Tag: Scottish Government

Applications open for First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Supporting young entrepreneurs

Young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds will be helped to start innovative businesses through the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, which is now open for applications.     

Delivered in partnership with the King’s Trust and Dechomai, the programme will select 20 participants for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship, providing tailored support, grant funding, workshops and hands-on experience. One winning participant will be awarded £30,000 funding helping them to dedicate time to developing their business.    

First Minister John Swinney announced the opening of applications on a visit to Juicy Health Club in Glasgow’s West End, where he met young entrepreneurs who have successfully turned their ideas into thriving businesses.  

 Mr Swinney said: “Young people should be supported to make the most of their talents and ambitions, helping create a better future. Supporting young people to take the first steps in business is an important way to help them realise their potential, while also boosting the economy.    

“The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will support a new generation of entrepreneurs across the country. I would encourage anyone with an innovative business idea to apply now for the chance to join the first cohort and benefit from the tailored support and grant funding this programme will offer.    

“Juicy Health Club is a brilliant business that is thriving in Glasgow, and it sets a strong example of how to maximise market opportunities. It was great to meet entrepreneurs and hear how they have brought their different business ideas to life.”    

The King’s Trust in Scotland Director of Delivery Lou Goodlad said: “With applications now open for the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, we’re calling on those with ambition, talent and a great business idea to take the next step on their entrepreneurship journey. 

“Through this partnership, The King’s Trust is backing young people who have the potential but may lack the opportunity and support they need to get their businesses off the ground. 

“By offering tailored support and access to funding, this programme will help remove barriers to entrepreneurship, helping young people build successful businesses for the future in Scotland.” 

Dechomai Managing Director Bayile Adeoti said: “We are delighted that applications are now open for the First Minister’s Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Scotland to share ideas, tackle challenges, and build confidence for the future.  

“At Dechomai, we are passionate about creating opportunities and have developed an Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Accreditation as part of the programme focused on mindset, resilience, creativity, and leadership.  

“We encourage everyone aged 18–30 to apply and urge educators, youth workers, and partner organisations to help spread the word so no one is left behind.” 

The Start Up Challenge | Enterprise | Scotland   

Applications close on Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

100,000 connections bring faster broadband

£600m supporting Scotland’s communities and business growth

More than 100,000 faster broadband connections have now been delivered to homes and businesses across Scotland through the £600m R100 programme.

The milestone marks significant progress in bringing faster, more reliable broadband to communities across Scotland, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. 

Independent evaluation shows the positive impact improved connectivity through the R100 programme is having. Around three-quarters of businesses report increased productivity and stronger performance, while nearly two-thirds of households feel more connected to friends, family and the wider world. Almost half say their wellbeing has improved. 

Business Minister Tom Arthur visited Falkirk Distillery to hear how access to faster broadband is helping to transform and support the growth of the business. 

Mr Arthur said: “Fast, reliable internet is essential for modern life – it supports businesses, enables remote working and helps people access services and stay connected with friends and family. Across Scotland, this investment is already delivering real benefits and transforming lives and livelihoods. 

“Reaching 100,000 connections is a significant milestone for the R100 programme and our wider investment in Scotland’s digital infrastructure.

“We will continue to work with our delivery partners, including Openreach, to maximise the impact of this investment and extend the benefits to more homes and businesses across the country.” 

Fiona Stewart, owner of Falkirk Distillery, said: “Our faster broadband has been hugely beneficial for the business.

“It has enhanced our online booking for tours and improved our visitor experience due to better WiFi for our customers, supported our digital marketing and social media, and helped to make online payments in our retail shop more resilient.  

“It will also support a higher volume of digital payments as part of our expansion plans including the launch of a new restaurant and additional retail space.”   

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Scotland. Delivering almost all of these connections, our engineers have worked in some of the most challenging locations to bring full fibre to communities that need it most.

“It’s about more than infrastructure – it’s about opening up opportunities and helping rural areas thrive for the long term.” 

