Tag: Scottish Government

Apprenticeship funding

Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices

More than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in 2025-26 has been confirmed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.

Contracts will now be issued by Skills Development Scotland to employers, training providers and colleges for Modern Apprenticeship starts and learning providers for Foundation Apprenticeship starts.

The Education Secretary made the announcement following a visit to Glenrothes High School to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Ms Gilruth said: “Around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities have been provided to young people across the country since 2008 and our latest funding commitment makes clear they will continue to be a key feature of Scotland’s education and skills system going forward. Apprenticeships provide vital opportunities for young people to acquire key skills and a route into high quality careers, helping the economy and creating sustainable jobs.

“Feedback from employers indicates that there are key skills gaps and we are aiming to focus investment on apprenticeships in sectors facing labour market shortages. I would encourage businesses to consider opportunities available to them, to help them adapt and sustain their operations.

“Supporting apprenticeships is just one part of the £2 billion we are investing each year in colleges, universities and the wider skills system, recognising the vital role they play in education and the economy.”

Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said: “Created by employers, for employers, apprenticeships are crucial to unlocking economic opportunity in growth sectors.

“With demand from employers and young people remaining strong, SDS will continue working to maximise apprenticeship starts aligned to industry need within its available budget.

“Apprenticeships foster innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities whilst providing great social return, generating opportunities for many young people from Scotland’s most deprived communities.”

At Glenrothes High School, Ms Gilruth met S6 pupil Demi Short, undertaking a Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship, who said the opportunity had highlighted a potential career path for her.

Demi said: “Overall, my experience of the Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship is extremely positive, as it has sparked my desire to work within the primary education course.

“The placement has sparked my love and passion within this career. I will always be thankful for my placement, and the experience.”

Jack Mellis, also in S6, is undertaking a Creative and Digital Foundation Apprenticeship, and spoke about the practical skills he had gained.

Jack said: “The creative and digital course teaches you anything digital in the creative industry, including making videos for social media, designing posters for anything requested, creating sound and working rigging equipment for this purpose. You learn how to read a creative brief and how to respond, what software to use and so on.

“I am currently on my work placement in technical theatre, where I can use the skills I gathered during my course. I have no doubt that the skills I have learnt from my course and work placement will allow me to get a job in many different places, such as marketing teams for companies, radio or movie studios, or even my own video making company.”  

Headteacher of Glenrothes High School, Avril McNeill, said: “Anyone considering a Foundation Apprenticeship in school should go for it – there’s a huge range of Foundation Apprenticeships on offer, from childcare, to legal services, to lab skills. No matter what your chosen career path is, there is something for everyone.

“Foundation Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to mix their school career with college – they can try courses they may be interested in doing and determine whether that is for them or not. This is combined with some hands-on, practical work experience that they could use in the workplace or for personal statements for college or university applications.

“We have got a very varied curricular offering, and were an early adopter of Foundation Apprenticeships and offer national certificates in school as well. This creates a flexible package of traditional qualifications integrated with Foundation Apprenticeships, where young people might be part time in school and at college, and do some work experience as part of that.”

More rights for victims of crime

Notification scheme to be expanded

More crime victims will get access to a range of information about the perpetrator and have a say on decisions about their prison release under newly unveiled justice reforms.

Currently victims can register with the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) if the offender in their case has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, or with the Victim Information Scheme if the sentence was less than 18 months.

Under Scottish Government proposals to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, all victims will be able to register under one programme with the same right rights and same access to information, regardless of the length of the offender’s prison sentence.

A further proposal, if approved by MSPs, would give all victims the right to make representations where an offender is being considered for release on licence – and on the licence conditions they would like to see imposed. Currently this entitlement only applies where an offender was sentenced to four years or more in custody.

Improvements are also proposed to the range of information available through the VNS for victims of offenders in the forensic mental health system who are subject to a compulsion order and restriction order.

The plans build on previously announced proposed reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that will create a new Victim Contact Team to give personalised support based on a victim’s individual needs.

The latest plans are being introduced as proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, the next stage of which begins in the Scottish Parliament next week.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put victims’ rights at the heart of the justice system.

“Victims of crime will be able to sign up to one simplified notification scheme that allows them to receive information about the offenders and, if they wish, to have a say in decisions being made about the offenders, including their release. These changes recognise that a victim’s rights should not hinge on the length of sentence that the perpetrator is serving.

“One system will be easier for victims to navigate and this change will add to a raft of proposed reforms to the VNS, including the creation of a new Victim Contact Team.  We want victims to know their rights to receive information and to be supported to make informed choices on whether they wish to do so. We will continue to work closely with victims’ representatives as we take forward these reforms.”

