Supporting families with the cost of living and eradicating child poverty will be a key focus of the Scottish Government, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Ahead of a visit to meet parents and children at a Bookbug session in Wester Hailes the First Minister said tackling the cost of living, ensuring people get support before reaching a crisis, and helping children and parents in the early years will be key priorities for the new Cabinet.
In March, the Scottish Government set out plans to drive further reductions in child poverty. This includes committing an additional £500,000 over two years to expand Bookbug, supporting a further 20,000 low-income families across Scotland.
Mr Swinney said: “Every child in Scotland deserves a future free from the scourge of poverty. It will be the defining mission of my government to support families with the cost of living and eradicate child poverty.
“Our policies are already helping to keep an estimated 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year – but we are determined to deliver truly ambitious change to reduce the cost of living.
“This includes expanding all year round childcare to all children from nine-months to the end of primary school, introducing a £2 nationwide cap on bus fares, increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for under-ones and delivering comprehensive ‘Whole Family Support’ that wraps around families in their communities, helping break the cycle of poverty.”
Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing.
“I look forward to driving further progress on the work started in the last parliamentary term to eradicate child poverty, tackle the cost of living and accelerate the delivery of more affordable homes.
“Reducing child poverty in Scotland is at the heart of this government’s ambitious agenda for change and we will work across government, the parliament and with our much-valued third sector, to give families the safety and security they need.”
FM: “Government will be focused on people’s priorities.”
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has appointed his new Cabinet, unveiling a streamlined team of Cabinet Secretaries to deliver on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland.
Comprising eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, the First Minister has said his Cabinet will focus on the priorities of the people, including supporting people through the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.
The focused and streamlined Cabinet will include the first ever Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, who will lead cross-government work to ensure public services are responsive to the needs of the people of Scotland.
Responsibility for independence and the constitution will now sit directly with the First Minister.
The Cabinet, which is made up of a majority of women, consists of:
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Jenny Gilruth
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland. This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.
“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.
“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.
“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”
Excluding Law Officers, the new Cabinet of nine, including the First Minister, is down from twelve before the election.
Scottish Ministers appointed
First Minister John Swinney has also appointed Scottish Ministers, following the completion of a new Cabinet.
The Scottish Government now consists of eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, and eleven Ministers.
Seven new Ministers have joined the Scottish Government, including six who enter government for the first time. This includes Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins, Hannah Mary Goodlad, Kirsten Oswald, Alison Thewliss and Simita Kumar.
Newly appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins will report directly to the First Minister. The First Minister will hold direct responsibility for independence and the constitution.
Newly appointed Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad will support both the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, and the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.
The full Scottish Government ministerial team consists of:
First Minister, John Swinney
Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Energy, Stephen Gethins
Minister for Parliamentary Business & Veterans, Jamie Hepburn
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth
Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform)
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, Ivan McKee
Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government)
Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray
Minister for Victims & Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance
Minister for Community Care, Alison Thewliss
Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol & Drugs, Maree Todd
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin
Minister for Agriculture, Marine & the Islands, Jim Fairlie
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan
Minister for Children, Young People, & The Promise, Siobhian Brown
Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education, Ben Macpherson
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville
Minister for Equalities & International Development, Simita Kumar
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn
Jenny Gilruth takes on “greatest honour of my life.”
Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.
Ms Gilruth described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.
Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.
Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.
The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.
“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.
“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland. We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence. That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.
“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.
“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”
John Swinney: “I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland”
The Scottish Parliament has nominated John Swinney as First Minister of Scotland, following the 2026 election.
Addressing members of the Scottish Parliament, Mr Swinney outlined his ambitions for the parliamentary term, including action to tackle the cost of living, improve the NHS and grow the economy to create opportunity across Scotland. He also pledged to work together to deliver progress for Scotland and to meet the challenges facing the country.
Mr Swinney is expected to be formally appointed with a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III. He will be sworn in at the Court of Session today (Wednesday) , where he will take the Official Oath in front of the Lord President of the Court of Session and other senior judges.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I have ambitious goals for this Parliamentary session. I want to ease the cost of living crisis, ensure the NHS is protected and easy to access, ensure cohesion in our communities and protect the environment, and grow the economy and create opportunity across our country.
“I believe I can achieve a majority for every ambition I have for this Parliament and I look forward to working with many here to do so. That, of course, includes the question of Scotland’s constitutional future on which I recognise there are profound differences of opinion. Indeed the people have now elected the largest pro-independence majority in the history of devolution.
“I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland. A First Minister that works to bring people together with a strong sense of national purpose. The country I seek to build is a country where everyone feels accepted and able to contribute to our national story.
