Tag: Scottish Government

Free, universal learn-to-swim offer

Primary School children to learn vital water safety skills

Primary children will have the chance to learn to swim as the Scottish Government capitalises on the forthcoming ‘spectacular summer of sport’.

The rollout of the National Primary School Swimming Framework, a universal offer to primary aged children, is part of a package of measures to get people more active, inspired by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Scotland men’s team playing in the FIFA World Cup finals.

An additional £40 million for sport has been allocated in the 2026-27 Budget, with £2 million for the swimming initiative in its first year, with plans to expand the offer in future years.

Watching pupils from Pirniehill Primary School learning the basics at a pool in Edinburgh, Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “We believe that every child, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to learn to swim – a core skill that can save lives.

“There is no better time to offer them that chance than now. We are preparing for a spectacular summer of sport which will see Scotland welcome some of the world’s best swimmers to Glasgow and having elite sportsmen and women competing live on our doorstep is an experience which can only serve to inspire. 

“This investment is part of an additional £40 million of funding for sport – enabling more people to get active and enjoy the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits that will last long after this year’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games have come to a close.”

Swimmer Duncan Scott, who has won eight Olympic medals and 13 Commonwealth medals across three Games, said: “I am delighted to see this Scottish Government commitment and investment in school swimming to keep children safer and more confident in, on and around water.  

“As an island nation with so much access to water it’s critical that primary school children have access to basic swimming and water-safety skills.”

Scottish Swimming Chief Executive John Lunn said: “It’s fantastic to see this commitment to school swimming after a long-fought campaign to ensure children have access to basic swimming and water safety skills.

“This is an investment in the future – a future where children are equipped with critical life skills to keep them safer in, on and around water.”

The Scottish Government has allocated an additional £40 million in the 2026-27 Budget for sport.

Scotland’s Budget Bill passed

HOLYROOD has approved the 2026-27 Scottish Budget, including a record £22.5 billion for health and social care and enhanced cost of living support.

The Budget Bill sets out funding of almost £68 billion with investment in Scotland’s infrastructure, direct support for household budgets and extra help for families.  

The spending plans include:

  • continued investment in cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail – and freezing of remaining Scotrail fares
  • free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
  • an increase in the Scottish Child Payment and, from 2027-28, a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months
  • an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
  • significant extra funding for universities and colleges, more than £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency and £4.3 billion transport funding
  • record investment of £926 million for affordable housing supply, record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government’s Budget delivers for the people of Scotland – strengthening our NHS and providing real, practical support with the cost of living.

“It will improve access to healthcare, including funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days per week, and builds on our game-changing work to eradicate child poverty, with an increase in the Scottish Child Payment.

“This Budget demonstrates our determination to improve lives across Scotland, and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.”

WE CAN THANK THE LIB-DEMS, OF COURSE …

‘The £300m that we have secured in a whole host of areas shows just how serious we are about getting stuff done. With the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you get grown-up, sensible politics.

‘You can get more of that by backing us in May on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.’

Budget Bill

Scottish Budget

Tackling stigma around social security

Survey shows stigma could be holding people back from seeking support

People may be missing out on social security support they are entitled to due to stigma around social security, new research shows.

Independent research commissioned by Social Security Scotland found that while nine in ten (91%) people agree anyone could need financial support when their circumstances change – four in ten (39%) say applying would make them feel less positive about themselves. This rises to almost half (48%) among 16 to 34-year-olds.

The survey also shows how negative portrayals could be fuelling this. Three quarters (75%) of people believe those who receive social security support are portrayed negatively by politicians and/or the media. Almost four in ten (39%) of people surveyed agreed people who receive social security are judged negatively by their family and friends.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Everyone should be able to access support without fear or shame, and these findings reinforce why we are delivering social security differently in Scotland — through a system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

“From the language we use to how we deliver our services – we designed our social security system based on feedback from people with lived experience. This has included using more compassionate language in letters, providing help in a format or language that best suits the individual and offering help with applications online, over the phone and in person. We all share responsibility for talking about social security with kindness – words matter.

“We’ll continue to work with clients and stakeholders to make further improvements and help break down the barriers that stop too many people getting the help they are entitled to.”

David Reilly, Communities and Networks Manager at Poverty Alliance added: “Our social security is a public good like the NHS – it’s there for everybody, especially those who need it most.

“There are 1.1 million people in Scotland who are struggling today on a low income – they have the same right to thrive as everybody else.

“But prejudice and negative stereotypes, often starting in our media and politics, then trickling down into our own communities and families – this unfair judgement can hold people back from reaching out and claiming what they’re entitled to – sometimes to the point of starvation and destitution. That’s simply wrong.

“Together, we can stand up for each other and reclaim the idea of social security as a basic human right, and a foundation that allows people to build better futures for themselves and their households.”

Karen Wylie, Policy and Participation Manager at Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) added: “GDA hears from our members that disability benefits are a lifeline not a luxury for disabled people.

“In our survey conducted in October 2025, we heard that stigma played a significant, prohibitive role in how and when people apply for benefits.

“Our members call for a change in narrative around social security so that it’s seen as a human right that not only covers the basics but also covers the additional costs of being disabled and enables people to live full and participative lives with choice and control.” 

Scottish Government confirms Public Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse

Professor Alexis Jay to chair statutory Inquiry

Professor Alexis Jay has agreed to chair a statutory Public Inquiry to examine Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).

In a statement to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed the Scottish Government’s intention to establish a targeted independent Inquiry and establish a Scottish Truth Project.

The Inquiry will focus on the prevalence of group-based CSAE now and in the recent past, whether brought forward by survivors or relating to findings from the independent National Review being led by four Inspectorates.

The new Inquiry will be distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith. The Scottish Government will ensure the new Inquiry does not duplicate the valuable work of the SCAI.

The scope of the Inquiry and its detailed terms of reference will be finalised and confirmed in due course, following input from Prof Jay.

The Education Secretary also announced that the Government intends to establish a Truth Project in Scotland, to enable victims and survivors of CSAE to share their experiences to help inform change and access support.  

Ms Gilruth said: “Survivors of abuse want to see accountability and improvement delivered as quickly as possible, and that sense of urgency is shared by the Scottish Government.

“We are determined to act decisively to protect children from the horrendous harm of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“I consider the establishment of a Public Inquiry to be essential, and from discussions I know Professor Jay wants to ensure that the Inquiry is carried out at pace. Announcing an Independent Public Inquiry today will not cure all which has come before, but it is a statement of intent from this Government that we will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.

“The work of the National Review and Police Scotland’s ongoing review of cases of group-based abuse will ensure that any improvements that must be made to practice or action to bring perpetrators to justice is taken as quickly as possible.

“The Truth Project, to be led by John O’Brien, will ensure that the voice of survivors is central to our collective efforts so that every action is informed by their experience and brings about the changes they have told me must be made.”

Professor Alexis Jay said: “The sexual and criminal exploitation of children entails abuse of the most horrific kind, usually at the hands of many perpetrators. The Public Inquiry will get to the truth of exploitation in Scotland in the past and the present, in order to prevent it in the future.

“It will examine the extent to which public authorities and other organisations effectively identify the risk of child exploitation and take action to protect children. I will engage with victims and survivors early, as the terms of reference are formed.”

Education Secretary’s statement to Parliament on protecting children from harm.

Commenting on the Scottish Government announcement today of a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “Children First have long supported victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to fight for better systems of prevention, detection and protection. Scotland has a duty to confront the harm children have suffered and to put a stop to more children being abused.  

“We now need to see full details of this inquiry so we can understand its scope and how it will ensure children’s voices and rights are placed at its centre.

“What cannot wait is urgent investment in specialist support like that provided by Bairns Hoose. This must be made available to every child who needs it so they can safely disclose harm and receive all the help they need to heal and reclaim their childhood.” 

Rising attainment among school leavers

Positive destinations second highest on record

The proportion of young people leaving school with five or more passes at National Courses and Highers, as well as their equivalent vocational and technical qualifications, has increased over the past year.

A record high of 68.6% of young people left school with five or more qualifications at SCQF Level  5 (National 5 equivalent), according to the School Leaver Attainment and Initial Destination statistics 2024-25 published today. Those leaving with five or more passes at SCQF level 6 (Higher equivalent) rose to 40.8%. The gap between those from the most and least deprived areas leaving with five or more qualifications narrowed at Level 5.

Nine out of ten young people (95.7%) were in positive destinations – such as work, training, college or university – three months after leaving school. This is the same level as 2023-24 and the second highest on record.

There has also been a fall in the number of young people leaving school at S4, down by 544 pupils to 7,540, and in S5 (down 370), with more pupils (732) staying on until S6. This starts to reverse the trend seen in the immediate post-COVID period.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “An increasing number of young people are leaving school with five qualifications or more at SCQF Level 5 or better, including National 5s and Highers.

“This underlines the strong recovery we are seeing in education, following the pandemic and the importance of the breadth of choice schools offer to young people in the senior phase.

“It shows the hard work of learners, teachers and parents and carers and comes after we saw record levels of literacy and numeracy in Scotland’s schools in the recent ACEL statistics  

“The Scottish Government has invested £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade helping improve outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty – and, while this latest data shows there is more to do, we remain determined to address this.

“The proportion of Scotland’s young people in positive destinations remains at a near record high. The welcome increase among those going on to Higher  Education underlines the importance of our commitment to free tuition, ensuring in Scotland education is based on the ability to learn, not pay.

“The recently passed Tertiary Education and Training Bill will also put apprenticeships on a statutory footing for the first time, creating parity with other post-school routes to provide more choices for young people.” 

destinations and attainment of 2024-25 leavers

Literacy and numeracy standards reach record high – gov.scot

Grassroots drug support funding

28 projects share £1 million

People affected by drug use across Scotland will continue to receive vital support thanks to funding for 28 projects delivering frontline services.

This is the final funding from the Scottish Government’s five-year National Drug Mission Funds, administered by the Corra Foundation. It aims to provide grassroots organisations with financial certainty and continuing support for those dealing with substance use, ahead of the introduction of a new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan.  

Speaking on a visit to Street Fit Scotland, one of the recipients, which works with people who use substances to help them build resilience and connect to supportive social networks through physical and social activities, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “This funding, administered by the Corra Foundation, is a lifeline for the people these projects support, and the statistics speak for themselves.

“More than 51,000 interactions with support services in 2024-25, an increase of over 17,000 on the previous year, demonstrates the extraordinary reach and impact of these grassroots organisations.

“As the National Mission ends next month, we will shortly announce our new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan and new support for the third sector.

“This funding provides a vital bridge to that – where we will again focus on sustained, need-based investment.”

Funded projects include recovery hubs in Kilmarnock and Forth Valley, residential rehab pathways in Ayrshire, treatment and health support in Edinburgh and West Dunbartonshire, family liaison in the Highlands, psychological therapy in Fife, and outreach services for homeless and vulnerable people in Aberdeen.

Projects in Glasgow and Dundee include recovery workshops, jewellery making, and a therapeutic programme for women in recovery with family support.

The continuation funding also supports the PanLanarkshire Drug Problem Solving Court, a peer harm reduction support worker project in Forth Valley, and organisations helping people manage health conditions and live independently at home.

Street Fit Scotland founder and CEO Michelle Reilly said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks for the funding and continued support provided over the years. We are truly grateful for this investment in our work.

“This support has enabled Street Fit Scotland to continue delivering a high-quality service, reach and engage more people, and strengthen what we describe as a growing ‘social wave of wellness’ across Edinburgh.

“Through this funding, we have supported community members to regain structure, purpose, and stability in their daily lives. Many individuals who come to us are rebuilding after significant challenges, and having consistent access to safe, supportive activity has been vital in helping them move forward.” 

NHS waiting lists continue to fall

Health Secretary hails ‘undeniable progress’ in tacking long waits

New figures show waiting lists in Scotland continue to fall with waits of over a year decreasing for 8 consecutive months.

Data from Public Health Scotland shows, at 31 January 2026, new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks have more than halved since July 2025 – with the total waits decreasing by 52.6% in that period.

Long waits for inpatient and day case procedures have also fallen every month since July 2025, with 52 week waits decreasing by 29.8% in that 8 month period.

New quarterly diagnostics statistics also show that, at 31 December 2025, the number of waits for one of the eight key diagnostic tests had decreased by 15.1% when compared to 30 September 2025.

The figures also show diagnostic activity has risen – 245,377 diagnostic tests were completed from September 2025 to December 2025, a 10.2% (22,741) increase in activity when compared to the same quarter last year. This means thousands of patients receiving their MRIs, scans and scopes quicker to support faster diagnosis and referral onto the right patient pathway.

On a visit to the dermatology department at the Lauriston Building in NHS Lothian, where new outpatient waits over 52 weeks have fallen by more than 46%, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are making undeniable progress in clearing waits of over a year – we are demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement.

“We know there is still more to do but these latest figures show that our plan is working and our NHS is turning a corner.

“We continue to see downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators and diagnostic activity is up – this means thousands more people getting their MRIs, scans and scopes quicker.

“Our targeted funding for this year is delivering thousands more operations and procedures and appointments compared to last year, and we are determined to build on this momentum. This progress has been driven by our dedicated and hard-working NHS staff. I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“I was pleased to meet the dermatology team at the Lauriston Building to hear how they are driving progress in clearing waits at NHS Lothian.

“The total list size for new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks has reduced by 46.4% since July 2025, with dermatology waits reducing by 67.78% in that period. This is outstanding progress that we want to see replicated across the country.”

Scottish Government’s Parent Club supports parents in Edinburgh to get into work and manage household costs

Campaign highlights free, confidential support for families facing money worries

A Scottish Government Parent Club campaign is supporting parents and carers in Edinburgh to access free, trusted advice on employment, managing household costs, and applying for benefits. 

The campaign recognises that money worries can feel overwhelming, particularly for parents balancing work and caring responsibilities. It aims to remove stigma by encouraging families to take the first step to seek support through Parent Club and connect with local services offering tailored, confidential advice. 

Emma Jackson from Citizens Advice Scotland, which is supporting the campaign said: “We know that many families in Edinburgh are under real financial pressure at the moment and we also know that asking for help isn’t always easy. With this campaign we want to take the stress and worry out of finding help, and guide parents every step of the way.  

“Because help is available — the local Citizens Advice Bureau and other partner organisations are ready to give you the free, confidential support and advice you need for your family, whether that’s online, over the phone or in person.   

“We can help you to review your spending, manage any debt, or make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to — without putting your current support at risk. You can also get advice on finding work that fits around your family or boosts your income.  

“If you’re feeling worried or unsure where to start, Parent Club is a good first step to find information and support that’s right for you and your family.”  

For parents looking to find work or increase earnings, Parent Club makes it easy to find support, from job searching and interview tips to finding affordable childcare that fits around your family, training opportunities and improving your CV. 

The campaign forms part of a wider package of measures announced recently by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to tackle economic inactivity and support parents into work. 

Funding of £90 million in the draft Scottish Budget for 2026-27 is expected to help up to 7,500 people furthest from the labour market into work, with thousands more benefiting from qualifications and training. This includes a £40 million package focused on supporting parents most at risk of poverty into jobs and training opportunities.

 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented: “Our employability services are helping people into work who may otherwise face barriers to employment due to factors such as illness, disability or simply taking time out to have a family.

“the involvement of major employers and a wide range of partners delivering support across Scotland, we are building people’s confidence and providing access to new skills. 

“Tackling economic inactivity is a win-win situation – it boosts the economy and tackles child poverty by providing families with a secure income – and our £90 million Budget commitment will enable more people to access employment support.” 

Parent Club is the Scottish Government’s online support hub for parents and carers, offering trusted advice and helping families connect with local services. You can get more information about support with money and employment at: parentclub.scot/money-work 

National Islands Plan

“When our islands thrive, Scotland thrives”

Island communities are set to benefit from a new plan to improve housing and healthcare, alongside efforts to grow the economy and increase the number of people living on Scotland’s islands.

The second National Islands Plan will deliver targeted actions across seven key themes, including committing to delivering more affordable homes, improving access to childcare and exploring permanent transport links – specifically bridges and tunnels to improve connectivity. The Plan also introduces further efforts to pilot remote diagnosis technology to improve access to medical advice.

Further actions include an island scholarship pilot scheme for postgraduate students, and the promotion of Gaelic and island languages such as Orcadian and Shetlandic.

Launching the refreshed plan while visiting Orkney and Shetland, First Minister John Swinney said: “Island communities are a key national asset and are central to our vision of Scotland as a successful country in which to live, work and study.

“Islanders have told us clearly what they need to pursue their ambitions: homes they can afford, transport they can rely on, and more accessible local services – this plan will deliver for our island communities. It is focused, it is practical, and it puts islanders in the driving seat of their own future.

“When our islands thrive, Scotland thrives.”

Louise McQuaid, Young Islanders Network Senior Development Worker said: “The Young Islanders Network (YIN) is delighted to see the release of the New National Islands plan and we are particularly pleased that some of our key feedback can be seen in the actions of the new plan.

“We welcome the continued support for YIN within the plan and look forward to helping ensure that the voices of young islanders are heard and able to influence decision making which affects their lives.”

Luke Fraser from the Scottish Islands Federation said: “The Scottish Islands Federation welcomes the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to island focused policymaking through the National Islands Plan II and we look forward to working in collaboration to implement the key priorities.

“Ongoing, dedicated support for islands is essential – not as an extension of rural policy, but as a recognition that islands face some fundamentally different challenges and opportunities. As the Plan moves into delivery, sustained focus, long-term investment and meaningful partnership will be key to ensuring it delivers lasting benefits for island communities.”

National Islands Plan – gov.scot

National Islands Plan 2026 Easy Read – gov.scot

Boost for Gaelic language

Funding for broadcasting, education and cultural projects

A £620,000 package to support the continued growth of the Gaelic language has been announced by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on the first day of World Gaelic Week.

The funding includes an additional £200,000 for MG ALBA (the Gaelic media service) to deliver high-quality content including series two of BBC ALBA’s award-winning crime thriller An t-Eilean.

Independent research has found that Gaelic media generates £1.34 for every £1 invested and supports 340 jobs across Scotland, including 160 in island communities.

The new funding will also support ongoing work to establish the first dedicated Gaelic cultural centre in the Highlands and structural improvements at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – the world’s only Gaelic-medium college on the Isle of Skye.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This year’s World Gaelic Week is particularly special, being the first since Gaelic gained official status through the Scottish Languages Act.

“This new investment will help the language thrive, from broadcasting that brings Gaelic to new audiences to education initiatives that help more people learn it.

“An t-Eilean’s success demonstrates there is a global appetite for high-quality Gaelic content. The programme has brought Gaelic into living rooms around the world and this funding will ensure the communities and talent behind that success continue to flourish.”

Sorcha Groundsell, who will return in series two of An t-Eilean in the lead role of Detective Sergeant Kat Crichton, said: ‘’I’m so pleased that An t-Eilean has been recommissioned for a second season.

“It was a wonderful and deeply fulfilling experience to be a part of season one and I have every faith the team will build on the work they did and that they will take the show to new heights and even broader audiences.

“It’s so important that we continue to platform Gàidhlig and to provide further opportunities for Gael creatives so that we can reinforce the language as a vital and vibrant force on the global cultural stage. I’m looking forward to picking up Kat’s journey and seeing where the show takes her in this next series!’’

The First Minister is expected to unveil the Scottish Government’s Islands Plan in Shetland later today. The plan includes measures to support Gaelic’s growth in island communities where it is traditionally spoken.

Information about World Gaelic Week is available online.