First Minister welcomes recognition that ‘Westminster is not working for Scotland’ BUT second independence referendum is ‘off the table’
First Minister John Swinney has pledged to work “constructively and collaboratively” with the UK Prime Minister to devolve further powers to Scotland “for the benefit of the people we serve.”
While the UK Government disagrees with the Scottish Government that the best future for Scotland is as an independent European nation, the First Minister said both do agree that Westminster is not working for people in Scotland, and the best decisions are taken by those who live here.
Mr Swinney also welcomed the commitment made by Mr Burnham to respect the constitutional role of the Scottish Parliament.
First Minister John Swinney said: “While the Prime Minister and I disagree on independence, we do agree that Westminster does not work for people in Scotland. And when the people of Scotland take issues into their own hands, the best outcomes will come about.
“To that end, I will work constructively and collaboratively with him to devolve more powers from Westminster to Scotland – as long as those proposals drive economic growth that is felt in higher wages, better jobs, more opportunities for business to start and expand, and support with the cost of living.
“Today’s meeting of the National Economic Council was a welcome start of work to develop the UK Government’s new principle of ‘devolving by default’ and the Prime Minister has been clear that he will not bypass the Scottish Parliament in this endeavour.
“I welcome that commitment, and look forward to our Governments jointly developing a plan to consider further devolution to Scotland that will boost economic growth.”
THE UK GOVERNMENT’s ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING:
The Prime Minister met with the First Minister of Scotland in Glasgow following a meeting of the National Economic Council today (Friday 30 October).
The Prime Minister and First Minister agreed the meeting at the NEC had been extremely positive. They said it had been a valuable exercise in starting the process of exploring how each government could contribute to regional empowerment, reindustrialisation and achieving good growth in every postcode.
They agreed that now there would be a policy sprint led by No10 North, involving officials from both governments, to take this agenda forward.
Outside that process, the Prime Minister said the UK Government would review and respond to a range of issues raised by the First Minister.
This would not include a second independence referendum in Scotland, which the Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear, is off the table.
FM highlights potential for growth ahead of India trade mission
Scotland must strengthen economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Ahead of visiting Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, he hailed the success of Scottish salmon exports as an example of the “golden opportunity” that exists for Scotland’s economy if new international trading opportunities can be unlocked.
On a visit to Heathrow Airport’s cold storage facility, he will see Scottish salmon being prepared for export around the world. An estimated £300 million of Scottish salmon is exported via Heathrow to international markets each year, supporting Scottish businesses and thousands of jobs.
Mr Swinney said: “India is a growing market, offering a golden opportunity for Scotland’s food and drink businesses, higher education sector, tourism and more. We must strengthen our economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth in every part of the country.
“This trade mission to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai will support Scottish businesses to build connections and seize opportunities that could support jobs and prosperity in all parts of Scotland.
Supported by a delegation of representatives from different businesses and sectors, including Salmon Scotland, this programme will promote Scotland on the global stage as an attractive place to trade with, invest in, study in and visit.
“As the top food export for the whole of the United Kingdom, Scottish salmon is true success story for Scottish food and drink and is a shining example of what Scottish businesses can achieve when international connections are deepened and opportunities are harnessed.”
Thomas Woldbye, CEO at Heathrow said: “Whether it’s Scottish salmon reaching customers in India and beyond, or Scottish businesses securing new opportunities in global markets, Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting Scotland to the world.
“As Scottish airports go from strength to strength, Heathrow is proud to complement their success by connecting more Scottish businesses and exporters to global markets driving trade, investment and growth across Scotland.”
Former Lib-Dem MSPTavish Scott, CEO at Salmon Scotland, said: “I am pleased that the First Minister has taken time to view the impressive air freight logistics operation at London Heathrow. This is an important element in how salmon from Scotland reaches customers in 50 countries around the globe.
“The opening of the Indian market as tariffs are removed is a welcome step reinforced by the number of Indian cities that are connected to Heathrow by direct air services. Salmon Scotland are grateful for the First Minister and Scottish Government’s recognition of this and we look forward to serving the Indian customers needs for salmon for many years to come.”
The visit to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai forms part of a wider effort to ‘deepen the relationship between Scotland and India through economic co-operation, cultural exchange, tourism, sport and academic collaboration’.
On his trade mission to India, the First Minister will be accompanied by a delegation of food and drink companies seeking to expand their presence in the Indian market. Their engagements will focus on developing opportunities for Scottish businesses, as well as supporting jobs, investment and economic growth.
