Expanding access to “national front door” to family support
A charity support line providing a one-step gateway to cost of living and whole family support will be expanded by Scottish Government funding to help up to 7,500 families.
Children First’s service offers practical, emotional and financial help and advice to families across Scotland 365 days a year by phone, webchat, text, email, video and face to face. Scottish Government investment will allow the charity to more than double the support it provides, including:
immediate cash grants and practical tips on budgeting and debt management
emotional support to help families manage stress and anxiety
practical advice to navigate public services, helping to access things like childcare and housing
connections for families to specialised support to help people get into and stay in work.
A total of £2 million from the Scottish Government in 2026-27 will equip the charity to bolster its offer across the country as a key part of work under the child poverty delivery plan “Bringing Hope, Building Futures”.
Visiting the charity in Glasgow, First Minister John Swinney said: “During the cost of living crisis, there are families struggling to make ends meet and accessing help can often be overwhelming.
“We want to provide a better future for every parent and every child, and to do that we need to make support as simple, accessible and effective as possible.
“That’s why we are pleased to be supporting Children First to develop a national front door for support, so that help is in the right place, at the right time. Organisations like Children First play such an important role and I am pleased that we are supporting them to double the support they provide to families across Scotland.”
In 2025-26, the Children First support line has supported over 5,000 families nationally. This investment will enable the charity to expand staffing, enhance specialist expertise and increase Money Advice capacity, including helping people with their energy bills, ensuring more families can easily access support which is sustained for as long as they need it.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Family Services, Children First said: “This funding is fantastic news for Scotland’s children and families, who often tell us that they don’t know where to turn for support.
“Parents and carers, who are often stressed and exhausted trying to find the right help when they need it, will welcome this with open arms.
“By connecting families to joined-up practical, emotional and financial help through our support line, we will reduce the impact of poverty, strengthen families and make sure thousands more of Scotland’s children enjoy the safe and secure childhood, which is every child’s right.
“Children First’s support line is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your family is in need of help, our friendly and understanding support line team are here to help. Call us on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.”
Jasmine, a young Mum who has been supported by Children First said: “Things are so expensive nowadays and with my baby I was feeling the pressure before I met Children First. I also felt quite lonely and alienated because I didn’t know other young people who had babies. It wasn’t good for my mental health.
“The help from Children First has been outstanding. The emotional and financial help they’ve given has had a positive impact on us – I can get fresh fruit and vegetables for the baby and I feel less isolated because I’ve met other young mums. Without the support from Children First, I don’t think our lives would be anywhere near as good.”
First Minister: Delivering better access to care will be Scottish government’s legacy
Reducing long waits for NHS treatment in Scotland is the focus of the government’s new £90 million investment in planned care.
First Minister John Swinney said substantial progress had been made in the past year but the government remains focused on accelerating delivery to eradicate long waits for good.
Visiting the National Treatment Centre in Fife, Mr Swinney announced the additional funding for health boards to spend directly on bringing down outpatient waiting lists and for scheduled operations and procedures such as hip and knee replacements.
The First Minister said: “Over the past year we have seen long waits falling with new outpatient waits over 52 weeks reducing for 12 months in a row. Our network of National Treatment Centres have been key to this success with thousands more procedures taking place.
“The direction of travel is positive, but there is more work to do – I am determined that ending long waits for NHS treatment will be my government’s lasting legacy.
“This dedicated funding of £90 million will support those waiting the longest for treatment and help to create more capacity within our wider healthcare system. I am confident we will continue to see long waits reduce but I need our health boards focused on accelerating progress.
“People can expect delivery with my government. I have been clear with health boards that I will expect to see month-on-month reductions on the back of this new investment.
“This investment supports our commitment to building an NHS fit for the future. Initiatives including GP walk-in services and Hospital at Home are expanding access so patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We have also committed to publishing a new hospital flow plan during our first 100 days in office.”
Chief Executive of NHS Fife William Edwards added: “The National Treatment Centre in Fife is helping transform access to planned care, having delivered more than 2,550 operations and supported nearly 15,700 outpatient appointments in 2025/26.
“With high theatre utilisation, shorter hospital stays and most patients returning home within a day, our teams are making a real difference for patients across Scotland. This additional investment will help us continue to work towards reducing waiting times and help us treat more people, sooner.”
Police Scotland declares major incident as emergency services respond to wildfire near Nethy Bridge
Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.
The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.
As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.
Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.
“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.
“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.
More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.
Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.
Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.
“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.
“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.
“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.
“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish. • Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More. • Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy. Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.
The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.
“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.
