Tag: Scottish Government

Minister for Parliamentary Business resigns

JAMIE HEPBURN LEAVES GOVERNMENT

Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn has tendered his resignation from government and the First Minister has accepted.

Mr Hepburn joined the Scottish Government in 2014 as Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health. He was appointed Minister for Employability and Training in 2016, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills in 2018, Minister for Independence in 2023, before being appointed as Minister for Parliamentary Business in May 2024.

Changes to the ministerial team will be announced in due course.

See full text of the letters from Mr Hepburn and the First Minister below:

Letter from Mr Hepburn:

Dear First Minister,

Over the course of yesterday evening and today I have been reflecting on the incident that has been widely reported in the media in the last two days and discussing it with my family. I have come to conclude that I want to offer my resignation as your Minister for Parliamentary Business.

I understand that that a complaint has been made to you with a suggestion that I be referred to the Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code.

Irrespective of whether or not the Ministerial Code has been breached, even if there had been no complaint made, I believe I have not acted in accordance with my own personal code of practice. This decision is one that I feel is for the best in these circumstances and the one that for my own part feel is the appropriate course of action.

I hope it would be felt by most, and not least you, that in my personal and professional undertakings I have always tried to act courteously in interacting with colleagues, either of our own party or others.  There is no denying that my interaction with Douglas Ross fell well short of that standard. 

Despite whatever annoyance I felt at that particular moment, there is a manner in which that might have been conveyed, or indeed shouldn’t have been conveyed.  That is not in utilising the language that I did.  I hope it is recognised on your part and others that this behaviour was quite out of character on my part.

I do not want to cause any distraction for you or the Government, or indeed to that of the primary position of responsibility I have as the constituency representative for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.  I believe my continued presence as one of your Ministers would do so.  In such circumstances I believe it is best that I stand down with immediate effect.

With no sense of personal pity, having served continuously in Government for almost eleven years it is a source of regret that my tenure in Ministerial office comes to an end in this fashion. 

In the immediate period it will be the greater part of what is reported out of my time in office, but I hope it is felt that I have made a positive contribution across the various roles I have held serving in your government and that of your two predecessors.  Others will of course be the judge of that.

I am grateful to you for the support you have shown me during my time as a Minister and you can be assured of my ongoing support for you and the Government in this critical period.

Yours sincerely

Jamie Hepburn

Letter from the First Minister:

Dear Jamie,

It is with much personal regret that I accept your letter of resignation as Minister for Parliamentary Business.

I am deeply grateful for your efforts on behalf of the Government, where you have always worked across Parliament in accommodating the requests and views of other parties over the matters that should command the time and attention of the chamber. I know there will be no one more frustrated than you, over this one slip in your normal approach of courtesy and respect to all.

I know that my predecessors also valued the contributions that you made in their governments. Your work in delivering the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 while a Health Minister has made a real difference in the lives of carers, and the people they care for. While Business Minister you championed support for consumers and were instrumental in the establishment of Consumer Scotland.

As we progress toward independence, I appreciate the work that you carried out as Minister for Independence to make the case for a better future for our nation. And during the Covid pandemic, I recall our work together in supporting the business sector and your efforts to support the recovery in higher and further education during your time in the Education portfolio.

Your efforts as a Minister have benefited the people of Scotland in myriad walks of life. Despite your decision to step down, you will continue to play an important role in our Party and in public life, as well as continuing to be a vocal advocate for the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.

You leave office with my warmest thanks and my appreciation for the constant support that you have given to me.

Yours for Scotland,

John Swinney

Reducing drugs harm

Funding enables more people to access support

More people impacted by drugs have received support after the Scottish Government funded 225 community-based projects across the country.

The National Drugs Mission Funds distributed almost £13 million in grants in 2024-25 through the Corra Foundation. In 2024-25, there were more than 51,000 interactions with support services, an increase from 33,613 the previous year thanks to sustained funding.

The multi-year funding helps people in crisis and provides continued support throughout their recovery, including access to medication assisted treatment and residential rehabilitation.

