The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.
This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.
The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.
Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.
PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.
“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”
If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.
Scheme launched to help return more empty homes to active use
A new online portal has been launched to bring empty homeowners together with prospective buyers or developers with the aim of facilitating more properties to be used as homes again.
Covering the whole of Scotland, this builds on the success of local pilots, referred to as “matchmaker schemes”, which allow owners of empty homes to upload details of their properties to a website through which anyone, such as first time buyers, families, developers or local authorities, can make purchasing enquiries.
The portal is hosted by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and has been developed as part of a £2 million investment this year to recruit additional empty homes officers and fund initiatives that will accelerate the pace and numbers of empty homes that are brought back into use.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “If you have an empty home to sell, this new portal is for you.
“Making best use of existing housing stock is central to tackling the housing emergency. Bringing owners and buyers together is a great way of adding to the overall housing supply, be that for affordable housing or use on the private market and it complements our ambitious house building programme.
“We are already making progress in turning around empty properties. Over the past 15 years we have helped return almost 13,000 privately owned homes to use and last year we saw 2,066 homes brought back in a single year, the highest in a year to date.
“I would encourage anyone who has a home lying empty to use this new scheme and seek advice from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and their local council to bring their home back into use.”
Tahmina Nizam, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership National Manager, said: “Every home matters in our collective fight against the housing emergency, so we’re delighted to launch this brand-new matchmaker scheme.
“We know selling an empty home can be a daunting task; the matchmaker scheme is designed to make that process easier and to help get more homes back into productive use.
“We want anyone who owns an empty home to know that support is available, either from the network of dedicated local empty homes officers working in local authorities across the country or directly from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.
“No home was built to sit empty and it’s vital that we make the best possible use of the assets we already have. Every individual empty property could provide a safe and secure place for someone to call home, but collectively Scotland’s empty homes can make a huge contribution to ending the housing emergency.”
Financial boost for carers ahead of the festive season
Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid to more than 96,000 carers across Scotland from 4 December.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment, currently made twice a year, for people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates.
The payment of £293.50, which is only available in Scotland, will be made automatically from 4 December to people who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 13 October 2025. Carers due to get the payment will get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “As one of the first payments introduced by Social Security Scotland in 2018, I’m proud of the difference that Carer’s Allowance Supplement has made for carers across the country.
“The payment recognises the important role that carers play in our local communities and wider society. We have also recently widened eligibility for our Young Carer Grant, meaning even more unpaid carers in Scotland are benefitting from extra help.”
Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland, said: “Since its introduction, Carer’s Allowance Supplement has provided vital additional support to unpaid carers in Scotland, helping to recognise the invaluable contribution they make to their cared for people and communities.
“With over one million payments made and hundreds of millions of pounds delivered, this supplement has helped ease financial pressures for thousands of unpaid carers.”
If a carer is eligible for December’s Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment but has not received a letter or payment by 15 December, they should contact Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT MUST HAND OVER STURGEON INFORMATION
Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton has issued a decision which requires the Scottish Government to disclose some of the written evidence supplied to James Hamilton as part of his investigation into whether former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had breached the Ministerial Code.
Previously, the Scottish Government had claimed that it didn’t hold the requested information but, in December 2023, the Court of Session agreed with the Commissioner that the information was in fact held, and that the Scottish Government should therefore issue a response.
The decision comes after the requester appealed the Scottish Government’s subsequent response to the Commissioner, on the basis that much of the information was exempted from disclosure.
In his decision, the Commissioner finds that, while some information was appropriately withheld, other information should be disclosed to the requester.
In particular, the Commissioner finds that the Scottish Government had incorrectly applied the exemption which protects information where disclosure would harm the effective conduct of public affairs to all the withheld information, finding that disclosure would not substantially harm the Scottish Government’s ability to carry out future investigations of this type.
The Commissioner also meticulously reviewed the redactions applied by Scottish Government to information which was withheld to avoid breaching court orders. Following this, he instructed the release of further material.
