation, bringing fresh energy to the space where a job request from a Big Issue seller sparked a national movement to tackle homelessness, back in 2012.
That moment laid the foundations for Social Bite, which has since grown into a leading social business – creating employment for people facing homelessness and significant barriers to work, becoming one of the UK’s largest providers of freshly prepared free food, and delivering supportive housing and employability programmes nationwide.
Last year alone, the organisation provided almost 159,000 free food and drink items across the UK, including around 58,000 served from the Rose Street shop. Its pioneering Social Bite Village has supported almost 100 people into stable accommodation since opening in 2018, while more than 120 people have been employed through their Jobs First programme.
The newly renovated shop reopens to the public today (Friday 6 March) and will continue its Pay It Forward programme to allow kind-hearted visitors to buy a drink or a meal for someone who needs it. Additionally, the daily free food service will return to the shop from Monday 9 March.
The transformed space has created a light, bright and welcoming environment for paying and non-paying guests. With inclusivity front of mind, the space has been carefully designed to create a better experience for all by reconfiguring the layout and launching a new high quality food and drink menu for everyone to enjoy.
A new community bookshelf, stocked with books generously donated by a corporate supporter, adds to the inclusive feel of the coffee shop, encouraging connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. The coffee shop aims to become a hub for foodies, commuters and locals with plans for a bookclub, running club and live music nights.
The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting from Sonny Murray, one of Social Bite’s first employees, alongside Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Managing Director Mel Swan, and Mitchells & Butlers Retail Business Manager Maclain Wilson.
Sonny first came to the Rose Street shop back in 2013, accessing the free food service before asking staff for an opportunity to work – a chance that enabled him to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding his future.
He now works as a tour guide with Invisible Cities in Edinburgh, which trains and employs people with lived experience of homelessness to become professional guides, and his journey reflects the long-term impact of meaningful employment.
Speaking about the Rose Street shop, Sonny Murray said: “This shop means a lot to me because it’s where things started to change – it gave me a chance to help rebuild my life.
“It’s brilliant to see it refurbished and reopening, and I hope it encourages more people to come in, grab a coffee and support what Social Bite does.
“The more people who walk through these doors, the more opportunities there are for people like me to get back on our feet.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Co-Founder, said: “It’s incredibly special to stand back in the place where this all began. Rose Street is where the idea for Social Bite as we know it first took shape, sparked by a simple question about a job.
“From that moment, we set out to prove that business can be a force for good.
“To see how far we’ve come, from one small coffee shop to supporting thousands of people across the UK with food, employment and housing support and services, is something we’re immensely proud of. Reopening this space feels like both a homecoming and a reminder of why we started.”
The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous support and time of project partners including Mitchells & Butlers, Matthew Algie, Surface ID, Donaldson Construction, WHP Quantity Surveying and YCE Catering Equipment, whose collaboration has helped create a space that truly reflects Social Bite’s mission.
Visitors to Social Bite Rose Street can expect a delicious new menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries, and expertly crafted barista drinks, including special rose flavoured additions to mark the relaunch such as the Rose Matcha, Rose Latte, and Rose Mocha.
Every purchase helps to fund Social Bite’s work supporting people who have experienced and been affected by homelessness, as well as its Pay It Forward system, which helps provide free food and drink to thousands of vulnerable people across the UK each year.
Social Bite invites the local community, businesses and visitors to come along and experience good food for a good cause, where great coffee, delicious food, and community support come together to help change lives.
Molly vsThe Machines is a new documentary premiering on Channel 4. It tells the story of a young girl who died by suicide after being influenced by negative social media algorithms, and her dad, who is now fighting for online safety.
This encourages an important national conversation on how we keep people safe online. Samaritans supports the pressure put on platforms to make their content safe for everyone.
Why making safe online spaces is so important
The dangers that exist online when it comes to suicide and self-harm related content raises the bigger questions of how AI, Big Tech, and social media are negatively infiltrating our lives.
If we want the internet to be a safer space, especially for individuals experiencing distress, things need to change.
