Tag: Scottish Government

More Scottish school leavers in positive destinations

Joint highest level since records began

The proportion of young people going into education, training or work nine months after finishing school is the joint highest since records began. Additionally, the level of young people from deprived backgrounds going into positive destinations is the highest it has ever been.

The latest Summary Statistics for Follow-up Leaver Destinations for 2024-25, show 93.5% of young people were in positive destinations including training, education, and employment. This is up from 93.1% the previous year. Alongside 2021-22 figures, this represents the joint-highest level since consistent records began.

The proportion of young people from the most deprived backgrounds in a positive follow-up destination is as high as it has ever been. The gap between those leaving school from the most (20%) and least (20%) deprived areas in accessing a positive follow-up destination was 7.6 percentage points. This is narrower than both last year (8.3 percentage points) and the pre-Covid position in 2018-19 (8.4 percentage points).

The increase in school-leavers in reaching positive destinations over the latest year has been driven by a rise in the proportion in Higher Education (from 38.1% to 40.2%) and Further Education (from 21.9% to 22.1%).

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “These figures illustrate that Scotland is amongst the best places for people to start their careers and pursue their life’s passion after finishing school.

“It’s fantastic to see record-high levels of young people going onto training, education, and employment when they leave school. This is testament to the hard work of those young people, teachers and staff that support them.

“Our commitment to free university tuition, generous student support and more apprenticeships means that young people, regardless of the path they choose, have a variety of great opportunities available to them.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “While it is encouraging to see that the proportion of young people entering education, training or employment nine months after leaving school is at its joint highest level since records began, it is disappointing to see a widening gap between school leavers with additional support needs and those without ASN.

“In academic year 2022/23, the gap between those with ASN and those without ASN entering a positive destination stood at 6.2 percentage points. This has increased to 6.6 percentage points in 2024/25, highlighting that too many young people with additional support needs continue to face barriers to achieving positive outcomes after leaving school.

“These figures demonstrate that, despite overall progress, further action is required to ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to move into education, training or employment. This includes ensuring that children and young people with ASN receive the support they need throughout their education and during the transition from school to adulthood.

“While the overall increase in positive destinations is welcome, these figures underline the need for renewed action to ensure that young people with ASN are not left behind. The Scottish Government and local authorities must work together to ensure that sufficient resources, specialist support and effective transition planning are in place so that every young person has an equal opportunity to achieve their potential.”

2024-25 School leaver follow-up destinations

Veterans Scotland puts community at the heart of discussions at Armed Forces Champion Gathering event

Veterans Scotland has hailed its Armed Forces Champion Gathering event as a major success after bringing together representatives from local authorities, public bodies, the Armed Forces community, and the Scottish and UK Governments to reinforce partnership working in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The event, held at the Stirling Court Hotel and attended by over 120 invited guests, provided a national platform for organisations across Scotland to share good practice, strengthen collaboration and discuss how services can continue to improve support for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families.

Delegates took part in discussions on the latest updates on the Armed Forces Covenant extension, gaining insight into the lived experiences of the Armed Forces and Veterans community in relation to health, education and housing and learned from peers about how the Covenant duty is being delivered on the ground in communities across Scotland.

The Gathering also highlighted successful partnership initiatives already taking place across Scotland and showcased the importance of coordinated working between local authorities, public bodies and the Scottish Government in supporting the Armed Forces community.

Veterans Scotland has a broad footprint across Scotland, recognising veterans not as a group in need of support but as a national asset whose skills, experience and values are actively harnessed to deliver wider government priorities, including economic growth, the Plan for Change, and strengthened defence and resilience.

Emma Watson Mack, Executive Chair at Veterans Scotland, said: “Our Gathering event was designed as a day to inform, connect and inspire those delivering the Armed Forces Covenant in practice.

“We’re thrilled with how many of our members and partner organisations attended. It not only showed such a strong commitment in supporting our veterans but also to share their experience and the crucial impact that Covenant has on so many Veterans and their families across Scotland.

“We heard some incredible insights that demonstrated lived experience and innovative approaches by local authority champions which we know will help inspire other organisations in the future. The Armed Forces Covenant is most effective when organisations work together, and this event has reinforced that shared commitment.”