“I gratefully accept this opportunity to serve as First Minister. It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life. I promise to work every day to repay the trust that the people of Scotland have placed in me.”
School libraries across Scotland are being invited to bid for a share of £150,000 in Scottish Government funding to deliver innovative projects that inspire reading for pleasure, widen access to books and help children and young people build vital digital skills.
The 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF), administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support creative initiatives that widen engagement with reading, foster whole-school reading cultures and help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.
SLIF supports projects aligned with the ambitions of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools — the national strategy for school libraries in Scotland. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools in Scotland, this year’s fund will prioritise applications focused on:
promoting reading for pleasure and developing whole-school reading cultures
improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
strengthening digital and information literacy, and
supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading
Projects funded through previous rounds of SLIF have demonstrated the powerful role school libraries play in supporting attainment, confidence, inclusion and wellbeing. From transforming unused spaces into vibrant reading hubs to creating intergenerational storytelling projects, digital media initiatives and community reading programmes, SLIC is encouraging schools and library services to submit bold, creative ideas that reflect the needs and aspirations of their local communities.
Last year 17 trailblazing projects were awarded a share of the SLIF. Successful initiatives included inclusive reading projects using assistive technology in Aberdeen, podcasting and digital storytelling programmes in Renfrewshire, a football-inspired emotional literacy project in East Renfrewshire delivered in partnership with Police Scotland, and large-scale family and community reading initiatives spanning schools in Inverclyde, the Highlands and East Lothian.
Other funded initiatives explored themes including myths and legends and empathy through reading, while a range of projects also focused on digital literacy and accessibility to ensure every child can experience the joy of reading.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The School Library Improvement Fund continues to highlight the innovation and ambition within school libraries across the country.
“Every year, we see inspiring projects that make a tangible difference, helping children and young people discover a love of reading, build confidence, strengthen digital skills and feel more connected to their school communities.
“This year’s priorities place reading and equitable access at the heart of the programme, while also recognising the ever-growing importance of wellbeing, creativity and digital literacy. We are encouraging schools and library staff to think boldly about what their library can achieve and to develop ideas that deliver real impact for learners and their families.”
Schools can submit either individual or collaborative applications, with SLIC accepting up to two individual applications per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications, helping ensure opportunities are shared fairly across Scotland.
The School Library Improvement Fund 2026-27 is now open. Applications will close at 12pm on 8 June 2026.To find out more and apply, visit:
Gilded Balloon are delighted to present Wanging On LIVE at the Kings theatre this August, which sees the return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe of globally recognised comedian, author and television presenter, Graham Norton alongside his friend, podcast co-host and fellow Fringe stalwart, Maria McErlane, to host their podcast, Wanging On, live on stage for the first time.
Produced by Platform Media, Wanging On is the weekly podcast that reunites Graham Norton with his dear friend Maria McErlane to dish out average advice and so-so solutions to your everyday dilemmas.
Together Graham and Maria do their level best to tackle office politics, friendship tensions, unruly pets, neighbourly disputes and family bust-ups. Plus, the ‘Wangers’ wade in with their nuggets of wisdom too. Each week, Graham and Maria also share the latest in their life – be it bikes, books, haircuts or hangover cures – and they pass judgement on your most peculiar proclivities in Am I Weird?
Wanging On is available to watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This live version is a Gilded Balloon presentation by arrangement with YMU and Platform Media.
Staged in Edinburgh’s iconic King’s Theatre after its highly anticipated two-year renovation project, Gilded Balloon are delighted to be one of the first shows presented in the ‘new’ King’s Theatre with Wanging On Live on the official opening day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2026.
“We can’t wait to take the podcast from studio to stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, armed with decades of friendship, sharp observations, and absolutely no expertise. Expect audience dilemmas, questionable judgement in Am I Weird?, and the Wangers in the room… so anything could happen” said Graham Norton & Maria McErlane.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have Graham Norton as part of our Fringe programme as he continues to support the festival attending shows regularly each year.
“We were lucky enough to have Graham compere the Final of Gilded Balloon’s comedy competition for newcomers, So You Think You’re Funny? regularly in the 90s and we are delighted to see him back at the Fringe once again.
“And not to mention, lovely Maria McErlane, a Gilded Balloon pal from the 90s and a perfect partner to Graham in this special version of their podcast.”
Follow Wanging On on Instagram: @wangingon Follow Wanging On on TikTok: wangingon Follow Wanging On on Facebook: Wanging On
Test could enable earlier treatment and improve life chances
Scotland is now the first part of the UK to screen newborn babies for a rare condition which causes progressive muscle wastage.
