GIANT OYSTER DELIVERS MESSAGES OF HOPE FOR SCOTLAND’S NATURE TO FIRST MINISTER 

Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

A selection of thousands of messages from people across Scotland sharing their hopes for the future of nature have been handed over to the First Minister inside a giant papier-mâché oyster.  

WWF Scotland with a group of young nature supporters used the sculpture of the European flat oyster to handover the messages gathered from members of the public during the organisation’s recent ‘It’s in Our Nature’ campaign.  

The messages call for stronger leadership and investment in nature recovery. 

Among the wishes were calls for: 

  • More safe havens for wildlife 
  • Healthier rivers and seas 
  • Planting of more native trees  
  • Greater protection for endangered species 
  • A greener, healthier future for children and communities 
Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “These messages are proof of the growing desire for our government to take more seriously the need to invest in Scotland’s natural world.  They show that people across the country care deeply about nature, how nature helps their mental wellbeing and that they want to see it flourish once again. 

“Whether it’s seeing more wildlife in local communities, protecting our rivers and seas, or ensuring future generations can experience the wonders of Scotland’s natural heritage, the message is clear: people want to see action.” 

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s young climate and nature champions are at the forefront of calling for global climate and nature action, so it was great to see their passion firsthand and hear about the important work done by WWF Scotland to preserve and protect our natural environment. 

“The climate emergency is already causing significant damage to nature and habitats, and tackling it is a Scottish Government priority. We will continue to do all we can to address the biodiversity crisis and help create a more sustainable world.” 

The handover comes at a critical time for Scotland’s nature following a summer of extreme weather and wildfires, and 1 in 9 species already at risk of extinction. 

Scotland’s natural ecosystems – including its peatlands, native woodlands, rivers, and coastal habitats – also play a vital role in capturing carbon, reducing flood risks, and building resilience against extreme weather. 

Pic Greg Macvean 22/09/2026 WWF – It’s In Our Nature campaign handover to the First Minister at Bute House

Catherine from Central Scotland and Lothian’s West wrote: 

“Nature is about all life on this planet and we must protect it. Scotland is well placed to do more from planting trees in the right environment to cleaning up our rivers and reducing pollution. The clock is ticking, we can’t delay.” 

 Stuart from Glasgow added: 

“I have always felt that the Scots have a long history of stewardship of the land, and that is even more important today. If we do not take care of Scotland’s nature in a sustainable and regenerative way we risk losing that which is most important to future generations, the enjoyment of nature.” 

Marion from the Highlands said: 

“We all need and depend on nature for our mental and physical health. It underlies food production, clean water and clean air.  Our future and that of our children depends on our protecting nature now.” 

Local governance reform in Scotland

Empowered Communities? Proposals outlined to shape consultation

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.

The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.

Initial proposals – which have been shared with COSLA and Holyrood Committees – include:

  • Replacing current local government arrangements with a smaller number of regional authorities to focus on strategic decision-making alongside a substantial number of community authorities with a focus on local decision-making
  • Separate arrangements for island communities have been suggested in recognition of their particular needs  
  • Councillors sitting on both community authority and the associated regional authority to remove the need for a further layer of elections or additional tiers of bureaucracy
  • Ensuring regional administrative corporate structures support both regional and community authorities

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Reforming Scotland’s public sector is about delivering the best public services for people across Scotland.

“We need to ensure investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.

“Some decision making is best delivered at national level and regional level while others better sit closer to communities and we must get that balance right. Existing local government responsibilities could also be extended, including enhanced roles in economic development and business support so that individual areas can reflect local strengths and ambitions.

“These proposals are intended to provide a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion as we work to deliver reforms that strengthen public services and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s public sector reform proposals for local governance, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Whilst the Scottish Government have the laudable ambition to strengthen local democracy, it’s absolutely for the birds to think the sheer scale of this local government reform can be achieved without the initial and substantial investment required to bring about change in our communities.

“There is an argument that community authorities can improve decision making but only if the funding exists to deliver these services. The Scottish Government must be clear that, in the short-term, this will cost money – not save it.

“You cannot credibly claim to empower communities whilst looking set to cull 20,000 public servants who would, in reality, be required to get these reforms off the ground in the first place.

“Unions will continue to monitor the government’s proposals and will engage in good faith. However, we must be clear that any reforms forthcoming must not be a mere smokescreen for brutal cuts cosplaying as progress.