Similarly, The Commissioner found that, while some information had been appropriately withheld because it related to confidential legal communications, other information where this exemption had been applied should be disclosed.
In some cases, this was because it did not meet the standard required for the exemption to apply while, in others, he found that, while the exemption could be appropriately applied, the public interest nevertheless favoured the disclosure of the information. Under freedom of information (FOI) law, many exemptions must be set aside if the disclosure of the information is in the public interest.
The Commissioner also identified significant procedural concerns in the Scottish Government’s handling of this case.
He found, for example, that the Scottish Government had failed to provide all of the information falling within the scope of an Information Notice served on the authority in March 2024 to enable the Commissioner to investigate the case.
Under FOI law the Commissioner can issue legally enforceable Information Notices to secure the provision of information needed to investigate FOI appeals.
During his investigation, the Commissioner subsequently found that there was additional material falling within the scope of the Information Notice which had not, initially, been supplied to his office.
While the Commissioner’s decision finds that this failure to fully comply with the Information Notice was a matter of significant concern, he also accepts that the omission was a genuine oversight, as opposed to an attempt to deliberately obstruct his investigation. As a result, he took the decision in this case not to refer this failure to the Court of Session.
The Commissioner’s decision also raises concerns with the Scottish Government’s interpretation of the request, the changing of its position during his investigation, and its failure to make a full and appropriate case for the application of exemptions to all of the information it proposed to withhold.
Commenting on this case, Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton said: “This was a very complex case, and that complexity was compounded by the way in which elements of this case were handled by the Scottish Government.
“When a public body seeks to withhold information under FOI law, it is the responsibility of that body to appropriately make their case to me. It is not for my staff to identify sensitive information on behalf of an organisation, or to make the case for an exemption on its behalf. Authorities must, therefore, ensure that its case is fully and appropriately stated in its entirety.
“It is also particularly disappointing that, had it not been for the diligence of my staff and their forensic analysis of this case, many of the failures that arose may have gone undetected.
“While there is no evidence of impropriety, this nevertheless reflects poorly on the Scottish Government handling of this case, and I trust it will take urgent action to prevent such occurrences happening again.”
The Commissioner’s decision requires the Scottish Government to disclose some information which had been wrongly withheld, and issue a revised response in relation to a small amount of other information, by12 January 2026.
The Gaelic and Scots languages have gained official status as people across Scotland celebrate St Andrew’s Day.
The designation forms part of a range of measures coming into effect today through the Scottish Languages Act 2025.
These include powers for ministers to commission research into the use of Gaelic and Scots and establish teaching standards for the languages.
Other measures of the Act include:
empowering parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area
supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognising Gaelic and Scots as official languages. This is a historic milestone which acknowledges the vital place these languages hold in Scotland’s culture and heritage.
“This has been made possible through the Scottish Languages Bill which received unanimous support from MSPs.
“To support the continued growth of both languages the Scottish Government has already allocated £35.7 million for Gaelic and Scots initiatives this year, ensuring that this milestone translates into meaningful change for communities across the country.”
The Scottish Languages Bill was introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023. The Bill was passed in June and received Royal Assent on 1 August 2025.
A new pilot aimed at preventing people from becoming homeless has officially been given the go-ahead in the Capital after the Council and partners were awarded funding from the Scottish Government.
The System Wide Approach to Prevention (SWAP) – ‘Ask and Act’ initiative will be piloted in Wester Hailes, providing earlier interventions and practical support to help people at risk of homelessness to remain in their homes.
The launch follows the recent passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 which places new legal duties on public bodies to ask about a person’s housing situation and take action to prevent homelessness before it happens.
Across Scotland, 15 projects are sharing £4 million through the Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund, administered by Advice Direct Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, to develop and test prevention pilots.
A team will now be created in the Capital which will include public and third-sector partners. They will be trialling new models of working to provide co-ordinated and timely support for individuals and households at risk of homelessness.
The ‘Ask’ and ‘Act’ duties will be embedded in everyday services provided by partners in the Wester Hailes area.