First Minister announces series of interventions to tackle violence against women and girls
A new Respect Fund for Scotland will see school pupils supported to reject misogyny and promote respect as part of a package of Scottish Government action to tackle violence against women and girls.
Up to an additional £1 million will be invested from 2027/28 to ensure high school pupils can access third sector programmes teaching young people how to reject misogyny, whilst primary school pupils will receive age-appropriate learning on respect.
The funding will be bolstered by the rollout of a Scottish Government backed campaign with leading sporting organisations and prominent sportsmen for a new phase of the Don’t Be That Guy campaign.
Initially run by Police Scotland in 2021, the advertising campaign rose to international prominence for encouraging men to challenge attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women and girls.
Scottish Rugby, the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Tennis are amongst the leading national organisations backing the refreshed campaign, along with leading sports personalities including Scotland rugby players Jamie Dobie and Grant Gilchrist, and tennis player Connor Thomson.
The move forms part of a package of action led by the First Minister to tackle misogyny in Scotland, including a commitment to introduce a Misogyny Bill before the 2027 summer recess.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Violence against women and girls is completely deplorable and has no place in the Scotland we are building. I am determined we do all we can to tackle it and ensure men change their behaviours.
“People of all ages need to feel able to talk openly to their male friends and colleagues about behaviour that is misogynistic and damaging to women, and contributes to a culture that targets, minimises and harms women and girls.
“This funding will help empower pupils to challenge the attitudes that help perpetuate harmful behaviour, backed by the refreshed Don’t Be That Guy campaign – which will use the reach and influence of some of Scotland’s most well-known sporting personalities, to give prominence to this important national conversation.
“I want Scotland to be a place where women and girls live free from violence, coercive control, abuse and exploitation, which is why over the coming year this government will also bring forward a Misogyny Bill to give women and girls specific legal protection from harassment.”
Sporting organisations working with the Scottish Government to support positive action to promote positive masculinity and respect:
Eleven members of the public and six emergency service workers have been presented with Brave@Heart awards by First Minister John Swinney.
Among those commended for acts of courage and bravery are two Police Constables who rescued a man from a burning property despite heavy smoke and risk of the suspect being armed, a Police Constable who faced an armed and aggressive male who pursued officers with a chainsaw, and a member of the public who demonstrated notable courage preventing further risk to the public.
Another winner included a man who helped a mother rescue her two young children from a burning car, saving both their lives, and a four year old child who was able to call 999 after his mother suffered an asthma attack.
Mr Swinney also presented Police Constable Stephen Barr, Donald McNeil, Robert Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha Javid and Usman Javid with St Andrew’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional bravery.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Brave@Heart Awards recognise some of the very best of Scotland, celebrating people who have shown exceptional courage, selflessness and determination in the face of challenging circumstances.
“The recipients we honour today include dedicated emergency service workers and members of the public. They are united by the extraordinary actions they took when others needed help most. Their bravery has saved lives, protected others from harm and made a lasting difference.
“It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and to thank them for their service to others. Their stories are an inspiration and a powerful reminder that courage can be found in every community.”
Chair of the Validation Panel David Garbutt CBE QPM said: “As Chair of the Brave@Heart Validation Panel it has been an honour and a privilege to hear of so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens and members of the emergency services in Scotland.
“This year has been no exception and we have been impressed by the actions of all the recipients of awards in the service of others. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the senior members of the Emergency Services who were members of the Validation Panel.”
The Prime Minister announced a new settlement for older people yesterday: a state pension ‘that rises every year’, no personal care charges and a high-quality National Care Service to give peace of mind in later life
A National Care Service will be established in the next Parliament, providing free personal care for older people, based on need rather than ability to pay.
The current State Pension Triple Lock will be maintained – but only until April 2030. From then, it will be adjusted so the State Pension rises by at least inflation or 2.5% each year with a new link built in to keep pace with earnings over time.
Savings under the adjusted Triple Lock will be used for a new National Care Service, with Baroness Casey to recommend how and when it is built up.
The Prime Minister announced a ‘new settlement’ for older people: a state pension that rises every year, no personal care charges and a high-quality National Care Service to give peace of mind in later life.
The vision set out today draws a line under decades of drift with a clear plan to fix the system so that people can receive the dignity and security they need.
The Prime Minister warned today that if we don’t fix our broken social care system, it will eventually break the NHS too. There are huge costs to the NHS both through pressures on A&Es and an inability to discharge patients home because of a lack of adequate social care.
The new National Care Service will be introduced in phases, so its scope can grow as the savings increase from adjusting the Triple Lock, and as workforce and provider capacity are built up. It will be fully funded – and not through borrowing.
