Tag: Scottish Government

Scottish Connections Fund awards announced

Connecting Scotland and the world

Eighteen projects have been awarded a share of around £77,000 from this year’s Scottish Connections Fund to help strengthen Scotland’s international diaspora.

Launched by the Scottish Government in 2023, the Scottish Connections Fund supports new initiatives led by Scotland’s overseas community that build international networks and promote the country’s reputation and interests around the world. 

The fund received 79 applications from across six continents bidding to secure grants of up to £5,000.

Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson said: “I am delighted to see the Scottish Connections Fund growing year on year. It’s a testament to the dedication that the members of Scotland’s international community have to celebrating their links to Scotland. 

“Scotland’s diaspora around the world is vibrant and diverse – and the variety of this year’s projects shows that in action. I share my congratulations for all of this year’s successful fund recipients.” 

One of the successful applicants was ‘Whanganui X Dundee: Textile Legacies’, based in New Zealand, which will receive £4,795.

Emma Bugden, Focal Point at UNESCO City of Design Whanganui said: “We are delighted to receive the funding from Scottish Connections, Textile Legacies is a residency programme that connects indigenous and ancestral textile practices between Whanganui, New Zealand, and Dundee, Scotland, to foster meaningful cultural and creative exchange.

“The project initiates a new connection between two UNESCO Cities of Design, supporting the development of contemporary textile design specialists.”

Annie Marrs, Lead Officer at UNESCO City of Design Dundee, added: “The project recognises the deep-rooted history of textile production in both cities, and the significance of textiles in expressing and sustaining ancestral and familial connections within both Māori and Scottish cultures.

It also acknowledges the vital role that the reclamation of traditional textile practices plays in cultural revitalisation in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland. We are looking forward to developing the programme thanks to this additional funding.”

  • The Scottish Connections Fund was established in 2023 to help Scottish diaspora organisations and communities and their individual members further the aims of the Scottish Connections Framework. 
  • The Scottish Connections Framework outlines the work of Scottish Government and partners to engage with Scotland’s diaspora around the world – whether they are connected through heritage, education, business or any other affinity. The Framework can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-framework/ 
  • The fund supports initiatives including (but not limited to) community projects, seminars and conferences, hackathons and workshops, and academic research. Projects that set the scene for longer-term initiatives are also eligible. 
  • Grants will be paid in arrears on completion of the projects.  
  • A full list of the successful projects can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-connections-fund-successful-applicants/ 
  • The Scottish Connections Fund has supported 33 successful projects across three previous funding rounds.

Projects 2025 to 2026

The third round of the Scottish Connections Fund was launched in July 2025 to help Scottish diaspora organisations and their members set up projects to promote Scotland’s reputation and interests. 

Applications closed on 9 September 2025. All projects align to the aims and objectives of the Scottish Connections Framework.

International organisations and their members were able to apply for a maximum of £5,000. Applications were assessed using a competitive scoring process.

The available budget for 2025 to 2026 was £75,000. A total of 79 applications were received, with a very high quality demonstrated. We are able to fund the following 18 projects, with a total value of up to £77,737.51.

Ref No: SCF25-26-01
Grantee: Business Improvement District (Not for Profit) BID4Oban
Grant: £4,500
Title: Round the World Clipper Yacht Race – bringing Oban and Argyll to the global diaspora

Oban has successfully secured host post status for the prestigious 2025-26 Round the World International Yacht Race.

We want to leverage this event by working closely with Clipper Events, Visit Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, SAMS, Diageo and BID4Oban. We are partnering with Washington DC, the American Scottish Foundation, the British Embassy in US and the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations to promote the Highland heritage and Gaelic links in Oban to the US diaspora and to develop digital content and events which can be used to attract more trade links, visitors, and students.

Ref No: SCF25-2 -12
Grantee: The Charleston Pipe Band
Grant: £1,244.51
Title: The Teaching Tent: An Open Invitation for Making Scottish Connections

The Charleston Pipe Band’s “Teaching Tent” initiative will encourage meaningful connections between potential students and knowledgeable piping and drumming tutors for on-the-spot teaching moments. Interactions such as these will remove the above-mentioned impediments to making inquiries about how to learn to play the pipes and drums. Through “The Teaching Tent” initiative, the Charleston Pipe Band plans to be more strategic about “growing” our Scottish pipe band, while supporting the scope of Scottish traditions connections through musical participation. Inside “The Teaching Tent,” curious passersby will have the opportunity to meet with an experienced piper and/or drummer for casual drop-in group instruction. These hands-on sessions throughout the event day will provide the opportunity for the public-at-large to experience playing the practice chanter and/or snare drum pad.