People can check the latest information on connectivity for their home or business using the Scottish Government’s online address checker at gov.scot/broadband

New tartan will mark the Declaration of US independence

Celebrating 250 years of Scotland – US ties

Scotland’s relationship with the United States of America will be celebrated through a new tartan to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

A new design by Kaci McEwan, a student from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, has been selected as a symbol of the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.

The tartan, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government and was selected by a panel including the US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, focuses on the United States’ journey towards independence, with carefully numbered threads and colour sections symbolising key moments in early American history.  

External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scots were at the heart of the United States’ emergence as an independent country. Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US. Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring connection between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past, and our future, as two proud nations. 

“The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries. 

“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.

“As Scotland takes its place at the men’s World Cup, the Scottish Government will showcase the skills and expertise we can offer the US and wider world.”

Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design student Kaci McEwan said: “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it.

“I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won. It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.

“For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.

“Looking back, this opportunity really reflects the kind of experience I’ve had at Heriot-Watt. I’ve been encouraged to think creatively, push my ideas further and take on opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. This competition was something I was encouraged to apply for, and that support has made a huge difference.

“To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies. It’s been an amazing journey, and this really feels like a special way to mark the end of it.”

Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America250 said: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and cultural connections that have shaped our nation’s story.

“This commemorative tartan is a meaningful tribute to the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, and Kaci McEwan’s thoughtful design beautifully reflects the shared history and values that continue to connect our two countries.”

Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean for the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kaci, and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on creating such a thoughtful and compelling design.

“The creativity, research and storytelling behind her work is truly impressive and it will be wonderful to see it play a part in such a significant international celebration.

“I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of all the students who took part. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, reflecting the talent, dedication and innovation that define our School.

“Opportunities like this, working on a live international brief of genuine cultural significance, are incredibly rare, and they speak to the distinctive, real-world experiences available to Heriot-Watt students. We are immensely proud to see our students representing Scotland’s creativity and heritage on a global stage.”

The expert panel consisted of:

  • Mark Boyce, Head of Scottish Government USA
  • Leonie Bell, CEO of V&A Dundee
  • Marnie Collins, Programme Director at Heriot-Watt University
  • Alan Cumming, Design Director at Lovat Mill
  • US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens
  • Jennifer Condon, Executive Director of America250.org
  • Rep. Robert Aderholt, Co-Chair of the Friends of Scotland Caucus and Commissioner Co-Chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus
  • Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association
  • Camilla Hellman, Executive Director of the American Scottish Foundation

Students from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design were commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government to create a tartan symbolising the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States. 

Kaci McEwan’s tartan was selected from five shortlisted designs. Kaci will travel to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the America250 organisation on Independence Day, July 4.

The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official commemorative tartan for the America-250th organisation. 

An initial commemorative run of tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.

Backing Scotland’s entrepreneurs

Funding to drive business innovation across sectors

An annual conference for the Games sector and a pilot matching film and TV producers with business angels are among new initiatives that will be supported as part of record Scottish Government investment in innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship this year.

A total of 44 projects will share £1.75 million through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund to help entrepreneurs and businesses emerge and grow.

It brings together three existing funds – together with a new, community-focused initiative – creating a simpler application process and faster decision-making on successful projects.

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn visited Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, which has been awarded nearly £40,000 to deliver a series of events for business founders from the food & drink sector to pitch products to buyers and investors. 

He said: “It is an economic imperative that Scotland’s business founders receive the right help to establish, grow and flourish – and the Scottish Government is committed to backing them at every stage of their business journey.

“Scottish Government support for our entrepreneurs has continued to evolve in response to direct feedback from business founders and owners.

“This latest round of funding delivers an even more tailored package of initiatives and programmes to ensure we are supporting existing and future business owners from across sectors, across the country, and across all walks of life.”

Executive Chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne said: “Securing this grant from the Scottish Government will allow us to further our goal of supporting Scotland’s food and drink entrepreneurs, connecting them with investors, producers and industry experts, and enabling collaboration across the industry.