Veterans Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Though I have only been Veterans Minister for a short time, it is already clear to me that so much of what is done in aid of those veterans and service families who find themselves in need is underpinned by the passion, dedication and hard work of individuals across the country.

“I am grateful to Veterans Scotland for all their work, and for giving so many important voices the opportunity to come together at their Gathering in Stirling to share their knowledge and experiences.

“I remain committed to working with Veterans Scotland and all in the Armed Forces community to build on the significant progress that has been made in recent years, as we develop an action plan for veterans in Scotland that reflects the new Strategy for Veterans published last year.”

Cllr Maureen Chalmers, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing said: “It was both a privilege and a timely opportunity to come together in support of the Armed Forces community at the Veterans Scotland Gathering. Events like this send a powerful message of our collective commitment to those who have served. 

“It was also particularly valuable to hear about the practical ways councils and their partners are making the Armed Forces Covenant continue to make a difference in communities across Scotland. I very much hope that the discussions from the event and the collaboration will lead to stronger partnerships, improved services, and further tangible progress with the Covenant. 

“Ultimately, the priority is to carry forward the energy from the event into practical improvement, so the Covenant continues to make a real difference to veterans and their families to ensure they feel supported, recognised and included.”    

Lt Cdr (Ret’d) Susie Hamilton, Scottish Veterans Commissioner, said: “The Gathering was extremely impactful. It demonstrates the power of collaboration, the real world consequences of policy decisions, and the importance of listening directly to the serving and veteran community.”

Independent review to improve maternity care

Christine McCourt announced as chair

Maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt is to lead a review into improving maternity services across Scotland.

Health Secretary Angela Constance announced the appointment in an update to Parliament.

Professor McCourt will examine how maternity services can better meet women’s needs across the country, including how care is provided in rural and island areas. This will include specific review of services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire.

The review will also address the higher maternal mortality rates of Black and Asian women, informed directly by the voices of Black and Asian women.

Professor McCourt will review how NHS boards engage meaningfully with their communities on decisions they make about maternity services.

The full scope and terms of reference will be published by the Chair and is expected to focus on the views and experiences of women, their families and staff.

Ms Constance said: “Every woman in Scotland deserves safe, compassionate and high-quality maternity care, regardless of where she lives.

“I am pleased Professor McCourt will lead our review. She will consult with clinical experts and engage with families and patient groups, including those in rural and island areas such as Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire.

“This independent review fulfils a commitment we made for our first 100 days in government. It will build on improvements already being made in the NHS, including the maternity standards launched earlier this year. It will be carried out at pace and completed within nine months.

“I am clear this review will deliver real and tangible change for women and their families.”

Professor McCourt said: “Positive maternity experiences and outcomes are vital for our health and wellbeing.

“I look forward to listening and learning from families and communities across Scotland, as well as from those who provide dedicated care in our NHS.

“This will help draw out lessons for maternity and neonatal services and contribute to ensuring the best possible care for all.”

Delivering GP walk-in services

Five more centres to open in first 100 days of new government

A new GP walk-in service will open in the centre of Aberdeen later this month, Health Secretary Angela Constance has announced.

Based within Aberdeen Health Village on Frederick Street, the new clinic will open on 23 June for any member of the public to attend, with no appointment necessary.

The service will be open on a phased basis initially, run by GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and nurses, offering same day care and treatment for minor illnesses.

The Aberdeen city centre site will be the seventh GP walk-in service across Scotland to open since the start of the year, and the first of the five centres the Scottish Government has committed to open in its first 100 days.

Walk-in centres have opened in Edinburgh, Dundee, Western Isles, Stranraer, Lerwick and Hawick in just over four months and speaking on a visit to the site of the Aberdeen GP walk-in service, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “The new walk-in centre in the heart of Aberdeen city centre will be an asset to local health services in the area and plans are progressing at pace to welcome patients from the 23rd June. 

“We know that accessing GP services on the day, when you need urgent care, can be a source of frustration. That’s why we have opened GP-led walk-in services across the country to support with on the day care to address the ‘8am rush’ and relieve pressure on GP surgeries – freeing up capacity to focus on complex and long-term care.

