Tag: Scottish Government

Offshore wind farms approved

Licences granted for Caledonia offshore wind farms

Two offshore wind farms are set to be developed in the Moray Firth.

The North and South Caledonia offshore windfarms, which will cover an area of 429km2 with up to 140 wind turbines, have been granted consents and marine licences by the Scottish Government. The projects estimate they could generate enough electricity annually to power 2 million households.

In its latest Supply Chain Development Statement, Ocean Winds has committed to spend £1.7 bn in Scotland across the two projects. The wind farms will support jobs across engineering, manufacturing, ports and vessels, as well as creating long-term operations and maintenance roles.

The Caledonia South project is planning to use a mix of foundation technologies and will help advance Scotland’s position as a world-leader in floating wind.

Developer Ocean Winds must mitigate and minimise impacts to the environment and other sea users, including preparing a detailed seabird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for. These plans will need to be approved by Ministers ahead of Caledonia North and South proceeding.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We have given the Caledonia North and South offshore wind farm applications very careful consideration.  

“This consent decision is a significant step in Scotland’s progress towards tackling climate change and reaching net zero, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector.  This investment will be built upon further through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects.

“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation to minimise impacts on the marine environment and other marine users, balancing the needs of people and nature.”

Deputy First Minister visits reopened Glasgow fire site

JENNY GILRUTH PRAISES EFFORTS TO MAKE SITE SAFE

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has praised the emergency services, Glasgow City Council and Scotland’s Railway workers for their efforts in dealing with the huge fire that caused major damage to a large part of Union Street earlier this year.

Ms Gilruth visited the area around Central Station which has reopened fully to the public this afternoon having been closed since the blaze broke out on March 8 this year.

The Scottish Government made available a financial package worth up to £10 million to offer immediate support to those affected and as a contribution toward the longer-term economic recovery in the area.

https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/2078147827037798782/video/1

The Deputy First Minister said: “I want to thank everyone involved in getting this busy part of Glasgow’s city centre fully open for business again – from the hundreds of emergency service workers who were first on the scene to the staff who have worked so hard in the weeks since to make the area safe.

“This was a major recovery operation, and with the Commonwealth Games starting next week, it is a huge boost that the Union Street and Gordon Street entrances to Central Station have also reopened.

“The fire caused major disruption to the public and businesses and following this remarkable recovery effort, the city is now ready to showcase Scotland to the world when the Games get underway with the Opening Ceremony next week.”

Air Departure Tax

Highlands and Islands exemptions set out

All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.

Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.

Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.

The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.

“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.

“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.

“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”

‘Delivering Scotland’s Air Departure Tax’: consultation analysis report

COSLA calls for clarity over severance scheme for councillors

COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:

The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.

Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.

“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.

“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.

“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.

“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”

Animal charities push for compulsory microchipping for Scottish cats

A coalition of animal charities is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats. 

Currently around 69% of owned cats in Scotland are microchipped, and the charities believe the most effective way of achieving a significant increase is by making microchipping compulsory.

The coalition, which includes Cats Protection, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, has written to the newly-re-elected Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, asking him to commit to bringing in compulsory microchipping.

Compulsory microchipping for pet cats was introduced in England in 2024, putting them on a par with dogs.

Cats are naturally curious and can easily become lost, injured or inadvertently trapped in vehicles. Even cats that are kept exclusively indoors can slip outside unnoticed. A microchip significantly increases the chances of a lost or injured cat being safely reunited with its owner. 

Cats Protection Scotland Cat Centre recently took in a pregnant stray whose friendly personality showed she had clearly once been a much-loved pet. Striking Ragdoll Mattel was not microchipped so, despite extensive efforts, an owner could not be traced, and she was eventually rehomed to a new family.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection said: “Around 260,000 cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped.

“Every year, animal welfare organisations take in friendly stray cats that are clearly someone’s pet, but without a microchip identifying their owner can be extremely difficult.

“This places avoidable pressure on rehoming services, occupies valuable pen space that could be used for cats in genuine need, and can ultimately result in cats being rehomed unnecessarily while their owners are left never knowing what happened to them.”

The coalition welcomed the recommendation by the Scottish Welfare Commission that microchipping and registration of owned cats is made compulsory and has offered support to the Scottish Government to enable this.

Microchipping also supports trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) programmes by enabling owned cats to be identified quickly, allowing efforts to focus on genuinely unowned populations. This contributes to effective feral cat management and supports the conservation of the Scottish wildcat by reducing opportunities for hybridisation and disease transmission.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection added: “There’s clear public appetite for compulsory microchipping, with 76% of people in Scotland supporting its introduction.

“As well as helping reunite more cats with their owners, mandatory microchipping would bring benefits for veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations too. We urge the Scottish Government to place this legislation high on its agenda during the current parliamentary session.”