But how can we do that?
Putting pressure on platforms for positive impact
Samaritans believe that dangerous self-harm and suicide content, such as graphic images, should be taken down by platforms as they can cause serious harm.
Platforms have a duty to keep their users safe and should never actively push dangerous content onto their algorithms.
That’s why it’s vital that platforms recognise and respond to the vital role they play in suicide prevention.
If users are intentionally looking for this kind of content, the platforms must minimise the availability of harmful content and maximise opportunities for improved help-seeking.
They should highlight helpful resources, share stories of recovery, and signpost to services like Samaritans. And they should also recognise that protections should be further endorsed for the safety of young people.
Keeping young people safe
It is the age of the internet. And young people are used to having phones and tablets and computers within arm’s reach, all the time. But how do we make sure that what they are consuming is safe and appropriate?
Molly vsThe Machines really highlights the importance of parents and caregivers being aware of the risks of social media.
And while some platforms do have restrictions like age limits for who can join and/or sign up, that doesn’t always mean that the content will automatically be age appropriate.
Parents and caregivers need to be informed of the risks so that they can have open and honest conversations with their children about what they’re consuming, how to stay safe, and what to look out for.
Charity Children First says must-watch documentary drama Molly vs the Machines is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers
Commenting in advance of the screening of Molly vs the Machines on Channel 4, last night, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national charity said: “This must-watch documentary drama is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers to demand that tech firms prioritise the protection of our children over lining their own pockets.
“Parents are already extremely worried about the children’s safety in the digital world, but what Molly vs the Machines exposes is the extremity and volume of harmful content that big tech are knowingly targeting to children and young people, which many adults won’t be aware of.
“The consequences for children, childhood and public health are horrifying, but change is possible. Technology firms could stop this tomorrow. Action is needed at every level to regulate, educate and create the cultural and policy shifts that are needed nationally and internationally so that every child can thrive on and off-line.”
Any parent or carer in Scotland worried about their child can contact Children First’s support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat.
Come along for a wonderful community event filled with unique stalls, home baking, handmade gifts, and fun activities for everyone!
Enjoy tea, coffee or juice included with your entry, and children under 12 go free.
Stalls include:
• Ukrainian gifts and crafts
• Home baking
• Handmade laser bags
• Bottle stall
• Lucky dip
• Gnome for home stall
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AB
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
£2 entry (includes tea/coffee/juice)
Most importantly, this event is held to support Ukraine during this difficult time. Every visit, every purchase, and every show of support helps our community stand strong and united with Ukraine.
Please come, bring your friends and family, and help us make a difference
New figures reveal 7 million started a new job in 2025
With National Careers Week under way, jobseekers are reminded to use the HMRC app for essential information when applying for or starting a new job
More than 7 million people started new jobs in 2025, an increase of 300,000 from the previous year
Downloading the HMRC app means jobseekers have their National Insurance number, employment history and tax code at their fingertips helping them when they start their job
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed more than 7 million people started a new job in 2025. And as National Careers Week is under way, it is reminding those starting a new job in 2026 to download the HMRC app for their essential tax and employment details.
Whether it’s a young person on the hunt for their first job, or someone looking for a new challenge, a change of career, or a promotion – downloading the HMRC app provides users with instant access to all the employment and tax-related information they need.
Spring is the busiest time for new recruits – last year more than 1.8 million people started a new job between April and June 2025. Downloading the HMRC app can help avoid those first day nerves and is quick and easy to do via GOV.UK or from the App Store or Google Play.
At the touch of a button, it can display information often asked for by recruiters and employers when someone starts a new job, including:
National Insurance number
employment and income history
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) information, including P60
tax code
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said:“Applying for a job or starting a new job can be hard work in itself. But the HMRC app provides you with handy access to everything you need to make the admin side of things a little easier – especially important for young people who may not know what information an employer requires.
“Download the HMRC app to save yourself some time and stress and avoid those first day jitters.”