“We value the key role and expertise that GPs have to play in people’s care. We are underpinning that by increasing investment in general practice by £531 million over three years to significantly boost recruitment from this year, helping to deliver the capacity needed to improve services for patients.”

Emma King, Primary Care Lead for Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to the Aberdeen GP walk-in centre as we make the final preparations for opening to the public later this month.

2We are looking forward to getting to work and testing this new approach to improving access to same-day care.”

16 GP walk-in services were planned initially, backed by £36 million of investment. Five of these, including the one in Aberdeen, are due to open within the first 100 days of this government.

A process to identify 14 more sites, to a total of 30, is currently underway.

Initial 16 planned GP walk-in sites

Phase One

  • Wester Hailes, Edinburgh – NHS Lothian
  • Lochee GP Practice, Dundee – NHS Tayside
  • Benbecula – NHS Western Isles
  • Stranraer – NHS Dumfries and Galloway
  • Lerwick – NHS Shetland
  • Hawick – NHS Borders
  • Invergordon – NHS Highland
  • Dunoon – NHS Highland
  • Aberdeen – NHS Grampian
  • Cardonald, Glasgow – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • Moray – NHS Grampian
  • Aberdeenshire – NHS Grampian
  • Sauchie, Alloa – NHS Forth Valley

Phase Two

  • East Ayrshire, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
  • Clydesdale, NHS Lanarkshire
  • Central Fife, NHS Fife

Locations for an additional 14 additional GP walk-in sites, taking the total number of planned services to 30, will be announced within the first 100 days of the new Scottish Government.

Support for Coalsnaughton residents

Immediate assistance for Clackmannanshire Council

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed a package of up to £1 million will be provided to Clackmannanshire Council to support residents affected by ground movement in the Coalsnaughton area.

The money will ensure the local authority can cover expenses it has incurred as a result of its emergency response, including temporary housing, welfare and staffing costs.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I was grateful to hear from the residents of Coalsnaughton last week about the situation they have been placed in and understand the considerable stress this is causing.

“As residents will be out of their homes for at least eight weeks while the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) carries out its investigations, this £1 million package will allow Clackmannanshire Council to provide support for them during this time.

“Ministers will continue to ensure the UK Government is pressing the MRA to expedite its investigations as quickly as possible to prevent further disruption to people’s lives.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with Clackmannanshire Council to support residents.”

Applications open for First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Supporting young entrepreneurs

Young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds will be helped to start innovative businesses through the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, which is now open for applications.     

Delivered in partnership with the King’s Trust and Dechomai, the programme will select 20 participants for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship, providing tailored support, grant funding, workshops and hands-on experience. One winning participant will be awarded £30,000 funding helping them to dedicate time to developing their business.    

First Minister John Swinney announced the opening of applications on a visit to Juicy Health Club in Glasgow’s West End, where he met young entrepreneurs who have successfully turned their ideas into thriving businesses.  

 Mr Swinney said: “Young people should be supported to make the most of their talents and ambitions, helping create a better future. Supporting young people to take the first steps in business is an important way to help them realise their potential, while also boosting the economy.    

“The First Minister’s Start Up Challenge will support a new generation of entrepreneurs across the country. I would encourage anyone with an innovative business idea to apply now for the chance to join the first cohort and benefit from the tailored support and grant funding this programme will offer.    

“Juicy Health Club is a brilliant business that is thriving in Glasgow, and it sets a strong example of how to maximise market opportunities. It was great to meet entrepreneurs and hear how they have brought their different business ideas to life.”    

The King’s Trust in Scotland Director of Delivery Lou Goodlad said: “With applications now open for the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, we’re calling on those with ambition, talent and a great business idea to take the next step on their entrepreneurship journey. 

“Through this partnership, The King’s Trust is backing young people who have the potential but may lack the opportunity and support they need to get their businesses off the ground. 

“By offering tailored support and access to funding, this programme will help remove barriers to entrepreneurship, helping young people build successful businesses for the future in Scotland.” 

Dechomai Managing Director Bayile Adeoti said: “We are delighted that applications are now open for the First Minister’s Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Scotland to share ideas, tackle challenges, and build confidence for the future.  