Drugs Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “These funds are enabling vital, community-led work that supports people affected by drug harm with care, compassion, and dignity.

“The projects are focused on a wide range of areas, including recovery, mental health, reducing stigma and supporting young people.

“This report highlights the progress and impact of these projects and the types of support provided directly to people, their families and communities impacted by drugs. I have been especially struck by the creativity, resilience and partnership shown by organisations delivering support which is rooted locally, with more than 51,000 interactions this past year.

“I’m proud to continue the work of those who came before me, and to be part of a mission that is turning hope into action. My sincere thanks go to Corra, and to every person and project involved – these efforts are saving lives and helping to build a Scotland where recovery is real and support is always within reach.”

Corra Foundation Chief Executive Carolyn Sawers said: “Corra is honoured to work in partnership with organisations that are making a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by drug use in Scotland.

“This report recognises the vital work of these projects, the committed efforts to reduce drug harm and the challenges encountered in addressing the issue.

“It makes clear the importance of access to multi-year funding to provide security for organisations to sustain their work.”

national-drugs-mission-fundsDownload

Transforming the justice system for victims and witnesses

Landmark Bill passed by Holyrood

A landmark Bill to place victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system has been passed by Parliament.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill contains historic reforms to transform victims’ and witnesses’ experience of the justice system and ensure they are treated with compassion, while continuing to safeguard the rights of the accused.

Key reforms include abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict in all criminal trials to help create a clearer, fairer and more transparent decision-making process. The jury majority required for a conviction will move from a simple majority to at least two-thirds to ensure fairness and balance.

The Bill will see trauma-informed practice embedded across the system to avoid victims being re-traumatised by the legal process. It will improve the Victim Notification Scheme and establish an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner for Scotland to champion their rights.

The legislation also includes significant new measures to meet the needs of survivors of sexual offences by:

  • establishing a specialist Sexual Offences Court to enable complainers to give their best evidence while minimising the potential for re-traumatisation
  • protecting the dignity of victims of sexual offences through an automatic lifelong right of anonymity
  • providing an automatic right to independent legal representation for complainers in sexual offence cases when an application is made in court to lead evidence of the complainer’s sexual history or character
  • creating a legal right for victims in rape and serious sexual offences cases to access transcripts of the court proceedings free of charge.  

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.

“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.

“This legislation, which builds on progress in recent years, has been shaped by the voices of victims, survivors, their families and support organisations, and it is testimony to their tireless efforts to campaign for further improvement.

I am grateful to those who bravely shared their experiences to inform the development of this legislation and pave a better, more compassionate path for others.”

Minister welcomes fall in number of probable suicides in Scotland

Minister for Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur says a fall in the number of probable suicides last year makes him more determined to continue expanding and improving prevention work.

Official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 was 704 – a decrease of 11% compared to 2023 and the lowest number since 2017.

Visiting The Neuk mental health crisis centre in Perth, Mr Arthur said: “These figures remind us of how vital it is to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

“Every person lost to suicide is someone’s loved one and when someone takes their own life, the impact on everyone around them is devastating. My sympathy is with all those affected by the loss of a family member or friend through suicide.

“The decline in the number of probable suicides is encouraging, but we will not be complacent. Our aim is for anyone, regardless of age, who has thoughts of taking their own life, or is affected by suicide, to get the help they need.

“Together with COSLA and our partners, Suicide Prevention Scotland, we are driving forward our 10-year Suicide Prevention Strategy to deliver on our ambition to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland.

“At its heart is tackling the underlying factors and inequalities which cause suicide and supporting people most at risk including those living in poverty, middle aged men and those in rural areas.

“We increased our investment in suicide prevention to £2.8 million for the current financial year, meeting our commitment to double the suicide prevention budget in the current parliamentary term.

“We are committed to building a Scotland where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We will continue to listen, learn, and act – guided by evidence and compassion.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Behind these statistics are individuals, families and communities deeply impacted by suicide.

“Local Government and our partners have a vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. We’re committed to enhancing our ongoing suicide prevention efforts to create conditions where no one feels they must take their own life.

“COSLA will continue working with the Scottish Government to deliver our joint ‘Creating Hope Together’ strategy. This includes tackling inequality across all public services – from schools and workplaces to community services.”

Wendy Given, Chief Operational Officer at The Neuk, said: “At The Neuk, we see the ripple effects of suicide every day and we are here to provide a safe, compassionate space where people in crisis are listened to, supported, and shown compassion.

“Services like ours must remain visible, valued, and sustainable, so that hope and connection are always within reach.”

The Neuk’s lead wellbeing mentor Louise McQueen said: “Working at The Neuk is more than a job, it’s being part of a community where every conversation can change a life.

“I’ve seen people walk through our doors at their lowest point and leave with hope. Being able to listen, connect, and support someone in that moment of crisis is a privilege, and it reminds me every day why this place matters.”

Anyone affected by these issues can access support from the following services:

School buildings continue to improve

Scottish Government investment sees record number of pupils now in good or satisfactory schools

More children and young people in Scotland than ever before are being educated in schools in good or satisfactory condition, following sustained investment from the Scottish Government in partnership with local authorities.

The latest statistics show the proportion of pupils learning in schools in good or satisfactory condition has increased to 92.5%, up from 92% since 2024.

Since 2019, 14 new schools have opened to pupils as part of the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). In 2024-25 alone, 17 school builds or substantial refurbishment projects were completed – 15 primary schools and two secondary schools.

Commenting, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “All pupils deserve to learn in modern schools that give them the best possible opportunity to maximise their learning.

“These statistics show our ongoing and significant investment in the school estate continues to deliver. The proportion of schools reported as being in “good” or “satisfactory” condition has increased to 92.0% (91.7% in 2024), compared to 62.7% in 2007, when this Government first came to office.

“Through the £2bn LEIP investment, a further three school projects are expected to be completed this year, and we will continue working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Futures Trust to maximise future improvements in the school estate.”

Currie Community High School, which is one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, is receiving LEIP funding and opened last month.

Headteacher Jenny Hutchison said: ““We have had the most incredible month in our new school. Our new building offers significant benefits for students, staff and community users by providing a modern, flexible, and sustainable learning environment that moves beyond traditional classroom settings. 

“The open plan learning plazas and break out spaces support a wider range of teaching and learning approaches and in using them is enhancing the wellbeing of everyone. Young people are helping us make decisions about how best to use these spaces which is fantastic.

“As one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, the design incorporates natural daylight, creating an inspiring and healthy atmosphere. We love the level of visibility in the building where learning can be observed from many angles. 

“Our campus is also designed to be a vibrant community hub. The integration of community facilities really continue strengthen our connection with the local area, offering valuable resources to residents whilst also enriching the school environment. 

“Our students in particular are enjoying the state-of-the-art sports facilities, outdoor teaching terrace and the debating chamber. This really is the school of dreams with endless possibilities!”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Local Government is investing £1bn through the Learning Estate Improvement Programme (LEIP) alone, this is in addition to the ongoing further investment throughout the estate.

“We are pleased to see that the school estate continues to improve and also contribute to the transition towards net zero. The environment in which children and young people learn is an important contributor to their attainment and school experience, and can be a vital community asset.”

Stephen Long, Senior Associate Director for Learning Estate at the Scottish Futures Trust said: “Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government are working in collaboration with Local Authorities through the LEIP initiative to improve learning environments on 47 projects across Scotland.

“Following the successful opening of 5 projects for the new term in August, there are now 14 LEIP schools in operation with a further 16 in construction and 17 in design.

“These new and refurbished facilities will provide inclusive, healthy, comfortable indoor and outdoor places for learners, teachers and communities, while also minimising energy consumption and emissions.”

Reduction in vacant and derelict land

Scottish Government investment continues to help drive progress

The amount of vacant and derelict land in Scotland has fallen by more than a quarter since 2016 according to the latest annual survey.

