First Minister: “Qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment”
First Minister John Swinney has met the Scotland men’s national team in Glasgow to celebrate the squad qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.
The Scotland men’s national side, managed by Steve Clarke and captained by Andy Robertson MBE, will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C this summer, with matches taking place in Boston and Miami.
The Scottish Government has announced £2 million for a “Summer of Sport” football fund to support clubs across the country to deliver new opportunities for children and young people by using the power of football.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football is woven into the fabric of life in Scotland. The men’s team qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark illustrated how important football is to this country.
“Thousands of fans will make the journey to the USA, but the whole country will be right behind the team. The Scottish Government will build on the excitement surrounding the World Cup and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games to deliver new sporting opportunities for young people across the country.
“Qualifying for the finals is an incredible achievement and I’m very proud of the team – tonight was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that success.”
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney received a chocolate cake from Islamic Relief UK yesterday as part of the charity’s Cake Campaign, which raises funds for Syria during Ramadan.
Islamic Relief’s UK Programme Manager, Nadeem Baqir, presented the cake to the First Minister at Bute House in Edinburgh and personally thanked him for the Scottish Government’s generous support for Islamic Relief’s work.
The Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) has worked closely with Islamic Relief UK to help deliver lifesaving relief to families across the world.
Last year in Sudan, with support from HEF, Islamic Relief reached more than 7,000 people with cash assistance, food and dignity kits. Thousands more have been supported to rebuild their lives with the support of the Scottish Government in places such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Kenya and Libya.
The Cake Campaign is celebrating 13 years of selling cakes and saving lives. Since 2013, more than £3m has been raised, helping to save and transform the lives of thousands of Syrian people.
Syrian families continue to struggle to rebuild their lives amid widespread destruction and food shortages. The situation remains dire, with millions of people still displaced and enduring extreme hardships.
The award-winning Cake Campaign sees volunteers across the UK raising funds for people affected by the Syria crisis by delivering cakes during the sacred month of Ramadan.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am delighted to support Islamic Relief’s Cake Campaign – an inspiring initiative to raise funds to help people in Syria who are still suffering from the impacts of conflict and displacement.
“Scotland has a long history of supporting responses to global humanitarian crises, and we will continue to do so. Through our Humanitarian Emergency Fund, the Scottish Government supports humanitarian organisations including Islamic Relief to carry out vital work to provide support including food, medical care and shelter to people affected by conflict, climate change and natural disasters.”
Nadeem Baqir, UK programme manager for Islamic Relief UK said:“We are delighted to have delivered a cake to the First Minister as part of the Cake Campaign. This initiative is crucial in providing vital aid, offering hope, and standing in solidarity with the Syrian people during their time of need.
“The Scottish government has always been supportive of international development. We are extremely grateful to the First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish Government for their generous funding for Islamic Relief’s work in places such as Sudan, where more than 7,000 people received cash assistance, food and dignity kits last year.”
“This generosity also helped more than 7,000 people in Kenya who were affected by devastating floods in 2024, as well as transforming many other lives in humanitarian emergencies in Libya and Somalia.
Major milestone in delivering faster access to care
Patients will have access to GP-led care on the same day without an appointment as the First Minister opens the first of a new network of walk-in services.The new services will make it easier for people to get urgent care for medical issues while easing pressure on GP practices and hospitals.
The Scottish Government is investing £36 million into a pilot programme which will see a further 14 services established across Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney has opened the country’s first GP walk-in clinic at Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, marking a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to strengthen primary care.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Swinney said: “I know how important access to urgent medical care is for people, and how important it is for people to get the right care, in the right place at the right time.
“Our network of walk-in GP-led services will ensure people get the care they need at a time that works for them – and opening this first clinic is a major milestone as we continue to deliver trusted leadership for our health service.
“Open seven days per week from 12pm-8pm, these walk-in clinics will deliver over one million additional GP and nurse appointments, making it easier than ever for people to access urgent care when they need it most.
“With GP numbers up, long waits down, record numbers of hip and knee operations and 15 new walk-in GP clinics opening in Scotland, it is clear we are making progress in our NHS – and I am determined that we will continue to drive forward improvements.”
Tracey McKigen, Director of Primary Care for NHS Lothian, said: “We are proud to be launching this pilot service in collaboration with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.
