Social Security Scotland’s Scottish Child Payment is supporting 322,230 children across the country, newly published figures show.
Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit gives families with low incomes crucial financial support to help with the cost of raising children.
The weekly payment of £27.15 is paid every four weeks for every eligible child under the age of 16 within a household.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.
“This support is helping parents and carers with the essential costs of raising children and is contributing to lowering child poverty rates in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.
“That progress is the result of our decision to invest in measures that directly support household budgets and improve the wellbeing of children.
“While we should recognise the positive impact this is having for thousands of families, we know there is still much more to do. One child in poverty is one too many, and we remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to support families and give every child the best possible start in life.
“Scottish Child Payment continues to be a central part of that mission, and these figures demonstrate why this support is so important to communities across Scotland.”
Pupils across Scotland are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding boost as school library projects across the country secure grants through the 2025-26 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).
Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, SLIF supports creative initiatives in line with Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools, the national strategy for the development of school libraries.
This year, 17 innovative projects across 78 schools have been awarded funding.
The successful projects focus on developing employability skills, digital literacy, creativity and family learning, with initiatives designed to boost pupils’ love for reading, support neurodiverse pupils and strengthen the bond between parents and children through reading.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “School libraries play a vital role in getting children and young people excited about reading, empowering them to learn and preparing them for the future. That’s why we’ve proudly supported the School Library Improvement Fund since it started in 2017.
“This year’s funding means that over £1.8 million has been made available to help schools create innovative programmes that bring pupils closer to books and stories.
“This helps improve literacy skills and supports our work to close the poverty-related attainment gap, and I’m confident that the projects announced today will have a positive impact for pupils across Scotland.”
The 2025-26 successful SLIF projects:
Aberdeen: Holy Family RC Primary School – The Nest Library: Assistive Technology for Inclusive Reading
Angus: Liff Primary School – Hear to Read, Read to Lead
Argyll and Bute: Colgrain Primary and Pre-5 Unit – Our Connected Learning Community
East Lothian: Dunbar Primary, Dunbar Grammar and Families Together – Getting It Right for Every Reader
East Renfrewshire: Eastwood High, Woodfarm High, Police Scotland – Open Goal: Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Football
Falkirk: Grangemouth High, Carrongrange High and cluster primaries – Myths and Legends
Highland: Culloden Academy and five primaries – Reading is for Everyone
Inverclyde: 20 primary schools – Couch to Classroom: A Story Sharing Project
North Lanarkshire: Shawhead Primary – Developing Our Pupils’ Digital Minds
Renfrewshire: Across primary and secondary schools – Renfrewshire Read for Empathy Project; St John Ogilvie Primary and cluster primaries – Young Voices, Big Ideas: Empowering Pupils Through Podcasting
South Lanarkshire: Wester Overton Primary – Family Lending Library – Working Together; Duncanrig Secondary – Extraordinary Lives Project
Stirling: Riverside Primary – Read to Thrive; Fallin Primary, Wallace High, Fallin Community Library – Let’s Read a Story
West Lothian: Bathgate Academy – Beyond the Shelf: A Digital Hub for Inclusive Reading; Armadale Academy and cluster primaries – Butterflies
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Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries are safe, inspiring spaces that help young people learn, grow and reach their full potential, and the School Library Improvement Fund champions that spirit of creativity and innovation.
“This year’s 17 successful projects reflect the ingenuity of school library teams who are committed to developing employability skills, strengthening digital literacy and fostering family learning in their communities.
“This latest investment will help school libraries continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of pupils, parents and teachers and we’re excited to see these trailblazing initiatives come to life.”
The 2025-26 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.87 million since the scheme’s inception.
Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.
Brain tumour patients and family members who have lost loved ones gathered at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with Beatson Cancer Charity, in Edinburgh to learn more about the world-class research taking place there and call on the Scottish Government to increase investment in and widen access to clinical trials.