“Real progress means ending the £3 billion outsourcing within the public sector, delivering sectoral bargaining within social care and properly funding our public services through progressive taxation that builds, not bulldozes, our local government and public services.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), said: “Today’s proposals for reform of local governance are ill-advised and entirely impractical. Expecting councils to engage in meaningful discussions and reach an agreement based on this within a mere 10 weeks is entirely unrealistic.

“The plan is clearly half-baked and raises numerous unanswered questions, such as what exactly will the new regions be and how will the geographies of community authorities be decided and by whom?

Crucial service sectors are similarly glossed over without practical detail. On education, suggesting that certain responsibilities be devolved locally to community authorities while empowering headteachers effectively strips local councils of education oversight.

“Transitioning to these regional and community tiers will also incur significant financial costs that remain totally uncalculated. Meanwhile, the statement provides zero clarity on social care: is it destined for nationalisation, takeover by two new NHS Boards, absorption into the new regional authorities, or some confusing hybrid of all three?

“Scottish Government must learn from England’s failings on reorganisation and understand how notoriously complex, costly, and difficult it is. It consumes immense energy and attention, distracting everyone from core priorities. If you are going to attempt it, you need absolute clarity on geographies rather than rushing straight to structural fixes.

“Real regional collaboration and stronger community engagement can easily be achieved within existing local authority structures—it doesn’t demand structural change. Substituting structural upheaval for real progress simply reflects a lack of imagination, a reluctance to put in the hard yards of true collaboration, and the vanity of chasing a political legacy.”

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has responded to Scottish Government’s proposals for Local Government reform: “Today’s statement gives some clarity to the Scottish Government’s intentions around the future of local government and public service reform.

“COSLA has been clear that public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities and that any changes to our governance landscape must enhance local democracy and bring decisions closer to communities.

“Councils will engage with Ministers to shape the future of local democracy. We will not support reforms that dilute local democracy or remove accountability from the people we serve.

“COSLA’s membership will consider these proposals from Scottish Government and continue constructive dialogue on what may be a fundamental restructuring of governance in Scotland.”

COSLA Leaders will meet on Friday to discuss public service reform proposals.

Earlier this month (11 September) COSLA confirmed that Local Government will engage constructively in the Scottish Government’s proposed three-month dialogue on public service reform, but participation must not be mistaken for agreement to any predetermined structure or transfer of responsibilities.

Councillors are elected by their communities to represent their interests. It is therefore vital to public trust that engagement is meaningful and truly informs any change to public services.

Council Leaders are clear: public service reform must be developed jointly by Local Government and Scottish Government, grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes, and shaped by the communities and workforce who will be most affected.

COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, stated clearly: “Public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities, not organisational charts. Local Government will engage with Scottish Government, but we will not support reforms that dilute local democracy, centralise decision-making or remove accountability from the people we serve.

“Decisions around public service reform must be made in agreement between Local Government and the Scottish Government and have the endorsement of councils on any issue affecting them.”

There will be no “one size fits all” approach

Public services should be designed with the focus being on outcomes, not organisational structures.

Services should remain local and closest to communities by default, work regionally where scale adds value, and operate nationally only where there is a clear benefit. Protecting local accountability of our public services is essential. Councils already have practical proposals for greater collaboration, shared services and stronger partnership working across the public sector.

Social care must remain local

Council Leaders have once again reaffirmed that social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and be accountable to local communities.

Social care and social work should be an equal partner to the NHS not subordinated to it.

Any approach to social care reform must recognise that it is not simply about meeting individual needs, but about removing societal and structural barriers, advancing inclusion, and supporting people have choice, control, and be able to participate in their communities. Local Government must be an equal partner in shaping future arrangements.

Communities and Staff Must Be Heard

COSLA is seeking assurance that communities, the workforce and their Trade Unions will be fully involved, and that evidence is not sidelined by a compressed timetable. Scotland already has a strong foundation for reform through years of work on local democracy and democratic literacy.

The Financial Case for Public Service Reform

Councils need clarity on expected costs, savings, risks and the investment required to make any change successful. Public Service Reform cannot become a vehicle for cutting the Local Government settlement, and we cannot afford to put our communities at risk like that. Sustainable reform requires funding certainty, investment in prevention and resources that match responsibilities.

Looking at the Whole System

A debate on local governance must not focus solely on councils. COSLA believes there is a strong case for considering whether some functions currently delivered nationally could benefit from local democratic accountability. Councils recognise and have been progressing opportunities for greater collaboration across the wider public sector – but these should be underpinned by local knowledge and understanding of needs.