“It will add to the range of health services in Wester Hailes and make it easier for local patients registered with eight eligible GP practices in southwest Edinburgh to get same day care for new, urgent conditions.”
The walk-in clinic at Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre is open every day from 12 noon to 8pm with no appointment needed.
During the pilot phase, the service is available to patients registered with a group of local GP practices in southwest Edinburgh.
Depending on clinical need, patients may see a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
NHS Lothian was pleased to welcome the First Minister to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh recently to visit the Cyrenians In Reach Service at NHS Lothian.
The service supports patients in hospital experiencing homelessness to complete treatment and secure suitable housing. The visit came as the Scottish Government announced an additional £40,000 for the In Reach service across NHS Lothian’s three hospitals.
The First Minister, John Swinney, said: “The Cyrenians In Reach Hospital service is absolutely vital for Edinburgh, supporting the most vulnerable patients at risk of homelessness and ensuring they have a home to go to once their treatment is completed.
“Meeting staff and former patients today has given me a key insight into how the service works and the vital role it plays. The further £40,000 from the Scottish Government will ensure it can be expanded to accommodate even more patients, most of whom are also experiencing poor mental health.
“Improving public services is a key priority for the Scottish Government and services such as this play an essential role in supporting our hospitals, local authorities and third partners to reduce rates of homelessness.”
Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive for NHS Lothian, said: “Working with the Cyrenians Hospital In-Reach service helps us ensure patients experiencing homelessness can leave hospital safely, recover well and reduce preventable readmissions.
“We look forward to supporting this important partnership to expand.”
Chief Executive of Cyrenians Ewan Aitken said: “Homelessness majorly affects people’s health. Studies show that those who have experienced homelessness are three times as likely to be admitted to hospital, and for three times as long.
“Cyrenians Hospital InReach team have been tackling this huge public health issue for nearly five years now – reducing readmissions by three thirds.
“Thanks to this additional funding, we’ll be able to help even more people get the direct support they need, when they need it, find suitable accommodation, and stop the revolving door of hospital and homelessness.”
First Minister John Swinney visited the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow yesterday to meet families who have benefitted from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s expanding Hospital at Home and virtual hospital services.
Mr Swinney was welcomed by NHSGGC Chair Dr Lesley Thomson KC and Chief Executive Professor Jann Gardner and spoke to staff leading new services designed to deliver hospital-level care for children in the comfort of their own homes.
He was also given a tour of key areas of the hospital including the Teddy Hospital and the Sensory Room, which support children and families during their visits to the RHC.
The First Minister had the opportunity to hear from parents whose children have received care through Hospital at Home, as well as those who have received intravenous antibiotic treatments on an outpatient basis.
NHSGGC recently launched two new services within its wider virtual hospital. Paediatric Hospital at Home offers care and monitoring for children with a wide range of conditions that do not require admission to a physical hospital, while Neonatal Hospital at Home enables babies with neonatal jaundice to receive treatment at home rather than remaining in hospital for several days.
These services, alongside the existing Paediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) service for children with complex infections, significantly expand the opportunities for young patients to be safely treated at home rather than in hospital wards.
First Minister John Swinney said: “We are taking bold action to reduce pressure on our NHS, increase capacity and shift the balance of care into communities.
“Through our £220 million Operational Improvement Plan, we’re investing to reduce waiting times, improving hospital flow, and provide care for patients in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
“It’s clear to see the impact of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s new Paediatric and Neonatal services, helping children to stay at home while receiving hospital level care.
“Thanks to these innovative services, this festive season they can be treated in familiar surroundings rather than be separated from family, friends and pets and not have to travel to a hospital where it isn’t required.”
Paediatric Hospital at Home is tailored to each child and can include a combination of nurse home visits, wearable technology such as oxygen and heart‑rate monitors, virtual consultations, phone check‑ins, and early supported discharge.
This approach allows children to remain with their families in a familiar environment while still receiving high-quality clinical care, often reducing the length of time they spend in hospital.
The new Neonatal Hospital at Home service is already improving experiences for families.
Neonatal jaundice affects around six in ten newborns and typically requires several days of phototherapy treatment in hospital.
