Resilience Room meets to discuss impacts on goods and services
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night (Tuesday 31st March) to consider the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Scotland’s people and businesses.
The meeting included discussion on the potential impacts on the supply and price of various goods and services, including energy, food and fuel.
It was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs, the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands and the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.
The First Minister said: “The impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on people and businesses in Scotland is becoming more significant by the day.
“As concerns continue to grow across our communities and sectors, I convened SGoRR to assess the situation in detail and to consider what further engagement, support, or actions may be required from the Scottish Government, our partners and others in the days and weeks ahead.”
New funding for independent advocates will help people in need navigate the social care system
New funding for independent advocates will help people in need navigate the social care system. The £500,000 Scottish Government Independent Advocacy Social Care Fund will ensure people can have a say in their care and advocate for their rights.
Twelve new projects will support people with, for instance, chronic health conditions or disabilities, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, or older people in residential care and unpaid carers.
A new National Care Service Charter of Rights will help people better understand existing rights, including being treated without discrimination and protection from harm when accessing social care.
Anne’s Law, which comes into force on 31 March, will enshrine the right of care home residents to contact with family and friends.
This includes choosing at least one person who can act as an essential care supporter, with a legal presumption that suspending their visits is likely to seriously harm the health and wellbeing of a person in a care home.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur visited Partners in Advocacy in Edinburgh to meet staff, carers and advocates. He said: “We are proud to support people across Scotland through this new fund and Charter to access the right support and have their voices heard.
“We know the system can sometimes be complex and difficult to navigate so this is about ensuring there is someone to advocate for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They deserve to have their voices heard and their wishes acted upon.
“The charter strengthens this commitment by clearly setting out people’s rights and expectations for social care, social work and community health.”
Partners in Advocacy Chief Executive Officer Jess Wade said: “We are delighted to be part of the Independent Advocacy Social Care Fund, which will ensure more people can access independent advocacy, better understand their rights and have their voices heard.”
A code of practice to support implementation of Anne’s Law regulations was published this week, developed in collaboration with those with lived experience and care homes:
Ian Findlay Path Fund supports projects in Edinburgh
COMMUNITIES across Scotland are celebrating the impact of a £5.07 million investment in local path networks. Between 2022 and 2026, the Ian Findlay Path Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Walking Scotland, helped 62 projects across 17 council areas.
The fund has supported eight path projects in Edinburgh over four years, including the Dalmeny Path Development, the Coalie Park Improvement Project and the Gyle Park Path Network Upgrade 2023.
These initiatives have supported upgrades to path surfaces, improved accessibility and strengthened connections between local communities and green spaces, making it easier for residents to walk and wheel throughout the city.
Across Scotland, communities have upgraded more than 69 kilometres of path surfaces, created over 16 kilometres of new link paths and improved almost 29 kilometres of routes connecting neighbourhoods with local services and green spaces.
Projects have also removed 28 accessibility barriers, installed 92 seats along community paths and improved lighting, drainage and signage, helping to make routes safer and easier to use throughout the year.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Walking Scotland, said: “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has left a lasting legacy that people in Edinburgh will benefit from for years to come. These practical improvements make a real difference to people’s daily lives.
“When paths are safe, well-maintained and easy to use, people walk and wheel more. That benefits their health and their communities.
“It also helps the environment, as more people choosing to walk and wheel reduces the number of car journeys and carbon emissions.”
The fund was established in memory of Ian Findlay CBE, former Chief Executive Officer of Walking Scotland, whose work championed the importance of accessible paths and everyday walking and wheeling in building healthier, more connected communities across Scotland.
Kevin added, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund was the perfect way for all of us to pay tribute to Ian.I’m delighted that we can now look back and celebrate its many achievements.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said, “The Ian Findlay Path Fund has been an important part of our commitment to supporting communities across Scotland to create safe, accessible and attractive places to walk, wheel and enjoy their local environments.
“Since its inception, this fund has empowered local groups, who understand the needs and character of their own areas, to lead improvements that make every day active travel easier and more appealing.
“As the fund comes to a close this month, I want to pay tribute to the volunteers, community organisations and partners who have turned small scale, grassroots ideas into meaningful local change.
“Their work embodies the spirit of community led development and complements our wider national ambition to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.
“While this chapter concludes this year, the legacy of the Ian Findlay Path Fund will continue in the strengthened connections, safer routes and more vibrant places it has helped deliver across Scotland.”
To find out more about the work of Walking Scotland, please visit:
Scotland has taken an ‘important step forward’ in recognising childhood dementia by funding specialist support for families affected by it, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.
The Scottish Government is providing £118,873 to Alzheimer Scotland to support the employment of two childhood dementia development officers – the first country in the United Kingdom to fund this kind of dedicated support.