Baroness Casey will recommend how this could be done through the work of her independent Commission, which is being informed by public deliberation and ongoing cross-party talks. Her report is due in summer 2027.
The current Triple Lock will be maintained throughout this Parliament, increasing the State Pension by over £2,000. But from April 2030, the adjusted Triple Lock will mean the State Pension continues to rise by 2.5% or inflation – whichever is higher – and by even more if that is required to maintain its value relative to earnings.
This will ensure the living standards of pensioners keep up with the rest of the population. For example, if the value of the State Pension is around a third of average earnings by 2030/31, as average earnings rise, the State Pension will rise in line with that too.
This adjusted Triple Lock will mean that if inflation spikes, pensioners will be protected. If wages rise, pensioners will share in that, with the State Pension tracking earnings over time. Nobody’s pension will ever go down. And State Pensions will be put on a sustainable footing for decades to come.
The Government will legislate for the change during this Parliament.
Adjusting the Triple Lock is estimated to reduce state pension spending by £15 billion a year by the end of the 2030s, rising to £50 billion a year by 2050.
The UK will continue to have one of most generous approaches to increasing the State Pension in the world, according to the government – but British pensioners have the LOWEST STATE PENSIONS IN EUROPE.
The plans provide a credible pathway to delivering a National Care Service that will put an end to years of neglect where vulnerable people have been left at risk as a result of Westminster’s failure to face up to the difficult issues. The new system will include personal care, helping with things like eating, bathing and using the toilet.
Following the Prime Minister’s vision for the core principles of the service, Baroness Casey’s independent Commission will continue its work to develop recommendations on how to deliver it in practice, and will soon begin the next phase of its ‘Big Conversation on Care’ to make sure everyone gets the chance to feed in their views.
Around three in four adults over 65 are expected to need care and support during later life, with one in seven facing costs of more than £100,000. Currently, whether someone pays for care varies significantly by condition.
Two people with the same need for help with everyday tasks may face different rules if one needs support linked primarily to a health condition and the other to social care. The result is a broken system where the most vulnerable in society are at risk of losing everything just to access basic care.
The service will not cover bed and board, for which existing means-tested council contributions will remain. Councils will continue to exclude the value of a home from financial assessments where a partner or dependent relative lives there, and deferred payment agreements will remain available to help eligible people avoid having to sell their home during their lifetime to meet care costs.
Tackling the broken social care system is part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to take on the most difficult issues facing the country that have been left ignored by politicians for too long. ‘By facing up to the challenges that others have said are intractable, like fixing the youth unemployment crisis and ending rough sleeping, this government is working to bring back hope’.
REACTION:
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney commented: “In Scotland, we provide free personal care for older people without punishing pensioners. Andy Burnham removing the triple lock would simply repeat the mistakes of Keir Starmer.
“The blame for the UK’s financial mess lies with successive Westminster governments, not pensioners.”
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: “We applaud the Prime Minister for his absolute commitment to fundamentally reform our broken social care system and to build a National Care Service.
“It is a critical issue that affects us all. Almost everyone will give or receive care at some point in our lives. Yet 16 years since the last White Paper set out the fundamentals of what a National Care Service might look like, the complexity and problems with social care have grown far worse. Change has never been more urgent, and the Prime Minister has grasped this.
“Recent Carers UK research has found a staggering 1.1 million people have left employment to care within the last two years, the equivalent of 1500 people a day. One in five employees (20%) now has a caring responsibility.
“Great social care has the ability to transform lives, help people to stay in work and also create valued jobs. As Baroness Casey’s work moves forward, we want to see the Prime Minister’s commitment today become a really ambitious settlement, with unpaid carers at its heart, that will truly deliver, providing people and families with the high-quality support they need.”
Responding to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s speech at Labour Conference today and his commitment to the creation of a National Care Service, Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, said:“The Prime Minister’s plan to build a National Care Service is bold, ambitious, and undoubtedly long overdue. For years, we have been calling for a sea change in social care, and it’s refreshing to finally hear those calls echoed back from the very top of Government.
“In the midst of planning for a National Care Service, we must ensure the needs of unpaid carers are heard and acted on. The demands of caring can have a devastating impact on people’s finances, wellbeing, and ability to live fulfilling lives.
Caring is an innate part of human life and to be celebrated, but many carers provide care for 100+ hours a week, with some delivering support around the clock – without pay or comprehensive support. We cannot forget the biggest providers of care – the millions of unpaid carers.
“We know from our 135+ strong network of local carer services that there are so many pockets of brilliant voluntary sector work taking place across the country. We want to see a National Care Service that builds on these foundations and places the needs of unpaid carers at its heart.
