Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment
Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed.A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.
It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.
The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.
“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”
Swinney: Nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here
The draft Referendum Bill has been published asking ‘Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.‘
The Bill, which will be introduced into Parliament once the necessary powers are secured, was a commitment in the Scottish Government’s 100 days programme.
It sets out the question, defines the franchise for the vote, and will include a date upon introduction.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
“In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
“Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.
“I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
Next steps announced for National Performing Company
A new National Performing Company will be set up to champion Scotland’s traditional music sector.
A public consultation has now been launched seeking views on how such a flagship organisation will raise the profile of Scottish folk music around the world.
Early feedback is being sought from the traditional music community and wider audiences to understand priorities for future support of the sector and what a national performing company might look like.
First Minister John Swinney held a reception for the trad music sector at Bute House this week and attended the Sound of Scotland folk music showcase at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall.
The Scottish Government has also launched an online survey to gather views and Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan will chair a roundtable with leaders in trad music.
A National Performing Company for traditional music will be the sixth to be formed in Scotland, joining the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
The First Minister said: “Traditional Scottish music has a unique, rich sound reflecting our history and regional diversity. It connects our past to our present and is loved across Scotland and around the world.
“That is why I pledged that in the first 100 days of this government we would make progress on forming a National Performing Company to protect the legacy of trad music and help it to thrive. Giving it the same platform to other performing arts will support established and emerging talents to grow.
“If you are a local performer, group or organisation from anywhere in Scotland, please let us know how this can work best for you, representing and supporting traditional music.”
According to a VisitScotland survey in 2024, almost four in five Scots (79%) said Scottish traditional music gave them a sense of cultural connection, while 88% believed it is important that it is preserved for future generations. Music businesses in Scotland reported a turnover of £27.4 million in 2023.
Fairness at the heart of how Scotland adapts to a changing climate
Communities hit hardest by wildfires, flooding and drought will have a stronger voice in shaping Scotland’s climate resilience with the establishment of the third Just Transition Commission.
The Commission brings together 15 experts in public health, economics and community engagement to advise Ministers and ensure resilience measures reach those who need them most. It will engage directly with workers, rural communities and vulnerable groups to shape costed recommendations for government.
Running until 2031, the Commission will focus on adaptation, reflecting the increasing toll extreme weather is taking on people’s daily lives, while working to ensure the costs and benefits of adaptation measures are shared fairly.
The Commission will also support a just transition to net zero. It will advise on the impact of decarbonisation on jobs and industry, including in Scotland’s offshore energy sector, and work with businesses, unions and communities to help shape a fairer, greener economy.
Minister for Business Tom Arthur said: “The invaluable advice that previous commissions have provided have helped shape policy on areas including on Grangemouth and informed the creation of just transition indicators within Scotland’s Climate Change Plan.
“Communities hit hardest by climate change are often the ones least equipped to deal with its effects. This Commission will make sure that the people facing the greatest risks are at the heart of how we build resilience.
“Solutions to adapting to and tackling climate change must be proportionate, appropriate and effective as we work together across all sectors of society to build a greener and fairer economy.”
Co-chair Professor Dave Reay said: “Climate change is the biggest risk multiplier for inequality this century.
“Our role as a Commission is to show how, with a bold and innovative approach, we can still succeed in reducing our emissions and adapting to climate impacts in a way that builds a Scotland that is truly resilient in terms of our society, our economy, and the infrastructure we all rely on.”
Co-chair Satwat Rehman said: “Since 2019 the Just Transition Commission has worked hard to put a strong focus on how different communities are experiencing Scotland’s climate transition, and how we can do better.
“We need to address existing inequalities and proactively tackle the risk of new forms of injustice being created as our climate and our economy are reshaped.
“We will build on those insights and keep pushing our government to act with the urgency this moment requires.”
The Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million conditional support towards the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow, supporting its reopening to the public.