“Our Cooking Up Growth programme will directly align to our mission to create, connect and elevate Scotland’s food and drink industry.

“Since our relaunch earlier this year, we’ve welcomed entrepreneurs, the business community and emerging culinary talent, working together to support a sustainable future for the industry. We look forward to launching Cooking Up Growth and continuing to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s larder while supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Full list of Ecosystem Fund recipients 2026-27.

Scottish government guilty of contempt over Salmond files

Court rules that failure to comply with FOI decision timescale was contempt of court

The Court of Session has issued a ruling which finds that the Scottish Ministers’ failure to comply with the compliance timescale set out in a December FOI Decision amounted to a contempt of court. 

The Decision – Decision 281/2025 – concerned a request for communications and information relating to the James Hamilton Report and published legal advice.

In the Decision, the Commissioner found that the Scottish Government had not been entitled to withhold some of the requested information, and required disclosure. Compliance with the Decision was required by 15 January 2026. 

Following a failure to comply, the Commissioner issued a warning letter on 16 January, requiring that the Scottish Government comply by 22 January or the matter would be referred to the Court of Session. When this deadline was not complied with, the Commissioner referred the matter to the Court. 

David Hamilton, Scottish Information Commissioner.

Commenting on the case, Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton said: “I welcome today’s ruling from the Court of Session that the Scottish Ministers’ failure to comply with the timescales set out in my FOI decision amounted to a contempt of court.

“This was the first time in more than 20 years of FOI that a Commissioner has had to refer non-compliance  with one of their decisions to the court. It was not a step taken lightly, and was all the more disappointing given that Scottish Ministers have a role in making the law and an assumed respect for the rule of law.

“Failing to comply with my decisions undermines the fundamental principles of FOI and damages the information rights of individuals. I trust that the Scottish Ministers will now  reflect carefully on this ruling and review their broader legal approach to certain aspects of FOI compliance – and particularly those relating to the Hamilton Inquiry.

“If Scotland’s FOI rights are to remain robust, effective and valued, the timescales for both the provision of information and compliance with my rulings must be respected by every public authority.

“People make FOI requests when the information they seek is important to them, and any inappropriate delay is a direct denial of their rights. We must work to ensure that this does not happen again.” 

Scotland’s NHS is ‘turning a corner’

Health Secretary welcomes sustained rise in activity

New figures show the number of operations carried out in the 12 months to April 2026 increased by 7.3% compared to the same period the year before.

New statistics from Public Health Scotland show a total of 281,115 operations were performed during the last 12 months, while 770 operations were carried out per day – an increase from 718 for year ending April 2025.

The increase in activity comes as latest waiting times statistics show new outpatient waits of over a year have decreased for 11 consecutive months and inpatient and daycase waits over a year reducing for 15 months in a row.

This is in addition to new figures which show Scottish Government pledges on extra appointments have been surpassed – the promise to provide 150,000 additional appointments last year has been exceeded, with latest data showing 168,177 additional appointments and procedures were carried out in the financial year up to March 2026 compared to same period in the previous year.

In the first 9 months of 2025-26, 34,089 procedures were carried out in National Treatment Centres, surpassing the commitment to see planned activity increasing to over 30,000.

Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am pleased to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out. Coupled with our continued progress to reduce waiting times, these latest figures show our plan is delivering for Scotland.

“I thank all NHS staff for their continued hard work and dedication – teams all across the country are driving this progress.

“We have delivered on our pledge to provide 150,000 additional appointments last year and our NTCs activity has surpassed our target already this year – our NHS is turning a corner and we are determined to build on this progress and ensure people are receiving the treatment they need as soon as possible.”

Scotland set for phone-free schools

Protecting children and young people

School learning environments across Scotland will become phone free under measures announced by Education Secretary Màiri McAllan yesterday.

Highlighting the damage phones can cause to pupils’ wellbeing and education, Ms McAllan confirmed forthcoming legislation to restrict their use in all of Scotland’s schools. A consultation will be launched within the new government’s first 100 days, with refreshed guidance published this summer to further encourage schools to bring in their own restrictions in advance of the law change.