The services working in partnership with the Council to deliver these duties are NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Prospect Community Housing, Social Security Scotland, Scottish Prison Service and Crisis.
This approach will allow them to identify what people need help earlier, offer support directly, and request further help and support via a single point of contact within the Council’s prevention services.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Tim Pogson said: “This is fantastic news, being awarded just over £600k from a £4 million fund for the whole of Scotland is a tremendous endorsement of our proposal, and I’m grateful to the team who brought it together and partners for agreeing to be part of this.
“It will also help us boost our efforts to tackle the housing emergency facing the city. It’s exciting that work is already under way, and I’m confident we’ll see positive results in the new year.
“Preventing homelessness and supporting tenants before they reach crisis point is essential to ensuring as many people as possible have a secure home.
“Last year alone, our homelessness prevention services helped 2,622 households as part of our Local Housing Strategy, the city’s overarching strategy for housing and homelessness.”
Màiri McAllan, the Housing Secretary, Scottish Government, said: “We are determined to end homelessness – and the best way to do this is to prevent homelessness in the first place.
“This investment in prevention pilots will help us test and scale up innovative approaches to help people stay in their homes.
Empowering regions to make the decisions that are right for them
Regional economic partnerships can further boost local economies and support jobs across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said.
In a speech to the Glasgow State of the City Economy Conference, the First Minister outlined proposed legislation – to be introduced in the next Parliament subject to the election outcome – that would help regional partnerships to unlock new powers and deliver on local priorities.
Speaking in Glasgow, the First Minister said: “Glasgow and Scotland are well placed to flourish in the years ahead.
“It is because we are so blessed that I am all the more determined to deliver on my government’s central economic mission: to increase the wealth and wellbeing our citizens by building a more productive, more dynamic, and more regionally balanced economy driven by innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
“Therefore capable of achieving the governments aims of eradicating child poverty, enabling our transition to net zero and strengthening our public services, particularly the National Health Service.
“I want our regional partnerships like Glasgow City Region, to have the opportunity to expand their strategic capacities and role, with a package of additional devolved competencies available over time.
“On the table, powers such as skills, economic development and planning.
“That includes empowering Scotland’s regions because working in partnership with national government, it is our regions that are best placed to drive inclusive economic growth in a way that is both local and strategic.”
COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Cllr Gail Macgregor said: “As we’ve made clear in our Manifesto, councils can make places thrive, investing in public spaces, transport systems and local economies.
“A place-based approach to policymaking is essential. Looking to the future, we are seeking to maximise the benefits that regional economies can realise, and the First Minister’s announcement today is a positive step in that journey.
“I particularly welcome the place-based flexibility and empowerment suggested, and look forward to working with partners to develop these proposals further.”
Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow City Region is already one of the UK’s biggest collaborative success stories – but we need the backing of both our governments to truly empower us to unlock its extraordinary potential.
“I’m delighted that the First Minister has today recognised our region holds the country’s most compelling opportunity for inclusive economic growth, equity, innovation and transformation.
“His commitment puts the devolution of powers and resources to Scotland’s communities firmly on the national agenda – and Glasgow City Region is more than ready to lead the way.”
What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?
The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.
The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.
Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said:“Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.
“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.
“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?
“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”
Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.
Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.
Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.
Independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland in partnership with Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has launched a national campaign to help tackle the growing problem of organised theft and sale of stolen goods from Scotland’s shops.
With increasing reports of theft, violence and abuse targeting retail workers, the campaign aims to empower communities and the industry to report incidents anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.
Scotland’s retail sector has seen a rise in theft linked to organised crime gangs.
Police Scotland figures show that between April 2024 and October 2025, goods worth an estimated £3.6-£5 million were reported stolen through shoplifting, which accounts for almost 40% of all recorded acquisitive crime across the country.
It is thought that organised crime groups are responsible for around a third of these thefts. Retail groups, believe the true cost is far higher, with losses across Scotland exceeding £170 million a year.
In response to the ongoing rise in retail offences, Police Scotland received a funding allocation of £3m for the year 2025/26 and used this capital to launch the Retail Crime Taskforce.
