Providers of apprenticeship places will see their funding rise 10% in 2027-28, giving greater stability to those that offer training.
Modern Apprenticeship contribution rates support the training and assessment of the next generation of skilled workers, applying to new apprentice starts and apprentices in training from 2027/28.
The £8.8 million uplift applies to all types of apprenticeship frameworks, following phase one of the Scottish Government’s contribution rates review.
Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, Alyn Smith, said: “Apprenticeship training providers play a profoundly important role in equipping people with the skills they need to have successful careers. In doing so they make a significant contribution to a healthy economy.
“This funding increase demonstrates our commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeship system and to developing our future workforce. It will also provide greater stability for training providers within the context of a challenging financial environment.
“We want to see more high-quality apprenticeships to meet our skills needs and to support our vital public services. We look forward to expanding our modern and graduate apprenticeship offer in the future.”
Alcohol and Drugs Minister Maree Todd has raised concerns about an ‘increasingly toxic and unpredictable drugs supply’ in Scotland and has said the government will continue to prioritise a public health response to drug deaths.
It comes as new figures from National Records of Scotland show there were 1,133 drug use deaths in 2025, an increase of 11% compared with the previous year.
Cocaine was implicated in over half of all drug use deaths in 2025 (52%, or 589 deaths), an increase of 23% compared with 2024. Nitazenes, a group of highly potent synthetic opioids , were implicated in more than one in five drug use deaths (22%, 247 deaths).
Speaking during a visit to In Cahootz, an initiative in Glasgow which supports people affected by substance use through creative activities and building community connections, Ms Todd said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who has lost a loved one to drug use. Each and every death is a tragedy, and even more so because every life lost to drug harms is preventable.
“Against an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drugs supply, this rise is deeply concerning and unacceptable. The increase in deaths involving cocaine, and the continued threat from dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, must drive more coordinated action across the country.
“We have taken important steps forward, including funding more than 1,100 residential rehabilitation placements last year and widening access to treatment and life-saving naloxone. However, despite these policy interventions, and the actions of our valued frontline workers, it is clear we need to do much more to reduce this tragic loss of life.
“Our new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan will strengthen surveillance, deepen links between treatment, housing and other services, and target support at the communities most at risk. I have also announced today that Scotland’s first local drug-checking service will open in Glasgow this October – building on the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility.
“Whilst we are using every lever available through our devolved powers, it is clearly now vital that the UK Government work with us to transfer the greater powers over drugs policy that we require to treat drug harms fully as a public health issue.”
In Cahootz Creative Director Kate Black said: “The National Mission funding has allowed us to expand the range of activities available through our Creative Citizens Project.
“Taking part in creative activities can increase confidence and give people a sense of purpose and belonging. Building connections and becoming an active part of a community can play an important role in recovery.
“Our project helps people develop those connections and supports them to build a better quality of life.”
THE POVERTY ALLIANCE commented: “In a just Scotland, no-one would lose their life to drug addiction and everyone would have quick and efficient access to addiction treatment that works for them.
‘People living in the most deprived communities in Scotland are around 15 times more likely to experience problem drug use, compared to people in the least deprived communities. Reducing drug deaths means reducing poverty.
‘That means redesigning our economy so that people are able to access decent work, and investing in our social security system and public services, so that people have the income they need to live in dignity and security.
‘Above all, we need to treat people with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve.’
As part of recovery month, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Cllr Paul Kelly, reflects on the key role local authorities play in preventing harms from drugs and alcohol and supporting people to recover:
Across Scotland, unacceptably high levels of drug and alcohol related harms continue to have profound impacts on our communities. Behind each life lost is a person, their family, friends and colleagues. As a small but diverse country, many of us will know personally how the effects of drug use pervade our lives and affect whole communities.
Earlier this year, COSLA Leaders agreed the new Strategic Plan for alcohol and drugs, Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery – the first time Local and Scottish Government have agreed shared ownership over this critical challenge we face as a nation. The Strategic Plan builds on progress made during the National Mission but recognises that we need sustained leadership to tackle ongoing and emerging harms from alcohol and drugs.