The development officers will be responsible to raising awareness of childhood dementia, developing understanding amongst professionals, and ensuring a support network is in place for families affected by it.
Childhood dementia is a term used to describe a range of rare, inherited conditions that affect children and young people. Often life-limiting, it can lead to symptoms more commonly associated with adult dementia – including loss of speech, memory, mobility and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Mr Gray said: “My sympathies go out to any young people and families affected by childhood dementia.
“Childhood dementia may still be considered rare but for many it can be life-limiting. That’s why we’re doing all we can to maximise life expectancy and to ensure families have access to the support and care they need.
“The First Minister and I recently met with campaigners and families living with childhood dementia. I thank them for sharing their experiences and that meeting had a profound impact on us.
“That’s why I’m pleased we have become the first country in the United Kingdom to provide specialised support, through Alzheimer Scotland, for childhood dementia. It’s an important step forward in recognising the impact of childhood dementia in Scotland and providing the care and advice to those who need it.”
Initiatives to drive economic growth and tackle poverty
Funding for community regeneration projects in Granton and Wester Hailes
Projects to create jobs and regenerate communities across Scotland will benefit from funding set out in the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes outlined 32 projects across Scotland which will benefit from the latest round of the £36 million Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The proposals are expected to support more than 1,200 new jobs and 800 training opportunities as well as bringing 21 disused or derelict sites back into use.
Initiatives include funding to transform Granton Lighthouse into a hub for musicians, artists and creative businesses, with studios and offices as well as exhibition space and a café open to the public.
Other projects include:
starting works on an advanced manufacturing park for maritime technologies on the River Clyde
creating affordable homes in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands
expanding watersports businesses in Tarbert and Campbeltown
extending Harris’s only visitor centre to include retail and events space and student accommodation
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Granton Lighthouse in Edinburgh to outline projects benefiting from our Regeneration Capital Grant Fund in 2026-27.
The initiatives are expected to create more than 1,200 jobs and 800 training opportunities.
Following a visit to Granton Lighthouse Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This investment will make a real difference to people’s lives – providing affordable homes, economic opportunities and community spaces the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Creating hundreds of jobs and training opportunities will boost family incomes and give children a better start in life.
“Granton Lighthouse is a beacon for its community’s future. Once derelict, it will become a vibrant creative hub as part of our commitment to support plans to regenerate Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community.”
Granton Lighthouse will be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust after its restoration. Rob Hoon, Chief Executive of the trust, said: “Out of the Blue is delighted that the Scottish Government has granted regeneration funding for the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse.
“We have been an integral part of the team planning the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is a significant landmark listed building loved by local people, who see an exciting opportunity for involvement in a new creative space, with opportunities for learning, a cafe, studios, music practice and recording.”
Regeneration Capital Grant Fund projects for 2026-27:
Granton Lighthouse Creative Hub (City of Edinburgh) — £2,277,545
The Scottish Marine Technology Park (West Dunbartonshire Council) – £4,229,000
Achagarry: homes for Coigach (Highland Council) — £575,920
Sustainable living in Applecross (Highland Council) — £552,000
Hebrides People Visitor Centre (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) — £1,850,000
Kintyre Seasports (Argyll and Bute Council) — £800,000
Tarbert Harbour Community Water Sports and Activity Hub (Argyll and Bute Council) — £850,000
North Uist Community and Heritage (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) — £599,000
Tighnabruaich community refuelling and business hub (Argyll and Bute Council) — £120,000
130–132 High Street, Dumfries (Dumfries and Galloway Council) — £838,909
GDI site remediation and enabling works, Gatehouse of Fleet (Dumfries and Galloway Council) — £1,034,058
Kirkton Community Centre (Dundee Council) — £1,426,916
Bourtreehill village regeneration (North Ayrshire Council) — £1,169,000
The Cairnlea Centre: a wellbeing hub for Airdrie (North Lanarkshire Council) – £1,700,000
Grant Lodge: gateway to Moray (Moray Council) — £1,104,827
Speldiburn Community Hub enhancement project (Shetland Council) — £997,943
A new community hub and civic square for Dalgety Bay (Fife Council) — £1,500,000
First Minister: “Qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment”
First Minister John Swinney has met the Scotland men’s national team in Glasgow to celebrate the squad qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.
The Scotland men’s national side, managed by Steve Clarke and captained by Andy Robertson MBE, will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C this summer, with matches taking place in Boston and Miami.
The Scottish Government has announced £2 million for a “Summer of Sport” football fund to support clubs across the country to deliver new opportunities for children and young people by using the power of football.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football is woven into the fabric of life in Scotland. The men’s team qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark illustrated how important football is to this country.
“Thousands of fans will make the journey to the USA, but the whole country will be right behind the team. The Scottish Government will build on the excitement surrounding the World Cup and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games to deliver new sporting opportunities for young people across the country.