“Though the sector has heard commitments to reform time and again, never before has a Prime Minister placed social care so clearly at the front and centre.
“We are determined to work with the Government and other organisations across the system to ensure that a National Care Service goes beyond political promise and becomes a reality this time.”
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age said:“It was extremely welcome to hear the Prime Minister talk about what older people living on a low income are going through.
“Too often they are left out of the conversation, yet 1.7 million people over State Pension age are currently living in poverty, and another one million teeter dangerously on the edge.
“We were pleased, too, to hear the Prime Minister’s pledges to lower energy bills and improve housing standards – which will be welcomed by older people in financial hardship.
“Before a double lock is implemented, we need to know that the UK Government has fully considered, and put in place protection for, older people on low incomes. Any changes that are made to the State Pension must ensure no current or future pensioners on a low income lose out.
“It is important to see action to tackle pensioner poverty directly. For instance, we would love to see a public take-up strategy to drive up the numbers receiving vital entitlements like Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.
“In the spirit of the Prime Minister’s speech, everyone in this country needs to know they can rely on a strong social safety net if they reach older age without an adequate income.”
Edinburgh Airport has unveiled the first phase of the largest capital investment programme in its history, with more than £500 million to be invested over the next five years.
The multi-year programme will deliver significant improvements across terminal expansion, airport infrastructure, passenger facilities and operational operations, helping prepare Scotland’s busiest airport for future growth.
First Minister John Swinney visited Edinburgh Airport’s South East Pier expansion site with Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive Gordon Dewar, the first phase development, part of the airport’s £500 million investment programme, is due to fully open in summer 2027.
The landmark programme highlights VINCI Airports’ and GIP’s commitment to Scotland’s busiest airport and the next phase of its strategic ambition to strengthen Edinburgh’s role as a global connectivity hub.
The five-year programme is the first phase of a wider multi-year investment vision for Edinburgh Airport and its campus, with projects including:
New gates to support route growth.
New aircraft stands to handle more aircraft movements.
An expanded check-in hall and departure lounge to improve passenger flow and comfort.
A terminal footprint increase of 60%.
New and improved retail, food, and beverage areas, offering more choice for passengers.
New international arrival facilities and baggage make-up and reclaim areas.
Terminal transformation is at the heart of this first phase, with the wider programme ensuring Edinburgh Airport meets future demand sustainably and efficiently by enhancing capacity and the overall passenger experience.
The investment will support new long-haul and short-haul routes, growing connectivity between Scotland and key markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
The investment also aligns with the airport’s Greater Good sustainability strategy through modernised infrastructure and opportunities to introduce further low carbon enhancements and improvements.
Beyond the terminal, the first phase of investment will include improvements across the wider airport campus, including additional electric vehicle infrastructure, a new access road and other initiatives.
First Minister John Swinney said: “This significant investment will enable Edinburgh Airport to compete with airports around the world. Alongside delivering real benefits to passengers, this boost will support Scotland’s international connections and help drive economic growth.
“Scotland is open for business and we want to maintain and strengthen Scotland’s position as the most attractive place in the UK for inward investment outside of London and the South East. Opportunities like this airport expansion will help make that happen.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is the biggest investment in Edinburgh Airport’s history and comes at one of the most exciting points in its development, adding another important chapter to its story.
“Our growth has cemented our position as Scotland’s busiest and best connected airport, and we know the important role we play in supporting economic growth in Scotland and the UK. This investment will strengthen our international competitiveness by growing Scotland’s connectivity.
“This is the first phase of a multi-year plan that ensures we are building for Our Future, creating the capacity, capability and customer experience we need and want. It’s part of a wider vision that will see us invest in infrastructure, operations and sustainability, ensuring Edinburgh Airport continues to deliver for passengers, airlines, communities and the Scottish economy for decades to come.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport’s owners, VINCI Airports and GIP said: “This £500 million investment underscores our confidence in the airport’s growth prospects and our long-term commitment to supporting its development.
“It will enable us to increase its capacity while delivering an ever higher quality experience for passengers, thereby consolidating Edinburgh’s role as Scotland’s leading international gateway.”
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s business in Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh Airport plays a vital role in supporting the country’s economy, international connectivity and future growth, and we are proud to be helping deliver the infrastructure needed for its next chapter.
“Operating within highly regulated live airport environments requires specialist expertise, and our teams’ capability has enabled us to safely deliver complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational continuity and minimising disruption for airport users.”