While a shared policy direction at a national level is important, ultimately it is the local delivery of support that will make a difference to people’s lives. These solutions will lie in our communities, shaped by people, and delivered through trusted local services.
At the launch of the strategy at a rehabilitation facility in Inverclyde, I met with people in recovery and who told me how important it is to have pathways of care that bridge different services, bringing together specialist care with appropriate housing and ongoing wellbeing support.
Councils are well placed provide wrap-around support for people affected by drugs and alcohol and their families which fosters sustained recovery. Housing, social work and social care and community justice support some of the most vulnerable in our communities. This holistic support, meeting the needs of the whole person, act as the foundations for more specialist care. Meanwhile, our partnership working third sector organisations enable greater reach into communities, including outreach with people who face additional barriers to accessing services.
If we are serious about reducing harm from alcohol and drugs, we need strong local knowledge to understand why communities in Scotland continue to be deeply affected by drugs and alcohol. The stark reality is that the harms are not evenly distributed; rather, they are closely aligned to the prevalence of deprivation. Experiences of poverty and trauma can act as an underlying driver of harms, while drug and alcohol issues can perpetuate deprivation.
COSLA has long championed this preventative approach which tackles these root causes because our councillors witness firsthand how interconnected these inequalities are with wider outcomes. As much as 80% of what determines our mental and physical health comes from outside of health and care services. Our health and wellbeing starts long before a person speaks to their GP. It starts with a warm, safe home, with whole-family support in the critical early years and access to opportunities through high-quality education and secure local jobs.
As set out in the Population Health Framework, these are the wider determinants of health, the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that have a greater impact on our health outcomes that access to health and social care services. The preventative and universal services that councils deliver every day are the embodiment of these determinants: our schools, transport networks, leisure and culture facilities.
Indeed, no other part of the public sector has such depth or breadth in people’s daily lives. Our joint approach to reducing harms from alcohol and drugs rightly places prevention at its heart, maximising these local opportunities to shape healthy, resilient communities.
As the form of government which is closest to people, councils have the local knowledge to understand where services are working well, where gaps exist and how to make the best use of a community’s strengths. Differing demography and geography mean that our communities can vary. Post-industrial communities in the central belt have different challenges and opportunities to remote, rural and island communities. Flexibility in the delivery of services is vital to meet the needs in a range of local contexts.
Key to developing place-based solutions are the insights from people with lived and living experience of drug and alcohol issues, so services are developed with people, not for them. Last year, COSLA Leaders endorsed the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use which empowers people to know the human rights that belong to them.
Since publication, a range of emerging local practice has focused on meaningful engagement and participation, promoting more inclusive and accessible services, and enabling people to shape services through what matters most to them.
As we move forwards with this preventative, rights-based approach, I recognise the significant pressures that the system is under. Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, which coordinate a range of services to meet local need are often led by very small teams of committed individuals working to tight budgets. The wider workforce is delivering preventative, wrap-around and specialist support in challenging circumstances due to high and complex levels of need in communities.
Many of us continue to feel the effects of drugs and alcohol issues in our communities – in the unacceptably high numbers of lives lost and the families affected, and through the wider impacts of organised crime, including trafficking. New substances, increased toxicity and changing patterns of drug use add further challenges which require expertise and bespoke solutions.
Strong leadership in all parts of the system is essential to recognise the role that we all have to play to promote good health wellbeing and reduce harms. This will involve culture change, tackling stigma and promoting human rights in everything we do. We have already clarified the governance arrangement for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships through the Partnership Delivery Framework. This affirms the importance of a range of statutory services, not just local authorities, but also health boards, police and the prison service. Further work is required to ensure all partners understand their roles and responsibilities.
At a national level, our joint approach with Scottish Government will enable local and national leaders to work together to prioritise action that will make the greatest impact and hold each other to account.
Working with the Minister for Public Health, Mental Wellbeing, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, I look forward to inviting a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including third sector colleagues, clinicians and people with lived and living experience, to provide advice, insight and challenge to support the delivery of the Strategic Plan.
By combining a shared national ambition with strong local leadership, we can consider drugs and alcohol not in a siloed fashion but across the broad range of services that councils and their partners provide.
