Tag: Scottish Government

Scotland to be showcased at Expo 2025

Scotland’s innovation, skills and natural resources are to be showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan later this year.

Three one day events at the global exhibition will highlight the country’s strengths in creative industries, life sciences and the offshore wind sector.

It follows a successful attendance at Expo 2020 in Dubai, which generated forecast sales of almost £90 million for participating Scottish businesses.

Games companies will be the focus of the creative industries day on 17 April, including eight being supported through the Scottish Government’s Techscaler business accelerator. Also attending will be KeelWorks, an established Edinburgh game development company with an existing deal with Japanese publisher KONAMI.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the company to launch the Expo programme and hear about its export success.

Mr Lochhead said: “This is an opportunity for Scotland to showcase and shine on the global stage. Our message in Osaka will be simple – Scotland is open for business and is one of the best places in the world to invest.

“We will demonstrate first hand that we have the skills, technology and opportunities in a range of emerging industries. KeelWorks is just one example of that and later in the year our buoyant life sciences businesses and the offshore wind sector will also be centre stage.

“Japanese businesses already recognise Scotland’s economic potential, including Sumitomo, which is currently building a subsea cable factory at Nigg in the Highlands. I am confident that further companies and significant investment will follow as result of our presence at the Expo.”

KeelWorks Chief Executive Meher Kalenderian said: “This activity is about strengthening connections, driving investment and opening new doors for collaboration. So, we’re thrilled to be part of Scotland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the strong business opportunities between Scotland and Japan’s prominent gaming industries.

“This platform offers a great chance to showcase our thriving creative sector and build new collaborations. At KeelWorks, we’ve seen first-hand the value of such partnerships through our work with KONAMI on CYGNI: All Guns Blazing.

“Our presence at the Expo reflects the growing potential for Scottish and Japanese gaming sectors to engage, as both countries lead in innovation.”

Expo 2025 Osaka takes place from 13 April to 13 October. It is an international event at which countries, organisations and companies showcase innovations, cultural exchanges and solutions to global challenges.

It is expected to attract about 28 million visitors and more than 150 participating countries. Scotland’s three events are supported by Scottish Enterprise.

Making the Council Tax fairer

PUBLIC TO HAVE SAY ON LOCAL TAXATION REFORM

The public will be invited to submit their views on how to make the Council Tax system fairer, as part of wider efforts to explore options and build a consensus for potential reform.

As part of a joint programme of engagement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, independent analysis will also be commissioned to examine the Council Tax system accounting for market changes, reforms, and improvements.

This will inform public engagement later this year, followed by a Scottish Parliament debate on the findings and proposed policy reforms.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “Partnering with COSLA, we want to examine ways to make Council Tax fairer, which will help to continue to deliver better public services across Scotland.

“By working closely with local authorities and listening to the public, we will be seeking a consensus on a local taxation system that is fairer, financially sustainable and fits a modern Scotland.”

COSLA Resources Spokesperson Cllr Katie Hagmann said: “Local Authorities wish to see a fair and proportionate Council Tax, which benefits people and communities. 

“COSLA is looking forward to working with the Scottish Government on a programme of engagement with the public, with the shared goal of achieving a better, fairer system of local taxation.”

Anti-poverty campaigners say yet another consultation about local government finance must lead to an end to the ‘unjust and regressive’ council tax.

Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People across Scotland want local services that support a just and compassionate society. We need a fair system of local taxation to support those local services. The unjust and regressive council tax is simply not up to that job.

“We have been waiting for years for political leaders to take responsibility to bring in a progressive system of local taxes that will ease the burden on low income households and raise the investment needed for public services.

“There have been manifesto promises, consultation after consultation, and an independent commission. Now we have yet another deliberation process between the Scottish Government and Cosla.

“Scotland can no longer wait. The Poverty Alliance has been giving evidence for years on how council cuts are hitting people on low incomes the hardest.

“This consultation must lead to real and substantial change – not only to fairly fund the local services we all need, but to rebuild trust in our political process.

After years of broken promises on changing local tax, the time for action is now.”

Programme of engagement:

Expert and independent analysis will be commissioned, including to provide high level analysis and modelling on alternative scenarios and reforms of the system.

Following that, a range of activities to seek the views from a wide range of people from across Scotland will be undertaken, consisting of three key elements:

  • A formal public consultation process.
  • A number of public events or ‘town hall’ meetings held over the autumn months, ensuring a reasonable geographical spread and diversity.
  • A set of focused discussions with key stakeholders and experts.  

