The First Minister has expressed deep concerns over proposals to end the STV North tea-time news bulletin.
The Scottish Government’s response to Ofcom’s consultation on STV’s request to change its regional programming commitments strongly urges consideration of the long-term implications this would have on local public service broadcasting in Scotland.
There has been significant public and political pressure to reverse the plans to end the STV North news bulletin.
First Minister John Swinney said that removing public service obligations to deliver regional news would set a ‘damaging precedent’.
Mr Swinney commented: “The Scottish Government strongly believes that these proposals would not achieve the vital aim to ensure audiences are well-served with high-quality news across Scotland.
“Regional news coverage and bulletins are essential for democratic accountability and local representation; maintaining audience trust and engagement and supporting regional journalism and sustaining jobs.
“It is vital that high-quality, independent local bulletins are preserved, editorial centres outside Glasgow are maintained, and Scottish-based jobs and equitable news access across Scotland are safeguarded.
“We strongly urge Ofcom to consider the long-term implications for plurality, local democracy, and the health of Scotland’s media landscape before removing current public service obligations. Weakening these obligations would set a damaging precedent and accelerate the decline of public interest journalism in Scotland.”
The Scottish Government’s response to Ofcom’s consultation can be found here:
New requirements for colleges and universities proposed
MSPs voted yesterday on Scottish Government proposals to strengthen how colleges and universities prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).
The measures would require all post-16 education bodies to act to address GBV and provide support for students experiencing abuse, as a condition of the funding they receive from the Scottish Funding Council.
The Scottish Government has tabled amendments to its Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) Bill to introduce the new legal duty. The Scottish Government worked with the organisation EmilyTest and Pam Gosal MSP to develop the amendments.
Institutions will be required to report annually to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) on compliance with these new requirements around gender-based violence, under the terms of the amendments brought forward by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.
Ben Macpherson said: “Our colleges and universities are remarkable institutions to learn in and thrive at for the vast majority of students.
However, we can always make them better and there is a clear need for more action on some campuses when it comes to tackling and preventing GBV.
“Our colleges and universities should always be places where all students can live, study and socialise safe from harm or harassment. Furthermore, all staff have the right to go to work in an environment free from the risk of abuse and violence.
“I know there is a lot of good work going on already across higher and further education institutions to address GBV issues on campuses and the changes we are proposing in this new law will strengthen that work.
“I would like to pay tribute to Fiona Drouet and her organisation, EmilyTest, for her important and inspiring work to shape these proposals during the Bill process and for her long-standing commitment to addressing GBV in our colleges and universities.
“Institutions must take every action within their power to reduce the risk of GBV happening. Also, we need to be consistent and cohesive in our approach, and the additional measures in this legislation will help us all move forward in delivering that collective endeavour.
“If passed by MSPs, these amendments and this Bill will make a meaningful and important impact.”
The Scottish Budget represents a cut to social care funding in Scotland, a concerning and disappointing reality for the people who access and work in social care.
In both COSLA’s manifesto and pre-budget lobbying, the voice of Scottish local government, made a clear and urgent ask for significant additional investment of £750m to protect and strengthen social care. The Scottish Budget as it currently stands, fails to deliver on this. There is no dedicated, additional funding for social care, and the £160m allocated for paying the Real Living Wage to adult social care workers falls short of the estimated £175m cost of this policy commitment.
This is not additional investment – it is underfunding of an existing promise.
The consequences of this budget are real. Without significant new resources, people will continue to face unacceptable delays for social work assessments and care packages. Services already under immense strain will be pushed even closer to breaking point, and councils will be forced into impossible choices.
This will directly impact individuals – those who access care and support and those in hospital waiting for care – at a time when our shared ambition should be to shift the balance of care and improve population health. It is for these reasons that COSLA sees this as very poor settlement for local government which fails to address the dire financial situation.
COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly commented: “Social care is fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities.
“The Scottish Budget – which COSLA Leaders agree is very poor – undermines the foundations of a fair and sustainable care system and risks reversing progress toward a model that truly meets people’s needs.
“Quite simply, this Budget is not just disappointing for social care, it is damaging.
“COSLA remains committed to improving the design and delivery of social care and we would welcome the opportunity on offer to take forward focused joint working to support our shared ambition of ensuring those with complex needs are supported in the right setting. But without proper investment, that ambition cannot be realised.”
Second phase of Women’s Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times
New plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and transform gynaecology services – ending long waits – have been published as part of the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan.
This phase is backed by additional funding of over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times, bringing additional investment in gynaecology services to almost £13 million this year.
Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan was published in 2021 and was the first of its kind in the UK. Informed by the experiences of women and girls nationwide, Phase Two sets out new action focusing on:
gynaecology transformation, eliminating cervical cancer and brain health priorities.
better research, data and information on women’s health
prevention and early intervention throughout women’s lives
improving menopause and menstrual health, including endometriosis
supporting sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing
In addition, a new £350,000 Women’s Health Research Fund, in partnership with Wellbeing of Women has also launched today. The fund will support research into menstrual and gynaecological health, menopause, pelvic floor health, healthy ageing and long-term conditions.
Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “This year, we have already allocated over £10.5 million for gynaecology, and I am very pleased to announce today a further commitment of £2.4 million to tackle the longest waits – bringing additional funding to nearly £13 million. Latest data shows that this investment is working, with longest waits for new outpatients having fallen by over 18%.
“Phase Two sets clear targets to transform women’s health in Scotland, ending long gynaecology waits, eliminating cervical cancer, and prioritising brain health to support women to live longer, healthier lives.
“We continue to improve menopause and menstrual health, support sexual and reproductive health, and have opened Scotland’s first Women’s Health Research Fund to tackle historic gaps in women’s health research.”
Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE said: “Phase Two is ambitious, and rightly so.
“I want women to be able to get the gynaecology care they need without delay, and for women and girls to have the vaccination and screening necessary to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing our focus on prevention and early intervention is vital so women live not just longer, but healthier lives.
“We have a consensus on where we want to get to and importantly, I think we have the commitment and enthusiasm needed to get there.’’
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in implementing its ambitions on the ground.
“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over 66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology care.
“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention and to improving women’s health across the life-course, including the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and the elimination of cervical cancer.
“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more easily, when they need it.
“We now need the other governments across the UK to go further and faster on women’s health, including tackling the capacity challenges driving the gynaecology waiting list crisis.”
Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the Scottish Government as partners on the Scottish Women’s Health Research Fund.
“Despite progress, significant gaps remain in women’s health research. By directing funding towards areas that have long been overlooked – such as menstrual, gynaecological, and pelvic floor health – we can collectively drive improvements in health outcomes for women across Scotland and beyond.”
Regulations for Awaab’s Law to be introduced in Scotland
New regulations to protect tenants from damp and mould will be laid in the Scottish Parliament.
The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will introduce new duties on landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and start any repairs needed within a set timescale if approved by Parliament.
This is the first set of regulations for the implementation of Awaab’s Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family’s housing association flat in England.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home free from damp and mould. These regulations will help to ensure that’s the case by requiring any instances to be swiftly investigated by landlords and prompt action taken.
“In Scotland, while 90% of homes are free from damp and mould, we want to make sure everyone is protected. That’s why we are leading the way in rolling out these protections to both social and private tenants. We have worked closely with tenant groups, landlords and other stakeholders to develop regulations that protect tenants while being practical for landlords to implement.
“We will also be raising awareness of the importance of identifying and addressing damp and mould issues as quickly as possible.”
Young entrepreneurs will be supported to turn their ideas into successful businesses through a new Scottish Government programme.The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will empower young people aged 18 – 30 from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds to start innovative businesses.
Delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and social enterprise Dechomai, around 20 participants will be selected for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship. This will provide tailored support and access to masterclasses, workshops and hands-on experience.
Participants will receive a £500 “Test Your Business” grant, with those ready to launch eligible to apply for a £5,000 start-up grant. At the end of the programme, one winner will be awarded £30,000 to dedicate a full year to developing their business.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am unashamedly ambitious for Scotland’s young people and want to ensure my government leaves no stone unturned in supporting them to achieve their ambitions.
“That is why I am excited to be launching the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge which will help unearth and expand the creative entrepreneurial spirit that stretches across Scotland.
“This will provide vital support, including mentorship from those who have built their business, and funding to young people to set up their own business.
“It will not only be life changing for the young people taking part but will have a ripple effect across the country – inspiring entrepreneurial spirit, creating a constant flow of future founders and strengthening Scotland’s’ position as a nation of innovation and enterprise.
“Attracting investment into the country whilst reinforcing Scotland’s emerging reputation as a fast-growing entrepreneurial economy, will be crucial to achieving my key priority of growing the economy while also ensuring we can invest in our other vital priorities such as eradicating child poverty. We’ve long been an innovative and entrepreneurial country and this investment will ensure the next generation can set up the businesses of tomorrow.”
The Kings Trust Director of Delivery (Scotland) Lou Goodlad said: “”The King’s Trust is delighted to partner with the Scottish Government and Dechomai to deliver The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge.
“This programme builds on our collective experience supporting young people to start their own business, and together, it will empower young people facing barriers to self-employment. Participants will benefit from a bespoke programme and access to grant funding to help scale their businesses.
“This unique initiative will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy, offering young people an incredible opportunity to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. We’re excited to play a key role in the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge and to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland.”
Founder of Dechomai Bayile Adeoti: ““Working alongside The King’s Trust to deliver the First Minister’s Start-Up Challenge for the Scottish Government is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Dechomai and for the work we do across Scotland.