We can deepen partnership working, build a culture of learning, listening to those most affected. Through a collective commitment to prevention and wrap-around support, to reducing inequalities and to improving outcomes, we can create resilient communities and support people to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
National roll-out of Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners
Specialist nurses trained to examine survivors of sexual assault will be available across Scotland as part of a national roll-out.
Nurse Sexual Offence Examiners (NSOEs) support and examine survivors of sexual violence, providing trauma-informed care and gathering forensic evidence.
Following a test of change backed by over £700,000 of Scottish Government funding, the Lord Advocate approved the national roll-out of the role in March 2026
The change means specialist nurses will now be able to undertake forensic medical examinations and give opinion evidence in court, subject to continuing review of progress.
The expansion will particularly benefit islands and rural areas, which have previously relied on private forensic doctor services to deliver this care.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “It is crucial for any survivor of rape or another sexual offence to be able to access the support they need, in the way they need it.
“The hours after a sexual assault are some of the most difficult a survivor will face. Expanding this specialist nursing role means more survivors will be cared for by compassionate, highly trained professionals. It also means these specialist nurses will be able to give opinion evidence in court.
“This is a significant milestone for Sexual Assault Response Coordination Services throughout Scotland, and I want to thank everyone involved for their dedication and work to make this possible.”
Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) Network Patient Advocate Kirsty Arnaud said: “Disclosing sexual assault is one of the hardest things a person can do. It takes a considerable amount of courage and strength to attend a SARCS.
“Every survivor who has taken that step deserves timely, compassionate and trauma-informed care. This includes being able to exercise their right to request the preferred sex of the examiner.
“The quality of care a survivor receives post-assault can determine their future mental and physical wellbeing. More survivors should have access to the passionate and dedicated nurses I have been so fortunate to have met during my time as the lived-experience representative for the SARCS Network.
“The role of Nurse SOEs will further enhance this access across SARCS in Scotland. This development reflects the ways the SARCS Network is strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality support to survivors across Scotland.”
This change will also mean people will be able to exercise their right to be examined by someone of their chosen sex.
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, responded to the Scottish Government’s Homelessness Figures. She said:“Today’s published homelessness figures are disappointing and underline the scale of the housing challenges facing local communities across the country.
“While there are some slight improvements in some measures, too many individuals and families continue to experience homelessness.
“Councils are working tirelessly to prevent homelessness and support those in need, but housing demand continues to outstrip supply in many areas.
“Tackling this challenge requires sustained investment in affordable housing, a strong focus on prevention, and close partnership working across national and local government.
“Everyone deserves access to a safe, secure and affordable home, and councils remains committed to working with partners to make that ambition a reality.”
The number of children waking up without a home in Scotland has reached another record high and more than doubling in the last 10 years, new Scottish Government statistics show.
10,715 children are currently trapped in temporary accommodation, compared to 5,223 in 2015. People are waiting in temporary accommodation for years for a home and more people are sleeping rough. Instances of local authority homelessness services unlawfully breaching people’s housing rights have also significantly increased, up 32% to 21,800 since last year.
The figures show the sheer scale of Scotland’s broken housing system – the result of decades of underinvestment and the failure to build enough social homes, says Shelter Scotland.
The leading housing and homelessness charity says that the situation can be turned around, but only if building more social homes becomes a national mission supported by an exceptional level of funding. Areas that need it most like Glasgow must receive national investment from Scottish and UK Governments.
This new data comes after the First Minister promised to end the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation for children in the recent Programme for Government. The test now is whether real change will be felt by the thousands of families and children without a home.
Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, Interim Director at Shelter Scotland said:“Scotland’s housing emergency has been decades in the making. Children are growing up in harmful conditions and families don’t know how long they will be stuck in limbo.
“Local authorities are under extreme pressure and are unlawfully turning people away who have a right to housing. That pressure is resulting in housing being weaponised with calls to roll back rights. It is utterly unacceptable.
“We know why it has happened- because we have failed to build enough social homes. The First Minister’s recent pledge to stop children being placed in harmful temporary accommodation is very welcome, showing he has listened to the demands of families. But we won’t celebrate just yet – promises mean nothing without action.