Call for review of bowel cancer screening age

With bowel cancer cases rising among under 50’s in Scotland, extending bowel cancer screening could save more lives.

Public Health Minister @MareeToddMSP has asked the UK National Screening Committee to consider reviewing the recommended age for bowel cancer screening.

Local MSP questions Scottish Government over it’s commitment to heat networks in Edinburgh Northern

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.

Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings. 

The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.

Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.

However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.

“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.

“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.

“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”

Action on vapes

Consultation on packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products

Views are being sought on proposals aimed at restricting the appearance of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products and how they are packaged and displayed in shops to make them less enticing to children and young people. 

The consultation fulfils a 100-day Scottish Government commitment and builds on government action to reduce preventable deaths from smoking and introduce tougher measures on vaping, including the introduction of a ban on the sale of single-use vapes last year.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Scotland has been a world-leader on a range of tobacco control measures, and while there has been a steady reduction in smoking rates, we know it still damages lives and kills more than 7,000 people a year in Scotland.

“The use of vapes has increased in recent years, particularly among children and young people – with almost one in five children saying they have tried vaping.

“We know that colourful packaging and displays are used as an enticement to children and young people, which is why we are taking action and consulting on options to address this issue.

“We urge everyone to have their say on how these products are marketed and sold in the future to help protect children and young people and reduce preventable harm in Scotland.”

Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: “This is a vital step to protect public health and support Scotland’s aim of a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Scotland’s ‘Tobacco and Vaping Framework and Population Health Framework’ place a strong emphasis on prevention and reducing the use of health-harming products, including tobacco and nicotine.

“Action on how these products are promoted is central to that aim, and the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 provides a strengthened legislative basis for action. This work will help reduce health harms, address health inequalities, and respond proportionately to emerging risks from vaping.”

Public Health Scotland Consultant in Public Health, Dr Garth Reid said: “Public Health Scotland welcomes the Four Nations consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and vaping products.

“We strongly support the ambition to reduce the appeal, accessibility and normalisation of products that cause significant harm to population health.

“The proposals represent a timely and evidence‑informed extension of existing tobacco control measures, and they align with Scotland’s goal of achieving a tobacco‑free generation.”

The consultation will run from 10 July 2026 for 12 weeks.

Strengthening Football Banning Orders

Improving match experience for all

Courts will be given tougher powers to impose Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in Scotland to include specific offences in an effort to improve the matchday experience and safety at games.

It comes as the analysis of a consultation on FBO legislation has published.

There were 903 responses to the consultation, with organisations such as the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland supporting an extension of the use of FBOs. Whilst a majority of fans who responded expressed concerns about expanding FBOs, fans also raised concern around the increase in the use of pyrotechnics and some reported witnessing serious incidences of inappropriate behaviour.

In response, Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament which will include targeted and specific measures to strengthen FBOs to cover behaviour such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs.

“However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“Recent high profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.

“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”

Football Banning Orders were introduced in Scotland as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.

Currently in Scotland, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present:

  • A person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’;
  • The offence was related to a football match; and
  • The court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches

Football Banning Orders Analysis of Consultation Responses – gov.scot

Investing in community mental health support

DFM: Improving access to local support is a priority

Grassroots projects working to improve mental health and wellbeing in local communities will benefit from a further £15 million investment in 2027-28, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has announced.

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults supports local groups to deliver programmes that help tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities – through sport, outdoor activities and the arts.

The Scottish Government has invested £99 million in the Fund since its launch in 2021, helping grassroots organisations to support people closer to home and at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to Lucky Ewe Farm in Cupar, Fife where the charity provides outdoor work placements and volunteering opportunities to help enhance mental health and wellbeing.

Ms Gilruth said: “This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare focused on prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.

“This earlier notification of funding will provide security and stability for our third sector partners, helping them to better plan for the future and make the most of their resources. 

“We have invested almost £100 million since we established the fund, reaching a variety of groups supporting those at increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. This type of support sets a clear example of how this Government is delivering for the people of Scotland.

“Improving access to support on people’s doorstep and in communities will continue to be a priority as we reform Scotland’s public services – ensuring people can access the help they need close to home where they feel most comfortable. This builds on initiatives such as GP walk-in services and ‘Hospital at Home’ that ensure people can access the care they need, in the right place at the right time.

“I am grateful to charities like Lucky Ewe, which play such an important role in helping us deliver this support in local communities.”

Lucky Ewe Chairperson Joan Brown said: “Lucky Ewe trustees, farm volunteers and supporters are delighted to hear of this funding initiative by the Sottish Government. It will help us plan better for the future of our Fife-wide project and give greater stability to our staff.”

Wellbeing and prevention – Mental health – gov.scot