John Swinney has called on FIFA to end dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets after supporters were hit with eye-watering costs to follow Scotland this summer.
The First Minister has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging him to introduce a fairer ticketing model, warning that too many members of the Tartan Army risk being priced out of Scotland’s first men’s World Cup since 1998.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Tartan Army are the greatest supporters in the world, and have waited almost 30 years for the World Cup.They should not be priced out by dynamic ticket pricing.
“I’ve written to FIFA to urge fairer and more affordable prices. Football should be about fans, not finances.”
Full letter from the First Minister to FIFA President Gianni Infantino:
Dear Gianni Infantino,
As you will know, this summer Scotland will return to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Our victory against Denmark led to the most remarkable scenes as people across Scotland celebrated one of the proudest moments in our recent sporting memory.
Steve Clarke and the team have instilled a sense of confidence and pride in our country that only our national game can bring.
That incredible moment for our nation will live long in the memory and in just a few months’ time thousands will embark on a trip to America to follow Scotland in our games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil and, with a bit of magic from the boys, beyond that too.
Our Tartan Army has the chance to see our men’s national team at a World Cup for the first time in decades, but our historic return has been marred by FIFA’s dynamic pricing model that has made the trip simply unaffordable for so many loyal supporters.
This model has made this the most expensive World Cup in history and it is the opposite of what football, and indeed the biggest sporting occasion on the planet, should be about.
Scotland fans, travelling across the globe, are entirely justified in calling for you to put an end to this pricing model, particularly during a cost of living crisis when people are really struggling. I am urging you to act to introduce a fair, affordable ticketing model for fans going forward.
Scotland gave birth to our beautiful game and its management has been entrusted to you. But as you know football belongs to fans. It is now imperative you take responsibility to ensure that remains the case.
MSP’s hold pictures of deceased constituents in support of the Dignity In Dying charity in the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh.
12 March 2026.
A group of cross party MSPs united yesterday to support Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill ahead of its final vote on Tuesday 17th March.
The MSPs have issued a letter to their Parliamentary colleagues urging them to keep the voices and experiences of those most affected by this issue front of mind and to vote in favour of Bill.
The MSPs joined a photocall in support of the Bill carrying photos of terminally ill Scots and those who died a bad death and wished for the law to change.
In the letter they say that:
“On many issues that come before us in Parliament we differ in opinion, but when it comes to extending compassion and safety to dying people we are united in our support for dignity and choice.
‘Over the last few years, we have each heard from constituents across Scotland about the heavy toll the ban on assisted dying has taken on them and the urgent need for the law to change.
‘We have heard from a mother who watched her son beg to die when the pain caused by his endocrine cancer became too much to bear, from a daughter who watched her mum starve and dehydrate to death over the course of 18 long days when she reached the limit of MND, from a widow who returned home to Scotland alone after accompanying her dying husband to Switzerland to face a police interview, from dying people considering how best to take matters into their own hands should their suffering become unbearable and many more people with terminal illness consumed by the fear of a protracted and painful death.
‘While all the experiences they shared were different in nature, there was one constant – that in each and every case a safe and compassionate assisted dying law would have lessened their pain and made both living with a terminal diagnosis and loss that bit more bearable.
‘In every constituency there are stories like these – real people enduring real suffering. In every single constituency the voting public support changing the law on assisted dying.
‘The Bill that is in front of us has been through rigorous scrutiny, is robustly evidenced and puts in place a range of protections that simply do not exist at the moment. It will make assisted dying the most safeguarded end of life option. 300 million people around the world already have access to some form of assisted dying. There is no evidence of abuse of these laws and extensive evidence to show that they address the failings created by a blanket ban on assisted dying.
‘The current situation can not continue – it is demonstrably cruel, dangerous and ineffective. It denies dying people choice and fails to protect anyone. By contrast Liam McArthur MSP’s Bill will create new protections for people at end of life and offers this Parliament the opportunity to put in place a safe, regulated framework that will work alongside palliative care to provide choice and compassion when people need it most.
‘This issue is not going away, banning assisted dying does not stop assisted dying, it merely drives it overseas, underground and behind closed doors. As such, voting against this bill has serious consequences, leaving dying Scots more at risk, isolated and vulnerable.
