A new blueprint sets out a series of actions to harness digital to boost the economy and improve public services.
The updated National Digital Strategy aims to attract investment, deliver sustainable public services and create better opportunities for the people of Scotland.
The strategy outlines a number of steps, including delivering a pilot of a new app by 2026 to let people access personalised public services. By 2028, another pilot will explore ways AI can deliver efficiencies in public services, such as streamlining administrative tasks.
The joint strategy with local government is designed to build on progress since it was first launched in 2021.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “The strategy sets out our ambition to create a digitally connected country to create economic growth and help people and businesses thrive.
“It will support work to deliver sustainable digital public services fit for the future and help widen opportunities that digital offers.
“The 2021 publication, one of the first joint national strategies between Scottish Government and local government, helped to build skills and talent to strengthen our digital capability. This is the next step as we aim to accelerate progress.
“The refreshed strategy’s contribution and relevance to the public service reform agenda cannot be overstated, with a focus on collaboration and embracing innovation to deliver improved public services and improve lives.”
COSLA Resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Local government are co-authors and co-owners of this vision. This refreshed strategy is our route map; the delivery plans explain how we will navigate change, remain transparent and measure progress.
“Through collaboration and shared action, we can build a future-ready, digital Scotland where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive, and no one is left behind.”
This is a joint strategy between the Scottish Government and local government, represented by COSLA and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.
More than 100,000 people have been referred to a mental health initiative which provides immediate, non-clinical support to those in need.
The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, launched in 2016, offers personalised support to people who present to emergency or primary care services in distress.
Initially, trained front line staff provide a compassionate response and then, where appropriate, offer a referral to third sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours and provide community-based support.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick and compassionate support to someone in distress.
“There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank all those involved across health, social care, emergency services, third sector and academia.
“DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide, sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8 million.
“We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing distress get the support they need, when and where they need it, to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.”
Kirstie McCulloch, who received support from and now works for DBI, said: “I was experiencing severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, due to the Covid lockdowns. NHS 24 helped me when I had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.
“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I knew this was something I would like to do for others.
“DBI aligns with SAMH’s ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that I can give back in this way.”
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland has over 2,300 DBI trained officers who can identify when someone is in distress and signpost them to the right service to provide the compassionate support they need and deserve, before redirecting to core policing duties.
“We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop and embed a whole system, trauma-informed, approach to mental health and this landmark 100,000th referral is testament to our collaborative commitment.”
Head of Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service Catherine Totten said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is committed to ensuring access to services that offer care and support to patients experiencing mental distress and the collaboration with DBI supports us to provide the right care at the right time for our patients.
“We take pride in our contribution to enhancing access to the emotional care and support that DBI offers to its service users and are committed to continuing our support to keep widening the reach of this valuable resource.
“We are proud to celebrate with partners this momentous achievement of 100,000 referrals meaning 100,000 people are receiving this valuable service which was previously unavailable.”
Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24 Patrick Rafferty said: “The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief Intervention Programme is valued by patients and our Mental Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally to the people of Scotland.
“The impact of this significant collaboration through early intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the journey to recovery. This is a truly commendable initiative that we are delighted to be a part of.”
Initiative will save thousands of ambulance journeys every month
Almost £1 million is being allocated to help reduce pressures on A&E departments and improve patient flow over the winter months.
The Scottish Ambulance Service will receive £995,000 to increase staffing for a clinical hub model, which uses GPs to triage patients as calls come in to prevent unnecessary ambulance dispatches and ensure everyone gets the treatment they need.
The system was trialled successfully over a weekend in September this year and it is estimated that it could save 12,000 ambulance journeys over winter as well as safely preventing an additional 4,500 patients being conveyed to Emergency Department front doors.
The funding will also enable the expansion of patient transport hubs in areas where pressures are greatest, using Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers who help identify and co-ordinate early discharges – reducing handover delays by keeping the flow of patients moving through the system in periods of high activity.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving patient care over the winter months is a priority and this funding will see patients treated faster in the setting which is appropriate for them.