The public engagement will aim to capture a wide spectrum of opinions and considered responses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives, including representation from those paying Council Tax across different bands.

Funding boost to tackle gender-based violence

Delivering Equally Safe Fund increased

More than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.

The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Budget being approved.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase on a visit to SAY Women – a Glasgow charity offering safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who are facing homelessness.

Ms Stewart said: “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.

“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1889710674542006720

SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said: “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.

“In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in N.I contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage.

“This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”

The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports organisations across Scotland in their work to tackle violence against women and girls, and has done since 2021.

The organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe are as follows:

Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen Cyrenians Ltd
Aberlour Child Care Trust
Action for Children
Amina – the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
Angus Women’s Aid
Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis
Argyll & Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership
Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid SCIO
ASSIST, Glasgow City Council
Barnardo’s Tayside
Barnardo’s Falkirk
Border Women’s Aid Ltd
British Red Cross Society
Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid
CEA Committed To Ending Abuse
Central Advocacy Partners
Children 1st
Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid
Close the Gap (SCIO)
Deaf Links
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid
Dumfries & Galloway Council
Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Women’s Aid
Dundee City Council
Dundee International Women’s Centre
Dundee Women’s Aid
East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership
East Ayrshire Women’s Aid
East Dunbartonshire Association For Mental Health
East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid SCIO
East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre
Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd
Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd
EmilyTest
Engender
FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development & Support Service Ltd
Fife Council
Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Fife Women’s Aid
Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
GEMAP Scotland Ltd
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis
Glasgow Women’s Aid
Grampian Women’s Aid
Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid Limited
INVERCLYDE WOMEN’S AID SCIO
Inverness Women’s Aid
JustRight Scotland SCIO
Kenyan Women in Scotland Association (CIC)
Kibble Education and Care Centre
Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project
Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre
LGBT Youth Scotland
Liber8 (Lanarkshire) Ltd
Lochaber Women’s Aid
Monklands Women’s Aid
Moray Rape Crisis
Moray Women’s Aid
Motherwell & District Women’s Aid
Multi-Cultural Family Base
North Ayrshire Women’s Aid
North Lanarkshire Council
Cumbernauld & District Women’s Aid SCIO
Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO
Perth & Kinross Council
Perthshire Women’s Aid
Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Perth & Kinross
Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland
Rape Crisis Grampian
Rape Crisis Scotland
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council, Children’s Services, Women and Children First
Renfrewshire Women’s Aid SCIO
Respect
Ross-Shire Women’s Aid
Rowan Alba Ltd
Sacro
SafeLives
Saheliya
Sandyford – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
SAY Women
Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC)
Scottish Commission for Learning Disability
Scottish Women’s Aid
Shakti Women’s Aid
Shetland Rape Crisis
Shetland Women’s Aid (SCIO)
South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
South Lanarkshire Council
South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd
Stirling & District Women’s Aid
The Highland Council
The Improvement Service
The Star Centre
The Venture Trust
West Dunbartonshire Council
Western Isles Rape Crises Centre
Western Isles Women’s Aid SCIO
West Lothian Council
West Lothian Women’s Aid (WLWA)
White Ribbon Scotland
Wigtownshire Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd
Women’s Aid Orkney
Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire
Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus
Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus
Women’s Support Project
YWCA Scotland
Zero Tolerance

Edinburgh council facing £1 million compensation payouts over unlawful planning fees in ‘shambolic’ short-term let licensing rollout

More than a hundred self-catering operators have lodged formal complaints of maladministration against City of Edinburgh Council, citing unlawful charges amounting to thousands of pounds in unnecessary planning fees.

These fees were imposed during the rollout of the Council’s controversial short-term let (STL) licensing scheme under the leadership of former Council Leader, Cammy Day.

A recent Judicial Review at the Court of Session confirmed that self-catering businesses operating before 5th September 2022 were not required to apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness. However, in 2024, operators were compelled to incur these costs, which could now lead to financial repercussions for the Council exceeding £300,000.

With additional complainants expected, the total compensation owed could surpass £1 million in unlawfully levied fees.

This development follows multiple legal challenges by self-catering operators against the Council’s STL licensing policies. Edinburgh Council has already been forced to amend its policies twice following rulings against it in the Court of Session.