“The situation in Glasgow needs a national response. It needs investment from the Scottish and UK Governments until the asylum backlog declines and we must see the delivery of homes quicker to lift people – especially children – out of temporary accommodation.
“The good news is we know how to end the housing emergency and so do the Government. We need committed investment to deliver the social homes desperately and urgently needed. If the Government focuses More Homes Scotland on social housing, there’s a massive opportunity to change the trajectory.
“Families can’t wait any longer. It’s time to turn the tide and follow through with action, so we don’t allow more children to face the same fate for the next decade.”
Janet Haugh, CEO of Right There, said: “These figures should shock us all. More than 10,700 children are now growing up in temporary accommodation across Scotland, while rough sleeping continues to rise.
“Scotland cannot keep describing this as a housing emergency without responding like it is one.
“We need action, not platitudes. Prevention, affordable housing and early support must move from ambition to action.”
Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026
WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House
A selection of thousands of messages from people across Scotland sharing their hopes for the future of nature have been handed over to the First Minister inside a giant papier-mâché oyster.
WWF Scotland with a group of young nature supporters used the sculpture of the European flat oyster to handover the messages gathered from members of the public during the organisation’s recent ‘It’s in Our Nature’ campaign.
The messages call for stronger leadership and investment in nature recovery.
Among the wishes were calls for:
More safe havens for wildlife
Healthier rivers and seas
Planting of more native trees
Greater protection for endangered species
A greener, healthier future for children and communities
Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026
WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House
Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “These messages are proof of the growing desire for our government to take more seriously the need to invest in Scotland’s natural world. They show that people across the country care deeply about nature, how nature helps their mental wellbeing and that they want to see it flourish once again.
“Whether it’s seeing more wildlife in local communities, protecting our rivers and seas, or ensuring future generations can experience the wonders of Scotland’s natural heritage, the message is clear: people want to see action.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s young climate and nature champions are at the forefront of calling for global climate and nature action, so it was great to see their passion firsthand and hear about the important work done by WWF Scotland to preserve and protect our natural environment.
“The climate emergency is already causing significant damage to nature and habitats, and tackling it is a Scottish Government priority. We will continue to do all we can to address the biodiversity crisis and help create a more sustainable world.”
The handover comes at a critical time for Scotland’s nature following a summer of extreme weather and wildfires, and 1 in 9 species already at risk of extinction.
Scotland’s natural ecosystems – including its peatlands, native woodlands, rivers, and coastal habitats – also play a vital role in capturing carbon, reducing flood risks, and building resilience against extreme weather.
Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026
WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House
Catherine from Central Scotland and Lothian’s West wrote:
“Nature is about all life on this planet and we must protect it. Scotland is well placed to do more from planting trees in the right environment to cleaning up our rivers and reducing pollution. The clock is ticking, we can’t delay.”
Stuart from Glasgow added:
“I have always felt that the Scots have a long history of stewardship of the land, and that is even more important today. If we do not take care of Scotland’s nature in a sustainable and regenerative way we risk losing that which is most important to future generations, the enjoyment of nature.”
Marion from the Highlands said:
“We all need and depend on nature for our mental and physical health. It underlies food production, clean water and clean air. Our future and that of our children depends on our protecting nature now.”
Empowered Communities? Proposals outlined to shape consultation
Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.
The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.
Initial proposals – which have been shared with COSLA and Holyrood Committees – include:
Replacing current local government arrangements with a smaller number of regional authorities to focus on strategic decision-making alongside a substantial number of community authorities with a focus on local decision-making
Separate arrangements for island communities have been suggested in recognition of their particular needs
Councillors sitting on both community authority and the associated regional authority to remove the need for a further layer of elections or additional tiers of bureaucracy
Ensuring regional administrative corporate structures support both regional and community authorities
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Reforming Scotland’s public sector is about delivering the best public services for people across Scotland.
“We need to ensure investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.
“Some decision making is best delivered at national level and regional level while others better sit closer to communities and we must get that balance right. Existing local government responsibilities could also be extended, including enhanced roles in economic development and business support so that individual areas can reflect local strengths and ambitions.