This is an essential part of efforts to reopen one of the city’s most recognisable, cherished and free-to-access attractions. The People’s Palace has long made culture and heritage available to all, which is why the Scottish Government has prioritised this support during the first 100 days of the new Government.
This investment is in addition to £19.55 million of funding contributions from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to date, with further funding opportunities continuing to be explored to ensure the full refurbishment of the site.
The refurbishment is also expected to support jobs and footfall in Glasgow’s East End, helping local businesses and strengthening the wider visitor economy. It will safeguard historic collections and artefacts that tell the story of Glasgow’s working people and help protect the Winter Gardens attached to the venue as a green space for community use.
Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “”I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million in conditional support to the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and secure its reopening to the public.
“This is about far more than bricks and mortar. The People’s Palace has welcomed generations of Glaswegians as well as visitors from further afield, and this investment will ensure they can continue to enjoy it for decades to come.
“It will also protect historic collections which tell the story of Glasgow’s working people, safeguard the much-loved Winter Gardens as a space for the whole community, and support jobs and footfall in the city’s East End.
“This conditional support reflects an exceptional cross-sector partnership and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, funders and cultural organisations work together around a shared vision.
“The People’s Palace is a cherished part of Glasgow’s story and Scotland’s cultural heritage. This investment demonstrates our support for preserving that legacy, and I look forward to seeing the refurbishment plans move forward.”
Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie said: “The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation.
“It’s a complex and ambitious project that has been co-created with the people of Glasgow and will secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most treasured and nationally important cultural spaces.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this welcome investment, which is a significant vote of confidence in our plans and brings us an important step closer to creating an inclusive, accessible and world-class social history museum and visitor destination in the city’s East End.
“Glasgow has a strong track record of delivering major cultural and heritage developments, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and wider partners to deliver a revitalised People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
“When complete, the project will reflect the aspirations of local communities, provide new opportunities for learning, participation and employment, support tourism, and boost our economy.
“Above all, it will ensure these remarkable buildings, which hold a unique place in Glasgow’s history, can continue to play an important role in the life of Glaswegians for generations to come.”
More than 30 services will be opened across Scotland
First Minister John Swinney has announced 24 more areas will benefit from new GP-led walk-in services across Scotland, bringing the number of centres planned or operational to 40.
Work is underway with health boards to establish new walk-in services for communities including Angus, Dumbarton, East Kilbride, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Inverness, North Ayrshire, Paisley, Shotts, Tweeddale and West Lothian. Many will be able to open within a year.
Proposals are also in development for walk-in services in communities in Ayr, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Glasgow North East, Glenrothes, Grangemouth, Inverclyde, Musselburgh, North Lanarkshire and Oban.
It comes as First Minister John Swinney marked the official opening of the 11th GP walk-in service in Buckhaven in Fife and announced an extension of the pilot programme until April 2029.
The GP walk-in pilot is testing new ways of accessing same-day care from GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners or other clinicians at a wider range of times. They have been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.
Speaking at the service at Randolph Wemyss Community Hospital, the First Minister said: “I promised that my government would break from the status quo and introduce a new way for patients to access same day care – and we are delivering on that commitment.
“We are listening and want to create more choice for patients, closer to home and without the need for a pre-booked appointment.
“In the first six months since we opened the first service in February, more than 10,500 walk-in cases have been seen. As these services are phased in to become fully operational, seven days a week, I am confident that many more people will benefit.
“The opening of our newest GP walk-in service, in Fife, is an important milestone in the roll-out of this pilot project, fulfilling my government’s commitment to open five new walk-in centres within our first 100 days of office. We have done this in Aberdeen, Dunoon, Invergordon, Cardonald and Buckhaven.
“This is part of my Government’s wider agenda to provide patients with greater choice and access to care closer to home – in turn relieving pressure on hospitals and acute services. It will complement our trusted network of GP practices across the country, which we are bolstering with historic additional investment to recruit more GPs with £531 million to 2029.”
Scotland’s future football stars will benefit from a £500,000 World Cup Fund officially launched by First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Barclays Hampden.
