Tag: Scottish Government

Scottish Government: Supporting people to buy their first home

Delivering further support for first-time buyers

A scheme to help people on low incomes and in priority groups buy their first affordable home has opened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is available for first-time buyers and priority access groups who can’t afford the full price of a home. This includes social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.

The scheme, along with the First Homes Fund, provides financial assistance to prospective homeowners and is part of the Government’s programme of action to provide affordable housing across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Government is delivering on affordable housing and this scheme, along with our First Homes Fund, will provide a vital support for those looking to buy their first home.

“We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder – our shared equity schemes assist households who can sustain mortgage repayments but find it difficult to accumulate the necessary savings to secure a purchase. 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible and looking to buy a home to apply to these schemes. Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty across the country.”

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is open for applications. It is a shared equity scheme designed to help eligible buyers on low-to-moderate incomes purchase a home on the open market by funding a percentage of the price (usually 60% to 90%) while the government holds the remaining equity stake.

The First Homes Fund was introduced by the Scottish Government in June this year. This offers a £10,000 contribution to first-time buyers that struggle to save enough for a full deposit.

Further investment to tackle child poverty in Scotland

Ensuring support is available where and when families need it

TEN charities will receive a share of a £20 million fund in 2026-27 to deliver wide ranging support to improve wellbeing, boost incomes, and help parents towards employment as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to eradicate child poverty.

The charities involved estimate that up to 35,000 families could benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of whole family support, spanning almost all of Scotland.

The beneficiaries include:  

  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), which will expand its support into new areas of Scotland, such as Dundee, to pair parents of neurodivergent children with a Family Adviser to help boost incomes and improve children’s outcomes
  • Home Start Caithness which will bring together nine organisations to provide one-step gateway to financial and wellbeing support in the region
  • Borders Community Action who will work with 30 local charities under a new partnership to embed support in rural communities, where poverty can be harder to identify and the right support more difficult to access
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector which will coordinate a new partnership between more than 30 local organisations to deliver help specific to the needs of communities across the city

In Dundee, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met with families of neurodivergent children to hear about the difference that effective support at point of need can make. Mindroom will use this funding to expand into new areas of Scotland.

Ms Somerville said: “We have made great strides in our ambitious mission to eradicate child poverty. Within the powers we have, we have boosted incomes while delivering a transformational cost of living support package.

“But we know that more needs to be done, which is why we are driving whole family support. This is about making sure that people can access the help they need easily, as simply as possible, and as quickly as possible.

“To remove barriers, we need to empower local charities and local people and bring them together with other services so that there are clear and easy ways to access the right support, in the right place and at the right time.

“I am proud that this ambitious programme, which we will deliver in partnership with charities across Scotland, does just that.”

CEO of Mindroom Alan Thornburrow said: “We see the benefits that whole family support brings to parents and children on a daily basis, so we are pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government to expand our services, including into Dundee.

“Neurodivergent children and their parents have historically found it challenging to access the right support, in the right place – but we are determined to be there for them, tailoring services to meet their individual circumstances, and giving children the best start in life in the process.

“This funding will help us do so on a larger scale, enabling us to reach more people in varied communities. We look forward to pressing ahead with this work.”

tackling-child-poverty-delivery-plan-2026-2031Download

Children and families – Cost of Living Support Scotland

Information on benefits – Social Security Scotland

The funding comes from the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund, announced as part of the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,Building Futures, and, subject to confirmation during the annual Scottish budget process, it is expected to continue on an annual basis while the programme is in operation.

The 10 organisations that secured funding following a competitive application process are:

  • Community Enterprise in Scotland Ayrshire
  • Borders Community Action
  • Early Years Scotland
  • Citizens Advice Scotland
  • Capital City Partnership
  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre
  • Big Hearts Community Trust
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector
  • Home Start Caithness
  • One Parent Families Scotland

Additional funding for community-owned renewable energy

Helping community groups cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions

Community groups that want to install renewable energy projects and decarbonise their buildings will be able to access additional Scottish Government support this year.

Funding available from the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) will increase to £15 million this year, meaning more groups will be able to develop their own renewable energy projects such as onshore wind and solar, and cut the energy bills for their buildings by installing heat pumps and solar panels.

CARES has already delivered more than £83 million to communities across Scotland, supporting more than 1,200 projects and 75 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity.

The increase was announced by First Minister John Swinney ahead of a visit to Scalpay Community Centre in the Western Isles, which received CARES funding previously to install a heat pump, solar pv and battery storage.

Mr Swinney said: “We are moving beyond the idea of communities as passive hosts of energy infrastructure. Our approach supports them to become active partners by helping them to invest in, own and benefit from the clean energy future.

“That is why we are increasing the funding available from CARES to £15 million each year. More than 1,000 groups have already benefitted, empowering them to generate their own clean energy through local solutions, not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities.

“I would encourage organisations who have not already applied to check what support they may be eligible for.”

Gordon Ness, Chair of Scalpay Community Association said: “CARES funding has been instrumental in helping Scalpay Community Association SCIO transform our Community Centre into a more energy-efficient, sustainable and welcoming facility for everyone in our community.