“At Dechomai, we are passionate about creating opportunities and have developed an Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Accreditation as part of the programme focused on mindset, resilience, creativity, and leadership.  

“We encourage everyone aged 18–30 to apply and urge educators, youth workers, and partner organisations to help spread the word so no one is left behind.” 

The Start Up Challenge | Enterprise | Scotland   

Applications close on Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

100,000 connections bring faster broadband

£600m supporting Scotland’s communities and business growth

More than 100,000 faster broadband connections have now been delivered to homes and businesses across Scotland through the £600m R100 programme.

The milestone marks significant progress in bringing faster, more reliable broadband to communities across Scotland, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. 

Independent evaluation shows the positive impact improved connectivity through the R100 programme is having. Around three-quarters of businesses report increased productivity and stronger performance, while nearly two-thirds of households feel more connected to friends, family and the wider world. Almost half say their wellbeing has improved. 

Business Minister Tom Arthur visited Falkirk Distillery to hear how access to faster broadband is helping to transform and support the growth of the business. 

Mr Arthur said: “Fast, reliable internet is essential for modern life – it supports businesses, enables remote working and helps people access services and stay connected with friends and family. Across Scotland, this investment is already delivering real benefits and transforming lives and livelihoods. 

“Reaching 100,000 connections is a significant milestone for the R100 programme and our wider investment in Scotland’s digital infrastructure.

“We will continue to work with our delivery partners, including Openreach, to maximise the impact of this investment and extend the benefits to more homes and businesses across the country.” 

Fiona Stewart, owner of Falkirk Distillery, said: “Our faster broadband has been hugely beneficial for the business.

“It has enhanced our online booking for tours and improved our visitor experience due to better WiFi for our customers, supported our digital marketing and social media, and helped to make online payments in our retail shop more resilient.  

“It will also support a higher volume of digital payments as part of our expansion plans including the launch of a new restaurant and additional retail space.”   

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Scotland. Delivering almost all of these connections, our engineers have worked in some of the most challenging locations to bring full fibre to communities that need it most.

“It’s about more than infrastructure – it’s about opening up opportunities and helping rural areas thrive for the long term.” 

People can check the latest information on connectivity for their home or business using the Scottish Government’s online address checker at gov.scot/broadband

New tartan will mark the Declaration of US independence

Celebrating 250 years of Scotland – US ties

Scotland’s relationship with the United States of America will be celebrated through a new tartan to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

A new design by Kaci McEwan, a student from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design, has been selected as a symbol of the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.

The tartan, which was commissioned by the Scottish Government and was selected by a panel including the US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, focuses on the United States’ journey towards independence, with carefully numbered threads and colour sections symbolising key moments in early American history.  

External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scots were at the heart of the United States’ emergence as an independent country. Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US. Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring connection between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past, and our future, as two proud nations. 

“The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries. 

“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.

“As Scotland takes its place at the men’s World Cup, the Scottish Government will showcase the skills and expertise we can offer the US and wider world.”

Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design student Kaci McEwan said: “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it.

“I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won. It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.

“For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.

“Looking back, this opportunity really reflects the kind of experience I’ve had at Heriot-Watt. I’ve been encouraged to think creatively, push my ideas further and take on opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. This competition was something I was encouraged to apply for, and that support has made a huge difference.

“To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies. It’s been an amazing journey, and this really feels like a special way to mark the end of it.”

Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America250 said: “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and cultural connections that have shaped our nation’s story.

“This commemorative tartan is a meaningful tribute to the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, and Kaci McEwan’s thoughtful design beautifully reflects the shared history and values that continue to connect our two countries.”

Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean for the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kaci, and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on creating such a thoughtful and compelling design.

“The creativity, research and storytelling behind her work is truly impressive and it will be wonderful to see it play a part in such a significant international celebration.

“I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of all the students who took part. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, reflecting the talent, dedication and innovation that define our School.

“Opportunities like this, working on a live international brief of genuine cultural significance, are incredibly rare, and they speak to the distinctive, real-world experiences available to Heriot-Watt students. We are immensely proud to see our students representing Scotland’s creativity and heritage on a global stage.”