”We urge you to keep the voices and experiences of those most affected by this issue front of mind and to vote in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill on the 17th March.”
The letter has been signed by MSPs from each of the main political parties represented in Parliament. Signatories include:
George Adam MSP, Karen Adam MSP, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Jackie Dunbar MSP, Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Rachael Hamilton MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP, Monica Lennon MSP, Richard Lochhead MSP, Douglas Lumsden MSP, Rona Mackay MSP, Paul McLennan MSP, Carol Mochan MSP, Lorna Slater MSP, David Torrance MSP, Evelyn Tweed MSP, Elena Whitham MSP.
Maggie Chapman MSP, Gordon MacDonald MSP and Gillian Mackay MSP joined the photocall.
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.
Last winter, food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided an emergency food parcel to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.
Over 19,000 food parcels were provided for Scottish children last winter – that’s just under one in every three parcels, according to new figures
Over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food in Scotland for the first time last winter, with thousands expected once again this year
The level of support provided by food banks to people in Scotland aged 65 and over last winter was almost double (+99% higher) than what it was before the pandemic
Still Games star Sanjeev Kohli calls on the public to support food banks this Christmas
New figures from Trussell reveal alarming numbers of people in Scotland needing support from a food bank over the winter period.
Over 59,000 emergency food parcels were distributed overall last winter between December 2024 and February 2025 to people across Scotland with more than 19,000 of these provided for children – representing just under one in every three parcels.
There has been an alarming increase in the support provided for people aged 65 and over. Last winter, people aged 65 and over received more than 1,400 food parcels – that’s nearly double (99% higher) the level of support compared to the same period five years ago.
Last winter alone, over 5,400 families visited a Trussell food bank in Scotland for the first time and -as the country heads into the festive season – the charity estimates that once again thousands of people will need to turn to a food bank for the first time.
Last winter food banks in the Trussell community across Scotland provided emergency food to someone every 2 minutes 12 seconds.
Over the coldest months this year, as the rising costs of essentials – like food, electricity and rent – push more families to the brink, we expect to see sustained high levels of need.
Winter is consistently the busiest season for food banks, with need typically peaking due to colder temperatures and increased energy costs. At this time of year, food banks play a vital role in ensuring that people who cannot afford the essentials can still get by.
But worryingly, over half (58%) of Trussell’s community of food banks across the UK say that preparing for this winter feels harder than ever, as levels of need continue to outpace donations.
Many food banks say they are at breaking point and having to purchase significant amounts of food just to keep up.
Last winter alone, food banks in Scotland spent an estimated £205,000 on food as donations struggled to keep up with high levels of need.
That’s why Trussell is urging people to support them and their local food banks in any way possible – to help provide emergency food and advice for people facing hardship and play their part in ending hunger for good.
Sanjeev Kohli, Still Games star and Trussell supporter, said: “Finport and Craiglang might be fictional, but in very real communities the length and breadth of our country, too many people will struggle to afford the essentials this winter and will have no choice but to turn to their local food bank for support.
“No one should have to face our bitterly cold months worrying about whether to heat their home or have a hot meal, but so many people sadly will. No one should be forced to a food bank because they don’t have enough money to live on.
“Winter is often the busiest time for food banks, but when you walk through their doors you’re met with such warmth and care. I’ve witnessed first-hand the relief that food banks provide to people facing hardship and it’s a reminder of the compassion and dignity that brings our communities together, even in the toughest of times.
“It breaks my heart that so many people will be forced to turn to a food bank to support themselves or their families this winter, that’s why I’d ask all of you to get down to your version of Navid’s and fill your basket with items for your local food bank. You can also support Trussell’s winter appeal by making a donation through their website.”
Lynsey, a mum from Fife who was forced to turn to a food bank after her relationship broke down, said: “I was working full-time but my world collapsed when my partner left.
“It meant I had to leave my job to care for the children, and not long after I was also registered disabled. I have five children and after I became ill, I reached a point where I was completely overwhelmed.
“I was nervous when I first went to the food bank. I was worried I’d be judged but this wasn’t the case at all. The staff and volunteers were so welcoming and reminded me that keeping my children happy and fed was what mattered most.
