Joint letter from Education Secretary and teaching union
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth and General Secretary of EIS Andrea Bradley have written a joint letter to all council leaders, urging them to take the decisions needed to avoid industrial action.
The letter states:
“We are writing to you ahead of tomorrow’s Cosla Leaders meeting to urge you to take the decisions needed to avoid industrial action and to join us in implementing a reduction in class contact time (RCCT). Both Scottish Ministers and the EIS have now signed up to the plans to implement the 90- minute RCCT across Scotland that you will be considering tomorrow. It has taken a lot of intensive work to get to this point.
“It is clear that an agreement can now be reached that would see RCCT implemented by August 2027 in Primary and Special Schools, and by August 2029 in Secondary. This phased approach is intended to give councils the time and capacity required to manage recruitment and local planning effectively, and the Scottish Government and teacher unions will work with you to assist in that task.”
Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2026-2031 published
New support for parents to increase their incomes and reduce the burden of everyday costs, on top of existing work, will help to keep approximately 100,000 children out of poverty in 2026-27.
More than £111 million is being committed to updated plans to eradicate child poverty through Bringing Hope, Building Futures.
It 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.
Action includes:
Investing £61.5 million in the Tackling Child Poverty Fund to strengthen and introduce measures, including to expand childcare support for low-income parents, help employers offer progression opportunities, grow the Family Nurse Partnership to help up to 500 more young parents during pregnancy and into parenthood, and to expand Bookbug
A £20 million Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund for charities to help families in their communities
£30 million to boost incomes through work, create more training opportunities for parents by investing in the college sector, and to reduce transport costs for low-income parents travelling to work
£9 million to mitigate the UK Government’s freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates, which caps the amount of housing support a household can receive, to support up to 18,000 families
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s driving mission – no child should live in poverty in a country as rich as Scotland.
“This plan builds on a great deal of progress and sets out a broad range of actions to help parents – by reducing the cost of living, helping increase incomes received through work and social security, and helping their children to thrive.
“I am proud that Scotland is the only part of the UK to have statutory targets to drive down child poverty, which were unanimously agreed by parliament.
“Our plan focusses on concrete action this year while providing the foundations on which any incoming administration can build and reflect its own policy priorities, working with industry, local authorities and charities, to give children in Scotland a future free from the scourge of poverty.”
The Scottish Government has announced £245,000 of funding to support the King’s Baton Relay (KBR) in Scotland ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The funding, awarded to Commonwealth Games Scotland, will support at least 22 community events during the host nation leg from 1 to 23 July 2026, with the relay travelling to cities, rural areas and island communities. It will culminate in the Opening Ceremony of the Games.
Communities and sports clubs are encouraged to express their interest in hosting a visit, with the call for expressions of interest open until the end of March 2026.
Sport Minister Maree Todd visited GalGael, a social enterprise based in Govan, Glasgow, whose craftspeople hand-made the batons for the relay using ash from Pollok Park.
She said: “Visiting GalGael and seeing the craftsmanship that has gone into creating the batons is a wonderful reminder of what makes this relay so special. I’m pleased that Scottish Government funding will help bring the King’s Baton Relay to communities right across Scotland this summer.
“Whether a sports club, a community group, or you simply want to be part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026, I’d encourage everyone to get involved. These free community events are a real opportunity to get active, connect with others, and improve wellbeing right across Scotland.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what makes Scotland unique on a truly global stage, and I want as many people as possible to be part of it.”
Gayle McPherson, Director of Legacy and Community Engagement at Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “The King’s Baton Relay is a special part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026 and will connect communities across Scotland with the excitement of a home Games.
“The baton itself carries the message of a sustainable Games, made from reclaimed ash from a Glasgow park by the traditional craftspeople at GalGael in Govan.
“The Scottish Government’s support will help bring the relay to towns, cities and island communities right across the country to ensure everyone is part of the celebrations and provide fans with the opportunity to show their support for Team Scotland as our athletes make their final preparations for Glasgow 2026.”
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: ‘The King’s Baton Relay heralds the arrival of the Games into Scotland, with every Commonwealth nation and territory receiving their own baton to celebrate Glasgow 2026 in their own unique way.
