The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, which regulates higher-risk cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers, has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Bill requires procedures to be performed by, or alongside, certain healthcare professionals in a registered setting, bringing consistent regulation to the industry. The Bill also ensures non-surgical cosmetic procedures cannot be performed on under 18s.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland will be able to inspect premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence is being committed.
The Scottish Government will support businesses to adapt to the new requirements. Businesses will have at least until September 2027 to make necessary changes.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular, and when not carried out safely they can cause serious and lasting harm.
“This legislation is designed to ensure that higher-risk procedures take place in appropriate settings with a healthcare professional present, and that under-18s are properly protected. These are meaningful, proportionate changes that put public safety first.
“I also recognise the importance of ensuring businesses are supported to adapt to new requirements and we have listened closely to the sector. The offences in the Bill cannot come into force before September 2027 giving an extended period of time for businesses to respond to these changes. The Bill is designed to be responsive to changes in the industry, and the procedures will be kept under review to ensure the list remains effective and proportionate.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who campaigned so passionately on this issue – their determination has helped shape stronger legislation.
“I am also grateful to colleagues across the Parliament who worked together constructively to pass this Bill.”
Seized criminal assets support 1.4 million young people to date
Thousands more young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and crime will be supported by an additional £26 million of CashBack for Communities funding.
CashBack uses money recovered from seized criminal assets and reinvests it into communities. The funding supports young people by providing safe spaces, training and free activities that build confidence and skills, while also addressing issues that could lead to harm before they develop.
In this latest round of funding a record 51 projects will share up to £26 million – bringing the total amount paid out to CashBack to £156 million since it began in 2008, with more than 1.4 million young people supported so far.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2016813569946636698
New projects include North Edinburgh’s Scran Academy, an acclaimed catering social enterprise that works with local schools, youth workers, social workers and the police. SCRAN will soon be opening a new cafe in West Pilton Park, and the project has been awarded funding to help young people aged 11–25 learn catering and customer service skills and gain work experience in a busy community space.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “CashBack for Communities turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.
“Seeing the fantastic work of Scran Academy first hand and meeting the young people benefitting from projects like this, is exactly why investment in the CashBack programme matters.
“Since 2008, CashBack has had a transformational impact on young people’s lives. This unique initiative underlines our commitment to support Scotland’s young people to live full, healthy lives and to help address some of the underlying causes of crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
Will Bain, CEO of Scran, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the CashBack for Communities fund. Too often we talk about young people as a problem, but at Scran Academy what we see every day is pure potential, just waiting for the right chance.
“This fund will help unlock that potential, creating the relationships, experiences and opportunities that allow young people to shape their own futures.
“Every young person, no matter their background or barrier, deserves that chance, and we need a Scotland that offers it. Because the truth is, young people are never the problem; they are the solution.”
Phase 7 of the CashBack for Communities programme will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 with an increased overall programme budget of up to £26 million.
Additional support for people caring for more than one person
Financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland is being strengthened in recognition of their vital role.
From yesterday (Monday 16 March) carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.
The new payment is part of a package of measures to improve carer support, with carers in Scotland now better off than anywhere else in the UK.
Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer’s Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Making sure unpaid carers are recognised for their important role has been paramount for me in my time as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, so I’m incredibly proud that the latest improvements to support are now in place.
“Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them. Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families.
“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life. I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more about the support available to them.”
This is the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers which are unique to Scotland, and includes the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and the extension of Carer Support Payment to more people in education.
Dawn Williamson, from Penicuik in Midlothian, cares for her 12-year-old daughter, who has autism, as well as her elderly parents and uncle.
She welcomed the news of increased financial support for carers with multiple caring responsibilities from Social Security Scotland.
Ms Williamson said: “It’s amazing that there is this acknowledgement for people who do look after more than one disabled person. It’s improving things for every carer out there who manages care for multiple people.
“When it comes to applying for support, I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. It makes a real difference. Getting Carer Support Payment – it felt like I was getting recognition for the job that I had to do, looking after my daughter. If it wasn’t there, I don’t know how we would have got by.”
Supporting families at risk of poverty and improving outcomes for children are at the heart of a funding package totalling more than £7.5 million.
The Scottish Government investment spans three key programmes, each designed to address the root causes of child poverty and give families the tools they need to thrive.