“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.
“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”
SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE
Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.
A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.
The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park – it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
Prime Minister vows to bring back hope ahead of first meeting with First Ministers of Scotland and Wales.
Andy Burnham will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Will say devolution has to be about giving local communities power.
Comes as the Prime Minister gives families across the nations more breathing space with immediate action on the cost of living.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office.
This afternoon [Thursday 23 July], the Prime Minister will hold meetings in Glasgow with the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, before watching the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games later on.
During his talks the Prime Minister will set out how he plans to work collaboratively with the heads of the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments – based on a genuine partnership.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters.
“I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope.
“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”
In his first week, the Prime Minister has taken action to give families more breathing space by cutting taxes on energy bills for tens of millions of families this winter.
But this is just the start. As the Prime Minister has said, we need to rewire the Westminster-centric system that has left too many people feeling disconnected from decision making. That’s why he has set up No10 North to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and put power closer to people’s lives.
The government says they are building a new economy, re-industrialising the United Kingdom and using public procurement to back our industry and create jobs.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the United Kingdom in August, where he will visit places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Through this tour, the Prime Minister will hear from people about what is needed in their communities as we restore hope that’s not been there in recent decades.
Swinney: The stage is set and eyes of the world are on Glasgow
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provides a huge opportunity to showcase the best of Scotland on the world stage, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The First Minister welcomed heads of visiting delegations from the 73 Commonwealth nations at an event at Team Scotland House, Glasgow, ahead of the Games beginning in the city tomorrow (Thursday 23 July).
Officially opened by Minister for Sport Maree Todd, Scotland House will operate as both a space for the athletes and their families, as a well as a central hub for business engagement, hosting a programme of sporting and business events throughout the Games.
The First Minister wished Team Scotland good luck ahead of the Games and encouraged people across the country to get involved in the ‘Summer of Sport’.
He said: “Since the success of 2014, Glasgow has reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s leading sporting cities. The excitement is gearing up here once again as the city gets ready to welcome the Games and the stage is set for the opening ceremony.
“The world will be watching, and this is a huge opportunity for us to showcase what Scotland has to offer – our passion, our warmth, our enthusiasm, our respect for others and our belief in the power of sport to inspire people and bring communities together.
“The Scottish Government is investing £20 million through the ’Summer of Sport’, to encourage children and young people across the country to be inspired by the Games and get active, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Sport should be accessible to all, and we want to ensure the legacy of the major sporting events taking place this summer to stretch far beyond the next few months.
“To our Team Scotland athletes – the whole country is behind you. On behalf of everyone in Scotland I wish you all the very best as you compete at the highest level. Whether or not you win gold, silver or bronze – I know that you will make us all proud and inspire the future generation of sporting talent.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “As well as providing a place for Team Scotland athletes, families and friends, partners and supporters to come together, Team Scotland House will enable international collaboration and engagement and help the Scottish Government maximise wider opportunities for Scotland and deliver a lasting sporting, social and business legacy.
“The Games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit, supporting local businesses and jobs.
“By bringing sport, culture and business together we will ensure Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the Games.”
John Swinney First Minister meets Muslim community members following Edinburgh attacks
The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.
The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.
Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.
!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.
“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.
“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.
“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.
“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities.
“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”
City council leader Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.“
YESTERDAY (Friday, 19 June, 2026), police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.
Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.
Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.
The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the West and North of the city.
During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas, suffering differing injuries.
Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.
The individual remains in custody and enquiries continue. Local policing patrols will continue across the area and our communities will see a visible policing presence over coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form here:
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.
“I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”
Prime Minister (at time of writing! – Ed.) Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Absolutely appalling.No one should face violence on our streets.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.
‘My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.
“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”
Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “People should be free to worship, work and walk our streets without fear. The attack in Edinburgh is disturbing.
Violence in our streets is bad enough but reports indicate some of the victims were targeted because they were Muslim. This is abhorrent.
“I am glad police acted swiftly. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the public must have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”
Council Leader responds to attacks in Edinburgh
Following a series of incidents across the city yesterday (Friday 19 June), Council Leader Jane Meagher has condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of emergency services.
Councillor Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
THE EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT:
MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND CALLS FOR REASSURANCE AND COMMUNITY VIGILANCE
The Muslim Council of Scotland remains deeply concerned by the violent incidents reported across Edinburgh yesterday, including the stabbing of two young Muslim students in Broomhouse and attacks on individuals perceived to be Muslim.
We welcome Police Scotland’s update confirming that a man has been arrested, there is no further threat to the public, and enquiries remain ongoing.