“They provided us with emergency food when we couldn’t afford the essentials and I couldn’t be more grateful. Life is still tough and this winter will be a struggle once again with extra costs, like heating and energy bills.
“Thankfully, it’s such a relief to know that the food bank will be there to support my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Cara Hilton, Trussell’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but too many people in Scotland will be struggling just to get by.
“Thousands of families will be forced to turn to a food bank for the first time as they are left exhausted, isolated and without enough money to live on.
“Essentials like food on the table, a warm home and toiletries become a luxury many people simply cannot afford as people will be forced to make impossible decisions like whether to eat or heat their homes this winter.
“As the coldest months draw in, food banks need your help now more than ever. If you are in a position to help, you can make sure food banks are there for everyone who needs their support this winter by donating to Trussell’s winter appeal.
“Food banks are a lifeline, but they shouldn’t have to exist. This winter, will you help end hunger for someone today, and play your part in ending hunger for good?”
Lori Hughes, project manager at Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “We’re preparing for another very tough winter, and we’re asking for the support of our whole community so we can continue to be here for people facing hunger and hardship.
“Every week we see working families, carers, pensioners, and people just doing their very best to get by – and it shouldn’t be this way.
“This winter, we expect to distribute almost 2,500 emergency food parcels, and this means we’ll need over 24 tonnes of food to be donated to meet need. To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 46 adult male polar bears.
“Food banks are not the answer, but right now they’re a lifeline. Donations are down, while need remains consistently high. When people’s cupboards are empty, our shelves must be full – and that is becoming harder to sustain.
“If you’re able to support us, whether through food, money, or time, it will make a real and immediate difference this winter.”
As some of you are aware, almost all of our much loved PEP buses were vandalised over last weekend, having their fuel tanks drilled and emptied.
This sadly resulted in having to cancel our transport commitments, which we are extremely sorry and sad about. Thank you to those individuals, family members and organisations for understanding the need to cancel, which has resulted in many of your vital services being cancelled or delayed and additional pressures experienced.
We will stay in touch with all of those involved as things move forward.
Our amazing team here at PEP sprung into action to create our action plan to get us back up and running, which hopefully won’t be too much longer. We will also be looking for more secure, long term parking facilities, if you know or anywhere, please share!
This vandalism has of course been reported to the police, but if anyone knows any information about who may have done this please do get in touch.
I don’t think they realise the conquences and impact of their actions, after all we are a Charity delivering vital services to many vulnerable people, not to mention the financial impact this has caused.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to support PEP, offering help in many ways. The local community are amazing and we are proud to serve you.
We appreciate that Christmas is just around the corner and wish we were not asking, however any donations to help us recover from the recent vandalism to our buses would be massively appreciated by ourselves as well as the organisations we work alongside
New figures from Hospice UK reveal that two thirds of Scottish hospices either have already made cuts or are planning to make cuts within the next year.
Hospice UK says this reflects severe and unsustainable financial pressures across the hospice sector in Scotland at a time when demand for palliative care is at an all-time high. Hospices have had to make redundancies to both clinical and back-office staff, cut beds and reduce vital community services.
They are struggling to keep pace with rising costs, leaving people at risk of missing out on vital care at the end of life.
Helen Malo, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Scotland at Hospice UKsaid: “Hospices are an essential part of Scotland’s health and care system, easing pressure on the NHS by helping people stay out of hospital and receive expert care in their own communities. These are the services that should be growing to meet rising demand.
“But years of underfunding have left them stretched to breaking point, with many now being forced to cut services at a time when they’re needed more than ever. Without urgent action, more families will face the end of life without the expert care and compassion they deserve.”
The figures come as MPs debate amendments to the assisted dying bill today (Tuesday 25 November) including Jackie Baillie’s amendments to assess and mitigate the impact of the Bill on palliative care and create a code of practice for palliative care providers.
These amendments are vital to support hospices and the palliative care sector to be robustly prepared should the Bill become law and to ensure assisted dying is not introduced at the expense of existing palliative and end of life care services.
Helen Malo said: “Hospice UK has no collective view on whether the law should change on assisted dying, yet we feel it would be a moral and practical failure if a single person in future felt compelled to seek an assisted death due to a lack of available palliative care. Every person in Scotland should be able to access high-quality care and support at the end of life, wherever they live.”