The project will encompass public appearances to capitalize on the outreach initiative of “The Teaching Tent” at the following events from October 2025 to March 2026.

October 11 2025: 30th Anniversary Showcase of Celtic Connections: Hosted by The Charleston Pipe Band with invited guest Celtic musical groups based in Charleston.

November 1 2025: Charleston, South Carolina Scottish Games

February 22 2026: Northeast Jacksonville Florida Scottish Games and Festival

March 14 2026: North Charleston, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

March 15 2026: Hilton Head, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 2026: Charleston, South Carolina St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Ref No: SCF25-26-17
Grantee: Ceilidh Stockholm
Grant: £4,000
Title: Ceilidh Stockholm goes to Gothenburg

Our project is to organise and deliver a traditional Scottish ceilidh in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March 2026. This event will celebrate Scottish culture, foster community spirit among the Scottish diaspora, and introduce Scottish music and dance to a wider Swedish audience. Ceilidhs are renowned for being welcoming, lively, and family-friendly occasions that encourage participation from all, regardless of age or experience. We have identified Gothenburg as having one of the largest Scottish communities in Sweden, yet opportunities for cultural connection remain limited. Numerous Scots and locals have approached us about hosting a ceilidh in Gothenburg, but until now, costs have made this impossible. Our aim is to establish the ceilidh as an annual event, laying the foundation for ongoing community building and cultural exchange.

Ref No: SCF25-26-21
Grantee: Erli Sarilita, BDS, MSc, PhD Director Non Degree Education, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
Grant: £5,000
Title: Scottish Higher Education and Cultural Festival in Indonesia

The Scottish Higher Education and Cultural Festival in Indonesia will highlight Scotland’s academic excellence, cultural heritage, and creative industries in partnership with Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad). The week-long programme at the Unpad Knowledge Theatre will showcase Scottish films, present profiles of leading Scottish universities, and feature a cultural photo booth with traditional costumes alongside authentic Scottish cookies. The festival will be officially opened by the Rector of Unpad. By fostering meaningful people-to-people connections, the event will strengthen Scotland’s visibility in Southeast Asia and build sustainable education and cultural partnerships.

Ref No: SCF25-26-22
Grantee: Social Enterprise Academy
Grant: £5,000
Title: Connecting Scotland and Canada – Community-led Tourism Leaders Sharing and Learning Together.

Social enterprises in the community-led tourism sector support the sustainable development of remote rural communities across northern Canada and the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. These communities have a shared Gaelic and Celtic heritage. Community-led social enterprises lead the tourism sector in these areas with peripheral communities and are already stepping up and doing things for themselves. This project will bring together practitioners in this space across Northern Scotland and Scotland’s diaspora in Northern Canada (particularly Nova Scotia), in a collaborative, online learning programme across four evenings to identify best practice and develop networks for future collaboration.

Ref No: SCF25-26-26
Grantee: The Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation (VSHCF)
Grant: £1,320
Title: The Big Melbourne Kilt Run

When you visit Melbourne it is a must that you either walk, jog or run Melbourne’s iconic ‘Tan Track’ around the beautiful Botanic Gardens beside Melbourne’s Yarra River. The Tan, Melbourne |The Long Run Australia

Suitable for participants of all abilities, The Tan has become one of the most popular running/walking tracks in the world. The Tan will be the high profile, publicly visible location of the inaugural Big Melbourne Kilt Run and is open to individuals, families, workplace, club & school teams. The event’s aim is to promote our Scottish connections, reach out to the Australian Scottish diaspora, connect with young 2nd and 3rd generation Australian/Scots and be inclusive of our wider multicultural community in a fun, outdoor activity which promotes health, wellbeing, mental health and community inclusion.

Entrants are encouraged to wear kilts or an item of tartan clothing and will be greeted by pipers. Highland Dancers in traditional dress who will act as arrival course marshals. Prizes will be linked to Scottish connected companies or themes

Ref No: SCF25-26-31
Grantee: Greater Moncton Scottish Association
Grant: £4,953
Title: Tartan & Tides: A Saint Andrew’s Day Celebration

Tartan & Tides: A Saint Andrew’s Day Celebration launches the lead-up to the Greater Moncton Scottish Association’s 20th anniversary Highland Games & Scottish Festival. This variety concert & community gathering will invite acclaimed artists such as Gaelic singer Cathy-Anne MacPhee, World Highland Dancing Champion Marielle Lesperance, award-winning New Brunswick fiddler Samantha Robichaud, & talented local youth, showcasing Scotland’s living traditions while fostering diaspora pride in Atlantic Canada. Outreach to school music & drama programs will engage young performers, while a full recording will be shared with seniors’ residences, extending access to those unable to attend in person & ensuring lasting cultural impact across generations.