The HMRC app had more than 2.7 million new users in 2025. The most popular functions include:
nearly 270,000 people downloading their PAYE history showing their P60 which includes detail of previous employment, salary and tax paid to date
more than 507,000 people using the tax calculator to work out the tax they pay on their salary
more than 522,000 people downloading their National Insurance number to their digital phone wallet to be used whenever it is needed.
Libraries are critical national assets that can help secure Scotland’s future, strengthen communities, and safeguard democracy in an era of artificial intelligence and social change, according to a leading international academic speaking at an event in Edinburgh this week.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), welcomed internationally renowned scholar and author Professor R. David Lankes to deliver a thought‑provoking keynote lecture at the National Library of Scotland on Tuesday (3 March).
The event comes as Scotland’s library sector unites behind SLIC’s bold vision to secure the long-term future of the nation’s libraries, ensuring they continue to empower people, support wellbeing and drive social and economic opportunity in every community.
Bringing together library professionals, academics, students and members of the public, the one‑hour lecture explored themes from Professor Lankes’ latest book, ‘Triptych: Death, AI and Librarianship’ and examined how libraries are evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social fragmentation and increasing political polarisation.
The Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin delivered a powerful message: libraries are essential civic infrastructure that can save lives, strengthen communities and protect democratic values.
Professor Lankes is widely recognised for his influential contributions to the field, with accolades including the American Library Association’s Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished reference librarianship, the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, and the ABC‑CLIO/Greenwood Award for The Atlas of New Librarianship.
He identified how libraries in Scotland, the United States and around the world can play a vital role in addressing urgent societal challenges – from the rise in “deaths of despair”, to increasing social isolation, the spread of misinformation and growing anti‑intellectual sentiment – by fostering connection, participation and access to trusted knowledge.
Highlighting the essential contributions of libraries across all sectors, from public and academic institutions to those serving hospitals, governments and legal organisations, in ensuring communities can reach their full potential and fight a growing wave of anti-democratic trends in global politics, he said: “Libraries are one of society’s most powerful tools for building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
“At a time of profound technological and social disruption, their role has never been more important. The choices we make now about our libraries will shape the future of our communities and our democracy.
“His visit to Scotland reinforces growing recognition of the vital role libraries play not only in education and literacy, but also in economic recovery, digital inclusion, public health and social cohesion.”
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Professor Lankes’ message could not be timelier. Libraries are fundamental to Scotland’s future.
“They are places of opportunity, innovation and inclusion that help people learn, connect and thrive. Across Scotland, libraries are transforming lives every day, supporting digital participation, tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.”
Professor Lankes’ lecture forms part of ongoing work by SLIC and partners to champion the value of libraries and to ensure they remain at the heart of Scotland’s communities in the face of technological disruption and increasing social challenges.
Alison Nolan continued: “Our vision statement is clear, we must secure sustainable support and investment to ensure Scotland’s libraries continue to play this essential role for generations to come.
“This event highlights not only what is at stake but what is possible if we invest in our libraries and the people who power them.”
Sean McNamara, Director of CILIPS, added: “We were delighted to work with our partners at SLIC and the NLS to bring the inspirational Professor Lankes to Edinburgh. We strongly believe that libraries and their staff can play such a key role alongside others in meeting some of society’s biggest challenges.
“Professor Lankes’ talk gave us so much to consider regarding how libraries can support community cohesion and democracy and how they can help us adapt to AI, and it was an honour to host him.”
To learn more and support SLIC’s vision statement, visit:
Projects to benefit from £600,000 fund to support ex-Service personnel
A scheme to help wounded or sick veterans recover their confidence through golf is among 30 projects to receive backing from the Scottish Veterans Fund.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced successful applicants to the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund on a visit to the On Course Foundation at Drumoig Golf Hotel in Fife.
The fund, which the Scottish Government had committed to maintaining for the rest of the parliament was in fact boosted with a further £100,000 in the 26-27 budget, a 20% increase.
The On Course Foundation has been awarded £39,008 over three years to run golf activities across Scotland aimed at improving confidence, reintegration to civilian life and improving employment opportunities.