We have sought reassurance from Police Scotland, particularly as mosques and community organisations host family events this weekend and members of the Shia community prepare to mark Muharram in the coming days.
We encourage communities to remain calm, vigilant and mindful of their personal safety, and for organisers to review security arrangements where appropriate.
Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected. We thank Police Scotland and emergency services for their swift response and continued engagement.
MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT
Four people were attacked and hospitalised across West Edinburgh and Leith last night. Several are Muslims. Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.
Police Scotland must treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far right terror. To investigate these attacks while ignoring a motive shouted aloud at the point of arrest would tell every Muslim in Scotland the law does not see the hatred aimed at them. We expect a hate crime investigation and prosecution, and we stand ready to support the families.
To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, report what you see. You are not alone.
John Swinney: When we stand together, we make Scotland stronger
First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling racism in all its forms, following the recent disorder in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland.
Meeting representatives of the Anti-Racism Coalition and the Scottish Refugee Council in Edinburgh, the First Minister pledged to work closely with Police Scotland, the third sector and other partners to ensure that people and communities are safe and swift action is taken against those who seek to intimidate and promote hatred.
Mr Swinney sought to reassure those who are feeling anxious, targeted or unsafe. He said: “I am clear that I am First Minister for everyone in Scotland. For every community, every background, every faith, and every identity.
“The recent disorder in Glasgow and elsewhere, following the serious incidents in Belfast and Southampton, have caused a lot of distress for many people. Violence is never acceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable to ensure the safety of all our communities.
“My government stands firmly against hatred in all its forms. That means building trust, tackling prejudice at its roots, and strengthening the connections that bind our communities together.
“Because when people feel heard and valued, we reduce fear. When we build trust, we weaken division. And when we stand together, we make Scotland stronger.
“We cannot allow the actions of a small, hateful minority to define us or what we stand for. Nor we can we allow fear to take hold. Instead, we must be guided by the kind of country we know Scotland is.
“One where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where everyone can live safely and without fear. My government is committed to that vision and to working hand in hand with partners and communities across Scotland to deliver it.
“Through our Community Cohesion funding, New Scots funding, the Equality and Human Rights Fund, and other support for communities and groups, we are already supporting hundreds of cross-community activities.
“These projects are helping to bring people together, educate, and tackle misinformation and disinformation, ultimately building stronger communities where people feel safe.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Refugee Council Sabir Zazai said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe.
“Last week we saw violence in our streets and people being targeted because of the colour of their skin. Irresponsible language, toxic narratives and repeated falsehoods are causing real-life harm to innocent people.
“It is vital that we name racism and call out misinformation when we see it. We need to see the Scottish Government lead the way by investing in cohesion and ensuring people seeking safety and the communities who welcome them have the infrastructure and support they need to thrive.”
FM: “I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.”
Prosperity, security and fairness are the principles driving an ambitious vision for Scotland’s future, First Minister John Swinney has said.
In a statement to Parliament setting out ambitious plans that his government will drive forward, the First Minister outlined measures to expand cost of living support, accelerate sustainable economic growth, strengthen public services and to unlock Scotland’s potential by delivering a fresh start with Independence.
Mr Swinney said: “Realising the potential of every part of our country, supporting families with rising costs and securing our nations’ future are at the core of my vision for Scotland. I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.
“Our cost of living support is already the best of any UK nation, but we will go further to protect and expand support for families. I want to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed – regardless of their background – and eradicate the scourge of poverty on our society.
“Strong public services are at the heart of every successful society, and my government will do all we can to make services more effective and easier to access. That includes strengthening our NHS, reducing waiting times and improving more schools and colleges.
Prosperity, security and fairness drive our vision for Scotland's future.
• expand cost of living support • strengthen public services • drive forward economic innovation • deliver a fresh start with independence pic.twitter.com/moDmDvompc
“Strengthened public services and generous cost of living support must work in tandem with a high-performing economy, one that harnesses our countries resources, potential and talent to boost success and create opportunity.
My government will work to empower our regions to make the most of their economic advantages and streamline regulation to support investment and growth.
“A truly prosperous, secure Scotland can only reach its full potential outside the confines of the United Kingdom.
The recent, emphatic election result, with the largest ever pro-independence majority within the Scottish Parliament, has given the clear mandate for Scotland to decide its own future, which is why this parliament calls on the UK Government to transfer the power to hold a referendum on independence.
“I hope that giving Scotland the legal right to decide its own future will help build the foundations of a fairer, more prosperous nation as an independent member of the European Union.”
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.”