‘This investment from Scottish Government to our partners at Team Scotland builds on our collective commitment to a spectacular summer of sport. We are excited to play our part in the journey from 1 July as Commonwealth Games Scotland take the Baton to all four corners of the country, showcasing Scotland to the world and gathering communities together to celebrate and share in the spirit of Glasgow 2026.’
Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport said: “The King’s Baton Relay is such a special tradition of the Commonwealth Games, bringing people together through sport, shared values and a sense of connection across the Commonwealth.
“With the support of the Scottish Government, Scotland’s leg will inspire communities across the country and help shine a light on our shared ambition to remove one million pieces of plastic from Commonwealth waters.”
The KBR activation in Scotland will deliver free public events, creating opportunities for communities and sports clubs the length and breadth of the country to be part of the build-up to Glasgow 2026.
The Scottish Government is also providing £15 million of funding for sporting organisations to offer free, accessible and inclusive physical activity opportunities to capitalise on a “spectacular summer of sport”.
Glasgow 2026 is projected to deliver a £150 million economic benefit to Scotland, with no public funding required from the Scottish Government for the core delivery of the event.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans welcome the Scottish Government announcement today that free rail travel for companions of visually impaired people has been made a permanent policy across all ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have been campaigning for this ‘life-changing’ decision for over three years through its Fair Rail campaign. The call for a new national policy arose when veterans at Sight Scotland Veterans raised an equality issue: visually impaired people had to pay for a companion on every rail journey, making travel unaffordable, while travelling without support was unsafe. They also highlighted the confusing range of concession and companion schemes across Scotland.
This news means, that from 1 April 2026, anyone with an Eye Plus One National Entitlement Card (NEC) can now travel with a companion throughout Scotland at no extra cost.
The announcement follows a year-long pilot, during which feedback from over 1,500 visually impaired NEC holders was overwhelmingly positive. Among those who knew about the scheme and had travelled by rail:
84 percent used it, showing how popular it became once people were aware of it.
Over 95 percent of users reported benefits across every area measured, including independence, mobility, confidence when travelling, travel costs, and feeling safer and more supported.
Nearly nine in ten said the scheme had changed how they use rail, with 84 percent taking more trips and 69 percent visiting new places they had not travelled to before.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased to confirm that from 1 April 2026, free companion rail travel for visually impaired people will become a permanent offering. This change will support around 8,000 visually impaired National Entitlement Cardholders who rely on ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services.
“Over the past year, the pilot has clearly shown the profound impact that affordable, accessible rail travel can have for blind and partially sighted people. We’ve seen people travelling more often, gaining confidence, and needing less staff assistance. Feedback from Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, and – most importantly – passengers themselves has been overwhelmingly positive.
“By making this scheme permanent, we’re opening up greater access to work, education, communities, and everyday life in ways many of us take for granted. This decision strengthens independence, reduces isolation, and improves quality of life, and it reflects our wider commitment to ensuring Scotland’s railway is accessible, affordable, and welcoming for everyone who depends on it.”
Anne Dignan, from Edinburgh, who is deafblind and has macular degeneration, comments: “This news is genuinely life changing. Knowing that free companion rail travel is here to stay gives me confidence and freedom I didn’t have before.
“I can plan trips without worrying about the cost of a companion ticket, travel more often, and explore new places that I couldn’t before without the extra financial burden.
“Thanks to Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and the tireless work of campaigners, free companion travel means independence, inclusion and the opportunity for people like me with sight loss to access rail travel right across Scotland.”
Agnes Houston, 76, a former army nurse from Coatbridge, who lives with both dementia and visual impairment, says: “I am overwhelmed by this news. It means so much to me.
“Over the past year it has genuinely changed my life, and I was becoming quite worried about the pilot ending. Because of my visual impairment and dementia, I can no longer travel alone, especially over long distances, and I simply could not afford to pay for a companion. The difference the free companion rail travel has made to my mental health is extraordinary.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are delighted the Scottish Government has made free companion rail travel a permanent policy – a major step towards making train travel truly affordable and accessible for everyone.
