Tag: Scottish Government

Preparing for wildfires

Learning lessons and building resilience

Representatives of organisations involved in tackling the wildfires which took place across Scotland this year came together yesterday to reflect on how to prevent future incidents.

The event is a result of Scotland enduring the largest wildfires in living memory, with 13 wildfire alerts in Scotland this year alone and Dava in the Highlands enduring the worst damage.

It was co-chaired by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown in the Cairngorms National Park and attendees included the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), NatureScot, Scottish Land and Estates, land managers and environmental organisations.

Mr Fairlie said: “It took an astonishing effort across so many sites to tackle the wildfires we saw this year, and we are grateful to all those who helped.

“This is a chance for us to look at what worked, and what lessons we need to learn from what happened.”

Ms Brown said: “Since the wildfires, we’ve engaged closely with SFRS, local communities and Scottish public sector bodies on building resilience to wildfires.

“We continue to support the full implementation of the SFRS wildfire strategy, which will see the continued roll-out this year of new equipment, vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment.”

SFRS Director of Prevention, Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson said: “This year Scotland has faced an unprecedented scale of wildfire risk, and our crews have attended more than 200 wildfires across the country.

“Wildfires can employ a significant amount of our resources, they also have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife, threatening the welfare of nearby communities.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners, landowners and communities in both our response and importantly to help prevent wildfires, and we welcome the opportunity to participate in this summit.”

Head of Land Management at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Colin McClean, said: “The Park Authority welcomes this event, which provides an opportunity for critical conversations to take place on wildfire mitigation and management.

“Alongside ministers and stakeholders, we look forward to discussing solutions for building on the work we are already doing here in the National Park.

“Through our Integrated Wildfire Management Plan, the Climate Adaptation Fund and the new fire byelaw (recently approved by Scottish Ministers and coming into effect in 2026), we are putting in place clear, practical measures to reduce the risk of wildfire. Coming together at events like this will help strengthen that work and ensure we are as prepared and resilient as possible.”

A roundtable discussion with MSPs will be held following Parliamentary recess to share the findings from wildfire engagements to date and to give parliamentarians the opportunity to make contributions before any next steps.

Scottish Household Survey childcare results published

Results published last week from the Scottish Household Survey 2024 show that 83% of households with a two to five year old child (not yet at school) used at least one form of childcare, similar to previous years.

The most common forms of childcare used were local authority nurseries and private nurseries, used by 40% and 32% of households respectively.

Around 5% of households used childminders, a decrease from 10% in 2018.

The survey asks respondents about their satisfaction with any funded early learning and childcare they receive, and 91% of households receiving this provision said they were either very or fairly satisfied with the quality of it.

63% of households with a child aged two to five years stated that all childcare used was either free or funded by the local authority or Scottish Government.

When households with at least one child aged 0 to 11 years were asked about the affordability of childcare, 10% said that they found it difficult and a further 6% said they found it very difficult to afford.

The full statistical publication Scottish Household Survey 2024 Childcare – gov.scot is available with further information on the use of childcare within Scotland, including information on types of childcare used, use of funded early learning and childcare, satisfaction with funded provision, and affordability of childcare.

Residential rehabilitation funding

Extra support to increase access

An innovative funding programme to help make sure residential rehabilitation placements are available where they are most needed has been extended by the Scottish Government.

The £2 million Additional Placement Fund allows Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) in areas where demand is high, to more easily access money if their existing funding has run out.

Speaking at Phoenix Futures residential service in Glasgow, during Challenge Poverty Week, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “We know that drug deaths are more likely in the most deprived areas, so it is encouraging that Phoenix Futures is committed to ensuring equality of access to treatment.

“The Scottish Government is also focused on tackling the causes of poverty and deprivation.

“Improving access to residential rehab is a key part of the National Mission to reduce drug deaths and improve lives.

“Public Health Scotland recently confirmed that 984 people started a publicly funded residential rehab placement and that we are on track to reach our target of 1,000 people being publicly funded to go to residential rehab by 2026.

“But we want to go further. We have provided a record £115 million direct to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships – but have also listened to what residential rehabilitation providers and those with lived experience have told us about improving access.

“This fund ensures that extra – and longer – placements are more readily available. The fund has already helped dozens of people and extending it will provide even more support.”

Phoenix Futures chief executive Karen Biggs said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to improving access to residential rehabilitation through the extension of the Additional Placement Fund.

“At Phoenix Futures, we see every day the life-changing impact that residential treatment has on people, families, and communities across Scotland. This extension will help increase equity of access for those who might otherwise struggle to receive the support they need.

“We are pleased to see the Scottish Government’s recognition of the importance of residential treatment and its efforts to ensure that those in greatest need are not left behind. We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and colleagues across the sector to build a sustainable and equitable system that ensures consistent access to residential treatment for everyone who needs it.”

Phoenix Futures Deputy Director of Operations – Scotland Jeanne Rutherford said: “Access to residential treatment can change and often save lives. It gives people the time, space, and support they need to recover, rebuild and start to hope again.