The unit is dedicated to ensuring police, retailers and stakeholders can work together to try to stop retail crime through crime prevention and deter people becoming involved in such offences through education and diversionary support.
Where retail crime occurs, the Taskforce seeks to help mitigate the impact by improving processes such as reporting of offences to Police Scotland and conducting regular enforcement activity to bring those responsible to justice.
Since April, dedicated Taskforce officers and operations supported by the Taskforce have helped detect more than 2000 retail offences within Scotland.
In addition to the financial impact of shoplifting, the human cost of retail theft is incalculable. As part of the Crimestoppers initiative, the charity spoke to the public and retail staff about the impact of theft from the shops they worked in.
Many said they felt ‘afraid’ and ‘anxious’ at work. Several who witnessed crimes were left unable to return to work. Some smaller, local businesses were considering closing because of the daily threat of thefts.
Two recent incidents shared by Retailers Against Crime underline the human impact:
A man was stopped by -staff, and this caused him to produce a large kitchen knife before threatening them with it. The male then fled the premises, and the store called the police. He was stopped, arrested and the knife was retained.
Another worker was assaulted after confronting a man who had left a store without paying for items. The offender later returned and physically attacked the security guard.
Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “Our charity wants to empower communities and retail staff to pass on information anonymously about WHO is behind, organised shop theft.
“Your information could help prevent serious abuse and violent incidents and help Scotland’s shop workers feel safer at work. You will never be asked for your name or any personal details, and your information could make a real difference.”
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government recognises the harm caused by retail crime to businesses and those that work there.
“Our budget for 2025/26 has made an additional £3 million available to Police Scotland to help tackle the issue, which has led to the establishment of their Retail Crime Taskforce.
“Alongside our partners we want to prevent such incidents and pursue those responsible. I commend Crimestoppers, Police Scotland and all involved for raising awareness of this important issue as we approach the festive season, and their continuing efforts in this area.”
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Strategic Lead for Acquisitive Crime, said: “We recognised that retail offences were contributing to the overwhelming majority of acquisitive crimes taking place across Scotland and having a significant impact on businesses and retail staff.
“In response, and through engagement with the Scottish Government, we set out a strategy for addressing this.
“Thanks to a £3m funding allocation for the year 2025/26, we were able to establish the Retail Crime Taskforce and since April, this dedicated unit has supported local policing divisions across Scotland to address retail crime, work closely with those in the retail sector to consider and enhance their security measures and bring offenders to justice.
“We also know that partnership work, such as this campaign, helps raise the profile of retail crime, so all relevant groups and individuals can reflect on the role they can play in tackling offences of this nature.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Knight from the Retail Crime Taskforce added: “Our mission statement could not be simpler. We must reduce retail crime in all its forms and ensure that we work closely with the retail sector and retail workers to mitigate against the devastating impact of retail crime on those affected.
“Enforcement plays a key role and over the last seven months, thousands of offences have been detected by dedicated Taskforce resources supporting their local policing colleagues.
“However, Police cannot solve this problem alone and that is why we are collaborating with Crimestoppers to raise awareness around the impact of Retail Crime on retailers, their staff and local communities, and urge those who have information about individuals committing retail crime, or those selling and buying stolen retail property to report it. Retail crime is not victimless and together we can make a difference”
Lucy Brown, Retail Industry Leadership Co Chair, said, on behalf of the Retail Industry Leaders Group (RILG) “I am pleased to see the progress the Retail Crime Task Force is making, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure its continued success.”
Stephanie Karte, CEO Retailers Against Crime: “Retail crime is not a victimless offence and partnership working is key to tackling the growing threat faced by retailers and their staff.
“At Retailers Against Crime, we are seeing a sharp rise in incidents across our member network, with offenders becoming increasingly bold and organised. By working together in partnership, we can address this problem more effectively.
“We are stronger together and we urge the public to report any activity that may help identify or deter those responsible. The more eyes and ears we have, the greater our ability to disrupt criminal behaviour and make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.”
Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.