“These proposals are intended to provide a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion as we work to deliver reforms that strengthen public services and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s public sector reform proposals for local governance, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Whilst the Scottish Government have the laudable ambition to strengthen local democracy, it’s absolutely for the birds to think the sheer scale of this local government reform can be achieved without the initial and substantial investment required to bring about change in our communities.
“There is an argument that community authorities can improve decision making but only if the funding exists to deliver these services. The Scottish Government must be clear that, in the short-term, this will cost money – not save it.
“You cannot credibly claim to empower communities whilst looking set to cull 20,000 public servants who would, in reality, be required to get these reforms off the ground in the first place.
“Unions will continue to monitor the government’s proposals and will engage in good faith. However, we must be clear that any reforms forthcoming must not be a mere smokescreen for brutal cuts cosplaying as progress.
“Real progress means ending the £3 billion outsourcing within the public sector, delivering sectoral bargaining within social care and properly funding our public services through progressive taxation that builds, not bulldozes, our local government and public services.”
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU),said: “Today’s proposals for reform of local governance are ill-advised and entirely impractical. Expecting councils to engage in meaningful discussions and reach an agreement based on this within a mere 10 weeks is entirely unrealistic.
“The plan is clearly half-baked and raises numerous unanswered questions, such as what exactly will the new regions be and how will the geographies of community authorities be decided and by whom?
Crucial service sectors are similarly glossed over without practical detail. On education, suggesting that certain responsibilities be devolved locally to community authorities while empowering headteachers effectively strips local councils of education oversight.
“Transitioning to these regional and community tiers will also incur significant financial costs that remain totally uncalculated. Meanwhile, the statement provides zero clarity on social care: is it destined for nationalisation, takeover by two new NHS Boards, absorption into the new regional authorities, or some confusing hybrid of all three?
“Scottish Government must learn from England’s failings on reorganisation and understand how notoriously complex, costly, and difficult it is. It consumes immense energy and attention, distracting everyone from core priorities. If you are going to attempt it, you need absolute clarity on geographies rather than rushing straight to structural fixes.
“Real regional collaboration and stronger community engagement can easily be achieved within existing local authority structures—it doesn’t demand structural change. Substituting structural upheaval for real progress simply reflects a lack of imagination, a reluctance to put in the hard yards of true collaboration, and the vanity of chasing a political legacy.”
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has responded to Scottish Government’s proposals for Local Government reform:“Today’s statement gives some clarity to the Scottish Government’s intentions around the future of local government and public service reform.
“COSLA has been clear that public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities and that any changes to our governance landscape must enhance local democracy and bring decisions closer to communities.
“Councils will engage with Ministers to shape the future of local democracy. We will not support reforms that dilute local democracy or remove accountability from the people we serve.
“COSLA’s membership will consider these proposals from Scottish Government and continue constructive dialogue on what may be a fundamental restructuring of governance in Scotland.”
COSLA Leaders will meet on Friday to discuss public service reform proposals.
Earlier this month (11 September) COSLA confirmed that Local Government will engage constructively in the Scottish Government’s proposed three-month dialogue on public service reform, but participation must not be mistaken for agreement to any predetermined structure or transfer of responsibilities.
Councillors are elected by their communities to represent their interests. It is therefore vital to public trust that engagement is meaningful and truly informs any change to public services.
Council Leaders are clear: public service reform must be developed jointly by Local Government and Scottish Government, grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes, and shaped by the communities and workforce who will be most affected.
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, stated clearly:“Public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities, not organisational charts. Local Government will engage with Scottish Government, but we will not support reforms that dilute local democracy, centralise decision-making or remove accountability from the people we serve.
“Decisions around public service reform must be made in agreement between Local Government and the Scottish Government and have the endorsement of councils on any issue affecting them.”
There will be no “one size fits all” approach
Public services should be designed with the focus being on outcomes, not organisational structures.
Services should remain local and closest to communities by default, work regionally where scale adds value, and operate nationally only where there is a clear benefit. Protecting local accountability of our public services is essential. Councils already have practical proposals for greater collaboration, shared services and stronger partnership working across the public sector.
