Tag: Scottish Government

Financial help for starting primary school

Applications open for Best Start Grant School Age Payment

Families across Scotland can now apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open today (1 June 2026).

The payment, unique to Scotland, is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed to ease the financial pressures that come with a child starting primary one and can be spent on anything families need – from clothes and stationery to school trips.

Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years.

Importantly, families do not need to wait until their child starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child’s start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.

Families receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should get an automated payment and do not need to apply.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Starting school is a landmark moment in a child’s life, but sadly it can also put real financial pressure on families. That’s why we introduced the Best Start Grant School Age Payment – to help ensure that every child in Scotland can begin their school journey with what they need, regardless of their family’s circumstances.

“This support is a vital part of our wider commitment to eradicating child poverty, making sure help reaches families at key moments in a child’s life.”

Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager said: “We know from our work with children and families that starting school adds real pressure to already stretched family finances. That’s why it’s really important that families apply for the financial support, like the School Age Payment, that they are entitled to.”

School Age Payment is a payment of £331.95 per child. Applications for children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022 are open from 1 June 2026 to 28 February 2027.

To get Best Start Grant School Age Payment the person applying will normally need to be receiving one of the following payments: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Families have until 28 February 2027 to submit their application. The payment is also open to kinship carers and adoptive parents who meet the eligibility criteria.

Parents and carers can apply for multiple children, provided each child falls within the eligible age range at the time of application. Social Security Scotland will usually make the payment once per child, although additional payments may be made in certain circumstances — for example, if a child moves to live with a different kinship carer or adoptive parent within the same application window.

Full eligibility details and how to apply visit Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods – mygov.scot

MSPs vote for transfer of energy powers

Control over Scotland’s energy

The devolution of energy powers to Scotland would help deliver fairness for families and bring energy bills down, Energy Minister Stephen Gethins told MSPs yesterday.

The Scottish Parliament has supported a motion calling for the formal transfer of energy policy to Holyrood.

Mr Gethins said such powers would enable the Scottish Government to lower the cost of energy and set policies that work for households, communities and businesses by reducing bills, tackling fuel poverty and securing high-quality jobs.

In line with the Scottish Parliament’s position, the Energy Minister will now urge UK Ministers to formally engage over the devolution of powers.

Mr Gethins said: “This government has been returned with a clear instruction to deliver the benefits of Scotland’s abundant energy resources to households, communities and businesses. That is what we intend to do.

“The future lies in clean, affordable and secure power – strengthening affordability, resilience and competitiveness, and protecting Scottish people and businesses from their energy bills being dictated by events halfway across the world. After the UK Government announced bills would go up again, that is more important than ever.  

“Now, with the backing of the Scottish Parliament, we are formally requesting the devolution of powers that we need to maximise our remarkable energy potential, so that it helps to deliver prosperity, security and fairness for the country.”

The Westminster government is unlikely to concede, however.

First Homes Fund open by end of June

50,000 first-time buyers supported in this parliament

The first round of applications for a First Homes Fund will open by the end of June, providing first-time buyers with a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit on their first home.

The shared-equity scheme will be open to all prospective owners looking to make their first step on to the property ladder, with a limit of £300,000 on the value of the property purchased.

It is expected the first phase of the fund will support 2,000 households over the first 100 days of this Government and 50,000 over the course of this Parliament.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the scheme’s opening to the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

Ms Somerville said: “For too many people across Scotland, particularly younger people and first-time buyers, home ownership has felt increasingly out of reach. In communities the length and breadth of our nation, we are hearing the same story; people saving what they can but finding that the cost of a deposit is simply too great a barrier.

“That is the context in which this Government will act. This is a direct response to the experience of people across Scotland. We have listened and are taking fast, decisive action.

“The Fund sits within a broader programme of action and supported by a record £4.9 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years.

“We promised we would support first time buyers and we are delivering.”

Over 321,000 children getting vital support

Scottish Child Payment key to eradicating child poverty

Across Scotland, 321,885 children are benefiting from Scottish Child Payment as of March 2026, according to newly published statistics. 

Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit is a weekly payment of £28.20, paid every four weeks to every eligible child under 16 within a household.

Scottish Child Payment is expected to keep 50,000 children out of relative poverty in 2026–27. This underlines the critical role that Scottish Child Payment plays in eradicating child poverty in Scotland.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Eradicating child poverty and supporting families with the cost of living is a key focus for this government.

“It’s clear that the Scottish Child Payment is making a major difference to families which is why we will now go further by increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week for families with children under the age of one.  

