Tag: Scottish Government

Consultation opens on offshore wind developments

The way in which offshore wind projects are developed in Scotland is being consulted on, with an updated plan now published for views.  

The draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) aims to balance the needs of nature, communities, and other users of the sea.  

It will be used to help inform the delivery of offshore wind projects  from the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds. 

Proposals in the plan aim to:

  • use the latest  data and scientific evidence to inform decisions on energy developments – such as how projects will impact wildlife and nature 
  • ensure the environmental, social, economic opportunities and constraints from offshore projects are clearly set out to help inform decision making
  • ensure the interests and views of other marine users, including fishers, coastal and island communities and environmental groups are taken into account  

Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Growing Scotland’s offshore wind sector presents enormous economic opportunities for our country, with the chance to create thousands of well-paid, green jobs while accelerating our journey to net zero.     

“Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy sets out the opportunities as well as the constraints to developing offshore wind in Scottish waters.

“It seeks to provides clarity, certainty and confidence to investors and other marine users, to ensure development is sustainable and balances the needs of communities, nature and other users of the sea, to deliver for the people of Scotland and nature.  

“It is important that everyone with an interest has their say and the Scottish Government will continue to engage closely with the fishing industry, island and coastal communities and other sectors throughout the consultation.”

Crown Estate Scotland Director of Marine, Mike Spain, said: “We welcome the publication of the draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan and encourage all those with an interest in Scotland’s offshore wind sector to engage with this consultation. 

“We are proud to have conducted two successful offshore wind leasing rounds and are working in partnership with the sector to enable these projects to deliver maximum value for Scotland.” 

Consultation – draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy 

The consultation will run until 22 August 2025 

Scotland’s Climate Action Hubs to receive £5.7 million

Improving lives through local climate action

Community projects across Scotland aimed at improving lives through local climate action are set to benefit from a share of £5.7 million Scottish Government funding.

Scotland’s nationwide network for Climate Action Hubs encourage and support climate action unique to their own areas from flood mitigation, repair shops and local energy generation to food growing and tree planting.

There is now a Hub covering every area in Scotland fulfilling a previous Programme for Government commitment to ensure people are empowered to act on climate in their own neighbourhoods.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the funding during a visit to Buckie Thistle Football Club which is being supported by Moray Climate Hub to reduce its impact on the environment and raise awareness of climate change in local schools. 

Ms Martin said: “I am very pleased to hear first-hand how Moray Climate Hub has been helping communities in the area support climate action from working with their local football team to identify ways in which they can cut their emissions to setting up a biodiversity garden for adults with learning difficulties.

“Football clubs, like Buckie Thistle, play an influential role in their local community, and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same, and provide a template for climate action that other clubs can follow.

“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels. We must also share in the economic and health benefits that protecting our planet for future generations will bring. 

“Communities are uniquely placed to play a critical role in shaping and driving forward the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living and we want to empower people to take action in their neighbourhoods that’s right for them. 

“That is why we are proud to continue to support our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs, which provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective grassroots action.”

Moray Climate Hub Manager (Moray CAN) Louise Nicol said: “We’re delighted to receive continued funding , it means we can keep supporting communities across Moray to take meaningful climate action in ways that work for them.

“Working with Buckie Thistle has been great, and we are both learning so much from each other. Football is more than a game – it’s a community hub, and it’s a great way to open up conversations about the environment.”

Buckie Thistle Football Club General manager, Stephen Shand, said: “We’re very grateful for the support from Moray Climate Hub – it’s helped us get our heads around what we can do as a club to be more environmentally responsible.

“We’re just at the start of the journey, but it’s exciting to learn more and see where small changes can make a difference. The help we are getting to find funding has been a huge boost to the club.”  

A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland – fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.

Contact information for climate action hubs.

The Scottish Government is providing up to £6 million of funding in 2025 – 2026 for its network of Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery. This is broken down as follows – with some funding still to be allocated:

HubTotal 25/26 Grant
Angus171,946.00
Argyll and Bute158,208.00
Ayrshire370,000.00
Dumfries and Galloway212,461.60
Dundee163,895.00
East Dunbartonshire105,985.00
East Lothian166,617.00
East Renfrewshire106,294.00
Edinburgh375,000.00
Fife307,505.00
Forth Valley375,000.00
Glasgow473,425.00
Highlands & Islands476,952.00
Inverclyde102,000.00
Lanarkshire473,661.95
Midlothian125,000.00
Moray146,247.00
North East510,895.00
Outer Hebrides141,700.00
Perth & Kinross165,000.00
Renfrewshire162,000.00
Scottish Borders171,151.33
West Dunbartonshire70,960.00
West Lothian170,985.00
Total5,702,888.88

Summer payment to around 90,000 carers in Scotland

Carer’s Allowance Supplement to be paid this June

Around 90,000 carers are set to receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement this June – an additional payment of £293.50.  