“After more than three years of campaigning, this is a huge victory for our campaigners, service users, and our External Affairs and Campaigns team, whose hard work has made this possible.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “We’re delighted the Scottish Government’s free companion rail travel scheme for visually impaired people is being made permanent and proud to be able to play our part in improving the customer experience for people who are blind or have a visual impairment.
“This is a major step towards empowering people to be able to travel with confidence and independence, making train journeys safer and more welcoming for everyone. ScotRail is committed to ensuring the railway works for all of our customers, and the scheme is part of our wider efforts to improve accessibility across our network.”
Former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland Fiona Taylor has been appointed to lead an independent Commission which will consider how to safely and effectively criminalise the purchase of sex in Scotland.
The Commission, whose work will be informed by the views and experiences of those who have been involved in prostitution, will provide recommendations to Ministers including on:
the framing of a new criminal offence for purchasing sex that can be effectively enforced and prosecuted
how to manage any risk to the safety of those involved in prostitution after any new offence is introduced
how to best provide practical, sustainable support for those who wish to exit prostitution
further work to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution.
Ministers committed to establishing a Commission following a recommendation by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee in their Stage 1 Report on the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.
Ministers will work with Ms Taylor to finalise the Commission’s terms of reference and a panel of experts will be appointed to support her in due course. The Commission will report to Ministers within a year of its first meeting.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am clear that prostitution is violence against women and girls and the purchase of sex should be criminalised.
“That is why we are following the Criminal Justice Committee’s recommendation to establish a Commission to consider how this can be done in an effective, enforceable way while addressing concerns raised that criminalisation could place women at higher risk of violence.
“Women also need to be able to access practical, sustainable support to help them exit prostitution and this will be another strand of the Commission’s work, along with what more can be done to challenge and deter men’s demand for buying sex.
“I am very pleased that Fiona Taylor has been appointed as Chair. Fiona brings significant experience to the issues and challenges involved in this important area of work, having had a distinguished career including serving as Deputy Chief Constable and Interim Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Fiona, like the Scottish Government, also recognises the value and importance of lived experience, which will be at the heart of this work.”
Fiona Taylor said: “I am grateful to have been offered the opportunity to chair the independent Commission tasked with progressing this important matter.
“I look forward to working with other members of the Commission, once appointed, and reporting back to Ministers in due course.’
Responding to the announcement, Ash Regan MSP said: “If the government wanted to criminalise the purchase of sex they should’ve voted FOR my #Unbuyable bill last month.
“A commission isn’t action – it’s inaction. Yet again survivors are being let down.”
A new plan to reduce deaths and harms caused by alcohol and drugs has been published.
The joint Scottish Government and COSLA plan aims to improve collaboration between government and grassroots delivery with a locally-led, accountable system, guided by clear national direction and support.
Backed by more than £160 million in 2026-27, the plan builds on the Scottish Government’s five-year National Mission on Drugs which ends in April.
A key priority is to expand treatment standards to include alcohol and all drugs. It has a renewed focus on prevention, withspecific measuresto stop people from developing problem alcohol and drug use. It also maintains support for residential rehabilitation with a focus on improving pathways through detox, crisis care and stabilisation.
The plan is underpinned by a human-rights based approach. This ensures that people with first-hand experience help shape the design and delivery of services and receive person-centred support.
Speaking at the Haven residential rehabilitation service, which has received £600,000 for eight additional beds, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The last five years have seen record investment in alcohol and drugs services, with significant progress, but we want to do more. This plan marks the next phase in our response to tackling alcohol and drug harms.
“We are already widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone, and Glasgow hosts the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility. As we respond to new challenges – including an increasingly toxic drugs supply – this plan refocuses our efforts in a more co-ordinated and sustainable way.
“As a joint Scottish Government and COSLA initiative, this plan will strengthen national and local partnership working so that people can receive the right help when and where they need it.”
The plan is aimed at preventing initial harm and supporting long-term recovery and wellbeing and focuses on four interconnected areas:
· prevention and early intervention
· harm reduction
· treatment and care
· the wider circle of support.
Priorities include strengthening local delivery, supporting the voluntary sector and workforce and improving data, research and evidence.
COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Far too many individuals and families continue to be affected by drugs and alcohol harms. We need to do everything we can to support people, which requires us to work across spheres of government.
“Bringing local and national government together for the first time in this way represents a step change in how we plan and deliver support for people affected by drugs and alcohol.
“Local government works closely with our communities, across a range of preventative services, and has strong local knowledge of the challenges our communities face.
“No single service can respond to the ongoing challenge of drugs and alcohol harms. It is only by working in partnership, investing sustainably in vital supports and through the co-ordinated efforts of the whole system, that we prevent issues before they arise and support people to sustain recovery.”
The Haven Chief Executive Gary Lister said: “Through its holistic, recovery-focused programme, The Haven supports individuals to rebuild their lives, restore family relationships and move towards long-term recovery.
“The Scottish Government’s support for the current expansion of the facility — including eight additional residential beds and enhanced living spaces — will help ensure more people can access the safe, structured support they need to begin that journey.”
Paul Waterson, SAIP Chair said: “The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is committed to promoting responsible consumption and tackling harmful drinking. The data show that progress is being made in tackling harmful consumption, but more needs to be done.
“Scotland has had in place for many years a wide-ranging whole population approach. What is needed to make further progress is greater focus and more action to deliver targeted interventions such as community alcohol partnerships, and a greater use of assertive outreach.
“We welcome the commitment to engagement with business and industry on the alcohol harm prevention plan to be published later in 2026.”
Fund cleared historic debt in over 70,000 cases across Scotland
More than 70,000 instances of support were provided to families to clear historic school meal debt as a result of nearly £2.9 million investment, a new report shows.
The School Meal Debt Fund, launched in May 2024, was distributed to the 30 councils that applied for assistance to clear debt accrued by families up to 31 March 2024.
The fund was established in response to cost-of-living pressures and the stigma that school meal debt can place on children.
The School Meal Debt Fund Report, published today, also sets out councils’ strategies for addressing meal debt, such as flexible payment options, simplified free school meal applications and extended free meal provision.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “No child should feel the burden of school meal debt, and no family should face unnecessary stress over the cost of their child’s lunch.
“This report highlights the compassionate and innovative approaches being taken by councils to support families – from streamlining free school meal applications to offering flexible payment options and working directly with families facing hardship.
“School meal debt is still an issue. While councils are proactively identifying and supporting those who need help the most, they must ensure that all families never reach the point of debt in the first place. We will continue to work with councils to ensure that more can be done to address this.
“Over 230,000 pupils are currently benefitting from free school meals, a crucial element in our commitment to eradicate child poverty. This saves families who take up the offer every school day around £450 per child, per year.
“Our 2026-27 Budget expands free school meal provision to reach an additional 5,500 pupils, continuing our mission to give every child the best possible start in life.”
Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 grants announced
More than 100 grassroots organisations across Scotland will share £2.2 million to recruit and support volunteers in their communities.
Over the next two years, the Volunteering Support Fund 2025-27 will benefit small and medium sized third sector organisations from the Highlands to the Borders with grants of up to £20,000 to projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives.
Projects receiving funding include the Inverness Tool Library which enables people to borrow equipment they might not otherwise afford and Toryglen Community Youth Project, a fully volunteer-run charity improving the lives of children and families in deprived communities.
Edinburgh projects to receive funding are:
Edinburgh
Action Porty
Edinburgh
Door in the Wall Arts Access CIC
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Street Pastors
Edinburgh
Firsthand Lothian
Edinburgh
Jock Tamson’s Gairden
Edinburgh
LINKnet Mentoring Limited
Edinburgh
No Boundaries School CIC
Edinburgh
Pianodrome Community Interest Company
Edinburgh
Pilmeny Development Project
Edinburgh
Rhyze Mushrooms Co-op CIC
Edinburgh
Starpic Project
Edinburgh
The BIG Project
Edinburgh
The Linda Tremble Foundation (t/a SupportED)
Edinburgh
Think Circus SCIO
Edinburgh
Vintage Vibes
Edinburgh
Wester Hailes Growing Communities
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to help others, asking for nothing in return, and I want to thank every volunteer for their selflessness.