“The support has enabled us to reduce our environmental impact while creating a warm, accessible space that will benefit local people for many years to come.

“Continued investment in CARES gives communities like ours the confidence to develop ambitious local projects that strengthen resilience, reduce carbon emissions and help secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s islands.”

CARES provides advice and funding, via grants and loans, to communities looking to develop renewable energy, heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects. It is administered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Scottish Government funding will be complemented by £2 million per year from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The Scottish Government wants communities to benefit from the opportunities presented by renewable technologies, and make the best use of the land and assets Scotland already has.

To deliver that, the Scottish Government will refresh guidance for public bodies to remind them of the ways they can help community groups to deliver renewable projects on public land and encourage them to make land and buildings available for such projects.

The Scottish Government is also assessing the potential for deploying solar technology in underused spaces, so that even more of Scotland’s land and infrastructure can contribute to our energy ambitions.

New guidance to ensure safe conversions of traditional buildings

Making historic buildings fit for the future

Landmark guidance designed to protect the future of almost half a million traditional buildings across Scotland has been published.

The Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings will help ensure traditional buildings are adapted safely for modern use – ensuring that they meet fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency needs, while supporting the sustainable reuse of historic buildings.

It is the first guidance of its kind in almost two decades and is part of the response to lessons learned from the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The safety of everyone who lives in, works in or visits a traditional building must always come first.

“The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Cameron House fire showed clearly how hidden risks in older buildings, like concealed voids and outdated fire protection, can have devastating consequences.

“This guidance is our direct response, ensuring that anyone converting a traditional building has the tools and understanding they need to protect lives.

“It also reflects our wider ambitions to support sustainable, low-carbon development by making the most of our existing building stock rather than defaulting to demolition and new build.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed their expertise to this guidance. By working together, government, industry and heritage specialists can ensure Scotland’s traditional buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.”

Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Scotland’s traditional buildings are some of our most valuable national assets. They shape the character of our towns, cities and rural communities and embody centuries of craftsmanship, cultural heritage and local identity.

“Reusing and adapting these buildings is vital to protecting our historic environment, while also supporting economic prosperity and community wellbeing through regeneration.

“This guidance will help support the safe, sustainable and informed conversion of traditional buildings across Scotland. It is the product of a truly collaborative approach which reflects the collective expertise of professionals from across the building standards, fire safety, engineering and conservation sectors.

“By learning from past events, understanding the unique risks associated with historic construction, and applying proportionate and informed solutions, we can protect people, retain cultural significance and ensure that these remarkable buildings continue to serve future generations.” 

Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings – gov.scot

First phase of £10 million funding announced as FM visits Western Isles

Strengthening islands resilience

Financial support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption will be made available through the first phase of the £10m Islands Resilience Fund.

This will provide a further £3 million in 2026-27 to help mitigate the disproportionate impact faced by people and businesses living and operating in Scotland’s islands. It builds on the £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund delivered in 2025-26. 

The funding announcement comes ahead of a three-day visit to the Western Isles from the First Minister, during which he will visit Barra, South Uist, Grimsay, Scalpay, Lewis and Harris. His engagements on the islands will cover key areas including housing, energy and community wellbeing.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Scotland’s islands are home to a wealth of talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, but too often island businesses are held back by circumstances outside their control.

“The £10 million Islands Resilience Fund was one of our commitments for the first 100 days of government. This fund will support businesses to cope with challenging circumstances, helping them to thrive and ensuring that Scotland’s islands remain attractive places to set up businesses and livelihoods.

“Crucially, this phase of investment will ensure support can be put in place immediately while we establish the foundations for longer-term investment over the course of this Parliament.

“Over the next few days I will meet a wide range of organisations in the Western Isles, where I look forward to discussing more about how the Scottish Government can support island communities to build the resilience needed for a bright future.”

Rachel Hunter, Director of Enterprise and Community Support, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: “The Islands Resilience Fund will ensure that support reaches more island communities and sectors experiencing the effects of ferry disruption.

“By opening eligibility, we can provide practical assistance to businesses and community organisations that have experiences additional costs and challenges beyond their control.

“Working on behalf of the Scottish Government, HIE’s focus will be on delivering the fund and ensuring support reaches those who need it most. Organisations that received support through previous rounds of the IBRF will be contacted directly by HIE, rather than needing to submit an application.

“This investment will help strengthen resilience across our island communities, supporting organisations to adapt, recover and continue contributing to vibrant and sustainable local economies.”

The First Minister will visit the Western Isles from 10 – 12 August.

Poverty Alliance: ‘a beautiful journey’

RIGHTS IN ACTION PROJECT: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

Our research team has great experience in working alongside community researchers – people with lived experience who get help and support to study the issues that matter most to them.

Find out what we’ve learned along the way!

https://www.povertyalliance.org/…/Right-in-action…

Right-in-action-learning-report-FINALDownload

Arts festivals put Scotland on global stage

Deputy First Minister attends opening concert

Edinburgh’s festivals provide a “global platform” for Scotland as well as the artists who take part in performances, the Deputy First Minister has said.