The expert panel consisted of:

  • Mark Boyce, Head of Scottish Government USA
  • Leonie Bell, CEO of V&A Dundee
  • Marnie Collins, Programme Director at Heriot-Watt University
  • Alan Cumming, Design Director at Lovat Mill
  • US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens
  • Jennifer Condon, Executive Director of America250.org
  • Rep. Robert Aderholt, Co-Chair of the Friends of Scotland Caucus and Commissioner Co-Chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus
  • Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association
  • Camilla Hellman, Executive Director of the American Scottish Foundation

Students from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design were commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government to create a tartan symbolising the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States. 

Kaci McEwan’s tartan was selected from five shortlisted designs. Kaci will travel to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the America250 organisation on Independence Day, July 4.

The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the official commemorative tartan for the America-250th organisation. 

An initial commemorative run of tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.

Backing Scotland’s entrepreneurs

Funding to drive business innovation across sectors

An annual conference for the Games sector and a pilot matching film and TV producers with business angels are among new initiatives that will be supported as part of record Scottish Government investment in innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship this year.

A total of 44 projects will share £1.75 million through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund to help entrepreneurs and businesses emerge and grow.

It brings together three existing funds – together with a new, community-focused initiative – creating a simpler application process and faster decision-making on successful projects.

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn visited Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, which has been awarded nearly £40,000 to deliver a series of events for business founders from the food & drink sector to pitch products to buyers and investors. 

He said: “It is an economic imperative that Scotland’s business founders receive the right help to establish, grow and flourish – and the Scottish Government is committed to backing them at every stage of their business journey.

“Scottish Government support for our entrepreneurs has continued to evolve in response to direct feedback from business founders and owners.

“This latest round of funding delivers an even more tailored package of initiatives and programmes to ensure we are supporting existing and future business owners from across sectors, across the country, and across all walks of life.”

Executive Chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne said: “Securing this grant from the Scottish Government will allow us to further our goal of supporting Scotland’s food and drink entrepreneurs, connecting them with investors, producers and industry experts, and enabling collaboration across the industry.

“Our Cooking Up Growth programme will directly align to our mission to create, connect and elevate Scotland’s food and drink industry.

“Since our relaunch earlier this year, we’ve welcomed entrepreneurs, the business community and emerging culinary talent, working together to support a sustainable future for the industry. We look forward to launching Cooking Up Growth and continuing to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s larder while supporting Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Full list of Ecosystem Fund recipients 2026-27.

Scottish government guilty of contempt over Salmond files

Court rules that failure to comply with FOI decision timescale was contempt of court

The Court of Session has issued a ruling which finds that the Scottish Ministers’ failure to comply with the compliance timescale set out in a December FOI Decision amounted to a contempt of court. 

The Decision – Decision 281/2025 – concerned a request for communications and information relating to the James Hamilton Report and published legal advice.

In the Decision, the Commissioner found that the Scottish Government had not been entitled to withhold some of the requested information, and required disclosure. Compliance with the Decision was required by 15 January 2026. 

Following a failure to comply, the Commissioner issued a warning letter on 16 January, requiring that the Scottish Government comply by 22 January or the matter would be referred to the Court of Session. When this deadline was not complied with, the Commissioner referred the matter to the Court. 

David Hamilton, Scottish Information Commissioner.

Commenting on the case, Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton said: “I welcome today’s ruling from the Court of Session that the Scottish Ministers’ failure to comply with the timescales set out in my FOI decision amounted to a contempt of court.

“This was the first time in more than 20 years of FOI that a Commissioner has had to refer non-compliance  with one of their decisions to the court. It was not a step taken lightly, and was all the more disappointing given that Scottish Ministers have a role in making the law and an assumed respect for the rule of law.

“Failing to comply with my decisions undermines the fundamental principles of FOI and damages the information rights of individuals. I trust that the Scottish Ministers will now  reflect carefully on this ruling and review their broader legal approach to certain aspects of FOI compliance – and particularly those relating to the Hamilton Inquiry.

“If Scotland’s FOI rights are to remain robust, effective and valued, the timescales for both the provision of information and compliance with my rulings must be respected by every public authority.

“People make FOI requests when the information they seek is important to them, and any inappropriate delay is a direct denial of their rights. We must work to ensure that this does not happen again.”