“The measures being taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service will help cut unnecessary ambulance dispatches and improve patient outcomes and experiences through earlier clinical intervention.
“Our winter preparations have also seen a £20 million investment for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.
“And, as the temperature drops, we continue to urge those eligible for the flu vaccine to take up the offer.
“As always I thank all our dedicated health and social care staff who continue to work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it.”
A new target will aim to further increase the number of babies who are breastfed at six to eight weeks old.
NHS Scotland will now aim to reduce the ‘drop-off rate’ – the number of mothers who stop breastfeeding – by a further 10% by 2031. The announcement follows recent statistics which showed breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since records began in 2002.
The previous target to reduce the drop-off rate by 10% by 2024-25 was exceeded more than twice over, with a 27% reduction since 2017-18.
Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, announced the new breastfeeding goal for Scotland at the Breast Buddies support group at Perth Royal Infirmary.
The Scottish Government has invested more than £11 million additional funding in breastfeeding support since 2018, including almost £359,000 for the Breast Buddies project in Tayside. Last year, NHS Tayside became the first UK health board to receive full UNICEF Gold Baby Friendly accreditation across all services .
Ms Minto said: “The new 2031 target will help us to continue to give all babies the best possible start in life.
“The evidence is clear that supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to improve the health of mother and baby, in both the short and long term.
“Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but for those that do we will support them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their experiences.
“The record breastfeeding rates we have seen in Scotland would not have been possible without the dedication of NHS staff, infant feeding teams, and peer supporters. They work tirelessly to help new mums achieve their feeding goals and I thank them for their work.”
Holly Hunter, Breast Buddies Peer Supporter: “Having benefitted so much from the support offered by Breast Buddies when I had my first little one, when the opportunity to be able to become a peer supporter came up I jumped at the chance.
“Whether supporting in person or via text, it’s wonderful to be able to provide any help we can, be that a listening ear, support, or advice, particularly during what for some can be at such a vulnerable and challenging time.
“Also seeing the bonds between new mothers as they come together at groups and the support, they offer through the groups we facilitate is amazing.”
Jocelyn Smith, Breast Buddies Perth & Kinross Coordinator: “We are honoured to welcome the Minister to one of our Breast Buddies groups and showcase the invaluable support we provide to families. Since 2017, we have proudly supported families across Perth & Kinross, contributing to the significant rise in breastfeeding rates.
“Our services include antenatal and postnatal support delivered by trained breastfeeding peer supporters, available through local in-person groups, digital WhatsApp communities, and personalised one-to-one text support. Funding is always a challenge, so we deeply value every opportunity to highlight the impact of this work and ensure its sustainability.”
Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Coordinator, NHS Tayside: “Across Tayside more than 70% of babies begin life being breastfed and to ensure mothers can continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose, it is vital that the right support systems are in place.
“The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months of age and then continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, up to two years of age and beyond.
“There is robust evidence demonstrating the positive impact of breastfeeding peer support – not only for the mother but for the peer supporters themselves. We are proud to have Breast Buddies working in partnership with NHS Tayside to support mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.”
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has confirmed the Scottish Government will not introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill in the current session of the Scottish Parliament, following delays to the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan and lack of clarity on cost of energy bills.
In a statement, Ms McAllan said she would not ask the Scottish Parliament to consider such an important Bill now with little time and without a full understanding of the UK policy context, due to several key policy levers being reserved and decisions delayed.
Ms McAllan reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to decarbonising buildings in Scotland by 2045 in a way that does not exacerbate fuel poverty, and announced additional grant support for homeowners of up to £7,500 (or up to £9,000 for households in island and remote rural areas) from December to incentivise connections to local heat networks.
The Housing Secretary also said the government intended to bring forward legislation as early as possible in the next parliamentary session, subject to the outcome of the 2026 election and clarity on the UK Government position.
A draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill has been published to give clarity to households and investors on future plans for legislation.
Màiri McAllan said: “Decarbonising how we heat our homes and buildings is a vital step in our efforts to tackle climate change. We must take action and in a way that does not worsen fuel poverty. The Scottish Government is fully committed to this by 2045, as set out in our draft Climate Change Plan.
“We have always been clear that our plans depend on essential clarity from the UK Government, but repeated delays to their Warm Homes Plan have left key questions unanswered – particularly on how they intend to make the switch to clean heat more affordable by reducing the cost of electricity.
“This is critical in ensuring decarbonising homes does not exacerbate fuel poverty at a time of spiralling energy bills.
“Ultimately, it is perverse that Scottish Ministers should be in the dark about plans related to Scotland’s own energy resources. If we had all the powers of a normal country – including over our own energy resources and market – we would not be in this position.
“In the meantime, we are determined to continue to press ahead with our existing decarbonisation agenda including developing heat networks as a significant investment proposition and viable heating source for households. Therefore, I am pleased to confirm the extension of grant funding for households to connect to local district heat networks, bringing it into line with grants available to install heat pumps.”
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has allocated £1.67 billion of funding through its Heat in Buildings schemes, including over £840 million for energy efficiency and clean heat projects.
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has supported an average of 15,000 households a year to decarbonise, including those in or at risk of fuel poverty and since the launch of Warmer Homes Scotland have helped over 47,000 households across Scotland to live in warmer homes that are more affordable to heat.
A heat decarbonisation target to replace direct emission heating systems in all Scottish buildings, as far as reasonably practicable, by 2045;
A regulation-making power to set a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for owner-occupied and non-domestic buildings that use direct emission heating systems; and
Provisions to encourage the development of heat networks, including a regulation-making power to require qualifying buildings within a heat network zone to connect to the heat network, or decarbonise their heating system
Grant support will be introduced for homeowners to enable connections to heat networks through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme.
Up to £7,500 of grant funding will now be available to homeowners, in addition to the optional £7,500 interest free loan. For those that qualify for island/remote rural uplift through the scheme, an additional £1,500 of grant funding will be available.
Gillian Campbell, Co-director at the Existing Homes Alliance, said: “This critical legislation has the potential to transform lives and communities across Scotland, cutting fuel poverty and climate emissions, whilst stimulating economic growth and job creation.
“But, creating good legislation requires proper scrutiny. As a result of repeated delays, we’re now at the stage where Parliament doesn’t have sufficient time to properly scrutinise and strengthen the Bill.
“This Bill, as currently drafted, will not drive the scale of activity needed to upgrade Scotland’s homes and meet climate change and fuel poverty targets.
“The next Scottish Government must act quickly to put the right legislation in place, and ensure time for good quality debate. In our manifesto for Holyrood 2026, we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to deliver a clear route map to warm, healthy homes by 2045. We need early sight of effective regulations, along with multi-year funding for fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes.
“The next government must break down the barriers that prevent households, especially those in or at risk of fuel poverty, from accessing energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating. That means fully funding support for vulnerable households and providing fair financial incentives so that everyone can make the switch to clean heating with confidence
“It’s been over four years since the Heat in Buildings Strategy was published – it’s high time we started seeing action or Scotland is going to be left behind. It’s not too late – if the next Scottish Government moves swiftly to put the right building blocks in place, all of Scotland can benefit from a just transition to energy efficient homes and clean heating that leaves no-one behind and is affordable to all.”
Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.
The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.
The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.
The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @fifeyoungcarers to announce the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds.
Young Carer Grant is
✅ more than £390 for young carers aged 16 to 19 ✅ only available in Scotland
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I’m proud that we’re able to extend eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.
“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.
“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”
Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort William.
From today, our Young Carer Grant has been extended to 19 year olds!
Young carers aged 16 to 19 may be eligible for over £390 and can apply on an annual basis.