A third legal threat recently prompted the Council to concede once again that its policy was unlawful.

Ralph Averbuch, spokesperson for Justice for Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “Edinburgh Council’s recent actions have caused immense distress and in some cases loss of employment to self-catering operators that had historically been advised no action was required other than moving from council tax rolls to non-domestic rates.

“Now that we have a new regime in place, it has never justified the retrospective hounding of those that traded prior to the introduction of STL Licensing and the opportunities the Council took to use this as a pretext for closing down a sector that accounts for well under 1% of all homes in the capital.

“To be clear, this city needs self-catering to function and the Council’s lack of recognition of the wider impacts has already done great harm, adding cost to operators and visitors alike.”

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), added: “It is deeply regrettable that the self-catering community must yet again challenge Edinburgh Council’s STL policies which amount to an ideologically driven de facto ban.

“Despite being a professional and integral part of Edinburgh’s tourism economy, legitimate businesses continue to face an existential threat. The mishandling of STL regulations by the Scottish Government was evident from the outset. We continuously warned that they were not fit for purpose and now we are seeing the consequences unfold.

“With the shambolic roll out of licensing across the country, it is only a matter of time before further compensation claims emerge throughout Scotland.”

The city council has yet to comment on this latest development.

Supporting Orkney’s farmers and food producers

Plans for new abattoir get funding boost

Orkney’s farmers, crofters and producers could benefit from a new local abattoir which will help them bring their produce to market, benefit the island’s economy and support high-welfare meat production.

First Minister John Swinney visited Orkney Auction Mart, which has received a £15,000 grant as a lead partner to help build the business case for a new, fit-for-purpose processing plant.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund, which this year has provided a total of £256,500 to support private kill abattoirs including in Shetland, Wishaw, Barra, Dingwall and Mull.

By creating more localised supply chains, the Fund aims to increase the proportion of food grown and processed by small farms and small holders, and consumed within the community.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting small producers and strengthening Scotland’s food supply chain. We know that local marts and abattoirs play an important role in supporting island businesses and ensuring the best animal welfare.

 “A new facility in Orkney would bring many benefits for the people who live and work here, supporting economic growth in the area and the future sustainability of the island’s food production industry.  We will continue to work with HIE and the Orkney Islands Council as the project develops.”

Chair of Orkney Auction Mart Alan Corrigall said: “We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to Orkney to explain, first hand, how vital a new abattoir is for our community. Our case has been well received and we very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support.  

“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with local butchers and other stakeholders, to build a strong business case for this important project.”

Supporting Scotland’s small producers – gov.scot

Scottish Government kicks off campaign to help Scots stay ‘Onside’ with their mental health

Last week, the Scottish Government launched their adult mental health campaign aimed at continuing the conversation around mental health and raising awareness of the free resources available through the Mind to Mind site on NHS inform.

Mental health concerns affect an estimated one in three people in Scotland*, with research indicating a direct correlation between poverty, social exclusion, and poor mental health. Additionally, those from marginalised minority backgrounds are often less likely to seek or find support.

This campaign aims to address these disparities across communities in Scotland to encourage those struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.

To mark the start of this phase of the campaign, a group of Scottish personalities and community advocates came together at the iconic Hampden Park to share their experiences of mental health, emphasising the importance of staying ‘onside’ by supporting others to access support and resources available to them.

Attendees included media personality Gail Porter, viral content creator Howey Ejegi (@HoweyDon), former professional footballer Zander Murray, Founder of Diversity Scotland Tony McCaffery, and David Duke, Founder of the social initiative Street Soccer Scotland.

Their standout advice focused on the importance of talking to someone they trust about their struggles and making use of resources like the Mind to Mind site (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind).

If you’re going through a difficult patch or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, you are not alone and support is available.

Mind to Mind (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind) is a dedicated NHS Inform resource that aims to help people who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing.

The site helps people look after their mental wellbeing in ways that suit them, featuring over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to show others who may be going through the same that they’re not alone.

Mind to Mind aims to contribute to the national conversation around normalising mental health and wellbeing, giving people the courage and skills to open up and encouraging them to share their stories in a bid towards reducing stigma.

The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support.

Gail Porter, TV personality, said: “Mental health struggles affect so many of us, and it can be difficult to start those conversations around accessing support.