Ref No: SCF25-26-35
Grantee: Chris Moser, CEO, Redwine Productions LLC
Grant: £5,000
Title: THE SCOTS-IRISH – A MUSICAL HISTORY

Our two-hour documentary film for U.S, U.K. and Ireland television will combine narrative and music performance to explore the important role of the Scot-Irish in the history of American democracy. There will be significant attention to Irish and Scottish history to provide context. This grant will support field production in Scotland and development of a section of our website previewing the film’s content related to Scotland. Topics will include Scottish migration to Ulster, influence of the Scottish Enlightenment and Scottish Presbyterianism on the American Revolution, and Scottish/American traditional music connections.

Ref No: SCF25-26-36
Grantee: The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York
Grant: £5,000
Title: Finding Scotland in the Declaration of Independence

This project will highlight the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment on the founding of the United States, with a particular focus on Scotland’s role in shaping the Declaration of Independence, addressing a potential gap in public awareness. The project will deliver a lecture supported by an educational booklet, held in partnership with the Fraunces Tavern Museum. The lecture will be recorded and shared with the public on our website. The event seeks to deepen appreciation of Scotland’s intellectual impact on the formation of our country, foster transatlantic collaboration, and provide lasting educational resources for use in future events or commemorations.

Ref No: SCF25-26-40
Grantee: Scottish Society of Ottawa
Grant: £4,950
Title: The Scots of Bytown Part of Bytown’s Bicentennial celebrations (1826–2026) by Scottish Society of Ottawa with Scottish Connections

The Scots of Bytown is a new historical play by acclaimed playwright and performer Pierre Brault, known for his award-winning historical works such as Blood on the Moon and Dief the Chief. This original piece celebrates the vital role of Scottish immigrants in the founding of Bytown (later Ottawa) and the building of the Rideau Canal in 1826. Through humour, history, and lively Scottish voices, Brault’s script conjures up engineers, masons, navvies, doctors, entrepreneurs, and families whose resilience and spirit shaped the future Canadian capital. The play honours the Scots’ enduring legacy with wit, humanity, and a strong sense of cultural pride.

Ref No: SCF25-26-41
Grantee: MacPB Inc dba MacMillan United Pipe Bands
Grant: £4,900
Title: Recruiting and Training the MacMillan Youth Pipe Band

MacMillan United Pipe Bands is starting a youth pipe band to effect change in 3 key areas:

1. Enriching the Scottish Arts in the United States: we will build the first youth program based in Virginia with plans for expansion into Maryland and Washington, DC.

2. Create Competitive Success: we will train and bring students to competitions across the US, Canada, and Scotland

3. Train the next generation of music leaders and performers in Highland Piping & Drumming: this band will be managed and led by its members, giving youth opportunities to develop leadership skills alongside world-class instruction for their musical success.

Ref No: SCF25-26-42
Grantee: The Chicago Scots, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
Grant: £3,725
Title: Advancing Dementia Care:  A Collaborative Symposium on Best Practices & Future Possibilities from Scotland & U.S.

Chicago Scots will convene leading experts from Scotland and the U.S. to discuss and exchange knowledge on research advances and best practices addressing the global rise of dementia which is estimated to triple by 2050.  This symposium will help shape the recommendations and solutions Chicago Scots will model to create a “Centre of Excellence in Memory Care” at the senior community it has owned and operated for more than 100 years – Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care.  The symposium will be multidisciplinary bringing together neurologists, neuroscientists, social workers, epidemiologists, geneticists, neuropathologists, and leaders in dementia care. 

Ref No: SCF25-26-48
Grantee: Scots in London Events Ltd
Grant: £3,800
Title: Kidlit Scotland Roadshow and St Andrew’s Day Reading Record

In this new initiative, we will bring award-winning children’s authors from Scotland (KILTS – Kidlit Scotland), to facilitate events for London schools, both in-person and virtually for a wider reach.  We will launch a lasting partnership with London schools to participate in the annual St Andrew’s Day Reading record (current record over 13k pupils and over 150 schools reading something Scottish simultaneously). The aim is to champion Scottish books beyond Scotland’s borders. We will also offer public family events over the weekend.

