Tag: First Minister John Swinney

Granton Waterfront: Delivering on affordable homes

Scottish Government funding to support housing infrastructure

A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.

Part of the Scottish Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, the grant will allow the City of Edinburgh Council to undertake crucial infrastructure works in preparation for building 847 new homes, including 387 affordable homes.

It is part of a wider package of financial support being developed by the Scottish Government at Granton Waterfront, reflecting the commitment to support seven strategic sites as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

First Minister John Swinney visited the development to announce the funding and learn about how the project is progressing. He also had the opportunity to meet apprentices working on the construction site.

The First Minister said: ““Public sector investment in the first phase of Granton Waterfront is estimated to leverage a further £200 million of private sector investment in private housing and the low carbon heat network.

“The 2025-26 Budget has allocated more than £7 billion for infrastructure and £768 million to ramp up action on delivering affordable homes.

“This development at Granton Waterfront is an excellent example of how Scottish Government investment is already delivering across my government’s four priorities – to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, improve public services and protect the planet.”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Jane Meagher said: “We’re making significant progress at Granton Waterfront, with hundreds of affordable homes underway at both Western Villages and Silverlea. I welcome today’s announcement which comes at a critical time, as our city faces an ongoing housing emergency and a severe shortage of homes.

“This funding forms part of a wider funding package that the Council and Scottish Government continue to develop, allowing the next phase of development in Granton to get underway later this year. This will see further development of much needed new homes, alongside improved infrastructure, and an innovative low-carbon district heating system.

“The regeneration of Granton will not only help to address the housing shortage but also contribute to our broader goal to become net zero by 2030 and by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, residents will benefit from modern, comfortable, energy efficient homes.

“We’re working hard to make Granton somewhere people will want to call home, and this is a great example of the success we can have when governments work together in partnership. I look forward to seeing this progress continue.”

Swinney: Securing the future of an independent Ukraine

First Minister commits to international solidarity

First Minister John Swinney has pledged the support of the Scottish Government to “securing international solidarity” for the long-term future of an independent Ukraine.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, he condemned Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion and the subsequent three years of “barbaric” aggression that have followed, while commending Ukraine’s people for their fight to defend the independence, territorial integrity and security of their country.

Mr Swinney said that providing support and sanctuary for displaced Ukrainians continues to be a priority for the Scottish Government.

The First Minister warned that pausing military aid “can only run the risk of emboldening Russia”, stressing the United States must remain “steadfast” in its support for Ukraine alongside the United Kingdom Government, European allies and partners across the wider western world. He also accepted the case for peacekeeping forces to avert further conflict, subject to proper democratic scrutiny.

The First Minister said: “Right now, today, as we stand here, men, women and children in Ukraine are putting their lives and their freedom on the line to defend their country and all of our democracies.

“My hope is that US and European leaders can once again find a way to speak with one voice on the matter of this conflict. There are no grey areas when one country chooses to send troops and tanks into the peaceful territory of another.

“My Government supports the approach of the United Kingdom Government, in committing to secure international solidarity in support of Ukraine’s long-term future. My Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine, until a just peace is secured – not a peace at any cost, which strips Ukraine of her sovereignty in wartime.

“Scotland’s approach, internationally, will continue to be led and guided by our compassion for Ukraine. Now, 25 years into the life of this modern Parliament, Scotland chooses to stand for democracy, for human rights and the rule of law, at home and among our courageous allies like Ukraine.

“These are the underpinnings of democracy, of prosperity, and of every freedom democracy provides. This is the solidarity among allies that will deliver Ukraine from Russia’s barbaric aggression, while protecting her heritage, her culture, and her social and economic future.

“Ukraine’s future, and her fate, is our future and our fate.”

International solidarity to support Ukraine: First Minister’s statement – 4 March 2025 – gov.scot

First Minister to convene gathering on ‘democracy and respect’

A new initiative to unite Scotland together against extremism

First Minister John Swinney will convene a pivotal gathering of Scottish society to work together and unite Scotland against the “increasingly extreme far right”. 