The payment is extra money for people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on a particular date. 

Only available in Scotland, the summer payment will be made between 18 and 19 June 2025. Carers are eligible if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 14 April 2025.  

Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made. Carers do not need to apply as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible.  

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This benefit was the first that we introduced when we formed Social Security Scotland back in 2018. It’s an additional payment to recognise the important contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland. A payment not made anywhere else in the UK. 

“It’s another example of how we’ve built a radically different social security system in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.”    

Claire Cairns, Director at The Coalition of Carers in Scotland added: “At a time when many carers are struggling to pay the bills, while providing essential support to loved ones, this payment is a vital acknowledgment of their role and a much-needed financial boost that helps ease some of the pressure they face every day.” 

If a carer is eligible for Carer’s Allowance Supplement but has not received a letter or payment by 30 June 2025, they should contact Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. 

The next Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid in December 2025.   

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year. It’s an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   

Carers who have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside the UK in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or Gibraltar may be eligible.

Find out more Applying outside of Scotland – mygov.scot 

Westminster’s Block Grant for Scottish Government hits £50 billion

The block grant for the Scottish Government this year is £50 billion following Main Estimates 2025-26 published on Thursday

The Scottish Government already had the largest real terms spending review settlement in the history of devolution of £47.7 billion. Following revisions at the Spring Statement and Main Estimates, the Treasury has now confirmed the latest settlement is £50 billion.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “The UK Government delivered the largest spending review settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, now Scots rightly expect to see that record finding deliver better results like lower NHS waiting lists, better attainment in Schools, more police on the beat and more housing. 

“I was very concerned this week to see that attainment targets for Scottish schools have been reduced and housebuilding has fallen by 4,000, meanwhile police officer numbers are lower than when police Scotland was established and 800,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list.

“Where the UK government has responsibility for public services, we are seeing NHS waiting lists fall, more housing being built and more bobbies on the beat, all part of our Plan for Change. This historic funding deal for the Scottish Government should be delivering similar results.

UK Government urged to abandon ‘immoral’ disability benefit cuts

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, calling for an urgent change to the UK Government’s “immoral and reckless” social security reforms.

Ms Somerville welcomed the suggestion by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that cuts to winter fuel payment could be eased, but said this was not enough.

In the letter the Social Justice Secretary said: ‘I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce plans to ease the Winter Fuel Payment cuts in Parliament last week.

‘I am also aware of various media reports suggesting that a change in the UK Government’s two-child limit may be announced shortly. I welcome these developments and recognise that it is a step in the right direction to delivering a more robust Social Security system.

‘However, deep concerns remain around the UK government’s damaging social security reforms, including those announced in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper.

‘Given the speculation on the reversal or partial reversal of policies on Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Cap, I call on you to urgently scrap these immoral proposals on disabled benefits.

‘These plans will only push more into poverty. It is therefore reckless and totally unacceptable for the UK Government to press ahead, not least due to the expected severity of the impact they will have on all our efforts to end child poverty – completely undermining the work of the UK Child Poverty Taskforce.’ 

New National Park? Not For Now!

Galloway and Ayrshire residents split over National Park plan

Ministers have decided not to pursue a proposal to designate Galloway and Ayrshire as a National Park.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed that opposition to the nomination and the Reporter’s recommendations against it meant that the region in southwest Scotland would not join the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs as the country’s third national park.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Gougeon said: “While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. 

“I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years. 

“I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process.  I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

“I would also like to thank NatureScot for its work carrying out such an important and extensive public consultation in a robust and professional way that was commended in the review of the process carried out by the Scottish Community Development Centre. The consultation raised some really important issues that local people care deeply about and we now have the opportunity to look at how we can address these.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities.

“Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.”

The proposal to designate a new National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire was jointly put forward by the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, in response to the Scottish Government’s invitation to communities and organisations across Scotland to nominate their area to be considered for designation as a new National Park.