New Earlier Cancer Detection campaign focuses on head and neck cancers

People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier

The latest phase of the Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign has a new focus on head and neck cancer symptoms.

Around 1,300 new cases are diagnosed each year – Scotland’s sixth most common cancer – yet only one third are detected early. The campaign encourages people to recognise possible cancer symptoms and not delay contacting their GP practice or dentist.

To emphasise this message, a group of people who had their cancer detected early, the ‘early birds’, met Health Secretary Neil Gray to share vital stories of how this provided more treatment options, helped them live well and allowed them to continue doing the things they love.

The group are urging people with unusual, persistent symptoms to do the same and act early.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “Early detection is so important to cancer care. The stories from our ‘early birds’ demonstrate the positive impact it can have on treatment and outcomes.

“So, I’m urging everyone to make sure they contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms. The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”

Dr Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, said: “Head and neck cancer incidence rates have gradually increased over the past decade, making early detection more important than ever.

“Dentists play a vital role in detecting signs of cancer. Routine dental examinations allow us to identify subtle changes in the mouth and throat, and surrounding tissues that could signal early-stage cancer.

“Early diagnosis leads to better treatment options, so we urge people to attend their check-ups. Most importantly, if you notice any sores, lumps, red or white patches that do not go away after three weeks, don’t wait until your next appointment – we want to see you. It’s crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms. Get checked right away.”

Dr Douglas Rigg, GP said: “If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know.

“Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.”

Case study

Daniel Morrison, 30, from Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, was one of the early birds at the breakfast meeting with Neil Gray. He was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer but is now recovering and living well with his young family thanks to early detection at his GP practice.

Daniel said: “It’s thanks to spotting my cancer early that I’m now delighted to say I’m in recovery and able to look forward excitedly to the future with my young family.

“I’d noticed fluid under my tongue and felt really fatigued but it’d be easy to try and ignore as nothing. I’m so thankful however that I got checked early, treated and looked after by a team of amazing medical experts throughout.

“This is why I’m passionate about the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign – it’s so important that people understand the difference contacting your GP practice early can make.”

Watch the campaign film here.

For more information on ‘Be the Early Bird’ and to use the symptom checker, please visit getcheckedearly.org.

Granton Waterfront: Delivering on affordable homes

Scottish Government funding to support housing infrastructure

A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.

Part of the Scottish Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, the grant will allow the City of Edinburgh Council to undertake crucial infrastructure works in preparation for building 847 new homes, including 387 affordable homes.

It is part of a wider package of financial support being developed by the Scottish Government at Granton Waterfront, reflecting the commitment to support seven strategic sites as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

First Minister John Swinney visited the development to announce the funding and learn about how the project is progressing. He also had the opportunity to meet apprentices working on the construction site.

The First Minister said: ““Public sector investment in the first phase of Granton Waterfront is estimated to leverage a further £200 million of private sector investment in private housing and the low carbon heat network.

“The 2025-26 Budget has allocated more than £7 billion for infrastructure and £768 million to ramp up action on delivering affordable homes.

“This development at Granton Waterfront is an excellent example of how Scottish Government investment is already delivering across my government’s four priorities – to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, improve public services and protect the planet.”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Jane Meagher said: “We’re making significant progress at Granton Waterfront, with hundreds of affordable homes underway at both Western Villages and Silverlea. I welcome today’s announcement which comes at a critical time, as our city faces an ongoing housing emergency and a severe shortage of homes.

“This funding forms part of a wider funding package that the Council and Scottish Government continue to develop, allowing the next phase of development in Granton to get underway later this year. This will see further development of much needed new homes, alongside improved infrastructure, and an innovative low-carbon district heating system.

“The regeneration of Granton will not only help to address the housing shortage but also contribute to our broader goal to become net zero by 2030 and by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, residents will benefit from modern, comfortable, energy efficient homes.

“We’re working hard to make Granton somewhere people will want to call home, and this is a great example of the success we can have when governments work together in partnership. I look forward to seeing this progress continue.”

Swinney: Securing the future of an independent Ukraine

First Minister commits to international solidarity

First Minister John Swinney has pledged the support of the Scottish Government to “securing international solidarity” for the long-term future of an independent Ukraine.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, he condemned Russia’s illegal, full-scale invasion and the subsequent three years of “barbaric” aggression that have followed, while commending Ukraine’s people for their fight to defend the independence, territorial integrity and security of their country.

Mr Swinney said that providing support and sanctuary for displaced Ukrainians continues to be a priority for the Scottish Government.

The First Minister warned that pausing military aid “can only run the risk of emboldening Russia”, stressing the United States must remain “steadfast” in its support for Ukraine alongside the United Kingdom Government, European allies and partners across the wider western world. He also accepted the case for peacekeeping forces to avert further conflict, subject to proper democratic scrutiny.

