Supporting 45,000 patients to access same-day treatment
Thousands of patients in Glasgow will have easier access to urgent same day care as Scotland’s latest GP walk-in service opened its doors.
First Minister John Swinney visited the centre in Cardonald as it opened to patients today. The service will enable residents in Cardonald and the surrounding area to receive treatment without an appointment, Monday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 20:00.
Depending on clinical need, patients may be seen by a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner. The service will also be made available to those without fixed addresses or who are homeless to ensure no one misses out on access to care.
It is the ninth centre to open as part of the Scottish Government’s pilot GP walk-in programme, which has been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.
The First Minister said: “I promised that my government would end the frustrating ‘8am rush’ for GP appointments – and we are delivering on that commitment.
“Patients across the country are already benefitting from this pilot, which enables access to urgent, same-day care at new GP-led walk-in services – with Glasgow the latest service to open its doors.
“Walk-in services will help us bridge between General Practice and Urgent care – offering patients with urgent health concerns another way to be seen and treated, on the day and closer to home. Existing GP services will continue to provide their patients with all general medical services.
“We are on track to open another at least another two additional walk-in centres and set out the next phase of expansion, within the first 100 days of this government. This year we will expand access to a further 14 locations, taking the total to 30 walk-in clinics across the country. That is a Scottish Government delivering for the people of Scotland.”
Jann Gardner, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) Chief Executive, said: “The opening of the GP Walk-In Clinic in Cardonald marks an important step in improving access to care for local residents.
“NHSGGC is at the forefront of this new approach and we are committed to learning from the Walk-In Clinic as we continue to modernise healthcare.
“This forms part of a wider programme of work to improve how patients access services, including initiatives such as FNC+ and e-triage. We will continue to develop services that are responsive to the needs of our communities.”
Biggest update to curriculum in over a decade under way
The most significant reform of Scotland’s curriculum in more than ten years is underway, as the first early samples of new curriculum materials have been shared with councils across the country.
Planned updates to the curriculum, prepared by Education Scotland and co-designed with input from over 1,500 teachers, nursery practitioners, and partners through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC), will clarify knowledge and progression, making it clearer what children should know, understand and be able to do at every stage of school.
Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for two additional in-service days to be offered during the 2026-27 academic year, to help schools prepare for change.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is driving the single largest update to the curriculum in over a decade.
“The new curriculum will make the place of knowledge and skills clearer. It will drive excellence. It will be taught in schools from August 2028 and it will be benchmarked against international standards.
“The materials shared by Education Scotland this week are a preview ahead of the full draft curriculum framework later this year, as we work with the profession on implementation from August 2028.
“We are proposing additional in-service days to provide teachers the time and support needed to prepare for these changes which will support Scotland’s young people to reach their full potential in our education system.
“These will form part of wider support up to 2028 to ensure teachers can fully engage with the updates and how they can use them in the classroom.”
Plans to plant more trees and increase woodlands across an area home to around half of Scotland’s population has received almost £1 million in new funding.
The Clyde, Fife, Lothians and Forth ‘Climate Forests’ target investment in communities with the fewest trees and greatest climate vulnerability across central Scotland – expanding tree canopy cover by protecting existing woods and planting more.
Established in 2021, Climate Forests are working with local councils, community groups and landowners on projects to plant 35 million trees by 2035.
Backed so far with almost £13 million in Scottish Government funding, around 5 million trees have been planted in this area to capture carbon, protect the environment, increase biodiversity, improve access to nature, and support local communities to become more climate resilient.
Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate this week on Climate Change, Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “This latest investment builds on and expands the benefits of Climate Forests to help increase canopy cover in urban and rural areas.
“We want to create greener, healthier, more resilient places where people can live well and connect with nature – offering spaces for people to rest, exercise, and improve their physical and mental health.
“Trees and woodlands do so much for us – from absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and providing habitats for wildlife to helping protect communities from flooding and extreme heat. Increasing tree canopy cover across Scotland’s towns, cities and rural communities will deliver all of these benefits for generations to come.
“This programme will help contribute towards our national woodland creation targets and, indeed, is central to Scotland meeting its climate targets.
2It is also about fairness and we are targeting investment in the communities with the fewest trees and the greatest vulnerability to a changing climate, because everyone deserves to live in a place that is greener, healthier, and more resilient.”
Douglas Worrall, Director Forth Climate Forest said: “The Climate Forests are delighted to receive this Scottish Government funding. As well as creating healthy, liveable communities, both urban and rural, trees are essential in helping to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change.
“Over the coming year we will use the Scottish Government funding to deliver projects across Central Scotland with local people. We will be planting trees in areas where the need is greatest, connecting habitats, and providing multiple benefits for people and wildlife.”
Martin Willcocks, Calais Woods Community Group, Dunfermline said: “Duloch Park was just a blank lifeless canvas of grass sitting there for 20 years whilst development was hurriedly increasing all around. Our community group formed to bring life into the park and support the well-loved ancient woodland next to it.