The funding for 2026-27 is:
£2.2 million for the Whole Family Support through General Practice (WFSGP), doubling its reach to more families across the most deprived parts of Glasgow. The programme supports families to increase wellbeing, and build financial resilience
£4.2 million to strengthen NHS Scotland’s employability opportunities and deliver 200 placements for job seeking parents, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to enter or return to the workforce
an additional £1.1 million for the Family Nurse Partnership, enabling the programme to reach up to 500 additional parents. It supports young first-time parents often facing challenging circumstances to connect with community resources and to improve their financial situations.
We are committed to eradicating child poverty in Scotland.
Our new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan builds on progress and sets out a broad range of actions to help parents.
The package forms part of the Scottish Government’s new Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-31 which aims to support parents to increase their incomes and reduce the burden of everyday costs, on top of existing work, helping to keep an estimated 100,000 children out of relative poverty in 2026-27.
This builds on existing Scottish Government action which has already reduced relative child poverty rates in Scotland to the lowest levels in almost a decade – with rates nine percentage points lower than the UK in 2023-24.
We want to ensure that no child in Scotland grows up in poverty.
Watch First Minister @JohnSwinney as he explains what we are doing to eradicate child poverty and provide whole family support. pic.twitter.com/F7zeJGhl8g
Announcing the investment at Peat Road Medical Practice, in Glasgow, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Tackling child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we want every child to have the best possible start in life.
“That’s why this package of funding is so important. It will enhance and expand three highly impactful programmes which will help families access support, fair work in the NHS, and reduce child poverty.
“This support will allow these three invaluable projects to continue to grow and help even more families across Scotland.”
Dr Elizabeth Bryden, GP at Peat Road Medical Centre, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has extended funding for Whole Family Support through General Practice into 2026/27.
“The project helps to reduce inequalities linked to deprivation and enables children and families to reach their potential.
“Being involved in the Whole Family Support programme has made a significant difference to the families in our practice. Our Family Wellbeing Worker has used their knowledge and experience to connect families with community resources and patients place a great deal of trust in them.”
Strengthened focus on family group decision-making ahead of Bill vote
Clearer access to advice and support, including better information on financial help and allowances are central to a newly-published national ‘vision’ for supporting Kinship Carers who look after children who cannot be cared for by their parents.
The importance of family group decision-making (FGDM) has been underlined in the final ‘Vision for Kinship Care’ that has been unveiled during Kinship Care Week, while Ministers have also lodged proposed amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill to strengthen the role of FGDM.
If agreed by Parliament along with the wider Bill, the amendments would give children and families the legal right to ask for FGDM to be considered as part of agreeing care arrangements for a child or young person where it is in their best interests. Local councils would have a duty to tell families about the option of FGDM during discussions over a child’s care, or during a review of existing kinship arrangements.
Meeting kinship carers at Children First’s offices in Edinburgh, the Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “Helping children to stay in their families where safe to do so is central to our aims to Keep the Promise, and I am hugely grateful to kinship carers who make an incredible difference by providing stable homes for children within their family network.
“The care, energy and commitment shown by Scotland’s kinship community is truly moving, and their input has been vital in shaping our National Vision for Kinship Care.
“When used in the right way, family group decision-making brings families together, helps children to be heard, and allows wider family networks to take part in planning and decision-making. This can help build stronger, more lasting plans, support earlier and more effective action, and reduce the need for things to be escalated.
“The stronger focus on family group decision-making in the final Vision for Kinship Care reflects what carers and their representative organisations have told us. The Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) Bill, if approved by Parliament, will further strengthen its place as one of a range of early options when considering how a child should be cared for.”
Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Children First have supported the development of the Vision and worked closely with the incredible kinship carers we support to make sure their experiences shaped it.
“We were pleased the Minister could join us to celebrate Kinship Care Week and to connect with kinship carers. We warmly welcome the Vision and the plans to strengthen provision of family group decision making which are a crucial step towards ensuring all children can grow up safe, loved and connected to their wider family and community.”
One Kinship Carer, Iris*, said: “I have been a kinship carer for my seven-year-old grandson since he was four months old and I very much appreciate the Scottish Government’s attempt to make life better for kinship carers and the children they care for.
“I am very happy my grandson lives with me and, with help from my husband, my aunt, friends, family and neighbours, I am trying to give him the best possible life. But it’s not easy. Being a kinship carer is hard, often lonely, and involves rethinking your life, your career and your future.
“Kinship carers need, and deserve, all the support that can possibly be provided. Financially, practically and emotionally.”
*Name has been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.