We remain fully committed to doing everything we can to support families and give every child the best possible start in life. Scottish Child Payment remains central to that mission.”

Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2026: Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2026 – Social Security Scotland 

Ambitious for Scotland

FM: “I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.”

Prosperity, security and fairness are the principles driving an ambitious vision for Scotland’s future, First Minister John Swinney has said.  

In a statement to Parliament setting out ambitious plans that his government will drive forward, the First Minister outlined measures to expand cost of living support, accelerate sustainable economic growth, strengthen public services and to unlock Scotland’s potential by delivering a fresh start with Independence.  

Mr Swinney said: “Realising the potential of every part of our country, supporting families with rising costs and securing our nations’ future are at the core of my vision for Scotland. I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.   

“Our cost of living support is already the best of any UK nation, but we will go further to protect and expand support for families. I want to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed – regardless of their background – and eradicate the scourge of poverty on our society.  

“Strong public services are at the heart of every successful society, and my government will do all we can to make services more effective and easier to access. That includes strengthening our NHS, reducing waiting times and improving more schools and colleges. 

“Strengthened public services and generous cost of living support must work in tandem with a high-performing economy, one that harnesses our countries resources, potential and talent to boost success and create opportunity.

My government will work to empower our regions to make the most of their economic advantages and streamline regulation to support investment and growth. 

“A truly prosperous, secure Scotland can only reach its full potential outside the confines of the United Kingdom.

The recent, emphatic election result, with the largest ever pro-independence majority within the Scottish Parliament, has given the clear mandate for Scotland to decide its own future, which is why this parliament calls on the UK Government to transfer the power to hold a referendum on independence.

“I hope that giving Scotland the legal right to decide its own future will help build the foundations of a fairer, more prosperous nation as an independent member of the European Union.” 

Deputy First Minister kicks off Scotland’s Summer of Sport

Encouraging children and young people to get active

A nationwide summer programme of free and low-cost sporting activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – has been launched by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth.

Backed by Scottish Government investment, as part of a £20 million fund, and administered by sportscotland, the Summer of Sport programme will give children and young people the chance to get active in their local communities through events and activities hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.

Under the campaign theme ‘Game On’, the initiative has been designed to harness inspiration from a landmark summer of international sport – including the Scotland men’s team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals tournament and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

The Deputy First Minister officially kicked off the programme at Pollok United in Nethercraigs, Glasgow, one of the organisations benefiting from Summer of Sport investment.

This summer the First Minister will travel to Boston at World Cup organiser FIFA’s invitation to watch Scotland’s historic return to the men’s finals tournament after 28 years, in their first match against Haiti on 13 June.

Deputy First Minister Ms Gilruth said: “As Scotland approaches landmark international sporting events, our Summer of Sport initiative will harness the excitement to inspire communities across the country to get involved and get active themselves.

“This innovative programme will offer free and inclusive sporting activities for children and young people – encouraging a new generation to take part in sport and physical activity.

“As part of our wider £40 million additional funding for the 2026-27 sport budget, we are removing barriers to accessing sport and delivering sustainable opportunities for people across Scotland to be more active.

“Activities will take place throughout this summer and beyond, helping to increase participation and enable more young people to remain active long after the final whistle of this summer’s major events.” 

Maureen Campbell, Chair of sportscotland, added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Scottish sport. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.  

“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives – this investment will help to do exactly that. We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.” 

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “Scotland’s participation in the FIFA World Cup will generate excitement across the country, and it is important that this inspiration translates into opportunities for people to take part in sport at all levels.

“While football will play a role in launching the Summer of Sport, the wider programme ensures that communities across Scotland can access a broad range of sports and activities throughout the summer.”

Speaking ahead of Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years, Scottish National Team player Craig Gordon added: “Sport can be life-changing for young people – it builds confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

“With such a big summer ahead for Scottish sport, it is brilliant to see investment being made to ensure children and young people across the country have real opportunities to get involved, try something new, and stay active in their local areas.”

In the 2026-27 Budget, the Scottish Government has provided a £20 million uplift to core funding for sporting organisations and an additional £20 million to create innovative and inspiring physical activity opportunities for young people across Scotland. 

Investing in sport and physical activity

Find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport

University of Edinburgh Medical School: Keeping the Pledge!

Bringing you our fantastic final commitment in our new Scottish Government Social Impact Pledge!