“I know that any time I’ve felt like I needed support, my first inclination is to keep it to myself and not burden anyone else – but the truth is there are so many resources out there like the Mind to Mind site, to start your journey.”

David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland has never been more important, and at Street Soccer Scotland we do that through our shared love of football.

“We believe that by engaging in sport and physical activity, our players can create positive habits through our weekly football sessions.

“With dedicated mental health and wellbeing sessions across Scotland, we provide a safe space to socialise for players as well as offering an accessible environment for one-to-one counselling, but we’re not the only resource out there.

“Sites like Mind to Mind are such a great first port of call for anyone looking to start that mental health support journey.”

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “When you, a friend or relative is struggling with their mental health, it can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to understand and make use of the resources out there – help is available. 

“One of the key elements of the Mind to Mind campaign is asking us to think differently about mental health, and how we approach these conversations with each other. Visiting nhsinform.scot/mindtomind can be a really important first step, and there are so many resources that we can take advantage of to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives.”

The Mind to Mind multi-channel campaign is live across radio, press, social and digital channels, and out of home advertising, supported by a PR campaign.

For more information around supporting someone living with mental health struggles, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/MindtoMind

*According to research from the 2022 Scottish Health Survey

Scottish Government: Improving lives through AI

Funding for artificial intelligence projects

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to be harnessed to develop technologies to address issues such as cancer risk amongst rescue workers.

The latest round of the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme has awarded up to £9 million to 14 companies developing AI products to tackle challenges faced by charities and public sector organisations. CivTech 10 is the first round of the programme to focus on AI.

Products being developed include:

  • a software to help identify toxic contaminants to address the risk of cancer for firefighters.
  • an AI system which can help teachers with administrative tasks.  
  • using drones and an automated mapping system to monitor puffin populations in a less invasive way.
  • an AI support system to enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Previous rounds of CivTech have seen £20 million invested into 90 companies and entrepreneurs since 2016. These include software company Volunteero which developed a mobile app to help charities manage administrative tasks.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is well-placed to harness the advantages of artificial intelligence with its rich history of innovation and high concentration of world-leading universities and colleges.

“The rapidly growing AI sector offers opportunities for Scotland, from helping to detect health issues such as lung cancer earlier, to enabling businesses to work more efficiently.

“Through CivTech, we are revolutionising how public sector organisations work by collaborating with businesses to develop products which improve lives.”

Rebekah MacLeod, Lead Project Liaison Officer at White Ribbon Scotland, a charity tackling violence against women which uses Volunteero’s app, said: “Working with Volunteero through the CivTech programme has completely changed how we work as a charity.

“The app means we spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time working with men and boys to directly address violence against women and girls.

“This includes encouraging more men and boys to speak out about violence against women and girls.”

CivTech companies have created more than 400 jobs and attracted more than £126 million of private sector investment. Nearly 80% of products developed in past rounds of CivTech are still in use.

Products being developed in CivTech 10 are:

  • Technology developed by Rowden to help firefighters improve their situational awareness in emergency situations.
  • A system to detect and monitor firefighters’ exposure to toxins created by FireHazResearch.
  • Drones and an automated mapping system from EOLAS and The University of Edinburgh to monitor puffin colonies in a less invasive way.
  • Sensors developed by Arctech Innovation to monitor breeding success, seasonal changes and harmful disease in puffins.
  • Technology for public sector organisations to use data securely, developed by Verifoxx.
  • A platform for citizens and policy makers to understand how AI and other emerging technologies could be used in the public sector, developed by CrownShy.
  • A programme created by Talent Engine to provide detailed labour market insights to target skills and development training in Glasgow.
  • An AI tool from Rethink Carbon to document woodland and peatland projects.
  • A new approach to monitoring carbon balances from woodland and peatland projects from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
  • Sylvera are developing advanced remote-sensing capabilities to enhance monitoring of carbon projects.
  • An AI programme to forecast pharmaceutical demand by postcode area to help reduce waste, developed by PharmovoAI.
  • A planning tool created by Looper to help NHS Scotland reduce waste and emissions.
  • An AI system to support teachers with administrative tasks, developed by SupportEd.
  • A software from BobbAI to help entrepreneurs to access business growth resources and support services. 

CivTech 10 Challenges and details of the CivTech process are available online.

New deal for Scotland’s farmers

Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming

Farmers and crofters will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year, First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.

Speaking at the NFU Scotland annual conference he outlined how at least £14 million of the funding will deliver a Future Farming Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.