Key Messages from COSLA Leaders

  • A planned approach to Public Service Reform must be agreed jointly between Local Government and Scottish Government, be flexible and asymmetric recognising the different geographies, demographics and needs across Scotland.
  • Consideration should be given to a range of services not currently within the remit of local government that should be brought closer to local democratic accountability, such as public health, transport and further and higher education;
  • Council Tax reform must be delivered on – Local Government has been seeking this for over a decade and the analysis published today shows public support for the case for change.
  • Social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and not be over-medicalised.
  • Communities, staff and trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping Public Service Reform.
  • Public Service Reform must respect the Verity House Agreement, the European Charter on Local Self Government, and local democratic mandates.
  • Local government elections in May 2027 should not be affected by Public Service Reform proposals, and the election timeline should be considered in this process.
  • The workforce impacts must be carefully considered and addressed, prior to any agreement on change.
  • Greater clarity is needed on the financial implications of Public Service Reform.

Scotland’s public services will be strengthened not by imposing structures from the top down, but by working with councils, communities and the workforce to deliver better outcomes for people.

A Proposal For Reform of Local Governance

Direction for new data centres

Environmental Impact Assessments now required

Large data centre applications are set to face more stringent environmental requirements.

The Scottish Government has published a planning direction which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be submitted during planning for all new data centres with a power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW).

This follows a direction last month requiring planning authorities to notify Scottish Ministers of all new data centre applications within seven days of validation.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The Scottish Government recognises that data centres are a rapidly evolving sector attracting a broad range of views, opinions and concerns, and that evidence on the environmental impact of data centres continues to develop.

“As this is an emerging industry, we have the opportunity to get this right from the start. The guidance issued today is the next step in that process.

“We must balance the economic and employment interests in developing data centres with national energy, climate and community wealth building ambitions, which are vital to our future prosperity, as well as the potential impact on local communities.

“Ensuring that an Environmental Impact Assessment is always part of the application process will create a level playing field for developers and will ensure potentially significant environmental effects are considered from the outset.”

The Scottish Greens expressed frustration at the decision: ‘SNP have teamed up with the Tories and Lib Dems.

‘They’ve voted down a Green motion which would have brought in a moratorium against new hyperscale AI data centres in Scotland.

‘Instead they’ve chosen to muddy the water, leaving confusion when our communities need certainty.’

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Data Centres exceeding 50MW Power Capacity) (Scotland) Direction 2026

New funding round opens for Edinburgh community mental health and wellbeing projects

Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh

A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.

The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.

The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.

The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.

Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.

Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.

Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said: “Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.

“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”

EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.

Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.

Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Audit Scotland: Transparency needed on ScotWind funds

The Scottish Government needs to be more transparent about how it will use £755 million raised by a high risk and reward offshore wind leasing round, says the Audit Commisson in a new report published today.

In 2020, Crown Estate Scotland (CES) launched ScotWind. The leasing round offered buyers capped prices for the option to develop the seabed – rather than maximising immediate returns through an open auction. The rationale for the decision was to increase the chance of securing long-term lease payments. The CES Board scrutinised the approach and it was agreed by the Scottish Government. However, no single business case for the ScotWind leasing round was produced.

In 2021, a rapid review of ScotWind was instigated when a rest-of-UK leasing round generated record revenue through an uncapped, open pricing approach. CES drew on external advice and increased the seabed development fee cap from £10,000 to £100,000, although a much higher cap was considered and rejected.

The rapid review also put new penalties in place to encourage developers to deliver on their supply chain commitments, but these need to be further strengthened for future leasing rounds.

The £755 million initially raised has been banked by Crown Estate Scotland over 12-month terms on behalf of the Scottish Government. This gives ministers maximum access to the funds and allows them to be used to balance the budget. However, it has limited Crown Estate Scotland’s investment options and financial returns.

Ministers have drawn down £96 million of ScotWind funds to date. But it is not clear how the money has been used to support the transition to net zero.

Nor is it clear how the Scottish Government intends to use remaining ScotWind funds over the course of the Parliament. That extends to the need for transparency around the purpose and operation of a new ScotWind Wealth Fund as ministers’ plans develop.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish Government took a high risk and reward approach to the ScotWind leasing round. Whether that decision represents value for money will be determined in the coming years.

“If developers sign long-term leases before their option periods end, then annual payments will continue to benefit Scotland for the next 60 years.