This urgent call comes ahead of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group (CPG) on Brain Tumours meeting today (Tuesday 25 November), convened by Brain Tumour Research. Attendees, including Convener Beatrice Wishart MSP and MSP Finlay Carson, will hear about the latest clinical innovations in the field, and about inequitable access to genomic testing.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of brain tumour tissue reveals powerful information about the underlying biology driving tumour growth and helps to inform what drugs could be used to target specific cancer-causing pathways. This information unlocks access to clinical trials based on cancer biology rather than location in the body. Without it, the pool of trials that patients can be part of shrinks.
In Scotland, WGS is not routinely offered through the NHS and access is largely limited to research studies. The lack of routine testing means patients are not accessing treatment options based on the biology of their individual tumour when needed. It also means that patients won’t be eligible for more personalised treatments such as immunotherapy that may become available in the coming years.
Among the families calling for more action is Nadia Majid, from Airdrie, who lost her four-year-old son Rayhan to a brain tumour. On 13 December 2017, an MRI scan revealed that little Rayhan had a high-grade medulloblastoma brain tumour.
Two days later, Rayhan underwent a 10-hour operation. Surgeons removed most of the tumour, but not all, as it was touching his brainstem. Despite three further surgeries and six weeks of radiotherapy, Rayhan tragically died just four months after diagnosis, shortly after starting chemotherapy.
“You think that with medicine today, there would be effective treatments and even a cure,” Nadia said. “But shockingly, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
“Added to this, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002. It shouldn’t be left to charities to fund research.
“We can’t allow Scottish families to be left behind in the search for more effective, kinder treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research Patron Theo Burrell will join supporters at the CPG this week. Theo is supporting our active campaigning on the need for greater access to, and patient-led uptake in clinical trials.
Theo Burrell, Brain Tumour Research Patron and glioblastoma patient, said: “Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is devastating enough, without finding out that patients in Scotland are being left behind in the hunt for new treatments due to a lack of routine testing.
“I am working with Brain Tumour Research – the Secretariat of the Brain Tumours Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament – to make it clear to the Scottish Government that 100% of brain tumour patients should be offered genome sequencing. The technology is there – let’s use it to stop this injustice.”
Advice on how to get the right healthcare in the right setting this winter is the focus of an annual campaign launching today (Monday).
This year’s Right Care Right Place Campaign will run across TV, radio, press and digital platforms. It aims to ensure people can get the right care, while also reducing pressures on frontline health services.
As the weather turns colder, Scotland’s NHS and social care services get busier and the awareness campaign helps the public decide whether they should contact their GP or pharmacy, call NHS 24 on 111 or use self-help guides on the NHS Inform website. It reminds everyone that hospital emergency departments should only be visited for critical emergencies.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Pressure on the healthcare system increases in winter months, and the Right Care Right Place campaign helps everyone know where they can go for advice or care for any health concerns during this busy period.
“Of course, people can also help by making sure they receive their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu vaccinations if they’re eligible. This is even more important this year, as early evidence suggests it could be a particularly challenging flu season.
“We are taking a range of measures to ensure our health service is as resilient as possible over the next few months and that our committed health and social care staff are supported.
“We know that staff members work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it and as always, I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication.”
A further 2,500 people living with type 1 diabetes are receiving “life changing” access to the latest technologies to help prevent serious health complications.
An additional £6.9 million Scottish Government funding this year is expanding access to closed loop systems, prioritising children and adults who health boards believe will benefit the most.
Closed loop systems use a blood glucose sensor linked to a pump to automatically calculate how much insulin should be delivered – reducing the need to work out dosages and take injections.
Training, education and support is given remotely by health professionals including specialist nurses and dietitians.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Expanding access to closed loop systems will have a life changing impact on those living with type 1 diabetes. These technologies greatly reduce the risk of long term complications and removes much of the burden of managing the condition on a day to day basis.
“More than a century since insulin was first discovered, technology continues to change lives for the better. I hope all children and adults who benefit from these technologies go on to lead healthy and active lives with the support of treatment advances such as this.
“We are harnessing innovation, in line with our ten-year Service Renewal Framework, to help people better manage their own treatment. This will shape an efficient health and social care system which delivers high quality care at the right time in the right place.”