Social care must remain local
Council Leaders have once again reaffirmed that social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and be accountable to local communities.
Social care and social work should be an equal partner to the NHS not subordinated to it.
Any approach to social care reform must recognise that it is not simply about meeting individual needs, but about removing societal and structural barriers, advancing inclusion, and supporting people have choice, control, and be able to participate in their communities. Local Government must be an equal partner in shaping future arrangements.
Communities and Staff Must Be Heard
COSLA is seeking assurance that communities, the workforce and their Trade Unions will be fully involved, and that evidence is not sidelined by a compressed timetable. Scotland already has a strong foundation for reform through years of work on local democracy and democratic literacy.
The Financial Case for Public Service Reform
Councils need clarity on expected costs, savings, risks and the investment required to make any change successful. Public Service Reform cannot become a vehicle for cutting the Local Government settlement, and we cannot afford to put our communities at risk like that. Sustainable reform requires funding certainty, investment in prevention and resources that match responsibilities.
Looking at the Whole System
A debate on local governance must not focus solely on councils. COSLA believes there is a strong case for considering whether some functions currently delivered nationally could benefit from local democratic accountability. Councils recognise and have been progressing opportunities for greater collaboration across the wider public sector – but these should be underpinned by local knowledge and understanding of needs.
Key Messages from COSLA Leaders
A planned approach to Public Service Reform must be agreed jointly between Local Government and Scottish Government, be flexible and asymmetric recognising the different geographies, demographics and needs across Scotland.
Consideration should be given to a range of services not currently within the remit of local government that should be brought closer to local democratic accountability, such as public health, transport and further and higher education;
Council Tax reform must be delivered on – Local Government has been seeking this for over a decade and the analysis published today shows public support for the case for change.
Social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and not be over-medicalised.
Communities, staff and trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping Public Service Reform.
Public Service Reform must respect the Verity House Agreement, the European Charter on Local Self Government, and local democratic mandates.
Local government elections in May 2027 should not be affected by Public Service Reform proposals, and the election timeline should be considered in this process.
The workforce impacts must be carefully considered and addressed, prior to any agreement on change.
Greater clarity is needed on the financial implications of Public Service Reform.
Scotland’s public services will be strengthened not by imposing structures from the top down, but by working with councils, communities and the workforce to deliver better outcomes for people.
Large data centre applications are set to face more stringent environmental requirements.
The Scottish Government has published a planning direction which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted during planning for all new data centres with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW).
This follows a direction last month requiring planning authorities to notify Scottish Ministers of all new data centre applications within seven days of validation.
Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The Scottish Government recognises that data centres are a rapidly evolving sector attracting a broad range of views, opinions and concerns, and that evidence on the environmental impact of data centres continues to develop.
“As this is an emerging industry, we have the opportunity to get this right from the start. The guidance issued today is the next step in that process.
“We must balance the economic and employment interests in developing data centres with national energy, climate and community wealth building ambitions, which are vital to our future prosperity, as well as the potential impact on local communities.
“Ensuring that an Environmental Impact Assessment is always part of the application process will create a level playing field for developers and will ensure potentially significant environmental effects are considered from the outset.”
The Scottish Greens expressed frustration at the decision: ‘SNP have teamed up with the Tories and Lib Dems.
‘They’ve voted down a Green motion which would have brought in a moratorium against new hyperscale AI data centres in Scotland.
‘Instead they’ve chosen to muddy the water, leaving confusion when our communities need certainty.’
Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh
A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.
The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.
The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.
The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.
Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.
Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.
Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said:“Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.
“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”
EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.
Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.
Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.
The Scottish Government needs to be more transparent about how it will use £755 million raised by a high risk and reward offshore wind leasing round, says the Audit Commisson in a new report published today.
In 2020, Crown Estate Scotland (CES) launched ScotWind. The leasing round offered buyers capped prices for the option to develop the seabed – rather than maximising immediate returns through an open auction. The rationale for the decision was to increase the chance of securing long-term lease payments. The CES Board scrutinised the approach and it was agreed by the Scottish Government. However, no single business case for the ScotWind leasing round was produced.