She said: “I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car insurance.
“It’s absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”
Young Carer Grant has been available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.
Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.
A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the 2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in a financial year since the grant’s launch. (Young Carer Grant statistics 2024/25)
Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.
To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers
Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot
The Scottish Government is on track to issue its first bonds in 2026/27, First Minister John Swinney has announced after international ratings agencies set a credit rating matching the UK and better than other major industrial nations.
The issuance will be the first in a £1.5 billion bond programme over the life of the next parliament, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election, in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions.
Credit rating agencies Moody’s and S&P Global have each rated the Scottish Government the same level as the UK Government – and above several major European and global economies such as Spain, Italy and Japan.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government’s high credit ratings are testament to Scotland’s strong institutions, track record of responsible fiscal management and pro-business environment.
“We are therefore now on track to commence the bond programme from 2026/27, with the proceeds used to fund capital investment in key infrastructure.
“This is about using the powers we have to borrow better – not more – and reflects the maturity of Scotland’s public finances after more than 25 years of devolution.
“And, it is the latest step in building the institutions and tools Scotland needs for a prosperous future where our country takes responsibility for its own decisions.
“Whilst specific issuance plans will be subject to market conditions closer to the time, we will shortly commence engagement with banks to act as joint lead managers to enable the next Scottish Government to proceed without delay.”
In 2023 the Scottish Government’s Investor Panel recommended making bonds available to market as a means of raising Scotland’s profile and attracting investment.
Angus Macpherson, Chairman of financial advisory firm Noble and Co, and former co-chair of the Investor Panel, said: “I am greatly encouraged by the progress the Scottish Government is making in achieving a credit rating to raise Scotland’s profile in the international capital markets.
“This is a positive step forward and demonstrates they are serious about becoming a more investor friendly destination.”
Bonds are a standard form of borrowing for governments around the world and support spending including on major infrastructure projects, with buyers owed the value of the bond plus interest over a specific period of time.
The Scotland Act 2016 devolved powers to Scotland to allow the issuing of government bonds for capital investment.
All proceeds from a future bond issuance would be used exclusively for capital investment in line with the capital borrowing powers outlined in the Fiscal Framework agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments.
Financial support to help pensioners heat their homes this winter has started to roll out across the country. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to at least 880,000 pensioners to help with heating bills.
The first payments have been processed and have started to land in accounts. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.
Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed.
Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment.
For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know that energy costs are too high, and that this will affect households across Scotland this winter.
“Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people to help heat their homes and manage costs throughout the colder months.
“People over the age of 66 don’t need to do anything – in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter.”
Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have started and will continue throughout the winter.
The annual payment of between £101.70 and £305.10 helps people aged 66 or over with the costs of heating their homes.
The Scottish Fiscal Commission have forecast that around 1.055 million payments will be made in winter 2025-26, with the number of payments recovered estimated to be 169,000. Fiscal Update: August 2025
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.
Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered by trade unions.
The latest round of the Scottish Government’s Union Learning Fund will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to the steel industry.
Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow, access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City Building.
A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.
Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.
“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest commitment builds on more than £30 million which we have provided to date.”
Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital assistance in upskilling Scotland’s workers.
“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning, helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting dynamics within the workplace.
The world of work is changing. Scotland’s workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges and broaden their horizons.
“The learning and development the trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.”
Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.
16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:
UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in social care, schools and across public services, with particular initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and Islands.
Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing redundancy and those in precarious employment, including initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and Islands.
Community – To support skills development for workers in diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial change.
UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding
UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding announced by First Minister John Swinney in September, as part of a package of measures in relation to the crisis in Gaza
the funding will support the delivery of life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.
The UNOCHA fund helps to coordinate the humanitarian response by international and national organisations to those in the affected areas.
Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said: “Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship.
“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter.
“I am also pleased to report that following a request from UNICEF, 10 child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland.
“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”