“Qualifying for the finals is an incredible achievement and I’m very proud of the team – tonight was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that success.”
Scottish Recommended Allowance to increase in line with inflation
Financial support for kinship and foster carers will increase in 2026-27 – helping them meet the cost of living challenges and to provide more for the children and young people they care for.
The Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) will be uprated by 3.8% for 2026-27, which is in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate recorded in September 2025. This uplift – part of the Scottish Government’s work to Keep the Promise to Scotland’s care experienced young people by 2030 – will be supported by an additional £4.3 million investment.
From April 2026, kinship and foster carers will receive a weekly allowance, based on the age of each child they care for, of:
0 to 4 years: £177.68
5-15 years: £206.71
16-17 years: £283.35
The SRA was first introduced in Scotland in August 2023 to ensure all eligible foster and kinship carers receive a consistent minimum level of financial support, regardless of where they live.
Following a review of the allowance, the Scottish Government agreed in March 2026 to uplift the SRA annually in line with inflation.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “Foster and kinship carers do an extraordinary job in providing safe, stable, and loving homes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people. It is only right that the financial support they receive keeps pace with the cost of living.
“This uplift is a clear demonstration of our commitment to Keep The Promise and to ensuring that carers are properly supported in the vital work they do. I am grateful to all the foster and kinship carers, local authorities, and organisations who contributed to the review of the SRA, and look forward to continued partnership working to build on the progress we have made.”
The Scottish Government provides an annual investment of £17.9 million for the allowance. The uplift for this year is backed by an additional £4.3 million.
Children and families across Scotland will soon benefit from expanded outdoor play opportunities, as 41 organisations receive funding to develop local initiatives.
Three Edinburgh projects are set to receive funding:
Bridgend Farmhouse £15,625.00
Smart Play Network £15,972.00
Wester Hailes Growing Communities £19,751.00
The Outdoor Community Play Fund, managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, supports free, child‑led outdoor play in communities where it can have the greatest impact.
Outdoor play is essential for healthy childhoods, stronger families, and thriving communities. Access to this funding ensures that children living in Scotland’s most deprived areas, as well as those in rural and remote communities, can access safe, high-quality and inclusive play opportunities.
Minister for Children, Young People, and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up. Playing outside is great for children’s health and happiness.
“For the first time, local grassroots groups in rural areas will receive funding to create opportunities for children to play outside in rural parts of Scotland, and the fund will also continue to support play charities to create opportunities for children in the most deprived areas to play outside.
“While the funding supports opportunities for outdoor play all-year-round, with the warmer months approaching it’s a great time to find out what outdoor play is on near you. I’m really pleased the Scottish Government can help make this happen.”
Twenty-two Scottish charities working in the most deprived communities will receive funding support to deliver free, child‑led outdoor play.
Outdoor play will be delivered using the Play Ranger model, helping children build confidence, develop social skills, and enjoy nature in a way that supports their wellbeing and development.
A further 19 grassroots groups in rural and remote areas will receive funding to develop sustainable outdoor play provision that reflects the needs, geography, and character of local communities.
The aim of this funding is to help smaller community organisations overcome barriers, build capacity, and commence delivery of outdoor play for children and families.
OutLET: Play Resource, one of the organisations to receive funding, said: “We are delighted to have received Outdoor Community Play funding this year.
“This valuable funding ensures we can continue delivering our Wellwoods programme, providing inclusive, high-quality outdoor play experiences for children and their caregivers.
“Families tell us these opportunities are a lifeline – providing a welcoming space where they can support their wellbeing, and feel confident enjoying their local woodlands and greenspaces for play, connection and growth.”
In addition to managing the fund, Inspiring Scotland plays a central role in strengthening the sector by offering funded organisations a wide range of support to build capacity and share best practice nationally.
Through hands-on guidance, practical tools, and strategic advice, Inspiring Scotland helps enhance the quality and effectiveness of third sector delivery across the country.
Funded organisations also benefit from support to secure match funding, increasing investment in communities experiencing high levels of deprivation as well as those in rural and remote areas.
Julia Abel, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland, said: “This welcomed investment recognises what the evidence has long shown: outdoor play is essential for children’s wellbeing, development, and long-term outcomes.
“Inspiring Scotland is proud to continue to collaborate with community organisations nationwide to create high quality, inclusive outdoor play opportunities that build resilience, strengthen families, and improve life chances.”
Funding will support the delivery of outdoor play opportunities and contribute directly to the ambitions set out in the Scottish Government’s Play: Vision Statement and Action Plan.
By investing in locally‑led outdoor play, the fund aims to strengthen community resilience, support parents and families, improve wellbeing, and enable more children to enjoy everyday play in nature.