A public health campaign will also be developed for young people and their parents, raising awareness of online harms while providing advice on how to stay safe on the internet.

The Scottish Government aims to build on strong foundations, delivering a phased and evidence-based public health approach to tackling online harms, informed by children and young people.

The Education Secretary said: “We will shortly publish a consultation on laws to make our learning environments phone free, meeting our commitment to do so in the first 100 days of this government.  

“Legislation is the way for us to mandate phone-free learning, but if head teachers want to take action themselves they do not have to wait, and nor should they.

“While we prepare legislation, we are working with education authorities to refresh the current guidance by the end of June, to support schools to consider their approach from the next term.

“Our schools and learning environments should be safe and nurturing environments for our children and young people, where they can learn free from the distractions of mobile phones.” 

In response to the Ministerial Statement on phone-free classrooms made yesterday, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “The strong commitment from the Scottish Government to set clear, consistent limits on mobile phone use in schools as part of a wider public health response to protect children from online harm is a crucial step in tackling the national childhood emergency of our time.

“The proposed guidance for schools must include firm boundaries for working with technology providers, so children’s data is protected and they are never exposed to advertising, addictive design or harmful content.

“Children are experiencing online harm on an unprecedented scale which must be matched by an unprecedented level of leadership and commitment. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to establish an independent online harm reduction unit within the first 100 days of the new Parliament.

“The unit would bring together expertise from across sectors to better understand risk, support parents, carers and professionals and challenge harmful and exploitative practices by tech companies.”

Any parent or carer worried about their child can contact Children First’s support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline for expert practical and emotional support.

You can listen to the Ministerial Statement in full here: Meeting of the Parliament | Scottish Parliament TV

‘Concrete action’ on Scotland’s A&E overcrowding needed as waiting time records broken yet again

The newly re-elected Scottish Government must show that it is serious about tackling overcrowding in Emergency Departments – as A&E waiting time records continue to be broken. 

New figures on ED performance from Public Health Scotland covering the month of April 2026 were published today (2 June). 

In April, fewer than two thirds (64.2%) of major ED attendances were admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours. The government-mandated target is 95%.  

Meanwhile, almost one in eight (12.4%, or 14,846) patients waited more than eight hours.  

This made that month the worst April since records began for eight and four-hour waiting time metrics in ED.  

A total of 6,196 – or 5.1% of patients – waited more than 12 hours – constituting the second worst April on record.  

Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM Scotland Vice President, said: “Emergency Department clinicians are working tirelessly to try to provide safe and good care to our patients – but the pressure is overwhelming and relentless. 

“We are out of winter. This time of year is supposed to see a break in the clouds. Instead, we are as busy as ever.” 

Today’s data also showed that, in April 2026, there were an average of 1,902 beds occupied by patients medically fit to leave each day – also known as delayed discharges.  

This constitutes a serious problem and is a driver of ED overcrowding because it means patients in need of admission from A&E cannot get a bed. This can result in extremely long waits for these extremely sick patients.  

As RCEM revealed last year, these waits can be deadly: in 2025, there 871 excess deaths associated with long waits for admission in ED.  

Dr Hunter said: “At last month’s elections, the incumbent SNP-run Scottish Government retained power. We must see votes repaid with real, concrete action on A&E overcrowding. 

“The new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Angela Constance has an uphill battle ahead of her. As today’s numbers show, waiting times are among the worst they’ve ever been for this time of year. 

“Enduring such waits in an ED is stressful, undignified and we know it can cause harm to patients.  

“Meanwhile, there has been no significant or meaningful improvement in the number of delayed discharges – a key metric of patient flow. 

“We call on the government to make tackling hospital overcrowding a priority and refuse to allow the current situation to continue. Just because our waits are better than other UK nations does not mean they should be accepted.” 

More information and data visualisation can be found here.  