Scotland’s teachers to benefit from fully-funded classroom hours reduction
Scotland’s teachers will see a reduction in class contact time after a landmark agreement was reached – averting industrial action in schools.
A weekly reduction of 90 minutes will be introduced on a phased basis, with primary school teachers and those working in special schools benefiting from August 2027. Secondary school teachers will follow two years later.
The Scottish Government has committed to meeting the full cost of implementing this agreement, including £40 million in 2026-27 for the recruitment of additional teachers required to deliver the change.
Further funding to support this deal will be provided from 2027-28. An additional recurring investment of £1 million will be made to support rural and island communities that face challenges in recruiting teachers.
The deal was agreed by the Scottish Government and the EIS earlier this week before being ratified by COSLA during a meeting earlier today.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This is a significant milestone for Scotland’s teaching profession. I am delighted that we have been able to reach a deal that works for teachers, parties in local government and most importantly our children and young people.
“I want to thank the EIS in particular for their constructive engagement and dialogue. This deal shows what can be achieved when we all work together in the interests of children and teachers.
“Avoiding industrial action was essential – particularly at this critical time when pupils are preparing for their exams. This agreement ensures that any potential disruption to their learning has been averted.
“By giving teachers more protected time, we are taking meaningful action to reduce workload and stress, supporting a healthier, more sustainable teaching profession that will deliver better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.
“This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves.”
First Minister John Sweeney added: “I am pleased that agreement has been reached with the EIS and COSLA to suspend planned teacher strikes.
“This deal supports teachers, protects learning time for pupils, especially those preparing for exams, and shows what can be achieved through constructive partnership.”
COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, commented: “COSLA Leaders met this morning (Friday) to consider the issue of Reduced Class Contact Time (RCCT) and the potential for industrial action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).
“Following considerable deliberations among council leaders, COSLA agreed to support the proposed way forward – fully funded by Scottish Government – which we expect will enable the EIS to rescind their notice to strike.
“The joint statement agreed with the Scottish Government and the EIS commits Local Government to developing implementation plans for the introduction of Reduced Class Contact Time of 90 minutes per week. We recognise that concessions have been made on all sides.
“Despite concerns being expressed by councils, in the interests of reaching a constructive way forward and attempting to avert planned strike action, Leaders have agreed to support the joint approach. Throughout implementation, COSLA will always prioritise what is in the best interest of children and young people.
“Further detail will be negotiated through the SNCT.”
The EIS has announced that it is suspending all planned industrial action over teacher workload, following an agreement being reached between the EIS, Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
A draft agreement, approved earlier this week by both the EIS and Scottish Government, was also approved by COSLA leaders at a meeting earlier today.
The draft agreement, as approved by all three sides, will now pass to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for formal approval and implementation.
The agreement will deliver the promised 90-minute per week reduction in the maximum class contact time for teachers as a means to tackling excessive teacher workload and to provide more time for teachers to undertake important areas of activity such as the preparation and correction of pupil work.
Commenting today, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS is extremely pleased that a negotiated outcome, which has been approved by all sides, has now been achieved in this long-running dispute.
“This agreement will have a positive impact on teacher workload and will help to create more jobs for the many newly and recently qualified teachers currently seeking secure employment in schools across Scotland.
“This is a positive outcome for Scottish education, and for teachers and pupils. It will deliver more teachers into our schools, with a positive impact on teacher workload and the creation of an improved learning environment and experience for pupils.”
Ms Bradley added, “It is the collective strength of Scotland’s teachers, working through the EIS, that has delivered this positive outcome.
“We are extremely pleased that both the Scottish Government and COSLA have listened to the very clear message that was sent by EIS members, and have now agreed the way forward on these positive changes for Scottish education.
“This agreement will help to deliver a brighter future for our schools, and for all teachers and pupils across Scotland.”
Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country
A programme giving dedicated support to cancer patients throughout their treatment will be rolled out nationwide.
Following the success of 12 pilot projects, which received over £5 million in funding between 2022 and March 2025, an additional £1 million will be provided annually to expand the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) programme, reaching more people with cancer than ever before. An assessment by Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that over a 12-month period, SPOC services had more than 30,000 interactions with people affected by cancer.
The SPOC makes life easier for patients with cancer, providing easy access to clinical teams providing information and advice about appointments, tests and results, and explaining what clinical and non-clinical support is available for them and their family.