Five nominations were received through that process – from Galloway and Ayrshire, Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest. 

NatureScot was appointed as the statutory Reporter, as specified in the National Parks legislation, to carry out this investigation, undertake a public consultation and report to the Scottish Government.

Following an initial period of engagement with local communities, public bodies and stakeholders, NatureScot ran a 14-week public consultation process from 7 November 2024 until 14 February 2025.

Over 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended events that were held across Galloway and South and East Ayrshire – with the final results showing around 54% of responses opposed the National Park proposal and around 42% of responses supported it. 

The Report found: “Our recommendation as Reporter is therefore not to proceed with the designation but instead to strengthen a range of existing arrangements, including a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve, a renewed focus on people and nature alongside commercial forestry operations in the Galloway Forest Park and a new commitment to the implementation of management strategies for the three National Scenic Areas.”

A report on the proposal for a National Park in Southwest Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Local cruise ship levy could raise over £1 million for Edinburgh

A cruise ship levy could help to ensure residents benefit from Edinburgh’s popularity as a cruise ship stop.

In a formal response to be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy consultation, the council has expressed strong support in principle for a levy to help it manage tourism sustainably at Edinburgh’s ports.

The response also calls for any legislation to be based on evidence and involve greater consultation with ports and the cruise ship industry, as well as close working with other local authorities and regional partners.

Close to 217,500 cruise ship passengers visit Edinburgh and the region annually, with a significant number docking in Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. Currently, passengers are exempt from paying local visitor levies.

While any legislation to introduce a national Cruise Ship Levy is still to be developed, comparisons to similar sized destinations suggest it could raise over one million pounds for Edinburgh and the region.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Next summer we’ll become the first city in Scotland to launch a visitor levy, but under the Scottish Government’s legislation cruise ship passengers will be exempt.

“We consider it fair to treat all overnight visitors to Edinburgh the same, whether they choose to stay in a hotel, a short-term let, a campsite or a cruise ship.

“With public finances under increasing pressure, we believe this legislation should be used to empower councils to raise more income locally to better manage cruise ship tourism and pollution in our waters. As such, income raised should be ringfenced for the local area.

“In our waters we’re seeing more ships docking year on year, larger ships, and with that comes an environmental impact. Cruise ship tourism affects local communities and services just as other tourism does.”

You can view the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s Cruise Ship Levy Consultation.

A final version will be submitted shortly, including amendments agreed at a meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 27 May.

Water Safety Scotland: Young men most likely to drown despite drop in water-related deaths across Scotland

‘REAL PROGRESS – BUT NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY’

  • 2024 saw a total of 78 water-related fatalities recorded in 2024, which marks the lowest level recorded since 2018
  • 33 of these were accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
  • 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
  • Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use.

Water fatality statistics in Scotland reveals that men, particularly those aged 20 to 29, are at risk of drowning compared to other groups. According to fresh data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), men accounted for 82 per cent of all accidental water-related deaths in Scotland in 2024.

While the overall number of water-related fatalities fell to 78 in 2024, the lowest level since 2018, recent statistics from 2024 suggest that young men are disproportionately affected. The Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) dashboard also provides more specific and in-depth live data, which is updated monthly.

According to the published WAID figures, of the 33 accidental deaths, over half (55 per cent) occurred in coastal waters – a shift from the historical trend of inland waterway incidents. Recreational activities were involved in 46 per cent of these fatalities, and April emerged as the deadliest month.

Encouragingly, overall drownings and accidental drownings are at their lowest levels in Scotland, the accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60 per 100,000 people, continuing a downward trend

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA’s Senior Policy Manager, said: “This year’s figures show real progress; water-related fatalities in Scotland are at their lowest levels. However, this is not a time for complacency, as every water-related fatality is a tragedy.

“Last year’s data show that young men were the most affected, with coastal waters currently the most common location for deaths, so we must continue to focus our efforts to address these concerns with targeted safety messages and interventions.

“Fortunately, introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) in May 2023 has helped to improve the quality and clarity of fatality data, reducing the number of “not recorded” outcomes and has provided deeper insights into incident causes, which we will continue to use to help identify risk factors now and in the future.”