Other recipients of the 2026-27 funding round include:
Scottish Veterans Residences, which is awarded £40,000 for employability and mental health work with homeless ex-servicemen and women
Shared Parenting Scotland, which will receive £16,500 to work with veterans and their families who are going through family break-up
Erskine which receives £9631 to support veterans experiencing hearing loss.
Since being launched in 2008, the Scottish Veterans Fund has provided more than £3.8 million to nearly 220 individual projects supporting ex-service personnel and their families.
Mr Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the work being done to help veterans recovering from illness or injury by the On Course Foundation here in Fife.
“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families with services such as financial support, employability and by helping them cope with mental and physical health challenges.
“This year’s funding allocations will continue to provide targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community across Scotland, and prioritise projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting service personnel and their families – past or present, living or based in Scotland – and to ensuring they have access to all the help, support and public services they require.”
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “It was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications from organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“I warmly welcome the increase in funding to £600,000 this year, enabling support for a greater number of impactful projects. I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by my predecessors and me, including in the areas of justice and financial wellbeing, and those reaching the less heard from parts of the veteran community.”
The project will support veterans through a two year Outdoor Therapy programme designed to improve veterans’ health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities in access to support, strengthen families and support successful transition into civilian life.
Reading Force
Scotland‑Wide (Multi‑Region – Moray, Fife, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, and the Highlands)
Free story-sharing initiative
£9,914
£9,999
£10,088
The project will continue and expand their free story-sharing initiative for the Veteran community across Scotland, supporting Service leavers, their spouses, partners and children, and bereaved families with resources to help look after their own wellbeing and stay well within their communities.
Scottish Veterans Residencies
Edinburgh
FO(OT)HOLD
£40,000
£40,000
£40,000
This project will use occupational therapy to improve the mental health and employment prospects of homeless Veterans in supported housing.
Housing Options Scotland
Edinburgh
Military Matters Programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project will provide 1-1 housing information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community, supporting veterans and serving personnel with expert housing brokerage at the point of transition to navigate the complex processes involved in securing appropriate housing.
Lothians Veterans Centre
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Drop-in Centre
£31,781
£33,846
£35,930
Project will fund the drop-in centre in Dalkeith, offering a range of holistic, person-centred advice and support to veterans and families primarily in the Lothians.
Royal Marines Association
Angus (Arbroath)
Transition Support Officer North
£9,000
£9,000
£9,000
This project will fund a Transition Support Officer , based at 45 Commando in Arbroath.
Shared Parenting Scotland
Edinburgh
Separation and family breakdown support
£16,500
£16,500
£16,500
This project will expand activity underway to strengthen support for veterans and their family’s experiencing separation, family breakdown and loss of contact with children.
On Course Foundation
Scotland‑Wide
Confidence building golf activities
£7,872
£15,568
£15,568
To deliver a programme of confidence building golf activities throughout Scotland, supporting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans and Service personnel on recovery duty.
Thistle
Edinburgh
Meaningful Connections
£40,000
£42,000
£44,000
The project will refine and build on the successes of the Meaningful Connections programme, which has improved the health, wellbeing and social participation of over 120 veterans and their families across Scotland to date.
Sacro
Edinburgh
Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS)
£25,000
£25,000
N/A
This project is available for military veterans who are currently in or are at risk of becoming involved in Scotland’s Justice System. The service works closely with each veteran to build an intensive support plan, providing practical and emotional support throughout their journey.
Combat Stress
Highlands & Rural North
The Veterans and Family Recovery Network.
£32,000
£16,000
N/A
The service will provide veterans and their families’ access to a mental health education programme.
Forces Employment Charity
Scotland‑Wide
NOVA Scotland programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project supports veterans in contact with the Scottish Justice System, with the overarching aim of reducing reoffending, facilitating reintegration into the community, and encouraging a successful transition into a sustainable, law abiding lifestyle.
Royal Caledonian Education Trust
Edinburgh
Support to Service leavers’ and veterans’ children.