Patient feedback from the pilots highlighted reduced stress around appointments, quicker access to blood results, more time for questions, and greater emotional support. Staff reported improved wellbeing and more time for professional development and clinical care.
Announcing the expansion at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where the SPOC navigation team has supported patients since early 2023, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to roll-out this invaluable initiative which gives people with cancer a consistent contact throughout their treatment, enabling specialist staff to focus on complex clinical care.
“The Single Point of Contact service ensures cancer patients know exactly who they can turn to when they need advice about their diagnosis or care. The expansion of this programme means more people can benefit from this type of one-to-one support which is truly making a difference.”
NHS Forth Valley Deputy Medical Director Professor Karen Adamson said: “Digital follow-up for patients with prostate cancer is transforming how we support people after diagnosis. It offers a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive their results and ongoing follow-up, without the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
“In 2024–25, 391 patients received their results and follow-up digitally, releasing the equivalent of 26 Clinical Nurse Specialist clinics so more patients can be seen and supported. Feedback shows patients value the service, describing it as quick, convenient and reassuring.
“This approach reflects our commitment to value-based health and care – improving patient experience and outcomes while making the best possible use of specialist clinical time.”
A cross-Government Ministerial Board has been established to coordinate the Scottish Government’s immediate and longer-term response to the Glasgow Union Corner fire that will support the ongoing critical work of partners and stakeholders.
Chaired by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, the board will ensure that work across the Scottish Government is most effectively supporting the city’s recovery efforts. It will also oversee the development of a support package to aid in the recovery process.
Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, is joining the Group’s meetings with Ministerial members including: Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic; Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government; Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport; Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Housing; and Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has launched a multi-agency investigation into the causes of the fire, which is expected to take time given its scale and complexity.
Ms Constance said: “First and foremost I want to pay tribute to the emergency services, and particularly the brave firefighters who fought the blaze. It is an incredible relief that there were no casualties and there is no doubt that without their tireless efforts the fire’s impact would have been far greater.
“The fire has left a scene of ruin in the heart of Glasgow and I am determined that the Scottish Government will stand with the city as it recovers.
“The Ministerial Board has been established to coordinate the Scottish Government’s response. There are the immediate issues of making the site safe and the recovery of the transport network, with significant ongoing work to return rail and road systems back to normality as soon as possible.
“There are also wider impacts to be considered and managed, not least the impact on affected businesses and the recovery of the site. The Board will oversee the development of a support package to aid in the recovery process.
“Undoubtedly this will take time, requiring a significant effort across Government, together with partners and stakeholders. The Ministerial Board will play an integral role to ensure the city can get back on its feet as quickly as possible.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, has written to MSPs and MPs providing them with an update on the status of Rail Transport following the Union Corner Fire.
A new report is calling for Scotland to move “beyond adequate” in the way public libraries are supported, measured and funded, warning that without clearer national expectations, communities could face widening inequalities in access to essential services.
Public Libraries: Beyond Adequate, published by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of a national advisory group convened for the Scottish Government, sets out a series of recommendations to ensure equitable, sustainable and modern library services across all 32 local authorities.
The report makes 10 recommendations covering innovative service delivery, funding and costs, measurement and accountability, leadership awareness and national and local positioning.
Central to the report is the proposal to develop a Universal Library Offer — a clear national framework defining the essential services and experiences every person in Scotland should expect from their local library.
While councils already have a legal duty to provide an “adequate” library service, the report highlights that the term is not clearly defined in legislation, leading to growing differences in provision across the country.
The advisory group warns that without stronger national clarity, there is a risk of incremental erosion of services, increasing geographic inequality and missed opportunities to use libraries to support major national priorities.
The proposed Universal Library Offer would define core areas of service that every community should be able to access, including:
Promoting reading and literacy for all ages
Free access to trusted information and digital support
Health and wellbeing programmes and safe community spaces
Cultural activity and opportunities for creativity and learning
The framework would maintain local flexibility in how services are delivered while ensuring greater national consistency and transparency.
Libraries remain among Scotland’s most trusted public services, providing vital support for literacy, digital access, learning, culture and community wellbeing.
The report positions public libraries as essential partners in delivering Scotland’s wider national ambitions, including the National Performance Framework, child poverty strategy, digital inclusion and preventative public services, highlighting how libraries act as cost-effective civic infrastructure, helping tackle child poverty, improve digital inclusion, support preventative health and strengthen local communities.