Key findings from the 2024 WAID (Water Incident Database) report:

  • 33 accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
  • 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
  • Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use
  • Coastal waters accounted for 55% of accidental fatalities, overtaking inland waterways for the first time in recent years
  • April was the deadliest month for accidental fatalities
  • The accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60, continuing a positive downward trend
  • Only two cases involved drugs or alcohol, suggesting other behavioural or situational factors are more significant

Community Safety Minister Siobhain Brown said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends who have lost a loved one in a drowning accident.

“I encourage everyone to protect themselves and others when in and around the water and to be aware that water temperature can vary drastically, as can currents and tides. It’s well worth learning the Water Safety Code and using the resources of Water Safety Scotland so people can stay safe and prevent accidents in our waters.”

Water Safety Scotland continues to promote water safety through its assets, including free education resources for teachers and practitioners and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.

As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three-part Water Safety Code:

  • Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
  • Stay Together, Stay Close
  • In an Emergency, Call 999
Scotland water-related fatalities2024
Accident/natural causes suspected33
Crime suspected2
Inconclusive4
Suicide suspected*39
Total78

New agreement to strengthen Scottish and Ukrainian business ties

Supporting the recovery and rebuilding of Ukraine

Angus Robertson has welcomed a new agreement which will strengthen business links between Scotland and Ukraine and support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commits the two governments to strengthening trade and investment links through information exchange and practical support for businesses working in both countries.

Total trade in goods between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024. A number of Scottish companies are supporting Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild, including Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd which has supplied fabricated steel to rebuild two bridges in Kyiv destroyed during the Russian invasion.

The signing took place during a visit to Scotland by a delegation of more than 60 Ukrainian mayors and business representatives.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:  “Scotland is deeply committed to supporting Ukraine, whose men, women and children are putting their lives, their freedom and their prosperity on the line to defend their country – and all of our democracies.

“The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed today will strengthen the trade and investment relationship between Scotland and Ukraine, helping businesses in both countries to grow through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and practical support for businesses working in-country.

“We want to learn from each other to make the most of our combined strengths, from e-commerce, to green energy technologies and innovation in agrifood. Scotland stands ready to support Ukraine to recover and rebuild from the damage caused by Russia’s barbaric aggression.

“We will work with the UK Government and our international partners in support of Ukraine’s long-term future, her sovereignty and social and economic prosperity.”

The Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh Andrii Madzianovskyi, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Ukrainian Government, said: “For Ukraine, this partnership opens new avenues for investment, technology exchange, and access to high-value markets.

“For Scotland, it provides opportunities to expand its business presence in Eastern Europe, diversify partnerships, and support Ukraine’s recovery and growth.

“We wish to see increased bilateral trade and joint business projects as well as stronger business networks and institutional ties. There will be promotion of innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship and enhanced mutual trust and international cooperation.

“This agreement signals a commitment to long-term collaboration and mutual prosperity.”

Audit Scotland: Communities face growing expectation gap

Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils.

In 2025/26 councils received over £15 billion in government funding, with more money set to be raised from council tax and charges for some services. With communities paying more for services, their expectations are increasing.

In its latest assessment of local government finances, the Accounts Commission reports that additional costs from wage increases, higher employer National Insurance contributions and intensifying service demands, including social care as Scotland’s population ages, mean councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.

Whilst councils have partly met this shortfall through service savings and increased charges for services, continuing to use reserves and make one-off savings isn’t sustainable. It intensifies pressures on future budgets.

Longer-term change in the way services are delivered is happening but must accelerate. Action is also needed to better understand the impacts on the most vulnerable communities.

Capital funding is vital for councils to invest in public buildings such as schools and libraries, as well as roads. It also underpins the significant transformation needed in the ways services are delivered in the future.

Capital funding from the Scottish Government is increasing but has not returned to previous levels. Councils remain heavily reliant on borrowing to fund their planned £4.7 billion capital investment in 2025/26.

Derek Yule, Member of the Accounts Commission said: “There’s a growing expectation gap. Councils don’t have enough money to meet current demand, at a time when local communities are being asked to contribute more through increases in council tax and charges for some services.

“Councils need to provide clearer budget information and work with communities to determine how services will be delivered in the future. These conversations won’t be easy.

“With public finances tightening, however, not all cost increases faced by councils can be met by government funding. Local action is needed now to find solutions to immediate and future financial challenges.

“This means difficult decisions on what services can be delivered and making major changes in how they are delivered.”