£37,500
£37,500
£37,500
Funding to support children and young people to achieve a successful transition to civilian life when their parent leaves the forces.
Defence Gardens Scheme
Highlands & Rural North
Strong Roots
£24,000
£24,000
£24,000
This project is for all members of the Armed Forces across the Highlands and will deliver bespoke evidenced horticultural therapy and train practical growing skills to enable veterans and their families to become Veteran Volunteers.
Organisation
Location
Project Title
26/27
27/28
28/29
Project Overview
ACVC Hub
Greater Glasgow
Creative Well-Being Enterprise Programme
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
This project will deliver arts and crafts tutored sessions to veterans and their families, 3 days weekly over 3 years. Using arts and crafts as a non-clinical support tool to improve mental health, build routine, reduce isolation and support transition to civilian life.
Fresh Start Scotland
Edinburgh
Support for veterans working through addiction
£15,001
£15,450
£15,913
This project will be delivered through a partnership between Fresh Start, LEAP (Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme), and Recovery Through Activity, to provide a tailored pathway to support veterans who are in, or emerging from, addiction recovery.
Money Advice Scotland
Lanarkshire (East Kilbride)
Money Advice for Veterans
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
A specialist training programme delivered to the sector on supporting veterans with financial advice and challenges.
Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB
Scottish Borders
Supporting rural veterans
£28,065
N/A
N/A
A project advisor to reach out and provide additional physical outreach to support for veterans within the rural community.
Royal British Veterans Enterprises
Greater Glasgow
Empowering Scotland’s Bravest
£31,297
£35,980.46
£37,409.91
A pilot which will restructure RBVE’s Accredited Training Centre, in partnership with West College Scotland (WCS) and provide a dedicated training programme for disabled, disadvantaged, vulnerable and underemployed veterans and military families in Scotland.
SMALL FUND
Organisation
Project Title
26/27
Project Overview
Archaeology Scotland
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Wellbeing Through Archaeology
£10,000
This project offers a unique, archaeology-based approach to improving health and wellbeing for female veterans, female serving personnel, and their families.
Clyde Coast Radio
Inverclyde (Port Glasgow)
Veterans Radio Show
£9,000
A volunteer group of Army veterans providing support to veterans through radio.
Cyrenians
Lothians (Wilkieston)
Sanctuary for veterans and families.
£10,000
To provide support for veterans and focus on under-represented groups such as the LGBTQI+ community and families through wellbeing activities at the Linburn Walled Garden.
Erskine
Renfrewshire (Bishopton)
EARS 2 Hear
£9,631
The project will provide a hearing support initiative for veterans.
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group
Lanarkshire
Veterans Group
£10,000
To provide veterans support through fortnightly meet-ups, offering a varied programme of activities and support based on the needs and interests of the group.
Macmerry and District Mens Shed
East Lothian
Twice weekly workshops
£7,500
A twice weekly workshop bringing veterans together, with the opportunity to learn new skills and access support.
Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership
Lothians (Dalkeith)
CAB services for veterans
£3,000
Project will increase access to local up-to-date information and confidential advice on a range of support services for veterans through Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau Virtual Expert Remote Advice portable touchscreen devices.
Nature 4 Health
Highlands (Forres)
EVAC North Sessions
£9,600
Weekly 90 minute activity sessions to be held at Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North, ranging from dissertation writing on subjects of interest to learning bushcraft.
Rothiemurchus Lodge
Highlands (Aviemore)
Refurbishments
£9,410
To refurbish the Lodge and provide respite accommodation for veterans and their families.
Stand Easy
Fife
Drama-based therapy
£10,000
Drama-based therapeutic workshops to support ex-Service personnel and their families affected by Post-Traumatic Stress.
What Makes the Difference
Ayrshire / West Coast
Support to veterans in custody
£10,000
A 12-week pilot to deliver structured coaching to veterans in custody, addressing the unique challenges of identity loss, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and neurodivergent traits that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Stalls include:
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AB
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
£2 entry (includes tea/coffee/juice)