Through the new service, babies can now receive phototherapy at home, with neonatal nurses visiting daily to check bilirubin levels, assess progress, and determine whether treatment should continue – all while keeping families together.
These services form a key part of NHSGGC’s Transforming Together programme, which aims to provide more care closer to home and reduce unnecessary time spent in hospital.
The virtual hospital model brings advanced monitoring, treatment, and multidisciplinary support directly to families, helping ensure care is flexible, responsive, and centred around the needs of the patient.
One of the patients Mr Swinney met was 15-week-old Albie Thorburn, who was cared for through the Paediatric Hospital at Home service after having issues with feeding and weight gain.
Albie’s mum Kirsty, 32, explained that her son was initially admitted to the RHC for tests to rule out anything underlying.
She and husband Alan, 38, were then shown how to feed Albie using a nasal gastric tube which was inserted during his hospital stay, and they were able to take him home sooner.
Kirsty, from the east end of Glasgow, said the family had daily check-ins with Albie’s clinicians via phone, and two attendances in person for Albie to be weighed. These phone calls allowed his parents to ask for further advice, and they were given a dedicated out of hours number for any concerns.
She said: “It was great to be under the Hospital at Home as we were getting daily input from the clinicians without Albie having to be in a physical hospital.
“Albie wasn’t unwell, so there was no need for him to be kept in hospital other than having his condition monitored.
“Having him at home meant I was more relaxed and was able to feed him and produce milk better.
“It meant my partner could be there overnight too and assist with the night feeds.
“It just helped us be together at home with all of our comforts. He has been thriving since he got home.”
The First Minister also met three-week-old baby Krish Butti who had jaundice when he was born but was able to go home to have phototherapy treatment.
Krish’s mum, Bijini Balan, who is 35 and lives close to Glasgow city centre, said: “We were much more comfortable at home, and it meant we were more settled.
It was very beneficial not to have to spend days or weeks in hospital because he could have his treatment at home and the jaundice has completely disappeared now.”
Meanwhile, Mr Swinney had the opportunity to meet families of young patients who received intravenous antibiotic treatment on an outpatient basis, also known as OPAT, rather than having to stay overnight in hospital.
Caleb McLellan, 7, was treated using OPAT for a heart infection called endocarditis.
His mum, Joanne Campbell, from Stepps, said: “Having the OPAT treatment had a significant impact on Caleb and really helped him cope with the situation.
“He was able to go to school for a couple of hours in the afternoon each day which meant he was able to see his friends and regain a sense of normality instead of being isolated and confined to hospital.
“Being at home also allowed him to spend time with his little sister, which was hugely important for both of them.”
Dr Neil Patel, Clinical Innovation Director and Consultant Neonatologist at the Royal Hospital for Children, said: “Our Hospital at Home programme is giving babies and children the opportunity to receive the same high‑quality care they’d receive in hospital, but in the place that’s most natural and comfortable for them – their own home.
“We’re seeing the benefits every day, from reduced hospital stays to better experiences for families at what can be a very stressful time.
“These services are a core part of NHSGGC’s virtual hospital and our wider Transforming Together agenda.
“By using technology, specialist nursing support, and innovative care pathways, we are safely shifting more hospital‑level care to the home environment, improving outcomes while helping families stay together.”
FM: “Scottish Government stands firmly against all forms of antisemitism”
First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.
Mr Swinney expressed his horror at the “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” and condemned all forms of antisemitism. The First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government is liaising closely with Police Scotland and relevant partners to ensure safety for Jewish communities and their places of worship.
The First Minister said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah. What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.
“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack. In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.
“I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.
“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”
The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.
Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.
It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.
The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.
Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.
She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.
Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.
Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.
The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.
Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said:“This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.
“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.
“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”
Jryna Batters said:“The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.
“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”
Bruce Norval said:“I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.
“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.
“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.
“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.
“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”
Bill Wright OBE said:“The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.
“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.
“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.
The programme protects those most at risk from severe illness
The First Minister has urged all those eligible for a flu vaccination this year to take up the offer as he received his in Edinburgh.
Getting the flu vaccine is extremely important for those who are most vulnerable to the virus to protect them from severe illness and in some cases, death. Eligible groups include people 65 years and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.
Unpaid carers and health and social care staff are also eligible as the vaccine helps prevent transmission of the virus so helps protect those they are caring for.