Jenny Gilruth will attend the opening concert of the Edinburgh International Festival – All Rise – tonight along with Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad.

It comes after the First Minister last night (Friday) attended the opening evening of ‘A Trial’, a special collaboration between the Edinburgh International Festival, Festival d’Avignon and Holland Festival, the three European festivals established in 1947.

Funding for the August festivals in Edinburgh has increased to £6.3 million this year through both the Multi-Year Funding programme and Expanded Festivals Fund provided through Creative Scotland. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society received £500,000 in 2026-27 to support ongoing digital transformation work, including a new website to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Fringe next year.

Ms Gilruth said: “Edinburgh’s festivals provide a global platform for Scotland and for all the talented performers who take part. They also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the capital throughout August with all the economic benefits that brings.

“They are invaluable for Scottish artists and performers to develop and support their ambition and creativity, providing opportunities to showcase their work nationally and internationally.

“These festivals also send out a clear message that Scotland is an open and welcoming country, reinforcing how the culture and arts sector occupy such an important place at the heart of our national identity.

“Increasing investment into Edinburgh’s Festivals forms part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase culture funding by £100 million annually by 2028-29, ensuring the benefits and chances to participate are enjoyed across the country.    

“I am delighted to be attending the opening concert of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival and thank everyone involved in the tremendous range of shows on offer across all the festivals in the city this month.”

The Scottish Government has a long term commitment to providing £100 million more per year into the culture budget as a whole by 2028-29, compared to 2023-24

As part of this commitment, the 2026-27 Expanded Festivals Fund supports the ambitions of 55 arts festivals across Scotland and recognises their vital role as platforms for artists and performers. 

Taken together, eight Edinburgh Festivals will receive just over £20.5m of Multi-Year Funding under Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year (2025-28) Funding Programme (MYF).

Support for Cairngorms businesses

Scootish Government funding to help impact of wildfire

Businesses affected by the wildfire in the Cairngorms will receive a share of up to £3 million of Scottish Government funding.

The grants will be available through the Highland Council’s support scheme for businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. 

Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “The wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park has had a significant impact on many businesses, particularly those premises within the cordon that have been unable to trade.

“I want to thank business owners, employees and local residents for their patience and understanding of the necessary precautions put in place by emergency services to tackle the fire and maintain public safety.

“We understand the difficult position that many now face which is why I am pleased to be able to confirm up to £3 million for the Highland Council to support affected businesses directly.

“This will provide immediate relief for impacted businesses but we will continue to work closely with the Highland Council, HIE and Cairngorms National Park Authority on what further support may be required for the area in the longer term.”

The fund will be administered by The Highland Council with a focus on helping businesses recover from the impact of the wildfire, maintain business continuity and support longer-term recovery.

They will release full details of how to apply in the coming days.

Code of Practice for Mental Health

Views sought on changes to restraint and seclusion guidance

Responses are being sought on proposals to improve guidance around the use of restraint and seclusion in hospitals.

The proposed updates to the Code of Practice for the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 aim to strengthen protections for adults and children to ensure that their safety, emotional wellbeing and rights are taken into account with any potential use of restraint or seclusion.

It also seeks to support practitioners, services and Health Boards to deliver safe care, based on the needs of individual patients being treated under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. The draft measures include guidance on:                

  • the clear definitions of restraint and seclusion
  • the lawful limits of restraint
  • the use of restraint and seclusion with children and young people
  • the use of restraint and seclusion in relation to people with learning disabilities or autistic people
  • the use of restraint during nasogastric tube feeding

Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd said: “The safety and wellbeing of people receiving mental health treatment and support is at the heart of these proposals.

“These proposed revisions to the Code of Practice reflect the increased concern over the use of restraint and seclusion – and in particular with children and young people, as well as developments to human rights legislation over the past 20 years.

“Revisions will give practitioners clearer, consistent and rights‑based guidance, and help ensure people are treated with dignity and respect.

“I urge people with a stake in this – patients, families, carers and clinicians to respond.”

Updates to the Code of Practice for the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Sean Batty urges Edinburgh residents to celebrate their high street heroes

Nominations for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards are open until August 14th

Television presenter Sean Batty is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to celebrate their high street heroes.

The STV weatherman launched Scotland Loves Local Week in North Berwick earlier this summer, joining traders at East Lothian Food and Drink’s harbour market.

And now he is calling on residents to nominate their high street heroes as part of the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – before they close on Friday August 14th.

Sean, an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Awards are about celebrating the people and businesses in your community who go above and beyond – as well as the innovation, ambition and determination which is forging a better future for the places we call home.

“Not all heroes wear capes, but the way in which so many people give so much time and energy into making life better in our communities is truly heroic. What better way to celebrate that than nominating them as a High Street Hero?”

A High Street Hero will be named in each Scottish Parliament region, including Edinburgh and Lothians East, as well as Central Scotland and Lothians West.

Nationally, awards will be presented for:

Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).

Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.

Now in their sixth year, they recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals making a difference.

They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.

Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.