“However, if they give up their options the capped option pricing model will result in limited wider economic benefits and substantially reduced public revenues.

“What is now important is that the Scottish Government is much more transparent about their plans for how the ScotWind funds will be used across this parliamentary term and beyond.”

New Scots Gathering puts stories at the heart of change

North Edinburgh event brings the refugee and migration sector together to explore how narrative can influence policy, public attitudes and belonging

Over 80 organisations, practitioners and community leaders from across Edinburgh and central Scotland came together at North Edinburgh Arts on Wednesday 16 September for EVOC’s 2026 ‘New Scots Gathering: Stories That Shape Change’ event.

The fully booked event explored how storytelling and narrative can influence systems and decision-making, challenge harmful narratives about migration, strengthen public understanding and support New Scots to shape the policies and services that affect their lives.

The morning plenary considered how stories can be used as a tool to influence policy and decision maker on the issues that matter to the lives of New Scots.

This was followed by four workshops giving practical case studies from across Scotland and the opportunity for participants to learn and share together.

The afternoon was led by creative voices, exploring how the sector can tell stories that are impactful and that shape public attitudes.

The Gathering was opened by Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development; Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council; and John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead.

Minister for Equalities and International Development Simita Kumar MSP said “Public services, third sector organisations and community groups play a really important role in Scotland’s warm welcome and ongoing work to support refugees and people seeking asylum.

“I am grateful for all their efforts and contributions – here in Edinburgh and further afield. This has been a hugely valuable event, underlining the importance of collaboration to the success of the New Scots approach in continuing to support refugees, people seeking asylum and communities across Scotland now and in the future.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said “I’m proud that Edinburgh remains a diverse and welcoming city. We are, after all, a city of migrants.

“Many of us are migrants or have migrants in our families. Many have lived here for generations and some of the city’s best loved institutions are thanks to those who have chosen to build their lives here.

“We all benefit from this, and our city and its culture are all the better for it – something we’re aiming to promote through our ‘Edinburgh is Our Home’ campaign.

“Unfortunately, however, with a rise in racist language, political rhetoric and hate crimes, we know that some in our communities are understandably feeling uneasy or unsafe.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to come together and challenge this harmful messaging and I’m very grateful to EVOC for organising this gathering of New Scots. It was so moving and insightful to hear their stories and perspectives first hand and I’m determined to do everything I can to make sure Edinburgh remains a place where people from across the world want to call home.”

John Hawryluk, EVOC’s Service Lead commented “The stories told about migration can shape public attitudes, services and policy.

“This third edition of the Gathering created space for organisations working alongside and with New Scots to connect policy discussion with creative practice, share what they are learning and consider how we can communicate with greater purpose and care.

“Bringing people together from across Edinburgh, the Lothians and other parts of Scotland showed the value of collaboration. We want to build on these conversations and support approaches that strengthen participation, challenge harmful narratives and help create communities where everyone can belong.”

Recorded sessions from the Gathering will be shared through EVOC’s digital channels after the event. Anyone interested in the next stages of this work can sign up to EVOC’s newsletter for updates.

Scottish Government: Help shape the future of Social Prescribing

🗣️ Feedback opportunity | The Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is developing a national social prescribing framework to make it easier for people across Scotland to access the right support and community-led activities, alongside health and social care services, to stay well.

Social prescribing helps people find local support, activities and services in their community that can improve their health and wellbeing.

Your feedback will help shape a national social prescribing framework, ensuring future services and support are shaped by the people who use them.

👇 Have your say

Scottish Government launches Marine Protected Areas consultation

Supporting sustainable fisheries, coastal communities, habitats and environment

Fishers, coastal communities, marine and environmental groups are being invited to help shape the future management of Scotland’s seas.

A consultation has been published on proposals for fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas in Scottish waters.

The proposed measures aim to protect important habitats and species while supporting sustainable fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on healthy, productive seas.

https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/1137373721843372033/video/1

The consultation covers more than 160 sites and areas across inshore waters and will remain open until 18 January 2027, giving people a longer than usual opportunity to share their views.

There will be 26 in person drop-in events around the coast of Scotland and 17 online events for people to ask questions and provide support in responding to the consultation.

Scotland’s seas support a wealth of marine ecosystems. From ancient maerl beds and flame shell reefs to seagrass meadows and horse mussel beds, these habitats provide vital breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for a variety of marine life, which in turn support sustainable fisheries.