Ref No: SCF25-26-49
Grantee: Leisure & Culture Dundee
Grant: £4,795
Title: Whanganui X Dundee: Textile Legacies

Textile Legacies is a residency programme that connects indigenous and ancestral textile practices between Whanganui, New Zealand, and Dundee, Scotland, to foster meaningful cultural and creative exchange. The project initiates a new connection between two UNESCO Cities of Design, supporting the development of contemporary textile design specialists.

The project recognises the deep-rooted history of textile production in both cities, and the significance of textiles in expressing and sustaining ancestral and familial connections within both Māori and Scottish cultures. It also acknowledges the vital role that the reclamation of traditional textile practices plays in cultural revitalisation in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland.

Ref No: SCF25-26-52
Grantee: Digital Skills Education
Grant: £4,600
Title: “Code Your Own Tartan – Live Lesson for young people”

Can you use code to craft a digital tartan?

This workshop is a mashup of Scotland’s heritage and traditional tartan design with creative computer coding and generative digital art.

In this interactive online event, thousands of teenagers will learn about how tartan is designed and woven, then use computer code to create their own unique tartan patterns.

Participants will reflect on what these new tartans mean in today’s digital world – how do we identify as belonging to a group or “clan”?

This live massive collaborative lesson mixes digital skills, textile design, and storytelling, all centred around Scotland’s cultural history.

Ref No: SCF25-26-62
Grantee: The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA
Grant: £5,000
Title: THE BURNS PROJECT / US Tour

THE BURNS PROJECT is a new piece of theatre by Scottish performer and educator James Clements, commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland and based on the Trust’s recently digitized archive of Robert Burns manuscripts. The work conjures a complex, irreverent, and honest portrait of Scotland’s national hero and a global cultural icon. THE BURNS PROJECT premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025 and, following a tour to Trust properties across Scotland, will come to the US in March 2026 for performances and post-show talk backs in New York City, Washington, DC, and Chicago.

Ref No: SCF25-26-64
Grantee: The DataKirk
Grant: £4,950
Title: African-Scottish Educational Diaspora Digital Storytelling

This project will create a series of high-quality digital stories, including videos and podcasts, to showcase the contributions of the Scottish educational diaspora from Africa. By highlighting the academic and professional achievements of this community, the project aims to strengthen connections between Scotland and Africa, enhance Scotland’s global reputation, and inspire future generations. The content will be hosted on a dedicated section of The DataKirk’s website and promoted via social media, providing a lasting resource that celebrates the diaspora’s role in promoting Scottish interests

Ref No: SCF25-26-75
Grantee: The Washington Tattoo
Grant: £5,000
Title: Drams, Drums & Diplomacy: Scotland in America 250

Drams, Drums & Diplomacy: Scotland in America 250 is a three-event cultural diplomacy and business engagement series in Washington, DC, led by The Washington Tattoo. Running from December 2025 to March 2026, the programme will showcase Scotland’s music, whisky, food, textiles, and innovation in the build-up to America’s 250th anniversary. With Scottish music as the constant heartbeat, the series will highlight Scotland’s heritage, strengthen diaspora and political connections, and create pathways for trade, cultural exchange, and investment, ensuring Scotland’s story is visible at this once-in-a-generation commemoration.

Don’t lose out on School Age Payment

Parents and carers in Scotland have until midnight on 28 February 2026 to apply for over £300 of support for children when they are old enough to start primary school.

School Age Payment is worth £319.80 for each child to help with the cost of preparing for school.

The payment helps carers and families facing additional costs at a key stage in a child’s development. The money can be spent on anything a child needs for school, including clothes, school trips and stationery.

Part of the Best Start Grant package, which is unique to Scotland, School Age Payment is available for children born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021. Parents and carers can receive the payment for multiple children born during this time and there is no requirement to take up a place at school.

Since the launch of Best Start Grant in 2018, Social Security Scotland has delivered School Age Payment to more than 114,000 parents and carers.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Families and carers should not miss out on support they are entitled to – especially at such an important milestone in a child’s life.

School Age Payment helps ease the financial pressures of starting school while playing an important role in our mission to tackle child poverty. I strongly encourage parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply before the February deadline to make sure their child gets the best start possible.”

To apply for School Age Payment, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/how-to-apply

Eligibility:

A person may be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods if they or their partner meet all these conditions:

  • live in Scotland
  • are pregnant or have a child who’s the right age for a payment
  • are the main person looking after the child
  • get certain benefits or payments

The person or their partner must get one of these qualifying benefits to be eligible for Best Start Grant and Foods:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance

People under 20 years old who do not get one of these payments, may still be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.

Social Security Scotland automatically pays School Age Payment to eligible people who get Scottish Child Payment. If people do not receive Scottish Child Payment or have opted out of automatic payments, they are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 28 February 2026.

Some families who are not eligible for Scottish Child Payment might still be eligible for the School Age Payment. This includes parents and carers who receive housing benefit; are under 18 and do not receive any other benefits; or are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else who receives benefits for them.

School Age Payment has not replaced School Clothing Grant. School Age Payment does not affect payments of School Clothing Grant in any way. Eligible parents and carers can apply for both payments.

Social Security Scotland usually only makes each of the payments once for the same child. If responsibility for the child changes, they may make extra payments to the person who’s now responsible for the child. For example, if a child moves to live with a different kinship carer or adoptive parent within the same application window.

Fettes ‘shamefully failed to protect pupils from decades of abuse’

Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), has today, Wednesday 28 January, published her findings relating to the provision of residential care for children at Fettes College in Edinburgh.

She concludes that, over at least four decades, from the 1950s, pupils were regularly subjected to appalling abuse at Fettes.

The school repeatedly failed to act upon complaints. Multiple opportunities to prevent dreadful suffering were missed or ignored.

The findings are part of SCAI’s overall boarding schools case study and echo the kinds of abuse that occurred at Loretto School, Morrison’s Academy, Gordonstoun, Queen Victoria School, Merchiston Castle School, Keil School, and boarding schools run by male religious orders, namely the Benedictines, the Christian Brothers, and the Marist Brothers.

Fettes College was established in 1870 using funds from the estate of Sir William Fettes and was intended to follow the model of other boarding schools in Scotland and England.

The school was, until 1972, a boys-only boarding school. The first female day pupils started in 1972, and Fettes became fully co-educational in 1983. It was and is a school for fee-paying pupils and recipients of bursaries and scholarships.

Accounts of life at Fettes until the end of the 1980s were remarkably consistent. Living conditions were basic, and day-to-day responsibility for keeping order fell on senior pupils, while staff were remote, with limited, if any, oversight.

In this environment abuse was able to flourish for decades.

Lady Smith said: ‘Children were wholly failed by the school. They could have been readily protected, and it is shameful that did not happen.

‘Had complaints been listened to and acted upon at the outset, many children would have been saved from abuse. The suffering they still endure, over 50 years later in the 2020s, could all have been prevented.

‘Children were sexually abused, they were physically abused, and they were emotionally abused. Members of staff sexually abused children from the 1950s until the 1980s.

‘The perpetrators included a headmaster, Anthony Chenevix-Trench, and some teachers including Iain Wares.

‘Wares was 27 when he moved to Edinburgh from his home in Cape Town, South Africa in 1967. He had been working as a teacher at St George’s Grammar School in Cape Town but had resigned from his post on account of incidents of what he referred to as “playing around with small boys”.

‘In the course of his career the norm became that he was “asked to leave” teaching jobs “quietly on account of similar incidents”.

‘He arrived in Edinburgh having been referred to Professor Henry Walton, consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, by a South African consultant with a view to “curing” him of what is described in his medical records as “homosexuality (liking for young boys)” and a “personality disorder – dependent type”.

‘Wares was employed as a teacher in Edinburgh between 1968 and 1979, first at The Edinburgh Academy and then at Fettes. He was not “cured”. Rather, he was and remained a prolific abuser of children.

‘He preyed on them. He had a predilection for touching young boys sexually that he could not control. At times, he could not control his temper either, resulting in children being subjected by him to brutal assaults.’

Lady Smith’s findings also highlight the repeated failure of Professor Walton to take appropriate action.

Lady Smith added: ‘Many children were harmed by Wares, and many are still suffering the effects of his abuse, which was appalling both in its nature and in its extent. Children suffered dreadfully.

‘They were failed by Henry Walton who knew that Wares was abusing children and that his dangerous predilections were never “cured”.

‘Walton wholly failed to prioritise the protection of children and failed to lead his team appropriately.

‘He insisted that Wares should continue to teach children despite his ongoing paedophilia, despite him not being “cured” of his problems, and despite both his wife and his GP making it clear that they thought Walton was being utterly irresponsible in doing so.

‘Although Fettes resolved to dismiss Wares in 1975, it kept him on in its employment as a teacher until 1979.’

Former headmaster Anthony Chenevix-Trench’s protection of abusers has also been highlighted in the findings.

Lady Smith said: ‘Chenevix-Trench was appointed as head of Fettes having previously been head of Eton College. Fettes hoped that appointing a man who had been head of Eton would enhance its reputation.

‘He was in fact a man who was unfit to be appointed to lead a school on account of his having lost the trust of senior masters at Eton, having a problem with drink, and having a propensity to beat boys excessively.

‘He was appointed despite these matters having been expressly disclosed to Fettes by Eton. Chenevix-Trench was also attracted to young blond teenagers at Eton, a predilection of which the provost of Eton College was aware.

‘He protected two, and possibly more, members of staff who had, to his knowledge, abused children at Fettes.’

Children were physically abused at Fettes both by teachers and by other children. There was also a culture of silence; children feared retribution and being ostracised if they complained.

Emotional abuse of children by other children was also common, and following the introduction of co-education female pupils were the targets of serious and regular misogyny which persisted into the twenty-first century. They were treated as second-class citizens in a way that was tolerated by the school.

Racism was also prevalent at Fettes well into the twenty-first century. Mocking by staff and pupils of anyone who was not British was normalised into the 1990s. Black or Asian pupils experienced violence or threats of violence from other pupils.

There were nonetheless children throughout the period covered in evidence who were not abused and had positive experiences at the school, which they value. Some of those who were abused also had positive experiences.

Recent leaders have reflected carefully since their first response to SCAI in 2017 at which time they did not accept that there were any systemic failures.

They now acknowledge there were shortcomings at Fettes in decades long past, as well as more recently.

Lady Smith said: ‘Applicants and other witnesses continue to come forward to the Inquiry with relevant evidence about boarding schools and this will be considered as part of a continuing process.

‘I would encourage anyone who has relevant information on any aspect of our work to get in touch with our witness support team.’

FETTES COLLEGE RESPONDED THIS AFTERNOON:

Open Letter to the Fettes Community

28th January 2026

I write to you today on receipt of the newly published report into Fettes by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry chaired by Lady Smith. We were one of eight boarding schools covered by this Inquiry.

The report makes for very difficult reading. We do not shrink from the criticism
levelled at the school and accept the Inquiry’s findings that there were significant
shortcomings.

Many young people were failed by those in positions of authority at Fettes, who could and should have acted differently. Their actions fell well below the standards expected and would be utterly unthinkable at the Fettes of today.

To our former pupils who suffered abuse at Fettes, we are truly sorry and make a full
and unreserved apology to you. We also extend our deepest gratitude to those of you
who bravely came forward. We understand that nothing can undo the past, but we
sincerely hope that having your voices heard through the Inquiry can be a step towards healing for everyone who suffered.

The accounts of those who have given evidence to the Inquiry describing their time at school and the abuse they endured are now part of the school’s history. We have
listened, we have reflected and we have learned.

The culture at our school today is unrecognisable from the past, and we are encouraged that Lady Smith’s report notes the positive findings of our 2025 Inspections by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.

However, we will never be complacent.

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Leadership Team, I affirm our
unwavering commitment to the care and protection of the children in our school.

With my best wishes

The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise

Chair of the Board of Governors

OpenLettertotheFettesCommunity-280126Download

Widening university access

Highest number of enrolments from most deprived areas

The proportion of full-time degree entrants coming from Scotland’s most deprived areas has increased to the highest level on record.

Newly published Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures for 2024-25 show 17.4% of entrants came from the 20% most deprived areas – up from 16.7% the previous year. This is the highest proportion recorded, and shows progress towards the Commission on Widening Access’s target that one in five students entering university will come from the 20% most deprived areas by 2030.

The report also shows a 3.1% decrease in total university enrolments on the previous year, including a 2.7% reduction in Scottish domiciled students and a 22% reduction in students from the European Union.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson said: “These figures show remarkable progress in widening access to university, and towards ensuring that, if they want to, everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and study for a degree at a Scottish university, regardless of their background.

“The Scottish Government has a mission to eradicate poverty, and enabling people to take advantage of education and training opportunities – regardless of their personal circumstances – is a key part of that work, whether that’s enabling people to go to university, or college, or undertake an apprenticeship.

“More widely, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s universities, the Scottish Government is working pro-actively, including creating a new Framework for Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities – an important collaborative partnership with the sector and key stakeholders to explore solutions.

“Of course, we are also conscious of the issues around declining international student numbers, brought about through nonsensical UK Government immigration policies. To try to mitigate this, we have proposed a Scottish Graduate Visa as an idea that the UK Government could implement, to encourage more international students to study in Scotland by enabling them to stay in Scotland after graduation.”

Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2024/25 | HESA

Palliative care learning hub launched

Free online resource for Scotland’s health and social care workforce

A new online learning hub providing free palliative care education resources for Scotland’s health and social care workforce launches today.