FM outlines progress made in first 100 days of government
Helping people with the cost of living, strengthening public services and growing the economy are the focus of policies delivered so far in the first 100 days of government, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Since appointing the Cabinet on 20th May, the Scottish Government’s action has included setting up the First Homes Fund to help first-time buyers with up to £10,000 support towards a deposit, investing in and expanding health and social care provision, and setting up initiatives to boost business.
Work is also underway on key commitments including expanding support for breakfast clubs, extending the £2 bus cap beyond the Highlands and Islands, the Welcome to School Bag which builds on the success of Scotland’s Baby Box and on mobile phones in schools.
First Minister John Swinney said: “From day one, this government has been focused on the issues that matter most to people across Scotland – helping people with the cost of living, making our public services like the NHS stronger, and supporting our economy to prosper. My government will deliver on its promises to the people of Scotland.
“In our first 100 days, we have taken decisive action to support these priorities. That includes investing £90 million to bring down NHS outpatient waiting lists, boosting the social care workforce and opening new GP walk-in services.
“Our First Homes Fund is helping first time buyers to get on the property ladder, and launching the £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund will make sure fewer people reach the point of crisis.
“To support our economic growth, we have established the National Council for Economic Growth and set up a fund to support island business impacted by travel disruption.
“As we near the end of the first 100 days of this government, we will continue to deliver action that will help improve people’s lives – including launching the consultation on the food price cap and delivering more school breakfast clubs to help families with essential costs.
My Programme for Government will then set out how we build on the progress to go further in improving lives and delivering change to build a stronger,fairer Scotland.”
It was great to welcome First Minister John Swinney MSP to the Edinburgh Social Bite Village to see first-hand the impact of our response to homelessness.
During his visit, the First Minister met with residents and staff to find out more about our innovative alternative to temporary accommodation.
FM John Swinney visits Social Bite’s Edinburgh Village – 19/08/26
Mr Swinney commented: “Social Bite, working with Cyrenians, is doing vital work to support people through crisis and help them rebuild their lives.
“I would like to express my gratitude to residents for welcoming me into their homes and giving me the opportunity to hear more about their experiences.”
We urge both the Scottish and UK Governments to explore adopting the Village Model in cities across the UK in a bid to address the nation’s homelessness crisis.
The Social Bite Village Model demonstrates how unused or derelict land can be transformed into high-quality, purpose-built communities, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional forms of temporary accommodation.
Find out more about building a Social Bite Village in your local area:
Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Global Ink 2026
First Minister John Swinney MSP, welcomed some of the world’s leading festival directors and cultural leaders to Bute House last night (17 August) as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Global Ink 2026 programme.
The reception brought together 20 international delegates from 15 countries who travelled to Edinburgh from across Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania for Global Ink, the Book Festival’s flagship forum for festival directors.
Attendees represented organisations including Jaipur Literature Festival, Kerala Literature Festival, Adelaide Writers’ Week, Centre for Ideas at UNSW Sydney, Toronto International Festival of Authors, Auckland Writers Festival, San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival,Gothenburg Book Fair, Emirates Literature Foundation and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival among others.
The invitation to Bute House marks the start of a week of networking, industry discussions and public engagement activities embedded within the wider Edinburgh International Book Festival programme, creating opportunities for international delegates to connect with Scottish writers, publishers, cultural organisations and policymakers.
They will be joined by representatives from leading UK festivals and sector bodies including Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cambridge Literary Festival, Bradford Literature Festival, Wigtown Festival, Open Book, Arts Council England, Wales Arts International, Scottish Book Trust, CILIPS, Publishing Scotland, Literature Alliance Scotland and Creative Scotland.
Together, these gatherings position Edinburgh as a unique meeting point for cultural leaders from across Scotland, the UK and around the world, reinforcing the city’s role as an international hub for literary exchange, collaboration and cultural diplomacy.
Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said:“The relationships built through Global Ink extend far beyond a few days in Edinburgh.
“The conversations and partnerships that begin here have the potential to open doors for Scottish writers and creatives across the world for years to come – supporting cultural exchange and strengthening Scotland’s place within an international community of ideas, literature and creativity.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland for their support through the Festivals EXPO Fund, which has enabled us to expand this work and deepen our international connections.”
Edinburgh’s status as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature reflects the strength of a creative ecosystem that delivers significant cultural and economic value.
A major 2026 impact study found that literature and publishing contribute £50.9 million annually to Edinburgh’s economy, while literary festivals attract more than 256,000 visitors each year and help sustain the city’s global reputation as a centre for ideas, storytelling and cultural exchange.
The wider Edinburgh Festivals are estimated to generate £852 million in economic impact across Scotland annually, welcoming audiences from more than 100 countries and providing an international platform for Scottish creativity.
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.”