“The tree planting we have done has been extensive and rewarding, bringing important habitat for nature and biodiversity and creating an attractive and natural setting which will now develop into a prime space where nature and human recreation will coexist in harmony.”
Up to 2,000 households could be supported to make their step on to the property ladder in the first 100 days of this Government through the First Homes Fund.
The first phase of the shared-equity scheme, which offers first-time buyers a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit, is now open. Over the course of this Parliament it is expected around 50,000 households will benefit from the £500 million scheme.
The deposit contribution can made used to buy any property with a value of up to £300,000.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder and the opening of this fund is a direct response to stories I have heard from so many people who are keen to buy their first home.
“The First Homes Fund is part of a broader programme of action, supported by a record £4.9 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years.
“We promised to act to make life easier for many and fairer for all and, through the First Homes Fund, we are delivering on that promise.”
Homes for Scotland (HFS) Chief Executive Jane Wood said: “Reintroducing the First Home Fund was a key HFS ask ahead of the election, so we welcome this important step from the Scottish Government.
“Supporting First Time Buyers is essential, not only in helping to address Scotland’s existing housing need, with 693,000 households affected, but also in stimulating wider socio-economic growth across the country by unlocking investment confidence across the sector, particularly in areas where development viability can be more marginal and help increasing delivery of housing of all tenures where it is needed most.
“HFS is ready to help support the efficient delivery of the Fund so that all stakeholders, particularly those young people buying their first home, are ready and prepared for the launch of the scheme.”
Brexit anniversary highlights ‘our focus must be firmly on the future’
Scotland’s future is in the European Union as an independent country, Europe Minister Stephen Gethins has said on the tenth anniversary of the UK’s Brexit referendum.
The Scottish Government continues to support strengthening the UK-EU relationship, ensuring Scotland’s voice is represented, and on advancing Scotland’s long-term constitutional options.
Ahead of the expected second UK-EU leaders Summit, the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to ensure the negotiations on a food, drink and farming agreement, emissions trading, and youth mobility all deliver the fullest possible outcomes for Scotland and ensure Scotland’s interests are clearly represented.
Minister for Europe and External Affairs Stephen Gethins said: “Ten years on from the referendum, the decision to leave the EU has caused nothing but harm to Scotland.
“Businesses face barriers that did not exist before, households are under greater pressure, and young people have lost opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe.
“Recent efforts by the UK Government to improve relations with the EU are welcome but far from enough. Going forward, there must be much closer cooperation in areas including trade barriers, energy and mobility – as a bare minimum.
“Our focus must be firmly on the future, and I believe that Scotland’s brightest future is as an independent nation and member of the European Union. That is the challenge of the next decade.”
Families across Scotland are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break.
When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.
Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food, and Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child.
Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Community organisations are also on hand to help. Home-Start, located across Scotland, provides practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.
“We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer.
“I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there – not just over the summer, but all year round.”
Eliza Waye, Home-Start Strategic Lead for Scotland said: “We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained. For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach.
“At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime. Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families.”
Hiba, a parent of three children from Knightwood, Glasgow, added: “The support from the Scottish Child Payment and Home-Start helps us afford more summer activities for our children.
“It gives them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and feel more connected to their community. This support makes the summer holidays a much happier time for our family.”
Families can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot
John Swinney First Minister meets Muslim community members following Edinburgh attacks
The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.
The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.
Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.
!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.
“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.
“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.
“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.
“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities.
“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”
City council leader Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.“
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.
A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers.
Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.
Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people.Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”
Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings
Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment
Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people
Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia
Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people
North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older). Intergenerational elements
Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents
Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions
Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers
Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families
Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions
Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions
Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers. Volunteering.
Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community
Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people
Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women
Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers
The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people
Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.
Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing
Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia
Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment
The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders
Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities
Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)
Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds
The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people
The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children
Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups
Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions
Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people
Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families
British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person
Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people
Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome
The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism
ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability
Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people
Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults
Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people
Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands
Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting
Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.
Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS
Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people
Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.
Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people
Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people
Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income
Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.
Glasgow City Chambers hosted a special event on Thursday, 18 June to celebrate a project shining a light on the ‘voice’ of babies.Teams working on The Art of Listening to Babies Project came together to acknowledge and reflect on the work done so far.
Designed with babies as the focus, the initiative explores how arts-based practice can put their voices at the heart of their nursery environment and help them to have meaningful and responsive experiences.
The project recognises the importance of a baby’s brain development, particularly in their first 1001 days of life, and therefore the significance of every social interaction and relationship they form at that stage, as well as other ways they communicate without speaking.
Esteemed guests including nursery practitioners were welcomed and invited to share their experiences of working on the project, including carrying out research in 26 nursery baby rooms across the city.
Cllr Christina Cannon, convener for Education and Early Years, said: “Glasgow is delighted to be one of the early trailblazers of this project and learn more about what matters to the families of our youngest citizens.
“I would like to thank the dedicated nursery practitioners for the fantastic work they have done so far.
“Babies may not use words, but there is power in the way they express their feelings through movement, facial expression, gesture and sound.
“The smallest interaction can help secure attachments and support emotional wellbeing, making it vital for us to provide high-quality early years provision to support a baby’s development. It is not just about improving services, but making life changes.
“Capturing their ‘voice’ means recognising that every baby has a perspective, a right to be heard, and a right to be understood.”
Jennifer Phillips, Starcatchers’ co-CEO, said: “This project reminds us that listening starts long before words.
“Thanks to the creativity of Starcatchers’ artists, the expertise of researchers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Queen Margaret University, inspirational Early Years practitioners, and the support of Glasgow City Council, we have gained remarkable insights into babies’ experiences of early learning and childcare.
“Most importantly, we have shown that even our youngest children can help shape policy when we take the time to understand how they communicate. The illustrated book, A Voice As Big As Any Other, being presented to participating babies is a wonderful way of recognising their contribution and demonstrating that their experiences have helped influence the future of early years services in Glasgow.”
Siobhian Brown, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said: “It was wonderful to join the celebration and hear directly from those who have brought this project to life across Glasgow’s nurseries.
“The Art of Listening to Babies project reminds us that every baby has a voice — expressed through movement, gesture and expression — that should be truly heard and understood and that responding to that voice with care and attentiveness is one of the most important things we can do.
“I am proud that the Scottish Government is funding this innovative work through our Early Adopter Community Project, and I look forward to seeing how the insights will deepen our understanding and help shape both local and national policy across Scotland.”
The project is delivered alongside Starcatchers and funded by the Scottish Government through the All Aged Childcare, Early Adopter Project.
Driving progress on child poverty as legislation to be reviewed
The type of targets used to measure the impact on child poverty will be reviewed to ensure continued progress in improving families’ lives.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Government will begin the review this summer in consultation with children and families, charities and public bodies.
The announcement came during an update to the Scottish Parliament on progress towards eradicating child poverty. It is estimated that Scottish Government policies in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, published in March, will keep around 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year.
Ms Somerville said: “Our defining mission is to eradicate child poverty and we are unwavering in that commitment. The review will help to make sure the targets set in our legislation are accounting for all efforts across government in ending child poverty.
“We have made a great deal of progress since the Act was passed in 2017, within the devolved powers we have, including introducing the game-changing Scottish Child Payment, and are making huge strides in cutting everyday costs for families. We must now bring together wider interventions such as our childcare package and free bus travel.
“Against a cost-of-living crisis, continued Westminster austerity, and a volatile international situation, the Scottish Government invested over £3.1 billion in support targeted at low-income households last year, with spend benefiting children rising to almost £1.5 billion, enabling ongoing investment in key policies.”
Child poverty campaigners have responded to Thursday’s (18th June) Scottish Government Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Progress Report and her announcement of a review of child poverty targets.
John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said: “Very real progress has been made on child poverty in Scotland recently, but the Cabinet Secretary’s focus today on reviewing targets rather than strengthening her child poverty plan is hugely concerning. Struggling families need a stronger plan, not a review of targets.
“It is vital that Ministers come forward with a revised child poverty plan. The current plan rightly focusses on boosting income from employment and social security and cutting the costs families face, but the scale and detail of action falls far short of what’s needed. A revised plan must demonstrably set out how further year-on-year progress will be made. For the one in five of Scotland’s children still locked in poverty there is no time to lose.”
Mr. Dickie continued: “Plans to increase the Scottish child payment for babies under one are a positive step but they won’t kick in for over a year and will still leave the vast majority of children without any additional financial support.
The promise of more breakfast clubs, after school and holiday activities and further childcare expansion will all be welcomed by families, but don’t yet add up to the scale of intervention needed to make serious further progress.”
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland sent a proposed Programme for Government to every member of the Scottish Parliament ahead of todays Ministerial Statement. The group’s proposal include:
Extending the planned increase to Scottish child payment for babies (to £40 a week) to all eligible children, as a step toward doubling its value to at least £55 per week by 2030.
Commencing outstanding provisions of the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2025 to enable gaps in Scottish child payment entitlement to be addressed, and to ensure the payment provides greater security for families whose earnings from work fluctuate by, for example, introducing a 12-week ‘run on’.
Ensuring high-quality school aged childcare is available to all parents during term time and school holidays.
Subsidising providers to deliver short periods of free childcare to help families when support for childcare costs from universal credit is not available
Using public procurement and public body wage setting powers to drive improvements in the quality of work.
Investing in the provision of affordable social housing, to ensure all children live in safe, secure and affordable homes; and
Funding every school to fully remove cost pressures from families, and overcome poverty-related barriers to learning through expansion of free school meals, extension of school clothing grants, provision of devices and connectivity, and funding access to ‘rite of passage’ residentials and school trips.
Mr Dickie continued: “There is no question that budget pressures and long-term fiscal sustainability pose a real challenge for the Scottish government.
“That is why it is more important than ever to reduce the long-term costs that poverty imposes on our public services and economy.
“Each and every public sector reform and tax and spending decision must be designed to contribute to child poverty reduction.”