Of 335 sites brought back into use in 2024, 192 – more than half – were reclaimed for housing.

Welcoming the figures, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Redevelopment of vacant and derelict land for housing or businesses can turn an under-utilised asset into productive use and reduce the need for greenfield development.

“Reuse of vacant and derelict land can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, promote environmental justice and improved quality of life, and help to support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities.

“Our Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme has been a driver of this progress, with £36.5 million invested in 2021-22 which has resulted in a cumulative total of 468 hectares of vacant and derelict land being brought back into use.

“The fund will continue over the current year, and 11 projects will be supported by over £9.5 million of funding from this Programme in 2025/26.”

Link to survey results www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806431403

Boosting trade during global uncertainty

Increasing investment and new priority export markets

Targeted funding has delivered a significant increase in the number of trade missions involving Scottish exporters in 2025. 

The Scottish Government has already approved 17 Scottish Chamber of Commerce missions to countries including the United States, China, Singapore, and Germany. This compares with 13 missions for the whole of 2024 and follows a £1.6 million funding boost to implement the First Minister’s Six Point Export plan, which expands assistance for exporters in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and the continuing impact Brexit.

As well as supporting the 33% increase in the number of Chamber trade missions, the funding will enable  enterprise agencies to help an extra 100 exporters find new customers and generate an additional £75 million of forecast export sales.

The figures are released today ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on growing Scotland’s exports and the publication of an updated version of the Scottish Government’s export strategy, A Trading Nation. 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Scotland has always been a strong trading nation. We have a long and rich history of producing goods and services that are highly regarded and sought after across the world.

“In the current global climate, it is important that we increase our support to exporters in both new and existing markets. 

“Recognising the continued importance of the US market, we have awarded a new contract to identify export opportunities in specific states. And this week First Minister has been pressing the case in person with the President of the United States for the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky.

“At the same we are looking to bolster trade links with countries such as Ukraine, where Scottish products and expertise can help provide support in its hour of need. 

“Businesses may face new barriers to trade but the potential for Scottish products remains huge. The Scottish Government will do everything in its power to support exporters and build on the highest ever forecast export sales figures of £2.46 billion for 2024-25.”

Free school meal uptake increases

Working to eradicate child poverty

The number of eligible children taking up the offer of a free school meal has increased for the second year running, according to the latest statistics.

More than two thirds of those eligible (67.7%) were able to benefit from a balanced and nutritious meal as part of their school day in 2023-24, up over three percentage points on the previous year (64.3%).

In August 2025, the free school meals programme was extended to 6,000 high school students in S1 to S3, backed by £3 million from the Scottish Government. This trial phase is for those in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment who attend selected schools in eight local authority areas, and takes the number of pupils being offered free school meals in Scotland to over 360,000.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth said: “We know how important it is for children to have access to a healthy meal during the day, and the role that nutrition plays in supporting their ability to concentrate, thrive and learn.  

“It’s promising to see the number of pupils benefiting from a free school meal increase for the second year in a row, though it perhaps also reflects the pressures that families are experiencing, particularly in relation to food costs.

“That is why providing and expanding free school meals remains a crucial element of the Scottish Government’s commitment to eradicate child poverty and I would encourage all families who are eligible for free school meals to take up the offer available to them.”

School meal uptake: 2023-24 – gov.scot

Free school meals expansion – gov.scot

In Scotland, universal free school meals are available during school term-time for over 230,000 children in primaries 1 to 5 and special schools, as well as eligible pupils in primary 6 to secondary 6.

Recognising unpaid carers

New payment for people caring for more than one person

Proposals to further expand and improve the benefits available to unpaid carers in Scotland have been laid before the Scottish Parliament. 

Among the changes are plans to introduce a new payment worth up to £520 annually for people who care for more than one person – benefiting an estimated 18,000 carers – and to extend eligibility for the Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds.

This builds on previous changes following the transfer of responsibility for carer benefits from the UK Government to the Scottish Government, including the introduction of new benefits such as Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Around 130,000 people are entitled to Scottish Government carer benefits in Scotland. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government recognises the immense contribution carers make to our society through caring for family, friends and neighbours.