The test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which can affect movement, breathing and swallowing, began this week. Previously, people affected will have been tested once they displayed symptoms.
The Scottish Government and pharmaceutical company Novartis are funding a two-year evaluation to assess how well SMA screening can detect the condition earlier, allowing babies to receive treatment as soon as possible.
On average, three to four babies per year are born with SMA in Scotland.
All parents are now offered SMA screening for their newborns through the existing blood spot test, which is taken around day four after birth.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Scotland is the first country in the UK to start the evaluation of SMA screening.
“SMA can have devastating implications for babies and their families, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to early detection through our screening programme.
“I thank SMA UK and local campaigners who have worked so hard to highlight this issue and Novartis for its funding. By detecting SMA before symptoms develop, screening could allow earlier treatment which could be life-changing and help secure the best possible care and support for babies and families.”
SMA UK charity CEO Giles Lomax said: “This milestone represents an important step forward for the SMA community.
“With all three treatments now routinely available through NHS Scotland alongside newborn screening, the future for anyone diagnosed with SMA is very different compared to their peers who were diagnosed symptomatically.
“These babies will now have the opportunity to grow up without life-long health care needs and the complexity and challenges of living with SMA.
“I would like to thank the Scottish Government, the numerous clinicians and the Scottish Muscle Network as well as Novartis for their on-going support to drive change.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director of the screening laboratory Dr Sarah Smith said: “We are working closely with the UK National Screening Committee and other UK laboratories to assess the screen in a real‑life setting.
“Our staff have worked tirelessly to begin screening as quickly as possible so we can start to understand the impact that earlier treatment may have on babies born with this condition.”
Scotland is now the first UK nation to screen newborn babies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as part of a pilot.
Earlier testing of the rare condition will allow babies to get treatment sooner. This could improve their life chances.
UK and Ireland Chief Medical Officer at Novartis Rob Hastings said: “We are delighted that Scotland has become the first nation in the UK to introduce newborn screening for SMA, helping ensure families benefit from timely diagnosis.
“This programme marks a significant step forward in early detection and intervention, giving babies the chance to receive the care they need as soon as possible.
“Early identification of SMA can make a meaningful difference to children and their families, and we are confident Scotland’s participation will provide the evidence needed to make SMA a long term screening programme.”
Scottish Director of Screening Dr Tasmin Sommerfield said: “I am delighted that Scotland is following the advice of the UK National Screening Committee and commencing this in-service evaluation of SMA screening.
“It will allow babies with SMA to receive the best care and treatment as soon as possible.”
The Scottish Government provided funding of £95,000 towards the SMA screening evaluation, with Novartis providing £435,400.
We’re delighted to share that LifeCare has successfully secured funding and installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at our much-loved community Hub in Stockbridge.
This exciting project, funded by the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), will allow us to generate clean, renewable energy on-site, helping to significantly reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint.
With over 47,000 visits to the Hub each year, this investment will have a lasting impact, not only on our building, but on the thousands of people who rely on our services.
Lowering our energy bills will allow us to reinvest more into what matters most: supporting local older people – including those living with dementia and those experiencing loneliness and social isolation – while continuing to deliver a wide range of accessible activities that bring people of all ages from within the local community together.
The funding has also enabled us to install battery storage, meaning we can store and use more of the energy we generate, further improving efficiency and resilience against rising energy costs.
Claire Montgomery, Communications and Fundraising Manager at LifeCare Edinburgh said: “We’re incredibly grateful to CARES for making this project possible, and to Culbertson Renewables Ltd for the fantastic work they did fitting the panels at The LifeCare Centre.
“This funding is not only helping us reduce our environmental impact, but it also means we can direct more resources into supporting older people across our community. It’s a win for both sustainability, and the people we’re here to support.”
This exciting project marks a key step in our commitment to sustainability and to supporting Scotland’s journey to net zero, demonstrating how community organisations can lead the way in tackling climate change while continuing to deliver vital frontline services.
We look forward to sharing the impact of this project and using this opportunity to raise awareness of renewable energy across our community.
Resilience Room meets to discuss impacts on goods and services
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night (Tuesday 31st March) to consider the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Scotland’s people and businesses.
The meeting included discussion on the potential impacts on the supply and price of various goods and services, including energy, food and fuel.
It was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs, the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands and the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.
The First Minister said: “The impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on people and businesses in Scotland is becoming more significant by the day.
“As concerns continue to grow across our communities and sectors, I convened SGoRR to assess the situation in detail and to consider what further engagement, support, or actions may be required from the Scottish Government, our partners and others in the days and weeks ahead.”