“We’re really pleased to see the Scottish Government extend the Additional Placement Fund. This will help break down barriers such as geography and funding, creating greater equity of access for people across the country.

“Residential treatment is a lifeline for many of the people we support, especially those facing the greatest challenges. The Government’s continued commitment helps ensure that lifeline remains available to everyone who needs it.”

Protecting the social care workforce

Removing barriers for migrant workers in Scotland’s care sector

Migrant social care workers impacted by the UK Government’s changes to immigration policy are to be offered targeted support in Scotland.

In the year ending June 2025, the number of Health and Care Worker visas issued to migrant workers in Caring Personal Service Occupations fell by 88%, following restrictions introduced by the UK Government to the visa route.

The subsequent decision by the UK Home Office in July to close the Social Care Visa Route altogether will have a further impact on the social care sector.

According to a Scottish Care survey, more than a quarter of the social care workforce in Scotland is made up by international workers – with many sector leaders citing concerns with workforce shortages and recruitment.

The Scottish Government is continuing to call on the Home Office to reverse its decision to close the route and is investing £500,000 to fund a tailored offer to help ‘displaced’ international social care workers who have found themselves without sponsored employment elsewhere in the UK at no fault of their own.

The funding will be used to help support international social care workers meet the costs associated with moving to and working in Scotland’s social care sector.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The UK Government’s hostile and restrictive migration policies are damaging Scotland’s health and social care sector.

“In Scotland we need a migration system that works for our NHS, our social care sector, our businesses and third sector. Until we have the full powers over migration that will come with independence, we will do all we can within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament to mitigate the UK Government’s harmful approach to migration.

“I am therefore pleased to confirm today that the Scottish Government will create a bespoke offering to help social care workers who have been displaced to come to Scotland and contribute to our care sector.

“We will provide £500,000 to mitigate the devastating impact of the UK Government’s closure of the care worker visa route and provide targeted support to help displaced social care workers.

“This will support international social care workers already in the UK who have lost their social care jobs as a result of their employer losing their visa sponsor licence, to come to Scotland and contribute their valuable skills to our social care sector.

“It is our intention for this work to begin immediately so that social care workers can settle into new jobs before Christmas.”

Walk-in GP clinics to open in Scotland

Improving access to primary care

A network of walk-in GP clinics will open as part of work to improve access to primary care.

The clinics, which would be staffed by GPs, nurses and support staff, will be open seven days a week, 12:00-20:00, in addition to existing primary care services. They will provide a range of same-day assessments, diagnostics and treatment.

Fifteen clinics in sites across Scotland will proceed initially to test the benefits for patients.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving access to primary care and shifting more care into the community is central for this Government.

“As part of this, we are taking forward new and innovative ways to improve access to primary care, including the benefits of local walk-in GP clinics.

“These will be in addition to core GP services and will offer additional flexibility for patients. These will be designed in collaboration with NHS Boards, GPs and other partners to ensure they strengthen existing services.”

The announcement was made by First Minister John Swinney at the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen yesterday.

The Holyrood elections take place next May.

First Minister to visit Malawi and Zambia on landmark anniversary

TWENTY YEARS SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S PARTNER COUNTRIES

First Minister John Swinney will visit Zambia and Malawi to see the impact of the Scottish Government’s international development and climate justice work on the lives of people in partner countries over the past two decades.

This will be the first time a First Minister has visited Malawi since the historic Co-operation Agreement between the governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005, and the first ever visit to Zambia.

While in the countries, the First Minister is due to announce new international development funding for health and investment partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education, advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said: “The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges, can have transformative impact on communities.

“Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the Global South and North work together. 

“Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing globally and learning from our partners – for example providing joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage, and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and disability education. 

“Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.

“At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid programmes overseas, internationalism, and international solidarity, has never been more important.   

“Scotland will continue to stand with the international community and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”

CEO of the Malawi Scotland Partnership Linda Dembo said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership through Scottish Government international development support.

“This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration.

“At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.”

The First Minister will travel to Zambia tomorrow (Tuesday 14 October) and return from Malawi on Monday 20 October.

Greater safety for non-surgical procedures

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers Bill published

A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.

If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.

It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.

The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.

Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway. 

Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.

“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.

“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website.

490 Scottish breakfast clubs receive funding boost

Hundreds of new and expanded breakfast clubs are supporting thousands of children start the day with a healthy meal and increased access to activities thanks to Scottish Government funding.

490 breakfast clubs are helping more than 20,000 children and their families across the whole country. The clubs combine access to a nutritious breakfast with before-school childcare and activities.

Supported by nearly £3 million from the Scottish Government’s Bright Start Breakfasts Fund, 142 new services have been introduced and a further 348 clubs have expanded their services offering additional hours of childcare, activities like loose parts and active play as well as places available for more children.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited one of the new services this morning (Friday 10 October) at Abbeyview Kids Club in Dunfermline.

The Cabinet Secretary met some of the families who are benefiting from the new club, as well as service managers, to hear about the difference it is making to the health and financial wellbeing of families in the local community.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Somerville said: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty.

“Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a warm, friendly place for children to start their day in the best possible way, while supporting parents to work or study.

“Alongside our free school meals programme, which is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils, we are ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances beyond their control, are afforded the opportunities they deserve.

“While we know that a good breakfast can improve school attendance, learning and health, these clubs also help to address food insecurity for families. That’s why we are putting more money in people’s pockets by delivering real savings and this is, in turn, is helping to build a fairer Scotland.”

Managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund has awarded £2,838,461.90 to clubs for primary-age children across the country.

Funding was prioritised for areas with low existing provision, high levels of poverty, and rural communities. The fund has reached all local authorities across Scotland, including remote communities across the Western Isles, Orkney, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands.

Funding will allow 142 new breakfast clubs to be set up, and 348 clubs to expand their provision. The supported clubs include 261 run by Local Authorities, 109 run by third-sector organisations, 100 primary schools, and 20 are registered childcare providers or activity providers.

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: “Breakfast clubs are a simple but powerful way to support children’s wellbeing and learning.

“By funding clubs across Scotland, we’re helping to reduce the impact of poverty and ensure more children start the day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.”

Cornton Out of School Care in Stirling was one of the successful organisations. Speaking about the funding, Treasurer Orla Bell said: “These funds are critical for our charity, so we can continue to offer a Breakfast Club for the children in our community in Cornton.

“The Club has been running for less than a year, and we are still finding our feet with it, but are in no doubt that it is a much needed and welcomed club.

“We’re extremely grateful.”

Funding will support breakfast clubs through to the end of the 2025-26 academic year, contributing to the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a year-round system of school-age childcare.

Thousands of carers’ benefits transferred

Scotland’s carers getting more financial support through Social Security Scotland

Around 118,000 unpaid carers who were receiving Carer’s Allowance have had their benefit awards safely and securely transferred to Social Security Scotland’s Carer Support Payment. 

Carer Support Payment began rolling out across Scotland in November 2023 to replace Carer’s Allowance delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Since the formation of Social Security Scotland in 2018, the Scottish Government has delivered more financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland under a very different social security system, rooted in dignity, fairness and respect. 

Carer’s Allowance Supplement provides up to £587 a year while Young Carer Grant offers over £390 each year to carers aged 16-18 years. These payments are only available in Scotland.  

Carer Support Payment has also been extended to enable more carers in full time education to access the payment.  

Further improvements to carer benefits in Scotland are planned within the next six months. This includes extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and a new payment worth up to £520 a year for carers who are caring for more than one person.  

Extending eligibility for financial support following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks is also amongst the plans. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We are supporting over 126,000 unpaid carers in Scotland through devolved carer benefits, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving social security, under a kinder system that treats people with dignity and respect.  

“It was always our intention that once carers’ benefits had successfully transferred to Carer Support Payment, we’d deliver even more changes to help make a difference to carers’ lives. 

“Unpaid carers make a huge contribution within our communities and I’m proud to be able to improve the financial support available to them in Scotland.” 

John Swinney: A Fresh Start with Independence

FM: Scots should make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests

Independence would give the people of Scotland new opportunities to improve their standards of living, according to a new paper published by First Minister John Swinney.

‘A Fresh Start with Independence’ examines how an independent Scotland would be able to improve the economy and the NHS, and tackle issues such as household finances, pensions, social security, migration, energy and defence.

The paper states that the Scottish Government has worked hard to improve the lives of people living in Scotland using devolved powers but it would only be able to fully capitalise on the nation’s potential with independence.

The First Minister said: “I firmly believe that the people who live in Scotland are best placed to make decisions about Scotland. That is the fundamental democratic and practical argument underpinning the case that we make.

“Too many people in Scotland today do not have a decent standard of living and are finding it difficult to make ends meet. That is because standards of living in the UK have improved little in over 10 years, due to a failing economic system and Westminster decisions such as austerity and the disastrous decision to leave the European Union. Scotland did not support austerity and it did not support Brexit. The reality is Westminster is not working for Scotland.

“The Scottish Government works tirelessly to use the powers of devolution to deliver the very best for Scotland. Much good has been achieved through the expansion of early learning and childcare, the introduction of free university tuition, the expansion of the rail network, the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol, the creation of the Scottish Child Payment and many other measures.

“But Scotland needs to be able to improve the opportunities available to our people, our communities and our businesses. Scotland needs to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all. Those possibilities would only be available to Scotland with the fresh start of independence.

“We have shown that when we have the power to decide for ourselves, we find solutions and make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests. I believe Scotland can and will become a successful independent country, with a more dynamic economy and a fairer society.”

The Scottish Conservatives don’t agree, oddly enough:

A Fresh Start with Independence – gov.scot