“At Dechomai, we believe that real and lasting impact happens when founders, educators, communities and institutions come together to build collaboratively.
“The Start-Up Challenge represents what’s possible when we invest in young people and take a genuinely place based and person-centred approach to enterprise and opportunity.
“Partnering with The King’s Trust is also a deeply personal milestone for me. As a former Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust grant recipient, this feels like a full circle moment and a powerful reminder of the importance of belief, access and collective effort. We’re excited to help shape a future where more young people across Scotland can see themselves as founders, leaders and changemakers.”
A national review into the provision of Additional Support for Learning (ASL) will be led by former Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland Janie McManus.
Announcing the appointment to Parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said Ms McManus will lead an expert group to examine how to strengthen delivery, including provision in schools and how policy is translating into effective practice.
The review report will be completed within two months and be shared at a National Engagement Event on 12 March. This will be the first in a series of events, enabling teachers and practitioners to come together and showcase effective ASL practice from different local authorities across the country.
The Education Secretary said: “I am delighted that Janie McManus, our Professional Advisor for Education, is leading this work. She brings substantial experience in inclusive education and system improvement, and will lead a rigorous, evidence-informed review.
“Our ASL National Engagement Event will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together, reflect on the findings, and to hear more about the short, actionable improvement agenda, which will inform the next phase of ASL policy design.
“This work will mean we are in a strong position to shape the next phase of ASL policy, ensuring future developments move swiftly from insight to implementation.
“Our commitment is unwavering to build an education system where school staff have the tools and confidence to meet diverse needs and where children and young people with additional support needs thrive – every day, in every classroom, in every community.”
Supporting parents and improving kids’ health and wellbeing
More children across Scotland will have access to free after school activities as part of the government’s national mission to tackle poverty.
The Scottish Government’s Extra Time Programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, supports local football clubs and trusts to provide free before school, after school and holiday activity clubs to primary school children from low income families.
Last year up to 5,000 children across 28 local authority areas were able to attend regular services which provide childcare options for their parents.
The 2026-27 Scottish Budget is increasing investment to expand delivery and reach of after school services, building on the success of the Extra Time programme, in areas where it is required for families most in need.
First Minister John Swinney met pupils benefiting from after school activities provided by Hibernian Community Foundation as part of the programme.
First Minister John Swinney said: “We know that families greatly value the services provided through the Extra Time Programme, which extend the school day, helping parents enter and sustain employment.
“The clubs are also hugely popular with children, enabling them to take part in football and other activities, learn new skills and access healthy food – helping improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The Scottish Government has supported the successful delivery of the programme through grassroots football clubs and trusts across the country, working closely with schools and community organisations.
“This is an excellent example of how we are improving outcomes for families and delivering on my priorities for Scotland – tackling poverty and growing our economy.”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 is a “landmark intervention” in the Scottish Government’s drive to tackle the root causes of child poverty and increase living standards.
Around £8 billion has been earmarked for the social justice portfolio, boosting support for vulnerable people and low-income families.
This includes plans to:
introduce a new premium element of the Scottish Child Payment in 2027- 2028, raising weekly payments for eligible parents of children under the age of one to £40 per child, benefitting around 12,000 children
create a new £50 million package to boost whole family support. This will further enhance existing support and will include help with transport, skills, and commits £20 million for third sector partners to deliver the support that people need in their communities
increase the Tackling Child Poverty Fund from £12.5 million to £61.5 million in 2026-27
invest £7.2 billion in social security, supporting disabled people, unpaid carers, those on low incomes and others, while also providing help with energy bills
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met parents in receipt of any of the Five Family Payments, including the Scottish Child Payment, on Thursday (15 January) at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project, and said: “Eradicating child poverty is this government’s driving mission – no child should have their prospects hindered by circumstances beyond their control.
“This Budget is a landmark intervention in our work to tackle the root causes of poverty and reduce the pressure on household finances – from increased support for Scotland’s newest parents, to new initiatives to help increase household incomes and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.
“With more than £330 million committed across three years to our Tackling Child Poverty Fund and to investment in Whole Family Support, we are laying the groundwork to drive continued progress in the year ahead, breaking the cycle of poverty in Scotland for good.”
We’re delighted to share a major step forward for The Art Works!
The Scottish Government has committed £56 million in funding over the next three years, enabling us to move ahead with confidence on this ambitious project in North Edinburgh, part of the National Collections Hub.
With around 97% of the national art collection currently in storage, The Art Works will provide a new, free-to-visit home, ensuring more of Scotland’s art can be seen and enjoyed. It will also give greater access to art, not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland.
Not only will you be able to walk among some of greatest Scottish treasures, but you can also pop in for a coffee, use the space for work/study, watch our conservators take care of beautiful, historic art and even more.
This investment will help us make the best use of public funding while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations.