It argues that investing in libraries represents a high impact policy lever because they already operate as trusted, place-based services embedded in every community.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland already has a powerful foundation for delivering public services through its library network. They are one of Scotland’s most trusted and far-reaching public services, and access to them should never depend on where you live.
“The recommendations in this report set out a clear path to move beyond the ambiguity of ‘adequate’ and towards a shared national understanding of what every person in Scotland should be able to expect from their local library.
“A Universal Library Offer will provide greater clarity, transparency and fairness so that people across Scotland can rely on consistent access to the services libraries provide, while still allowing local authorities the flexibility to respond to the needs of their communities.”
The report also calls for:
A national exercise to identify the true cost of delivering equitable library services across Scotland
Multi-year funding settlements to support sustainable planning
A strengthened national improvement and peer-review framework for all library services
Minimum national standards for digital access and infrastructure
Research to quantify the social return on investment delivered by Scotland’s libraries
The advisory group presented its recommendations to Mr Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture earlier this month, with the Scottish Government welcoming the proposal, signalling full support to take the package forward.
Mr Robertson said: “I welcome the hard work that SLIC and the Public Libraries Beyond Adequate Advisory Group have put in to develop these recommendations over a short period of time. It will be for the new administration to consider and decide how they are taken forward.”
These recommendations will help inform the next phase of Scotland’s public library strategy, building on the progress of Forward: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021–25 and its 2026 Fast Forward refresh. Together, the proposals aim to ensure libraries can continue to act as vital community anchors supporting learning, inclusion, culture and wellbeing across the country.
A formal national review of progress is proposed within twelve months to ensure the recommendations translate into measurable improvements.
The full report and recommendations have been published by SLIC and the Scottish Government.
Delivering better experiences for learners, teachers and practitioners to thrive
A rapid review of Additional Support for Learning (ASL) has set out recommendations to ensure young people’s evolving needs continue to be met across Scotland.
Professional Education Advisor Janie McManus’ expert review of ASL said that clearer expectations, stronger pathways to support across education, health and social care, and early interventions should underpin the next steps in delivering Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision in schools.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth welcomed publication of the review outcomes and accepted the recommendations in a speech to practitioners – the first in a series of national events on ASL convened by the Scottish Government.
In her address, Ms Gilruth also confirmed that an app to streamline administrative tasks and free up teachers’ time to focus on pupil needs would be rolled out more widely later this year, backed by £700,000 government funding, subject to the success of ongoing pilots in six council areas.
Ms Gilruth said: “I am grateful to MSPs from across Parliament for their constructive engagement on the additional support needs review. I am also thankful to Janie McManus for leading this short, sharp review into ASN, with clear recommendations for the next Scottish Government to address.
“The pandemic was an undoubtedly challenging time for schools, but none more so than for our additional support needs pupils. It is with the needs of those young people in mind, that we have come together to work collegiately to drive the improvement we all want to see in Scotland’s inclusive schools.
“Across the country our teachers and school staff display extraordinary commitment working with pupils with ASN to provide a nurturing, supportive environment. Through our investment in the CivTech programme, we are seeing how technology can be harnessed to cut the time spent on paperwork and free up valuable time for teaching and learning, helping ensure teachers and school staff have the time to focus on what matters most – their pupils.”
COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “We welcome the final progress report on the Additional Support for Learning Action Plan.
“Six years after Angela Morgan’s review, progress has been made, though more remains to do. We now better understand the needs of children and young people, supported by new tools and stronger partnerships.
“Local and Scottish Government must continue working together with a shared vision that enables local and individualised approaches. We note Janie McManus’s report and will consider it jointly with Scottish Government.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “While we welcome the outcomes of the expert review on additional support for learning (ASL), including the call for timely access to specialist services across education, health and social care, and early intervention, there needs to be adequate resourcing in place to turn this vision into a reality.
“Across the last decade, spending per pupil on ASL has declined by almost a third, and there have been cuts in the like of specialist ASN teacher numbers, which have been slashed by 240 over the same time period. We are facing a lost generation of vulnerable children and young people who are not getting the care and support they so vitally need.
“We would urge the Scottish Government to prioritise the windfall that will come from proposed increased spending on those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in English schools, on those Scottish pupils with ASN.
“With more than two out of five pupils identified with additional support needs, and the Scottish Parliamentary elections forthcoming, we would additionally urge the political parties to concentrate on this issue as they draft their manifestoes and for the public to focus on what these parties intend to do if voted into office.”