The fund will support a three-year programme delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA to strengthen elite youth development pathways for boys and girls across Scotland.
The programme will provide specialist support to clubs within the boys’ Club Academy Scotland – the national programme for developing young talent at club level – and girls’ Next Gen pathways, enhance player development opportunities and expand the use of performance insights and innovation across the game.
During the visit, the First Minister met young players, coaches and Scottish FA representatives to hear how the investment will help develop talent and support the next generation of Scotland internationals.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup reminded us all of what can be achieved through talent, hard work and ambition. Sport and physical activity can transform lives, and we want to support the next generation of talent in Scottish football.
“Alongside our £20 million Summer of Sport programme to get children and young people active, this World Cup Fund builds on that momentum by investing in the young people who could represent Scotland in years ahead and delivers on my commitment made for the Scottish Government’s first 100 days.
“Supporting both boys’ and girls’ pathways, this investment will help create more opportunities for talented young people, strengthen clubs and support the long-term future of Scottish football.”
Scottish FA’s Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, said: “Scotland was gripped by our return to the World Cup stage this summer, and it united a nation in a way no other event can do.
“It had been too long, and our job is to make sure it’s a regular occurrence.
“We are delighted with the investment and support from the Scottish Government, on the back of their excellent Summer of Sport programme.
“This initiative aligns fully with our Scottish FA strategy. We will take a bespoke, creative, and innovative approach to supporting our club network through Club Academy Scotland, for our boys, and our girls’ Barclays NextGen pathways. Helping our clubs grow in a modern way, using objective insights that will significantly enhance the offering to young Scottish talent – creating better players and coaches.
“We need our young people in Scotland to have ambition and aspire to follow in the footsteps of the exceptional role models we have, such as Andy Robertson and Caroline Weir. Our task, working with the Scottish Government, is to provide the best environment for these dreams to be realised.
“In addition, the wider benefits of football – to the individual, families, communities, and country in general – are apparent.
“We need to harness the power of football, on and off the pitch.”
The £500,000 investment is part of a three-year programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA, running from 2026-2029.
The Scottish Government will invest £500,000, with the Scottish FA contributing a further £85,000.
Legislation to protect pupils’ education and wellbeing
Pupils, parents and teachers are among those being encouraged to share their views about restricting phones in schools with the launch of a public consultation today.
The Scottish Government’s consultation will inform the development of legislation to restrict phone use in schools, given concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing. Views are sought on the extent, scope and potential impact of any restrictions, as well as any possible exemptions.
Updated guidance, published in June, already encourages schools to restrict the use of phones during teaching and learning time as a minimum while the proposed mandatory legal restrictions are being developed.
The consultation has been published alongside practical guidance for parents to keep their children safe online and manage their screen time – with the advice being posted from today on Scottish Government social media channels.
Speaking ahead of a visit to Perth Grammar School, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Smartphones are a fact of modern life, and it is important that we equip the next generation with the necessary skills, knowledge and resilience to thrive.
“However, the evidence of the risks that phones can pose to young people is compelling – from disruption to education, sleep and wellbeing, to more severe harms including bullying, harassment and radicalisation.
“The Scottish Government is treating this as a public health issue. We are publishing content from today about how parents can help keep their children safe online, alongside surveys to seek views on what more can be done to support families.
“We have already used guidance to encourage headteachers to restrict the use of phones, but we know teachers, parents, carers and pupils want a consistent approach across Scotland. That’s why national legislation is important.
“This consultation gives children, young people, parents and carers, school staff and education authorities the opportunity to share their views on what this legislation should look like.”
Providing every child with the best start to school
Around 47,000 children starting Primary One in the next academic year, 2027-28, will be the first to receive a Welcome to School backpack in a variety of colours, to help them start school feeling excited, supported and ready to learn.
Procurement of the first bags is now underway following engagement with children, families and teachers to ensure they provide the practical contents and equipment that will help cut the cost for families as children start school.