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie said: “Fishing is woven into the identity of so much of Scotland, sustaining families for generations, building local economies, and shaping the rhythm of life in our coastal communities.

“We know that any change to how our seas are managed touches something deeper than policy: it touches people’s homes, their traditions, and their sense of place.

“However, we also know that marine ecosystems across the world face increasing pressures from climate change, ocean warming and habitat loss – and Scotland is not immune to these challenges. That’s why I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair and ensures they remain a source of prosperity for the nation, and especially for our island and coastal communities.

“Our seas are a shared resource, and protecting them properly means looking after fish stocks, habitats and the long-term future of the very industries that rely on healthy marine environments. Healthy seas are not separate from a healthy fishing industry, they are the foundation of it.

“The development of these proposals has been informed by years of engagement, scientific evidence gathering and discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities, and other interested parties, meeting with them over 120 times in the last four years.

“I am extremely grateful to them for their contribution and look forward to continuing to work closely with them throughout the consultation period and beyond to ensure that we achieve an appropriate balance between environmental protection and the social and economic wellbeing of our coastal and island communities.

“Given the scale and complexity of the proposals, covering more than 160 sites and areas across Scotland’s inshore waters, the consultation has been extended beyond the standard duration and will run until January next year and I urge everyone with an interest to take part and help shape the future of our marine environment.”

Proposed Fisheries Management Measures in Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas and Proposed Priority Marine Features Consultation

Swinney writes to Prime Minister on Scotland’s right to decide

Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism

First Minister John Swinney has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding his comments on the constitutional future of Scotland. The First Minister invited the PM to meet to turn the accepted principle into a legal mechanism for a referendum.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham: 

Dear Andy

I am writing with regards to your comments at Prime Ministers Question’s in response to my colleague Chris Law MP’s question.

Earlier today, you said; “on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country – when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered. I would say that it is exactly the same situation in Scotland.”

The Good Friday Agreement, as implemented in UK domestic law by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, makes clear that if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification, a referendum should be held.

Your acceptance of the fact that majority support for independence in Scotland also means that a referendum should take place is welcome.

I am encouraged that you have reconsidered your previous comments that the democratic right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is “off limits.”

This is a long-overdue acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future, not the UK Government, and a clear endorsement of the fact that the UK must be a voluntary union.

In May, the SNP won a historic and unprecedented fifth term in office, and the people of Scotland elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history.

Given that, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.

You have rightly identified that there must be a discussion about where power lies across these islands.

By concluding a clear, understandable mechanism, both sides of the constitutional debate can move forward constructively in the full knowledge of an agreed process by which the Scottish people can exercise their democratic right at a time of their choosing.

Now that you have agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence, it is important for us to meet to discuss how we turn that principle into an agreed legal mechanism, as exists in Northern Ireland.

I have asked my office to take forward the necessary arrangements.

John Swinney MSP

Boosting neurodevelopmental support for children in Scotland

Investment to help children and families access support

Children, young people and their families will benefit from £7.6 million funding to strengthen and expand local neurodevelopmental support.
 
The Scottish Government funding, which will be distributed to local councils, will mean more flexible support is provided to children, young people and their families to get the help they need, when they need it, informed by local circumstances.
 
It is part of wider work by the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA and partners to improve neurodevelopmental support for young people across health, education, local government and the third sector, as set out in the new Programme for Government. 
 
This includes the work of the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, alongside other action to improve support and services. 

Announcing the funding on a visit to Windygoul Primary School in East Lothian, Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd said: “Demand for neurodevelopmental support has increased significantly in recent years and I want families to access the help they need, when they need it.
 
“This £7.6 million investment will help local areas build on existing services and further invest in the support that works for their communities. 
 
“There is no single action that will solve all the challenges people face in getting timely and consistent support.  This investment is just one part of the wider work to improve neurodevelopmental support.
 
“Through our continued partnership with local government, health services and the third sector, we will ensure a more joined-up, sustainable system of support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.”
 
COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Along with our wider partners, Local Government has seen rising demand for support for children and young people’s neurodevelopmental needs both pre, post and regardless of diagnosis. 

“We very much recognise the value of early, neuro-affirming support  for children, young people and their families in preventing the negative impacts caused where children’s needs are not met and  helping them achieve their full potential.  

“A whole system response is essential to support children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs and their families . We look forward to continuing to work with our cross sector partners to deliver improved outcomes as this work progresses.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD.