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.
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.
The SNP backs business. We back entrepreneurs.
And we’re backing the next generation to launch companies and grow here in Scotland. pic.twitter.com/gg3x5RcTjY
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.”
£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.”
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.”
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.
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.
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed the Scottish Government intends to establish a new national housing agency with a focus on simplicity, scale and speed to enable the delivery of housing of all types, helping to meet housing need across Scotland.
The executive agency will be called ‘More Homes Scotland’ and is expected to start operating from 2027-28 and be fully functional in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election.
It will focus on a number of key areas – large-scale affordable housing projects; rural and island housing; acquiring, preparing and releasing land; enabling infrastructure work to unlock stalled sites; and closer working with the Scottish National Investment Bank to make best use of private finance.
A process to co-design the functions and operating model of the new agency will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing in partnership with local authorities and the Scottish National Investment Bank over the coming months, with an update expected to be provided to the Scottish Parliament in March.
The First Minister made the announcement on a visit to a housing development in Wallyford, East Lothian alongside Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan. The 90-home site, developed by Wheatley Homes, includes mid-market and social rented homes.
The First Minister said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes in Scotland, including 101,000 for social rent – proportionately far more than other parts of the UK.
“We have helped thousands of families to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home. However, Scotland is facing a housing emergency. We recognise the difficulty that many Scots – in particular young Scots - have finding a home they can afford to rent or buy.
“We have firm foundations and have recently stepped up our efforts. The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes the single largest funding allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989.
“We have committed to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, backed by a record £4.1 billion of public investment, helping to deliver 36,000 affordable homes and providing a place to live for around 24,000 children. This is providing record funding and more multi-year certainty than ever before
“This, along with other policy measures, has given confidence to the investment community. However, we must have a public sector delivery model that can rise to our enhanced ambitions.
“A new national agency will mean less duplication, greater expertise, increased efficiencies, and making our substantial investment go further. It will also provide enhanced support to our local authority partners and we will work in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract more commercial investment.
“It is a new body that will offer simplicity, scale and speed – boosting delivery, and maximising savings, as part of our commitment to a decade of public sector modernisation and reform.
“More Homes Scotland will meet the needs of this time. It will deliver – for a new generation of Scots – new homes more quickly, more affordably, in more liveable, climate friendly communities.”
David Ritchie Scottish National Investment Bank Chief Executive David Ritchie said: “The Bank has invested more than £130 million in housing to date, with a robust pipeline of more potential housing investments.
“We welcome More Homes Scotland being established to bring momentum in finding housing solutions.
“As a mission-led investor, the Bank makes commercial investments that drive long-term societal and economic growth for Scotland. Our ‘Place’ mission is focused on improving communities, and a good home is a key tenet of that.
“Working with private investors and homebuilders we have developed innovative approaches to unlock finance, getting much-needed homes built across Scotland.”
A new national action plan setting out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years has been backed by an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.
Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.
It’s the next phase of Scotland’s ambitious ten-year suicide prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:
supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating safer environments
building understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities
ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
strengthening foundations for effective delivery through improved data, evidence and collaboration
The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 – the lowest number since 2017.
Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion in 2026-27.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far reaching impacts on families, friends and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support. While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.
“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3 million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million. The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.
“The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination. I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other local and national partners, especially those with lived experience, who helped shape this Plan.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: ““Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.
“This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.”
Declan Harrigan – CEO – S.M.I.L.E. Counselling added: ““S.M.I.L.E. Counselling warmly welcomes the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 and is hopeful that its ambitions can be fully realised through strong partnership working across the third sector, statutory services and communities.
“The clear focus on children and young people, early intervention, and addressing inequalities reflects what we know is needed to prevent suicide and save lives.
“We strongly support the plan’s emphasis on community-based approaches and believe that increased training and development at a local level around suicide prevention, intervention and postvention is pivotal. By building confidence, reducing stigma and equipping communities with the right skills and compassion, we can work together to create suicide-safer environments and, wherever possible, prevent deaths by suicide.
“We look forward to continuing to play an active role alongside partners in supporting children, young people and families, and in helping to turn this shared vision into meaningful, life-saving action.”
The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.
Funding for schools, breakfast clubs and free school meals to tackle child poverty
Children and families across Scotland will benefit from the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Education and Skills as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.
The proposed Scottish Budget for 2026-27 commits up to £200 million to the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which has already delivered sustained progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This includes Pupil Equity Funding that aims to empower headteachers to tailor support to meet the specific needs of pupils and families in their communities.
An additional £15 million will ensure that all primary school children are able to access a free breakfast club by August 2027, while free school meals are being expanded to a further 5,500 pupils for 2026-27.
Speaking ahead of a visit to see the breakfast club offer at Downfield Primary School in Dundee, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government’s budget plans reflect our unwavering commitment to giving every child in Scotland the best possible start in life, regardless of their background.
“Scotland’s schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with sustained progress in narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap through the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
“Our continuing investment of up to £200 million will build on these gains, with Pupil Equity Funding continuing to give headteachers the flexibility to respond to the specific needs of their communities.
“We know that children cannot learn if they are hungry or worried about what is happening at home. Our investment in free breakfast clubs and the expanded the rollout of free school meals to more children will help to address food insecurity and help to ease pressure on family budgets at a time when it is needed most
“These measures are central to our national mission to tackle child poverty and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
The latest published figures show that attainment levels are at record highs and the poverty-related attainment gap is at a record low in literacy and numeracy.
A former head teacher is set to be appointed Scotland’s new Chief Inspector of Education.
Ruth Binks, currently Corporate Director of Education, Communities and Organisational Development at Inverclyde Council, will start in the role at the end of March, subject to final pre-appointment checks being completed and the appointment being made by an Order of His Majesty the King.
She has previously worked as a classroom teacher and head teacher.
The new office of HM Chief Inspector of Education Scotland (HMCIES) includes enhanced independence, as part of the provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament last year.
The inspectorate provisions will come into effect in March.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Ruth has a depth of knowledge of Scottish education, both in the classroom and in a strategic leadership capacity. I’m confident that she brings the right experience to this key role.
“The new inspectorate body will have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections. The office is at the heart of the education reform programme this Government is driving forward.
“This appointment will be pivotal in our efforts to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system and to bring about the changes required to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”
Ms Binks said: “My passion for achieving excellence and reducing inequalities for our young people has been at the heart of everything I have undertaken in my career to date.
“In my new role as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education I will continue to pursue this passion, striving to get the very best for every young person regardless of their background.”