Other significant announcements included:

  • an additional £7 million in 2025 through the Agri-environment climate scheme (AECS) to undertake activities supporting nature, climate and biodiversity alongside food production
  • hosting a new entrant’s summit bringing key individuals together to find solutions to attract more people into farming
  • a three year programme of national land Lidar laser scanning to accurately map terrain
  • committing £75,000 to RSABI (founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) to provide mental health support for farmers and crofters
  • further details of how the routemap to implementing a new framework of agriculture support will work
  • a commitment to delivering ultra-high frequency (UHF) electronic identification for cows to improve traceability

Mr Swinney said: “I want to see a farming sector that is equipped and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. That is why at least £14 million will be delivered through our Future Farming Investment Scheme.

“We will work at pace to consult with industry to ensure the capital grant scheme guidance and priorities work for a range of businesses and that the application processes are simple and straightforward. They will not be prescriptive, as long as the funds are used to drive efficiency or support nature and climate friendly farming your bid will be valid and could receive support.

“A flourishing Scotland means a flourishing rural Scotland. And for rural Scotland to thrive, farming must thrive. I look forward to working with the industry – building on the constructive working relationships we have with NFU Scotland to show that this government is committed to continuing to support our nation’s farmers.”

COSLA: National Insurance Funding Won’t Cover Costs For Councils

£96 MILLION SHORTFALL, warns COSLA

COSLA is clear that the proposed funding from Scottish Government won’t cover additional Employers National Insurance costs, and councils still face an extremely challenging financial position as they set their budgets.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented: “We note that the Scottish Government has announced it will fund £144m of the additional direct staffing costs that will result from the UK Government’s policy decision rise to Employers National Insurance. However, this leaves  a gap of £96 million Councils will still need to fill within their budgets.

“While we acknowledge that the UK government is still to announce additional resources, it is important to note that there has been no additional funding for commissioned services, the biggest of these being adult social care, which are also vital services and will see significant impacts.

“Given the mounting challenges for local government, this additional funding will not solve the crises councils and communities are facing, which are exacerbated by the Employers National Insurance increase.

“Difficult decisions will still need to be made as councils look to protect essential frontline services.”

Improving miscarriage care

£1.5 million to support delivery of compassionate, high-quality care

Women can expect improved miscarriage care Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has pledged, after unveiling a new framework, backed by £1.5 million funding.

The framework sets out a range of actions for Scotland’s NHS boards to implement, including ensuring that women going through miscarriage have a separate, private space. It will introduce a graded model of miscarriage care across the country. This means all women can receive tailored support and services, and won’t have to wait until a third miscarriage. This will include access to progesterone prescriptions – where clinically appropriate – both for threatened and recurrent miscarriage.

These changes will be supported by £1.5 million Scottish Government funding and aim to ensure that early pregnancy care is equitable so that no women are disadvantaged, regardless of where they access and receive care.

The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: “The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, has a profound and lasting impact on women and their families.

“To all who have experienced such a tragedy, I offer my deepest sympathy. The Scottish Government recognises this impact and is clear that women and families who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss must be provided with the right information, care and support, tailored to their individual circumstances.

“I am very grateful to everyone in Scotland’s NHS who works to provide miscarriage care and support.

“I know there is already a lot of good work underway within NHS Boards to improve miscarriage care services. The 2025-26 Budget, if approved by Parliament, will provide £1.5 million to support NHS Boards to improve delivery of sensitive and compassionate miscarriage care.”

Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of pregnancy charity Tommy’s commented: “We are delighted to see the Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland launching today.

“The Framework is a real milestone on the path to excellent care for women and families in Scotland and Tommy’s has been pleased to work closely with our colleagues in Scottish Government as they have developed the Framework, which aims to ensure the right support and care for parents after every tragic loss.

“With compassionate care at its heart, we are looking forward to continuing to support our Scottish colleagues as they oversee the rollout.”

The Miscarriage Association’s Chief Executive Vicki Robinson said: “We are extremely pleased to see the publication of this important Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, which represents a significant step forward in ensuring that those experiencing miscarriage receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve during such a heart-breaking time.

“This framework is a vital step in providing evidence-based care and offering women additional support in early pregnancy. We are proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to seeing it bring positive change. This is a crucial milestone in ensuring that miscarriage care is accessible, equitable, and compassionate across Scotland.”