Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced that she will not stand in next May’s Holyrood elections.
Ms Forbes said: ‘After careful thought over recess, I’ve decided not to seek re-election to @scotparl next year. I’ve written to the First Minister this morning (see below).
‘I will continue to serve the First Minister, the Government and my constituents to the best of my ability until May 2026.’
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened a SGORR Ministerial meeting last night to co-ordinate the response to Storm Floris. Justice Secretary Angela Constance chaired the meeting.
Utilities companies are working to reconnect properties with the weather impact on power networks expected to continue through the night. 43,000 homes were affected.
The Transport Scotland Resilience Room (TSRR) and the Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) remain activated to monitor and report on conditions.
Trunk road Operating Companies have responded to multiple fallen trees and damaged infrastructure across the network and have engaged specialist resources to assist.
There have been 119 incidents on the rail network caused by Storm Floris, including 75 tree related incidents. Of those, 85% were due to third party trees.
With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service.
ScotRail is urging customers to check their journey before they travel via the app, website or JourneyCheck. The train operator will also provide updates across social media channels throughout the night.
Ms Constance said last night: “As expected, there has been significant disruption, particularly across the travel networks. We are still in an amber warning, and the advice remains to stay well informed, keep yourselves and others safe and avoid travel if you can, until the danger has passed.
“Power cuts are affecting a significant number of properties, and while utilities companies are working hard to reconnect supply in the face of challenging conditions, this will undoubtedly take some time to complete. The weather is expected to improve tomorrow (Tuesday), but the recovery period – both to reconnect homes to power and get transport back to normal – will require some time to clear the debris.
“We will continue to receive updates throughout Tuesday and will have a better idea on public transport tomorrow morning.”
The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
Doctors are being urged to share their views about how best to shape and sustain Scotland’s medical workforce over the next 15–20 years.
The Future Medical Workforce project will gather feedback from doctors, residents and senior clinicians to help shape future reforms in training, recruitment and workforce planning.
Over the next two months the Scottish Government is running a series of in-person and online focus groups to help better understand current pressures facing the profession and how best to respond to the challenges of delivering care among a changing population.
These sessions will form the first phase of the project, with a final report being published in autumn, setting out key insights and recommendations. The second phase, beginning in January 2026, will focus on reform, improving recruitment and the redesigning of medical education.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of the medical workforce and create a sustainable, fulfilling career path for doctors in Scotland.
“We know the NHS faces major challenges, and it is vital that those living the reality of what it means to be a doctor today are at the heart of shaping what comes next.
“I strongly encourage doctors across Scotland to get involved in this work. Your voice matters and your insight will help ensure that the future of our health service is informed, inclusive and resilient.”
The focus groups begin this month and will continue through to the autumn. Those interesting in attending can sign up here.
AMBER WARNING IN PLACE FROM 10am – 10pm
THE YARD, A charity that supports disabled children and young people and their families can provide 300 more places throughout the year after opening new premises in Glasgow for the first time.
The dedicated play centre, supported with £500,000 from the Scottish Government, joins existing premises in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife where The Yard supports disabled children and young people, and their families.
The new facility provides children with a sensory room, play hall and outdoor space, while also providing a meeting room for parents and carers to receive family support.
The Scottish Government funding is part of a £2 million commitment over three years from 2024-25 to support The Yard to grow its services, including tailored support, and expand its spaces for disabled children and young people to play and socialise.
Children and Young People’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes officially opened the new facility and joined a family session as part of The Yard’s school holiday programme.
Photo: Julie Broadfoot Photographer
Ms Don-Innes said: “Working with charities is vital to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families. Our three-year funding will help The Yard to continue to grow and support more families across Scotland.
“This wonderful new facility, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, has allowed the Yard to expand to new premises in Glasgow for the first time. The smiles on the faces of the children and families who rely on The Yard for support show what a difference this service makes to their lives.”
Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said; “We are incredibly proud to launch our new Glasgow service, building on the success of our centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife.
“The Yard team provide exemplary, safe, inclusive spaces where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included. We are just thrilled to be in the West of Scotland and would like to thank Scottish Government and our funders for helping us realise this ambition.
“Working alongside our partners in Glasgow, this new service builds on our legacy and expands our reach to meet the needs of families and schools. As we continue developing The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence, the opening of our Glasgow centre marks a major step forward in our mission to inspire and to help build meaningful inclusion across the country.”