CAMHS waiting times standard sustained

Nine in 10 children and young people begin mental health treatment within 18 weeks of referral

The latest figures, published today, show that 91.2% of children and young people referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) began treatment within 18 weeks — meeting the national standard for a sustained period.

One in two children referred to CAMHS is now starting treatment within six weeks — compared to one in two starting within 12 weeks before the pandemic.

Waits of over 18 weeks are at their lowest level since 2013, down nearly 20% in the past year.

The longest waits have fallen to their lowest level since 2015, with 12 out of 14 Boards now reporting zero patients waiting over a year.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “These figures reflect the dedication and hard work of CAMHS teams right across Scotland, and I am truly pleased to see these sustained and significant improvements in waiting times.

“We have increased CAMHS staffing by 51.6% over the last decade, and exceeded our commitment to fund 320 additional posts by 2026 — increasing capacity for cases by over 10,000. This investment is making a real difference to children and young people across the country.

“While there is still more to do, and we will not be complacent, today’s figures are genuinely encouraging. Long waits remain unacceptable and we will continue to support every Board to meet the standard.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition responded:“While we welcome the fact that one in two children referred to CAMHS is now starting treatment within six weeks — compared to one in two starting within 12 weeks before the pandemic, this is still in itself too long and there is much work to do to tackle the current mental health emergency.

“We still have just under 300 children and young people who have been waiting for more than nine months for treatment and 23 more than a year.

“Many children and young people are still waiting years for help, which worsens their mental health and is a sure-fire way to add to their pain.

“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the new Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

Autistic people risk being left behind without urgent Government action

Autistic people and their families across Scotland continue to face significant barriers, including long waiting times for diagnosis, a lack of support in schools and low employment rates.

Too often, children are missing out on education or are excluded from the classroom, while many people are left without support until they reach crisis point.

We and others have long campaigned for the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill – a Bill which the SNP committed to as far back as 2021. This would provide an opportunity to address the challenges facing autistic people and deliver real change.

Legally binding national and local strategies would improve support and accountability, while mandatory training across public services such as health, education and criminal justice would ensure autistic people’s needs are recognised and supported earlier.

Years of consultation have shaped these proposals, with many in the autistic community sharing difficult and traumatic experiences in the hope of having their voices heard.

As part of the Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, our charity has launched a petition urging the First Minister, John Swinney, to include the LDAN Bill in September’s Programme for Government, which will set out the Scottish Government’s key priorities and legislative programme for the coming year.

In the lead up to the recent election in Scotland, more than 5,500 letters were sent by supporters urging party leaders to commit to this legislation. This momentum must now be matched with action. Without a clear commitment from the First Minister, autistic people risk being left behind.

You can add your voice and help push for real change by signing the petition today: https://act.autism.org.uk/page/191897/petition/1?mode

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Our campaign had a fantastic response during the election period. Thousands of letters were sent urging all parties to commit to the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill, demonstrating a significant level of support for legislation long overdue in helping secure the rights of autistic people and their families.

The importance of the LDAN Bill in tackling the inequalities faced by autistic people and their families cannot be underestimated and this legislation is a vital opportunity to improve outcomes and recognise the rights of some of our most marginalised communities.

“With the election behind us and attention now turning to the first Programme for Government, we need everyone who wants to see urgent change to sign our petition and ensure this vital piece of legislation is introduced as early as possible in the new term.”

Becca, NAS Scotland Campaigner, said: “The LDAN bill is vital for the wellbeing, safety and equality of autistic and neurodivergent people in Scotland.

“Access must be granted, training must be given and voices must be heard to ensure that autistic and neurodivergent people have equal access and opportunity as anybody else. 

“The LDAN bill must be included in the Programme for Government to ensure this change happens and lives are improved. 

“As an autistic person, it is a struggle to ensure my voice is heard and my opinions are taken into account, so by committing to the inclusion of the LDAN Bill in the Programme for Government, I matter.

“My voice and many others across the country matter.“

You can call on the First Minister to Act Now for Autistic Rights by signing the petition here.