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition which affects more than 35,000 people, including around 3,340 children.
Some 70% of NHS diabetes spend is on preventable complications including treating kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and foot amputations.
During the programme’s first year in 2024-25, the Scottish Government invested £8.8 million and around 2,100 people received closed loop systems; including approximately 77% of under 18s with type 1 diabetes.
In 2025-2026 health boards will receive £7.5 million ongoing funding for consumables used by the systems and £6.9 million to support adding 2,500 more people.
The UK Government must invest in public services, support economic growth and take action on the cost of living, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.
Ahead of the UK Budget on Wednesday 26 November, Ms Robison is calling on the Chancellor to:
deliver more funding for Scotland’s public services, infrastructure, and cost of living support – including actions to lower household energy bills
ensure that any major taxation choices do not see Scotland losing out on vital funding
completely reform the Energy Profits Levy and replace it with a sustainable system, to support jobs and investment across Scotland’s energy sector
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The UK Budget process has been chaotic and mired in damaging uncertainty. It is disappointing that neither the Prime Minister nor the Chancellor were able to meet with the First Minister in London this week.
“Given the limited time to consider the implications of any major policy changes between the UK Budget and the Scottish Budget on 13 January, this lack of engagement is a particular concern.
“Last year, the UK Government increased employer National Insurance contributions without any consultation, which led to a funding shortfall of around £400 million for public services in Scotland and acts as a tax on jobs. We cannot see a repeat this year.
“We need to see a change of course from the Chancellor – with investment in public services and infrastructure, which supports industry and jobs and delivers support on the cost of living challenges people across Scotland are facing.
“Energy bills in particular are a source of real worry for people this winter. While the UK Government promised to cut energy bills by £300, they have actually risen by almost £200 – so this Budget must provide some relief for households who are struggling.
“The UK Government must also listen to industry concerns around the Energy Profits Levy. This was always supposed to be a temporary measure and it is now affecting investment and jobs in Scotland.
“The UK Government needs to set out how a stable and long-term fiscal regime will be used to treat the offshore energy sector fairly, alongside other parts of the UK economy, and deliver business and investor certainty.
“Scotland must not be left as an afterthought yet again in the UK Budget.”
The 2026-27 Scottish Budget will be published by the Finance Secretary on 13 January.
First Minister: “Scotland ready for new phase of digital innovation”
Scotland is taking a major step towards becoming a digital-first nation with plans to join public services together through a digital platform, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The Scottish Government is building technical infrastructure to lay the groundwork for innovations to connect people and public services.
This foundation will support the launch of a new app in 2026 to help people access personalised public services more easily. The app will initially provide alerts on weather and travel disruption, followed by digital proof of age, with further functionality expanded over time.
This announcement follows the publication of the updated National Digital Strategy earlier this week, which aims to deliver sustainable public services and create better opportunities for the people of Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Digital technology is already growing our economy and transforming lives for the better. Scotland is ready to enter a new phase of digital innovation and become a digital-first nation.
“While the corporate world has led the way in making our lives easier through digital technology, my ambition is for digital delivery in the public sector to match the very best of the private sector, in a way that is inclusive for all.
“Innovation will help make public services more efficient, resilient and accessible – while ensuring privacy and security.
“From harnessing data-sharing to help tackle child poverty, to using innovation to support health diagnoses, the potential of technology to improve services and benefit lives stretches across all areas of the public sector. Building this technical foundation will help us develop new ways to grow the economy, end child poverty, improve public services and tackle the climate emergency.”
The Scottish Government is working with tech consultancy Netcompany on this project. Thomas Rysgaard Christiansen, Partner at Netcompany said: “By building the new digital communication infrastructure on our AMI platform, Scotland will benefit from proven technology and domain expertise already applied across Europe.
“Based on re-useable components tailored to local needs, the platform ensures both speed and security in delivery. This approach accelerates Scotland’s digital journey and demonstrates both the scalability and adaptability of our solution to meet varying country-specific needs.
“This is a significant opportunity to help nations digitalise their critical infrastructure and create real value for citizens.”
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.”