Applications are now open for the 2025–26 Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF), which helps employers cover the cost of essential qualifications for social care staff.
The funding supports workers in gaining the qualifications required for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)—the national regulator for the social care workforce.
The VSDF is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized organisations, but is open to all voluntary sector employers, regardless of size.
Welcoming the continued support of professional development for staff Minister for Social Care Tom Arthur, said: “The Scottish Government recognises that the social care sector is facing a number of challenges, and this scheme is just one of the ways we are working to support social care employers and their staff.
“That is why we’re continuing to invest in this important fund, helping hundreds of workers gain the skills they need to deliver high-quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“I would urge all voluntary sector social care organisations to consider applying for this funding to help with the costs of staff training”
Guidance and the application form for the VSDF can be found at:
https://news.sssc.uk.com/news/2025-26-vsdf-open-for-applications
Applications for the years fund will close at 5pm on Friday 5 September 2025.
‘A VERY DARK DAY FOR SCOTLAND’S SEABIRDS’
One of the world’s largest offshore wind farms has been granted consent by the Scottish Government.
Located approximately 38km from the Scottish Borders coastline at St Abbs, Berwick Bank wind farm will have an estimated capacity of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) which, with current technology, could generate enough electricity each year to power every household in Scotland around twice over.
In recognition that the site of the development is also considered a highly important area for wildlife, consent for the construction and operation of the wind farm is subject to the developer, SSE Renewables, producing a detailed sea bird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for.
This plan will need to be approved by Scottish Ministers ahead of Berwick Bank proceeding.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Ministers have given the Berwick Bank wind farm application extremely careful consideration.
“The decision to grant consent to Berwick Bank is a major step in Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis, as well as supporting national energy security and growing our green economy.
“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector, and this investment will be further built upon through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects under the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing rounds.
“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation – to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users – and balance the needs of people and nature.”
Berwick Bank will have an estimated capacity of 4.1GW which, with current technology, could generate up to 11.2 TWh of electricity annually – enough to power around 17% of UK households – or enough to meet Scotland’s needs TWICE over.
A DARK DAY FOR SCOTLAND’S SEABIRDS
RSPB Scotland commented: “A dark day for Scotland’s seabirds. We’re incredibly concerned @Scotgov have granted consent for the Berwick Bank windfarm, which could catapult some of our most vulnerable species toward extinction.
The Scottish Government have granted consent for SSE Renewables proposed Berwick Bank offshore windfarm. RSPB Scotland, together with partners, had called for plans for the mega offshore windfarm to be refused to protect our globally important seabirds.
The development is close to iconic colonies like the Bass Rock – home to the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets. It’s estimated that the windfarm will kill tens of thousands of seabirds over its lifetime, including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Gannets.
Although Scottish Ministers require the developers to demonstrate that “sufficient” seabird compensation will be put in place before the project can start, it is not clear how the thousands of seabirds predicted to be killed can be compensated for.
Anne McCall, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “This is a very dark day for seabirds. It is a terrible decision on a really bad development.
“Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland’s globally important seabirds which are already facing alarming declines. In addition, its impacts are so damaging they will make the relative impacts of other windfarms significantly higher. This one windfarm is going to make it really challenging to accelerate renewable projects across Scottish seas. We are incredibly concerned that Scottish Government have granted consent for a project which could catapult some of Scotland’s most-loved seabird species towards extinction.
“RSPB Scotland recognises climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds, but there needs to be seabirds left to save. We support nature-positive offshore wind, in the right locations with minimised impacts on wildlife, and measures to restore and protect seabird populations. But this is predicted to be one of the most damaging windfarms for birds we are aware of anywhere on the planet.
“We will be carefully scrutinising the details of the consent documents over the coming hours and days and considering what further steps we will take.”
A service to help refugees and people seeking asylum integrate into their local areas is being supported with £8 million in funding over the next two and a half years.
Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the Scotland-wide integration support service will provide advice, information and resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle into their new home.
This will build on the success of the previous grant-funded Refugee Support Service for 2024/25 which supported more than 10,000 people from 113 countries to rebuild their lives here.
The new multi-year funded contract will run until March 2028 with an option to extend for a further two years, enabling more people to be supported.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the support they need, when they need it.
“Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.
“The Scottish Refugee Council has already provided incredible support to refugees and people seeking asylum to help them work, study and live in Scotland. I’m very pleased that these efforts can continue through the service we’re funding.”
Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “We’re delighted that our approach to building a better future with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this investment, which will enable us to continue reaching those who need our help, wherever in Scotland they are based.
“Last year, we worked with people seeking safety in 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and connected hundreds of communities across the country, helping them work together to support and welcome New Scots.
“We’re looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland, providing them with essential information, multilingual advice and practical support.”
A Scottish Government-backed initiative to improve access to healthcare for people in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia has been launched.
The new health partnership programme will help the three countries and Scotland strengthen their health systems by creating networks through which healthcare professionals can share skills, experience and knowledge.
Grant funding will subsequently be made available to organisations working to improve healthcare.
The launch marks the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s international development programme and builds on the success of the NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which supports NHS staff to engage in health work around the world.
Previous work in Malawi funded through the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund includes knowledge exchange on between Malawi and Scotland, the development of an Adult Emergency and Trauma Centre and a disability hearing initiative in Zambia.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At a time when healthcare systems around the world are under great pressure from the lasting impact of pandemics and accelerating impact of climate change, the power of partnership has never been more important.
“These are not isolated issues. Illness and diseases do not stop when they meet a border. So we cannot think of Scotland’s NHS simply as a national institution, it is a global partner in the fight for health equality.
“This new programme launches at a critical moment for global health as major donors cut aid and builds on Scotland’s proud record of international development. By deepening our partnerships with Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia and combining the expertise of Scottish health professionals with the insights and leadership of partners overseas, we can learn through sharing together and deliver real improvements in health for people in Scotland and abroad.”
Global Health Partnerships CEO Ben Simms said: “We are thrilled to have been invited to partner with the Scottish Government on the Scottish Global Health Partnership programme.
“In its international development programme and through its Global Citizenship programme, Scotland has set a standard as a progressive, globally engaged country over many years, and this programme will celebrate and build on this track record in ways that deliver benefits both overseas and across the Scottish health system.”
The Scottish Government will invest £3 million over the next three years from its International Development Fund in the programme, which will be delivered by health charity Global Health Partnerships.
The initiative will support and align with the existing NHS Scotland Global Citizenship programme, which recognises the benefits global citizenship and international volunteering bring to Scotland’s health service and communities such as fostering leadership and driving innovation.
Health was identified as a priority in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and through discussions with African partner countries and confirmed in the Scottish Government’s International Strategy.
A landmark independent review of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has called for a simplified and more accessible application process, urging the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to support for disabled people.
Led by experienced charity leader, Edel Harris OBE, the review highlights that while Adult Disability Payment is significantly more compassionate than the UK benefit it replaced, some people still face barriers, complexity and distress when applying for the benefit.
While the review notes that there are several welcome changes such as the cessation of DWP-style assessments and recognises the compassionate approach of Social Security Scotland staff, it concludes that there is still more that can be done to deliver a truly human-rights based approach.
Edel Harris, Chair of the Adult Disability Payment Review, said: “Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step change – kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing.
“I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal.
“This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making Adult Disability Payment work better for everyone who needs it.”
The review engaged extensively with disabled people and the organisations that support them. It drew on evidence from a public consultation, written submissions, in-person and online events, and the lived experience of an advisory group made up of third sector representatives, disabled people and people with long-term health-conditions.
Over the course of the review, Edel Harris also met with stakeholder groups, third sector organisations, and officials from the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland to understand a variety of experiences of Adult Disability Payment.
The review makes over 50 recommendations including:
A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. It also recommends that the application process should be made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems and take into consideration the environment in which the person lives.
The report also calls for sustainable funding for welfare advice services, more inclusive communication, and automatic entitlement in some circumstances.
Edel visited Inspire by Community Integrated Care an Aberdeen-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. The visit offered an insight into the role of social security in promoting independence, inclusion, and dignity.
Community Integrated Care’s Managing Director for Scotland, Sara Murphy, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Edel to our Inspire by Community Integrated Care service and show how financial support like Adult Disability Payment can make a visible difference in people’s lives.
“As a care provider, we see every day how inclusive, person-centred support enables people to build confidence, develop skills, and live more independently.
“We welcome the review’s call for a system that truly listens to disabled people and reflects their real-life experiences. We hope it leads to meaningful change that makes accessing support fairer, simpler, and more empowering for those who need it.”
The full report is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836918912
The review was commissioned by the Scottish Government in February 2024 to examine the first year of Adult Disability Payment delivery, with the aim of identifying improvements to the eligibility framework, decision-making process and client experience.