“This £2.2 million investment recognises the incredible contribution volunteers make across our country. From supporting refugees to tackling loneliness, from running youth projects to protecting our environment, volunteers are there making Scotland a better place.
“I would also encourage anyone considering volunteering to take that step whether you have a few hours a week or a few hours a month. Volunteering offers the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and experience the genuine fulfilment that comes from helping others.”
Toryglen Community Youth Project trustee Kay Wright said: “The Volunteering Support Fund is helping us to remove barriers and create opportunities for people in our community to get involved.
“The support empowers us to do more, especially for those who have lacked opportunities in the past, by creating personalised and bespoke pathways into volunteering.”
Head of Operations and Development for the Impact Funding Partnership Diane Wilson said: “As the only fund specifically supporting volunteer development programmes nationally, the Volunteering Support Fund is vital to the 116 organisations receiving a grant.
“It enables them to employ essential co-ordinator roles, develop and strengthen policies and procedures, and provide bespoke support to engage with people experiencing barriers to volunteering. This funding will contribute to stronger organisations and more connected communities.”
The Volunteering Support Fund is managed by Impact Funding Partners on behalf of the Scottish Government. Following a competitive application process, 116 organisations were selected from 252 applications.
The full list of funded organisations is available here:
£5.8 million to charities and partners to bolster whole family support across 2026-27
Seven projects delivering in communities will share £5.8 million of funding to drive transformation in whole family support.
First Minister John Swinney announced the funding during a speech on eradicating child poverty at Centrestage in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. He highlighted the need for charities and government to streamline collaborative efforts to eradicate child poverty, making it easier for people to access support.
The seven recipients of the grant will provide support for families, scale up efforts to tackle child poverty, and improve early child development.
This support is part of the £50 million Whole Family Wellbeing Funding allocation for 2026-27, building on the Scottish Government’s significant investment of £148 million in that Fund since 2022.
The Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will set out further actions to reduce child poverty, will be published on Thursday.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and as a result of our bold action, child poverty rates are lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
“No child should have to worry about essentials such as food or a warm home because of circumstances beyond their control. While child poverty has reduced, even one young person growing up in poverty is one too many.
“My government is focused on building a support system that is seamless and tailored, that responds flexibly and quickly to people’s needs – and offers the right support at the right time.
“A total of £5.8 million in Whole Family Wellbeing funding will be directed to seven projects that exemplify the type of transformational support required for families across Scotland.
“I am proud that the experiences of children and families are at the heart of our forthcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will be set out in Parliament this Thursday. We are charting a path to work in harmony with charities and the third sector so that systems come together as one, providing a brighter future for children across the country.”
Dundee City Councillor and Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure committee Steven Rome spoke about the Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership, which is among the recipients of this latest funding.
He said: “The Dundee Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to support families experiencing poverty. By drawing on local expertise, the Pathfinder has brought more than £2.4 million into households since October 2022.
“This is helping many people move into employment and training, improving the lives of entire families.”
Increase in funding support announced on International Women’s Day
Up to 2,400 women and their children could be supported to escape abusive relationships, following the announcement of increased funding for emergency financial support.
The Scottish Government is providing £2 million for the ‘Fund to Leave’ initiative over the next year (2026-27).
The fund provides immediate financial support for essentials when leaving an abusive partner, removing the financial barriers that can trap women in harmful relationships by giving them the means to act quickly and safely.
Financial uncertainty and economic coercive control are recognised factors behind women and children remaining in unsafe situations.
Domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women in Scotland. In 2024-25, nearly one in four women seeking homelessness assistance cited violent or abusive household disputes as the reason.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Domestic abuse is one of the most harmful and pervasive forms of violence against women and girls, and there is absolutely no place for it in modern Scotland.
“We are determined to break down the financial barriers that prevent women from leaving abusive partners so they can begin to safely rebuild their lives and protect their children from harm.
“Since launching earlier this year, the Fund to Leave has already supported more than 230 women and 300 children to safely leave abusive relationships.
This has included support to pay rent, afford transport and buy essentials including food and clothing.
“By increasing the amount of funding available for the year ahead, we will ensure more women and children are kept safe from abusive men –reducing homelessness and helping create a fairer society.”