Representatives from key organisations across Scotland including churches, trades unions and charities will be invited to attend a gathering in April, alongside the leaders of Scotland’s parliamentary parties.

Speaking at a press conference at Bute House, following the passage of the 2025-26 Budget, the First Minister said the new gathering will be an opportunity renew public trust in politics and unite Scotland in a common cause – “for democracy and respect.” 

The First Minister said: “At the start of the year, I warned that failure to pass the budget would send a signal that Parliament and politics could not deliver. That failure would only serve the interests of an increasingly extreme far right and leave devolution dangerously exposed.

“But the budget has passed, and a different story can be told. Yesterday’s vote demonstrated that partnership and collaboration are possible. And that is something precious, something vitally important itself.

“But we must do more. It is time to come together to draw a line in the sand. To set out who we are and what we believe in. 

“The threat from the far right is real. But that leaves me all the more convinced that working together is not only the right choice, but the only choice. 

“That is why I want to share a new initiative to bring Scotland together in common cause. I want us to work together to agree a common approach to asserting the values of our country, to bringing people together and creating a cohesive society where everyone feels at home.

“It was a mobilisation of mainstream Scotland that delivered our parliament a quarter of a century ago. And I have no doubt, it is only by mobilising mainstream Scotland that we can protect those things we care most about, those things that are most important to us today.”

The First Minister will write to all party leaders and the leaders of civic organisations with the details of the upcoming gathering in due course. 

A new initiative to bring Scotland together: First Minister’s speech – 26 February 2025 –

Supporting Orkney’s farmers and food producers

Plans for new abattoir get funding boost

Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which this year has provided a total of £256,500 to support private kill abattoirs including in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall and Mull.

By creating more localised supply chains, the Fund aims to increase the proportion of food grown and processed by small farms and small holders, and consumed within the community.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small producers and strengthening Scotland’s food supply chain. We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.

 “A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry.  We will continue to work with HIE and the Orkney Islands Council as the project develops.”

Chair of Orkney Auction Mart Alan Corrigall said: “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support.  

“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with local butchers and other stakeholders, to build a strong business case for this important project.”

Supporting Scotland’s small producers – gov.scot

First Minister opens Scotland’s first hydrogen homes

  • New demonstration homes showcase hydrogen appliances which enable households to cook and heat their homes without any carbon emissions
  • Homes are part of H100 Fife, a world-first green energy project which will see hundreds of households switch from natural gas to hydrogen 
  • Local residents taking part in project can get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year
  • Opening marks a major milestone for H100 Fife and Scotland’s net zero ambitions

The First Minister John Swinney has hailed the opening of Scotland’s first hydrogen homes as a ‘shining example’ of how the country is leading the way in solutions to tackle climate change. 

The homes are part of gas network company SGN’s H100 Fife project and showcase the potential for hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in households and businesses across Scotland and the UK.

Located in Levenmouth on Fife’s east coast, the demonstration homes showcase how hydrogen can provide heating and cooking experiences very similar to natural gas. Familiar appliances like gas boilers and hobs are installed in the homes delivering the instant and responsive heat customers are used to, but with zero carbon emissions.

H100 Fife is a world-first green hydrogen project which will see up to 300 households switch to hydrogen for cooking and heating.  Residents involved in the trial can now visit the demonstration homes to get hands-on experience ahead of appliances being installed in their own homes later this year.

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, opened the homes alongside SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback and members of the community.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s net zero future depends on our ability to create innovative solutions to tackle climate change; and the H100 Fife project is a shining example of this ambition.

“These demonstration homes offer residents a glimpse of the role that hydrogen can play in delivering warm and comfortable homes with zero carbon emissions. 

“I welcome this significant milestone in the project’s journey and look forward to its completion.” 

Residents who have signed up for the project and those who live locally1 can visit the homes to see hydrogen boilers and hobs from leading manufacturers Baxi, Worcester Bosch, and Bosch Home Appliances. These are the appliances that will be installed in their own homes later this year.