In 2021, a rapid review of ScotWind was instigated when a rest-of-UK leasing round generated record revenue through an uncapped, open pricing approach. CES drew on external advice and increased the seabed development fee cap from £10,000 to £100,000, although a much higher cap was considered and rejected.
The rapid review also put new penalties in place to encourage developers to deliver on their supply chain commitments, but these need to be further strengthened for future leasing rounds.
The £755 million initially raised has been banked by Crown Estate Scotland over 12-month terms on behalf of the Scottish Government. This gives ministers maximum access to the funds and allows them to be used to balance the budget. However, it has limited Crown Estate Scotland’s investment options and financial returns.
Ministers have drawn down £96 million of ScotWind funds to date. But it is not clear how the money has been used to support the transition to net zero.
Nor is it clear how the Scottish Government intends to use remaining ScotWind funds over the course of the Parliament. That extends to the need for transparency around the purpose and operation of a new ScotWind Wealth Fund as ministers’ plans develop.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish Government took a high risk and reward approach to the ScotWind leasing round. Whether that decision represents value for money will be determined in the coming years.
“If developers sign long-term leases before their option periods end, then annual payments will continue to benefit Scotland for the next 60 years.
“However, if they give up their options the capped option pricing model will result in limited wider economic benefits and substantially reduced public revenues.
“What is now important is that the Scottish Government is much more transparent about their plans for how the ScotWind funds will be used across this parliamentary term and beyond.”
North Edinburgh event brings the refugee and migration sector together to explore how narrative can influence policy, public attitudes and belonging
Over 80 organisations, practitioners and community leaders from across Edinburgh and central Scotland came together at North Edinburgh Arts on Wednesday 16 September for EVOC’s 2026 ‘New Scots Gathering: Stories That Shape Change’ event.
The fully booked event explored how storytelling and narrative can influence systems and decision-making, challenge harmful narratives about migration, strengthen public understanding and support New Scots to shape the policies and services that affect their lives.
The morning plenary considered how stories can be used as a tool to influence policy and decision maker on the issues that matter to the lives of New Scots.
This was followed by four workshops giving practical case studies from across Scotland and the opportunity for participants to learn and share together.
The afternoon was led by creative voices, exploring how the sector can tell stories that are impactful and that shape public attitudes.
The Gathering was opened by Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development; Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council; and John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead.
Minister for Equalities and International Development Simita Kumar MSP said “Public services, third sector organisations and community groups play a really important role in Scotland’s warm welcome and ongoing work to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
“I am grateful for all their efforts and contributions – here in Edinburgh and further afield. This has been a hugely valuable event, underlining the importance of collaboration to the success of the New Scots approach in continuing to support refugees, people seeking asylum and communities across Scotland now and in the future.”
Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said “I’m proud that Edinburgh remains a diverse and welcoming city. We are, after all, a city of migrants.
“Many of us are migrants or have migrants in our families. Many have lived here for generations and some of the city’s best loved institutions are thanks to those who have chosen to build their lives here.
“We all benefit from this, and our city and its culture are all the better for it – something we’re aiming to promote through our ‘Edinburgh is Our Home’ campaign.
“Unfortunately, however, with a rise in racist language, political rhetoric and hate crimes, we know that some in our communities are understandably feeling uneasy or unsafe.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to come together and challenge this harmful messaging and I’m very grateful to EVOC for organising this gathering of New Scots. It was so moving and insightful to hear their stories and perspectives first hand and I’m determined to do everything I can to make sure Edinburgh remains a place where people from across the world want to call home.”
John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead commented “The stories told about migration can shape public attitudes, services and policy.
“This third edition of the Gathering created space for organisations working alongside and with New Scots to connect policy discussion with creative practice, share what they are learning and consider how we can communicate with greater purpose and care.
“Bringing people together from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and other parts of Scotland showed the value of collaboration. We want to build on these conversations and support approaches that strengthen participation, challenge harmful narratives and help create communities where everyone can belong.”
Recorded sessions from the Gathering will be shared through EVOC’s digital channels after the event. Anyone interested in the next stages of this work can sign up to EVOC’s newsletter for updates.