Ruthanne Baxter and Cathy Southworth, Co-Leads of @edinburghmedicalschool 300 Community Connections, are here to share it with you:

⁠“We will undertake activities that ensure our local communities feel tangible positive impact of our celebration of 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine (EMS300) at the University of Edinburgh.” ⁠⁠

Find out more about how our marking of 300 years of Medicine will serve communities at https://www.communityscot.org.uk/…/ple…/edinburghuni2026 ⁠

University of Edinburgh pledges to:

Challenge ourselves to increase the positive impact we make on our local community.

Screenshot 2021-01-25 at 10.28.27.png

We will do the following things that we don’t do at the moment to improve our social impact.

Signed by Peter Mathieson, Principal, February 2026

#EdMed300

#Medicine

#Edinburgh

#Community

Supporting families with cost of living is ‘key focus’ of Scottish Government, says Swinney

Supporting families with the cost of living and eradicating child poverty will be a key focus of the Scottish Government, First Minister John Swinney has said. 

Ahead of a visit to meet parents and children at a Bookbug session in Wester Hailes the First Minister said tackling the cost of living, ensuring people get support before reaching a crisis, and helping children and parents in the early years will be key priorities for the new Cabinet. 

In March, the Scottish Government set out plans to drive further reductions in child poverty. This includes committing an additional £500,000 over two years to expand Bookbug, supporting a further 20,000 low-income families across Scotland.  

Mr Swinney said: “Every child in Scotland deserves a future free from the scourge of poverty. It will be the defining mission of my government to support families with the cost of living and eradicate child poverty.

“Our policies are already helping to keep an estimated 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year – but we are determined to deliver truly ambitious change to reduce the cost of living.  

“This includes expanding all year round childcare to all children from nine-months to the end of primary school, introducing a £2 nationwide cap on bus fares, increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for under-ones and delivering comprehensive ‘Whole Family Support’ that wraps around families in their communities, helping break the cycle of poverty.” 

Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing.

“I look forward to driving further progress on the work started in the last parliamentary term to eradicate child poverty, tackle the cost of living and accelerate the delivery of more affordable homes.

“Reducing child poverty in Scotland is at the heart of this government’s ambitious agenda for change and we will work across government, the parliament and with our much-valued third sector, to give families the safety and security they need.”

Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-31: Bringing Hope, Building Futures is the Scottish Government’s final statutory delivery plan under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.  

First Minister appoints Cabinet ‘to deliver for Scotland’

FM: “Government will be focused on people’s priorities.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has appointed his new Cabinet, unveiling a streamlined team of Cabinet Secretaries to deliver on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland.

Comprising eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, the First Minister has said his Cabinet will focus on the priorities of the people, including supporting people through the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

The focused and streamlined Cabinet will include the first ever Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, who will lead cross-government work to ensure public services are responsive to the needs of the people of Scotland.

Responsibility for independence and the constitution will now sit directly with the First Minister.

The Cabinet, which is made up of a majority of women, consists of: 

  • Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Jenny Gilruth
  • Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee
  • Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray
  • Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance
  • Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin
  • Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan
  • Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville
  • Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.  This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.

“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.

“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”

Excluding Law Officers, the new Cabinet of nine, including the First Minister, is down from twelve before the election.

Scottish Ministers appointed

First Minister John Swinney has also appointed Scottish Ministers, following the completion of a new Cabinet.

The Scottish Government now consists of eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, and eleven Ministers.

Seven new Ministers have joined the Scottish Government, including six who enter government for the first time. This includes Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins, Hannah Mary Goodlad, Kirsten Oswald, Alison Thewliss and Simita Kumar.

Newly appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins will report directly to the First Minister. The First Minister will hold direct responsibility for independence and the constitution.

Newly appointed Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad will support both the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, and the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.

The full Scottish Government ministerial team consists of:

First Minister, John Swinney

Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Energy, Stephen Gethins

Minister for Parliamentary Business & Veterans, Jamie Hepburn

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform)

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, Ivan McKee

Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government)

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray

Minister for Victims & Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance

Minister for Community Care, Alison Thewliss

Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol & Drugs, Maree Todd

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin

Minister for Agriculture, Marine & the Islands, Jim Fairlie

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan

Minister for Children, Young People, & The Promise, Siobhian Brown

Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education, Ben Macpherson

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities & International Development, Simita Kumar

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn

Minister for Business & Fair Work, Tom Arthur.

Jenny Gilruth is Deputy First Minister

Jenny Gilruth takes on “greatest honour of my life.”

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.

Ms Gilruth described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.

Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.

The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.

“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.  We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.   That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.

“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”