SGN’s CEO Simon Kilonback said: “SGN is incredibly proud to mark this important milestone for green energy in Scotland with the First Minister. We are working in partnership with the local community and look forward to welcoming them to our demonstration homes.

“We believe H100 Fife can act as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation, positioning Scotland at the forefront of the transition to net zero.

“However, this project is also far more than just a hydrogen for home heating trial and will provide key evidence to support the development of the hydrogen economy, whether that be production, storage, distribution or operations.”

SGN is partnering with Fife College to open the UK’s first hydrogen training facility in the coming months, located just a mile away from the H100 Fife network in the college’s Levenmouth campus.

Existing Gas Safe engineers in the region will be upskilled at the facility on how to fit new hydrogen appliances and connect homes taking part in H100 Fife to the new 8.4km hydrogen network which was completed last year.

During the event, the street on which the newly constructed homes are built was officially named ‘Newhaven Street’2 by students from local school Denbeath Primary, highlighting historic links to nearby Methil docks.

First Minister sets out major increase in NHS capacity

‘Protecting, strengthening and renewing the NHS’

People across Scotland will have better access to NHS treatment through increased capacity, expanded primary care services, enhanced use of digital innovations and a range of other measures, First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday.

Speaking to representatives from across the health and social care sector, the First Minister set out action to drive down waiting times and reduce pressure on frontline services.

The First Minister was joined by Health Secretary Neil Gray and announced a range of actions including:

  • A substantial increase in capacity, with 150,000 additional appointments and procedures per year
  • Increased investment in primary care, making it easier for people to get appointments with their GP
  • Improved use of data and new digital innovations including the roll-out of a Scottish health and social care app – a ‘Digital Front Door’ to the NHS for patients

The First Minister said: “Protecting, strengthening, renewing our National Health Service – that is a goal I think we can all get behind. A real focus of common purpose.

“That requires action from me, as First Minister, from my Health Secretary Neil Gray, and from my Government. We can offer the leadership and direction – as the measures outlined today seek to do.

“So, today, we commit to a substantial increase in capacity in order to significantly reduce people’s waits.

“Our plan will ensure that a greater proportion of new NHS funding goes to primary and community care. GPs and services in the community will have the resources they need to play a greater role in our health system.

“This increased investment will result in GP services that are easier for people to access. That is important in terms of people’s confidence in the health service – but equally, it will make it more likely that health issues are picked up quickly and dealt with earlier.

“Our National Health Service is there when we need it. No other public institution supports us with so much care through life’s biggest moments. We must support it in return.

“The approach I set out today charts our course to do that. It addresses both the challenges and the opportunities. It sets the NHS on a path of modernisation and renewal.”

Improving Public Services and NHS Renewal – First Minister’s speech – gov.scot

Light the Darkness on Holocaust Memorial Day

At 8pm tonight – 27 January – join us to Light the Darkness for #HMD2025.

On Monday, people will light candles and place them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and stand against prejudice and hatred today.

#LightTheDarkness

#HolocaustMemorialDay.

On #HolocaustMemorialDay First Minister

Scotland’s First Minister @JohnSwinney has honoured the millions of Jewish people that were murdered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust.

He paid tribute to everyone who continues to be affected by the Holocaust and genocide across the world:

State of the art learning campus opens in Fife

INVESTING IN SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

First Minister John Swinney has officially opened two new schools in Dunfermline which were supported by £53.4 million of Scottish Government investment.

Based within the new state of the art Dunfermline Learning Campus, St Columba’s RC and Woodmill High School will provide education opportunities from primary school all the way through to college. The campus will also be home to the new Fife College which is expected to open in early 2026.

If the Scottish Parliament votes for the 2025-26 Budget, it will ensure councils share a record funding settlement of more than £15 billion which will help provide vital support for schools and education.

The opening of the two new schools also adds to the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition which has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7% in April 2024.