With the Scottish Budget approaching, Hospice UK is urging the Scottish Government to include dedicated funding for hospices in the 2026/27 budget to protect vital care and support.
Looking ahead to the Holyrood elections, we’re also calling on the next Scottish Government to make palliative and hospice care a national priority and commit to a long-term plan to reform and invest in palliative and end of life care.
Jackie Stone, CEO, St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “Demand for hospice care is rising year after year, yet the funding we rely on continues to fall behind. Hospices are being asked to deliver more complex care for more people, but with resources that are already stretched to breaking point. That gap is simply not sustainable.
“Hospice care is not optional; it is a vital part of Scotland’s healthcare system. We need the Scottish Government to recognise the essential role hospices play and to commit to fair, sustainable funding, so that every family can rely on the care and compassion they deserve when it matters most.”
Jacki Smart, Chair of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group, said: “Without secure, long-term funding, hospices across Scotland are facing devastating choices – cutting back services, reducing staff, or even turning patients away for the first time. These hospices care for thousands of people every year, offering comfort and dignity at life’s most difficult moments.
“If funding falls short, families will lose vital support, and pressure on the NHS will grow. Hospices are a lifeline for communities, and we need urgent action to protect them.”
Hospice UK says that with the right investment, hospices stand ready to help the Scottish Government deliver its long-term ambition to shift more care into communities, providing expert, person-centred care closer to home.
Palestinian civilians are being killed as they seek food, water, and shelter at Israeli-controlled aid distribution points.
I have been horrified by Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and the mounting death toll of innocent civilians.
Now respected international agencies are warning that Israel’s blockade of aid is causing mass starvation. And the violence shows no sign of abating.
Trade unions have always stood in solidarity with people under occupation, and for peace built on human rights, equality, and international law.
It is our duty as trade unionists to call out the horrors that are happening right in front of our eyes.
Please write to your MP and ask they use their voice to recognise the state of Palestine, deliver a ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and support the journey towards peace and justice.
More than 21 months of strikes on Gaza and its people has caused untold devastation, bloodshed and suffering.
In April I visited the occupied West Bank and witnessed first-hand the human and labour rights abuses being experienced by Palestinian workers on a daily basis.
The TUC has called on the UK Government to use every diplomatic, political and economic tool available to help deliver an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and start a meaningful political peace process that respects the right to self-determination.
While we welcome this month’s joint statement from foreign ministers – urging an end to the assault and for urgent aid access – statements alone are not enough.
Words must be matched with action. And there’s no time to wait.
That’s why we are calling on the Government to take immediate action to:
Recognise the state of Palestine now
Suspend the UK-Israel trade deal
Ban imports from the illegal settlement
End all licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law
Sanctions on individuals promoting and committing war crimes
Recognising the state of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture. It is a necessary and practical step towards a viable two-state solution that delivers equal rights and democracy– this is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace, ending decades of occupation, violence, and displacement.
On Monday, the UN will hold a conference in New York on the two-state solution.
This is an opportunity for our Government to agree to clear and immediate action on Palestine.
Whilst these discussions take place overseas, we must use our voices as trade unionists to call on our Government to act.
We’re saddened to share that our community garden—lovingly tended by local children and dedicated volunteers—has been taken, and many of the vegetables we’ve grown together are gone.
This garden is more than just plants; it’s a space for learning, connection, and giving back. We’re asking for your help to spread the word and protect this special place.
Please share this post with your friends and family.
If you see or hear anything, let us know.
Let’s work together to keep our garden safe and thriving.
Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 29-year-old woman reported missing from Dalkeith.
Toni McNelis was last seen in the early hours of Thursday, 5 June in the Niddrie area.
She is described as being around 5ft 4in tall, of slim build, with short blonde hair. When last seen, she was wearing dark blue leggings, white trainers, a white flowery tank top and a white/cream cardigan.
Constable Lourens said: “We are concerned for Toni’s welfare and are asking anyone who knows where she might be to come forward.
“Her family and friends are extremely worried and just want to know she is safe and well.
“I would also appeal directly to Toni – if you see this, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2078 of 6 June.
Please share this post with your friends and family.