The bags will be lightweight, made of durable, recycled materials, have multiple versatile compartments and pockets, reflective piping for safety, and space for name tags and a window in which children can place a drawing to personalise their backpack. Each one will contain:
a pencil case
stationery including pens, pencils, coloured crayons and a notebook
a water bottle
resources to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan met children at Orbiston Community Hub in North Lanarkshire, who will be among the first to receive the bag, to work on designs they could personalise their bag with.
Ms McAllan said: “Every child and family should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the Scottish Government is offering Primary Ones their very own Welcome to School Bag, filled with things to help them learn.
“We worked with children, families and teachers to create the design and ensure it provides what a child needs as they take their first steps into school life.
“Building on the success of the Baby Box, alongside the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.
“This is an essential component of our determined focus to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised work during the first 100 days of Government to ensure the first bags reach children by the time they start school next year.”
Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson has tendered his resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.
Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Macpherson for his contribution to government.
EXCHANGE OF LETTERS
Dear First Minister,
As discussed, I write formally to tender my resignation as a Junior Scottish Minister. As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister. I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.
Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government. Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor.
I was very proud re-join the government in September 2025, and to serve you and Scotland again, using my experience to pick up the role quickly and get meaningful things done. I have worked hard and carried the responsibility carefully, to make a real impact and achieve positive progress. Thank you for this remarkable honour.
There is much still to progress and complete but the portfolio is in a stronger place, with the necessary strategic workstreams up and running, and actions in process. Stakeholder / key partner relationships are positive, working with us on shared aims. A collegiate spirit and approach has been created to confronting shared challenges.
I want to express my gratitude for all the support I have received in the last year from my private secretaries and all the Scottish Government officials I have worked with. We have done good work together and I am proud of the difference we have made
Moreover, it has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Universities Scotland (and all universities), Colleges Scotland (and all colleges), the Scottish Training Federation (and their members), the Careers Collaborative, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the business community and our enterprise agencies, YouthLink Scotland and Youth Scotland, and many others too.
My apologies to you and all involved for the inconvenience of this resignation, and thank you for kindly understanding my reasoning. Again, this has been a very difficult decision for me, and I reiterate strongly my support for both you and the government.
With my very best wishes and much gratitude,
Ben Macpherson
:: Letter from the First Minister
Dear Ben
Thank you for your letter. I appreciate that this will not have been an easy decision and that you have reflected carefully before you have reached your conclusion.
You have made a significant contribution in government not least as Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education where the Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 was passed under your leadership. I know you have been closely involved in work to co-design and co-deliver the future of Scotland’s college and university sectors – work that has cross-party support.
And, I know that during your time in post you gave a fresh impetus to our support for youth work and made great strides in improving our apprenticeship system and strategic skills planning, in close cooperation with the business community.
In previous ministerial roles, during your time in social security, you were closely involved with the expansion of the Scottish Child Payment and launching the Adult Disability payment. And, your work in international development remains relevant to the programme we take forward in this area to this day.
These are but a few examples of your contribution from your time in a wide range of portfolios – including finance, external affairs, rural affairs and climate, as well as in education most recently.
I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.
I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.
Yours, for Scotland,
JOHN SWINNEY
Ben Macpherson won the redrawn Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith seat in May with a majority of over 3000 votes from the Scottish Greens.
Ben Macpherson told followers on Facebook yesterday: ‘After reflecting deeply over recent months about my position and priorities in my life, including my mental and physical well-being, I have today stepped away from my additional role as a Minister in The Scottish Government (continuing as an MSP, for clarity).
‘This was a very difficult decision, but it is the right one for me just now. I need more time to be able to attend to other important aspects of my life, and will also now have even more scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, which I care so very much about.
‘I’m proud of my achievements in the role and, to be clear, John Swinney and the government will continue to have my strong support, as will my successor. I’m looking forward to this new chapter!’
Changes to the Scottish Government ministerial team will be announced in due course.