The flu virus is always changing and the vaccination offers the best protection against the strains circulating each winter. Getting vaccinated ahead of the peak festive season is important to allow time for your body to build up protection against the virus.
First Minister John Swinney qualifies for a flu vaccine as an unpaid carer. Attending the NHS Lothian centre at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal he said: “I welcome the chance to receive my flu vaccine and I want to thank all those involved in this year’s roll-out.
“Since the start of this year’s programme, staff have delivered more than 980,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk and, with flu cases rising, I would encourage all those who are eligible to take up an appointment ahead of the worst of winter.
“We saw very high levels of the flu virus last year across Scotland, with over 6,500 adults being hospitalised, which contributed to real pressure on the NHS. So please take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you and reduce your risk of ending up in hospital.”
Appointments for a flu vaccine will be sent to most eligible groups. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed can book online or call the vaccination helpline to arrange an appointment at a suitable time and location anywhere in Scotland.
More information on the flu vaccine is available at NHS Inform:
First Minister highlights support for ECHR ahead of 75th anniversary
Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the First Minister has reiterated Scotland’s commitment to human rights, equality and dignity for all.
The First Minister said: “Signed in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of preventing the atrocities of war happening again in Europe, the ECHR has stood as a pillar to ensure human rights are upheld for the past 75 years.
“In the face of ongoing political attacks against it from some quarters, I want to be clear that I wholeheartedly support the ECHR and membership of the Council of Europe and the vital role it plays to protect human rights.
“If the UK ever left the ECHR, people in Scotland would lose the ability to challenge violations in the European Court, and the UK would be sending an appalling message on the international stage. That is not the future that I want for Scotland, and we must stand firm in championing human rights.
“The ECHR has been critical in securing justice for ordinary people in their everyday lives – including protecting freedom of religion in the workplace and supporting LGBT rights. With some increasingly extreme political voices advocating against these rights, I believe it is vital that those of us who believe in human rights and equality redouble our efforts to stand behind them.”
Cover European Convention – living instrument
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was signed by members of the Council of Europe, including the UK, in Rome on 4 November 1950. The UK was one of the first states to ratify it in 1951.
Grangemouth workers made redundant following the refinery closure will be prioritised for roles created through the Scottish Government’s £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, thanks to a new clause in grant funding awarded.
In partnership with Unite the Union, the Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme will ensure that all Scottish Enterprise grant awards from the Fund to businesses will give priority to eligible Grangemouth workers during recruitment. Crucially, it will be conditional for any business receiving investment through the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund to participate in this scheme.
Scottish Enterprise has been working with businesses and the Scottish and UK Governments to secure new investment at Grangemouth. The First Minister has committed £25 million to establish the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund to support businesses to bring forward new propositions to secure Grangemouth’s future.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Supporting the just transition to a low carbon economy is one of our highest priorities for government, but we understand the risk this transition brings to businesses and skilled workers in the oil and gas sector.
“We’re taking meaningful steps to ensure that our workers and communities are not left behind in the journey to net zero and that fairness and equality are at the heart of our actions. The Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme – developed in partnership with Unite – is a concrete example of this, helping workers secure new opportunities and ensuring that their vital experience, skills and knowledge are not lost to Grangemouth and to Scotland. This is a just transition in action.
“By ensuring workers who were made redundant following the cessation of refining at Grangemouth are prioritised for these new jobs, we are making sure that public funds directly support people and livelihoods – rightly bringing the workforce with us as we move towards the clean energies of the future.”
Susan Fitzgerald, Unite Secretary, said: “Unite has fought every day for the replacement of the highly-skilled jobs lost as a result of the Grangemouth oil refinery closing.
“We continue to demand concrete action for workers during the energy transition, and that far more needs to be done to support new jobs in greener industries.”
“The Grangemouth pilot scheme will apply conditionalities to companies in receipt of public sector funding, which will include a job interview guarantee for eligible workers. We understand this approach is a first across the UK.
“The scheme has involved the active participation of our Grangemouth members and it is one which Unite welcomes.
“It is now time to deliver with urgency the promised new jobs and investment for the workers and people of Grangemouth if we are to achieve any resemblance of a genuine Just Transition.”