The increasing number of high quality school buildings is supported by the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) – delivered in partnership with local authorities. A further nine school projects included in the programme will open in 2025-26.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Investing in our children’s education is one of the most important investments we can make and my government is determined to continue to deliver progress in Education. The pupils of the two schools on the Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning in state of the art and modern facilities.

“It is my pleasure to officially open the schools within the Dunfermline Learning Campus and to see this fantastic facility come to life which has been supported by over £53 million of Scottish Government investment.

“There is so much to be proud of in Scottish education, with literacy and numeracy at a record high and record numbers of our young people going on to university.  Our budget will invest to ensure we can continue this progress.

“That is why I am calling on Parliament to unite behind the Budget and ensure we can drive further improvements in our schools, and deliver for our young people.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a key example of the Scottish Government – in partnership with local authorities – delivering for local communities through the £2 billion LEIP. For the pupils attending these schools, this campus will be transformative for their education, for their families and for their future.

“I’m really pleased to see that community initiatives have been a focus during the building period. 814 weeks of apprenticeships have been supported for local young people and more than £56,000 donated to local community groups – putting community and social value at the heart of the campus.”

Mr Swinney attended a rather older ‘learning campus’ earlier this week when he returned to Carrick Knowe, his old primary school in Edinburgh.

Carrick Knowe opened 70 years ago this week and the school has been celebrating that special anniversary by creating an impressive exhibition highlighting key moments in the school’s history. Current pupils also performed a wonderful birthday celebration show – on the very same stage that young John Swinney himself will doubtless have performed as a wee laddie quite a few years ago!

Happy birthday, Carrick Knowe!

COVID-19 Day of Reflection

SUNDAY 9th MARCH 2025

2025 marks five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sunday 9 March 2025, A Day of Reflection will be held. This will be an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the sacrifices made by many during the pandemic.

First Minister, John Swinney said: “The Day of Reflection is an opportunity for people to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, to reflect on the sacrifices made by many people and the impact of the pandemic on the nation and our daily lives, as well as honouring the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.

“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all of us in different ways and you can mark the day in a way that feels right for you – whether it’s organising your own get together, joining in a local event or remembering in your own way at home.”

Find out more about how you can participate at gov.uk/dayofreflection

First Minister’s Christmas card 2024

Supporting children to have the best start in life

First Minister John Swinney has launched his official Christmas card in partnership with charity Children First.

Children and young people supported by the charity were invited to Bute House to meet the First Minister and share their hopes and dreams for 2025.

This year’s Christmas card design features a photograph of Loch Faskally taken by Jane Barlow, an award-winning photographer at the Press Association. In the new year, a framed copy of the photograph signed by the First Minister will be auctioned to raise proceeds for Children First.

The First Minister said the card, and launch event, was an opportunity to highlight his commitment to eradicating child poverty and ensuring every child in Scotland has a safe, happy childhood and opportunities to succeed in life.

He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. So, it was important to me that this year’s Christmas card reflected that pledge.

“This year saw the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child incorporated into Scots law through ground breaking legislation, helping to make sure public authorities across Scotland respect, protect and fulfil all children’s human rights and that children live free from discrimination – an ambition championed by Children First.

“Children First does tremendous work protecting children from harm and delivering emotional, practical and financial support for families. Meeting the children and young people today at Bute House was an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting them, and their aspirations for the future.

“I’d like to thank the very talented Jane for contributing her photograph for this year’s Christmas card. Loch Faskally is a place of great natural beauty that showcases the very best Scotland’s environment has to offer.”

Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “We are delighted and honoured that the First Minister has chosen Children First to benefit from his Christmas card this year. We are very grateful to John Swinney for thinking of us and to Jane Barlow for sharing her beautiful image to help children across the country.

“Through our national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland our teams are working with families, day in day out to help protect their children from harm. 

Every child should have a safe and happy childhood we will continue to champion children’s rights with the Scottish Government to make the future, safer and brighter for every child.”

Jamieleigh, aged 14, said: “Meeting the First Minister, him sitting down with us and hearing what we say, could be a once in life-time opportunity, not many people get to do this. It’s great that he’s chosen Children First for his Christmas card.”