“That is why we have made it a priority to deliver a series of improvements to better support them following the transfer of carer benefit awards from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.  

“We have a very different approach to social security in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, and these changes build on previous work to help improve the lives of carers. We have already introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Young Carer Grant – which are only available in Scotland – and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it.  

“This is another major milestone in the process of delivering devolved social security and in building a system that better meets the needs of carers and disabled people in Scotland.” 

Scottish Government ‘Fanning Flames of National Antisemitism Crisis’?

‘IS OUR SAFETY REALLY A PRICE WORTH PAYING FOR THIS KIND OF GESTURE POLITICS?‘

Scotland Against Antisemitism has delivered an open letter to First Minister John Swinney, warning that the Scottish Government’s recent announcement on Israel risks inflaming antisemitism and further endangering Scotland’s Jewish community.

The letter has already gathered almost 3000 signatures, including lawyers, politicians, educators, clergy, students, and concerned citizens across Scotland and beyond, with numbers continuing to rise.

Scotland’s Jewish community numbers around just 5,000 people — 0.093% of the population — yet were victims of 17% of all religiously motivated hate crimes last year. The letter warns that language from government risks legitimising this hostility, emboldening extremists, and deepening the isolation of Jewish Scots.

Leah Benoz, Founder and Director of Scotland Against Antisemitism, said: “The Scottish Government has no power over foreign policy, and the proposed funding cuts are tiny and will have no effect on events in the Middle East.

“Not one Palestinian life will be saved by these measures, but Jewish life in Scotland will be put further at risk. Our question to Mr Swinney is simple; is our safety really a price worth paying for this kind of gesture politics?”

The letter calls on the government to:

•        Retract inflammatory language, particularly around “genocide”

•        Engage with the Jewish community in Scotland

•        Commit to concrete measures to protect Jewish safety

THE LETTER READS:

Dear First Minister Swinney,

We at Scotland Against Antisemitism write with grave concern following yesterday’s announcement from the Scottish Government regarding Israel.

As you are no doubt aware, our small and increasingly vulnerable community is living in an extraordinarily hostile environment, one that has only worsened since October 7th. We number around 5,000 people, just 0.093% of Scotland’s population, yet we were the victims of approximately 17% of all religiously motivated hate crimes last year. That figure alone should be a matter of national shame.

The human suffering in Gaza is real and cannot be understated, nor is it our intention to do so. But we must be absolutely clear with you about the real-world impact of the measures your government has announced.

The accusation of genocide is one of the gravest under international law. It requires an exceptional standard of proof that can only be met in a court of law by producing irrefutable evidence of intent. Neither viral propaganda nor the claims of discredited UN figures such as Francesca Albanese, who denies proven sexual atrocities and is accused of misrepresenting her legal credentials, or Tom Fletcher, author of the immediately debunked “14,000 dead babies” allegation, are sufficient. For the Scottish Government to endorse this modern-day blood libel will not save a single innocent life in Gaza, but it will embolden those who now use the language of genocide to justify the harassment and intimidation of Jews here in Scotland.

The Scottish Government holds no power over foreign policy and no meaningful influence over the State of Israel. The decision to pull a tiny amount of funding from a handful of commercial projects will not impact the Israeli government or change the course of the war. In short, the only people this announcement will materially affect are Scottish Jews who are already under siege.

We believe, with sorrow and outrage, that this decision was made to appease a small, extremist, and increasingly aggressive fringe of the activist class,a group whose support is being courted for political reasons. It appears the government has calculated that the cost of alienating Scotland’s Jews will be outweighed by electoral rewards.

But in the very week that yet more members of our community are leaving Scotland for Israel out of fear, we ask you plainly:

Is our safety really a price worth paying?

We call on the Scottish Government to retract its inflammatory language and meet with the Jewish community to discuss how the government plans to protect us — not just in words, but in action.

Sincerely,

Scotland Against Antisemitism