The Palliative Care Learning Hub brings together recommended learning materials from NHS Education for Scotland, Scottish Social Services Council, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Health Boards and third sector organisations in one accessible place.

The hub supports staff and students wherever they work or study – offering advice on providing compassionate end-of-life care – that reflects the refreshed 2025 Palliative Care Education Framework launched in November. It offers free, flexible ways to support learning and development for individuals, teams, and organisations.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “Everyone deserves compassionate, high-quality care at the end of their life. This new learning hub will help ensure our health and social care workforce has the knowledge and skills to provide that care.

“By bringing together palliative care learning resources in one accessible place, we are making it easier for staff across Scotland to access the education and support they need. This is an important step forward in delivering on our commitment to improve palliative care for people of all ages.”

The hub is a key action from Scotland’s palliative care strategy and delivery plan, supporting the outcome that health and social care staff caring for people of all ages with life-shortening conditions, have access to recommended education and learning resources.

Palliative Care Learning Hub: 

https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86009/palliative-care-learning-hub

Growing Scotland’s entrepreneurial economy

Additional investment in business talent in the Scottish Budget

A new £2.5 million package to nurture more young entrepreneurs is part of record £45 million investment to drive innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship across Scotland in 2026-27.

The draft Scottish Budget supports investment in people and businesses at every stage of their journey, from continued investment to encourage those from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds to start and grow businesses, to tailored support for companies scaling up.

There will be further funding for the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme, which has over 1,900 members across more than 1,400 startup and scaleup businesses.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Galashiels to meet business founders who have been helped South of Scotland Enterprise’s Pathways Pre-Start programme.

The pilot programme is now in a second phase following a successful pilot in 2024-25 and has so far delivered specialist coaching to over 700 existing or prospective business founders, leading to over 220 new businesses being created.

The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Budget 2026-27 continues our support for the innovation and entrepreneurial talent that is the backbone of any prosperous, growing economy. We have been working systematically to develop the pipeline of support required to help businesses develop, grow and prosper.

“Scotland is one of Europe’s most dynamic start-up economies, outpacing the UK, and we are making clear progress in establishing the right conditions to help business founders succeed. I expect this progress to accelerate as we invest record funding in helping start and scale Scottish business talent.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:“Scotland is making progress toward becoming an entrepreneurial nation, establishing strong foundations for those starting their businesses.

“This year’s budget strengthens that momentum by further investing in proven programmes, including Pathways Pre‑Start and Scottish EDGE, which increase access into entrepreneurship and widen participation.

“One of my top priorities is to listen to and support our entrepreneurs from startup through to scaleup. The Scottish budget allows us to build on this work as we ensure our entrepreneurs have the necessary support to start, scale and stay in Scotland.”

Boost for towns in southern Scotland

£20 million investment to create jobs and drive growth

Efforts to regenerate nine towns in the south of Scotland have taken a major step forward with the publication of proposals developed by volunteer-led teams.

Town teams are now refining their ideas and preparing business cases ahead of final funding decisions as part of a £20 million Scottish Government investment. Proposals under consideration range from a promenade and indoor family attractions in Stranraer to a town centre regeneration project providing social housing and retail space in Galashiels.

On a visit to Galashiels town centre ahead of the Convention of the South of Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes toured MacArts, a music and arts venue being considered for funding. She said: “These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland.

“Local volunteers have worked hard to develop these plans and this £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.

“Galashiels’ revitalisation over the past decade demonstrates the benefits of giving communities the tools and resources to shape their own future. In addition to this, as part of our draft Budget for 2026-27 we have allocated £47 million towards community-led regeneration across Scotland.”

Laurence Reid, Director of MacArts, said: “It’s exciting to see so much ambition for Galashiels and towns across the south of Scotland, building on the work of the Town Teams and local people as well as the success of the Borders Railway and the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum.

“This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders.”

Fast and reliable broadband with Project Gigabit

Homes and businesses across Scotland will benefit from faster broadband through Project Gigabit.

This will help some of the hardest‑to‑reach communities get a better connection. It will bring fast broadband to many more homes and businesses.

Around 12,500 homes and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway are to benefit from gigabit-capable broadband.  

The £18 million investment, funded by the UK Government and co-managed by the Scottish Government, will see premises in Dumfries & Galloway added to the existing Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Openreach.

This builds upon the 8,000 gigabit-capable connections already delivered in Dumfries & Galloway by the Scottish Government’s £600m+ R100 programme.  

The Project Gigabit contract – where build started in Autumn 2025 – will now deliver gigabit-capable broadband to over 77,000 premises in Scotland covering some of the hardest-to-reach communities in the Highlands, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Argyll and Bute, as well as parts of Central and Southern Scotland.  

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Fast, reliable broadband is essential for connecting communities and supporting economic growth across Scotland.

“This additional investment will ensure that more homes and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway can access the gigabit-capable connections they need to thrive in the digital age.

“Through our own R100 programme and the management of Project Gigabit in Scotland, we are further boosting connections across the region to ensure that even more communities will benefit from faster, reliable broadband for generations to come.” 

UK Government Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:   “Whether it’s a farmer managing their business, or people video-calling loved ones, fast and reliable broadband makes everyday life easier.

“This investment will bring those opportunities to thousands more across Dumfries & Galloway.” 

Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland Robert Thorburn said: “We’ve already started connecting some of Scotland’s most rural homes and businesses to Full Fibre through the Project Gigabit contracts, and we’re delighted to continue that progress in Dumfries & Galloway. 

“We’re committed to making sure that people living and working across the country can access faster, more reliable broadband. With more than 1.7 million properties already able to benefit from Full Fibre, this latest investment will help even more communities thrive in the digital age.” 

Mind to Mind campaign encourages Scots to seek support for mental wellbeing

The Scottish Government’s Mind to Mind mental wellbeing campaign is encouraging people across the country to look after their mental health.

Latest available data highlights the ongoing challenges many face in opening up about their mental health. The research from See Me reveals that more than a quarter of Scots feel that not talking about their mental health is better than having an awkward conversation, whilst one in five are held back from talking about how they feel by a fear of being judged.

The campaign aims to remind everyone that they are not alone and that help and support are available, especially for those who find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling.

Mind to Mind offers a helpful starting point for anyone struggling. The campaign directs people to a dedicated NHS Inform site, where they can explore resources in their own time and from spaces they feel comfortable in.

The Mind to Mind site features over thirty videos of people sharing their personal stories. These ‘lived experiences’ are especially important when considering that fear of being a burden prevents nearly a third of people from discussing their wellbeing.

By seeing others share their journeys, individuals are reminded that their feelings are valid. In addition, the site also provides practical advice from contributors on what has helped them, alongside commentary from a range of professionals and clear signposting to further help and support services.

These resources cover topics from dealing with anxiety and panic, coping with money worries and stress, to navigating loneliness and grief.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur, MSP, said: “With this campaign, we want to send a clear message to everyone in Scotland that support is always available and it’s okay not to be okay.

“We know that taking the first step and talking about things can be the hardest part. The Mind to Mind website helps bridge that gap by offering compassionate advice and powerful stories from people who have been through similar experiences.

“It is an invaluable resource that empowers people to find support in a way that works for them, reminding us all that we are not alone.”

The campaign acknowledges that mental health discussion and stigma can manifest differently across communities, and remains a highly stigmatised topic within many communities. Mind to Mind aims to support everyone, recognising the diversity of experiences to help reduce this stigma.

If you are going through a difficult time, you are not alone. Find out how others are taking care of their mental wellbeing at www.nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind.

Scottish Information Commissioner initiates legal proceedings against the Scottish Government

The Commissioner has initiated legal proceedings following the Scottish Government’s failure to comply with the timescales set out in a recent decision relating to the James Hamilton report:

Statement on Scottish Government compliance with Decision 281/2025:

The Scottish Information Commissioner has instructed his solicitors to bring legal proceedings against the Scottish Government in the Court of Session.

This follows a failure by the Scottish Government to provide evidence of compliance with a December 2025 decision requiring the Scottish Government to disclose some information relating to the James Hamilton Report into the conduct of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and associated legal advice. 

Following the Scottish Government’s failure to comply with an initial deadline of 15 January 2026, the Commissioner wrote to Ministers on the 16 January to warn of legal action if the Scottish Government failed to comply by 22 January 2026.

The Commissioner’s decision in this case requires the disclosure of some of the requested information, while also requiring the Scottish Government to issue a new response in relation to other information, which had been incorrectly withheld on cost grounds.  

The Commissioner notes that the full and timely compliance with his Decision Notices is a key element ensuring the effective operation of FOI in Scotland. He will not hesitate in exercising his power to refer non-compliance to the Court of Session in circumstances where an authority fails to comply. 

He has, therefore, instructed his solicitors to take the next steps in the certification process to the Court.  This is the first time that the Commissioner has made such a report to the Court on non-compliance. 

Once certified, the Court may then investigate the matter, and may treat a failure to comply as contempt of court.