The First Minister said: “Right now, today, as we stand here, men, women and children in Ukraine are putting their lives and their freedom on the line to defend their country and all of our democracies.

“My hope is that US and European leaders can once again find a way to speak with one voice on the matter of this conflict. There are no grey areas when one country chooses to send troops and tanks into the peaceful territory of another.

“My Government supports the approach of the United Kingdom Government, in committing to secure international solidarity in support of Ukraine’s long-term future. My Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine, until a just peace is secured – not a peace at any cost, which strips Ukraine of her sovereignty in wartime.

“Scotland’s approach, internationally, will continue to be led and guided by our compassion for Ukraine. Now, 25 years into the life of this modern Parliament, Scotland chooses to stand for democracy, for human rights and the rule of law, at home and among our courageous allies like Ukraine.

“These are the underpinnings of democracy, of prosperity, and of every freedom democracy provides. This is the solidarity among allies that will deliver Ukraine from Russia’s barbaric aggression, while protecting her heritage, her culture, and her social and economic future.

“Ukraine’s future, and her fate, is our future and our fate.”

International solidarity to support Ukraine: First Minister’s statement – 4 March 2025 – gov.scot

NHS Lothian ‘welcomes’ publication of Scottish Hospitals Inquiry interim report into New Sick Kids delays

NHS LOTHIAN has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry Interim Report into the delayed opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department for Clinical Neurosciences.

The planned opening of the new building at Little France was halted in July 2019 when final safety checks revealed that the ventilation system within the Critical Care area did not comply with national standards.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian said: “Patient safety was always our driving force in commissioning a first-class hospital building so we know that the discovery of a ventilation problem just days before it was due to open caused shock and significant concern for our patients, their families and our staff.

“We once again reiterate our sincere and unreserved apology to them all for the resulting delay to the transfer of patient services to the new facility. I am particularly sorry that patients and their families were let down at a time when they were already worried and vulnerable.”

Lord Brodie, Chairman of the Inquiry, acknowledged the huge operation that was put in place within hours to reschedule thousands of patients who were due to attend the new hospital and prevent families and patients from turning up to the wrong building in an emergency.

A total of 2255 appointments required to be rescheduled immediately – 1586 in paediatrics and 669 in DCN were affected.

The report found there had been no wrongdoing or attempts to conceal information.

Lord Brodie also noted the positive organisational culture in NHS Lothian and said there were a variety of channels through which concerns could have been raised, as well as whistleblowing policies.

But that it was a “lack of clarity” around technical building standards led to the issue around ventilation and the delay.

Mr Crombie added: “Lord Brodie has identified our failure to provide a clear design brief at the outset as critical to events as well as weaknesses in governance and understanding between contractual partners.

“We are sorry for these failures and also deeply regret that opportunities were missed by all parties over the course of the project to detect and rectify errors in the design of the ventilation regime.

“The report acknowledges the changes that have been put in place in NHS Lothian and the new guidance introduced since 2019 to ensure that lessons are learned and similar events can be prevented in the future.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the relatives of patients affected by the delay who took part in the Inquiry for their important contributions.”

You can read the full report on the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry website

Full report here: https://ow.ly/mZRH50V9tK9

Housing minister marks completion of affordable homes in Mayfield

Lovell Partnerships has officially completed all affordable housing at its Oakwood Edge development in Mayfield, near Dalkeith. The Scottish Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, visited last to mark the handover to Melville Housing Association of the 39 high-quality, affordable  homes. 

The £7.1 million development, backed by £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding, has  provided a range of energy-efficient homes for social rent as part of a wider 156-home development. 

The mix of affordable housetypes includes 1 and 2-bedroom cottage flats, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom  terraced homes and 2 wheelchair-accessible bungalows, ensuring a variety of housing options to meet  different needs within the community. 

All homes at Oakwood Edge have been designed to meet high energy efficiency standards, with solar  PV panels and communal electric vehicle charging points. Four homes have also been enhanced to  achieve Net Zero status, featuring air source heat pumps, battery storage and triple glazing. 

Beyond providing much-needed affordable housing, Lovell has embedded social value throughout the  project, generating an impressive £1.7M in social and local economic value. Initiatives have included  community space improvements, education and cost-of-living support. 

Key social value contributions include: 

• Lovell, in partnership with their suppliers H&C Plumbing, Jordan Electrics, Phoenix Decorators,  Tough Construction and JAD joinery, supported local youth charity Y2K and Mayfield &  Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) to improve their community spaces.

• Local primary school students were invited on-site to learn about careers in construction as  well as health and safety. 

• Every social housing resident will receive an air fryer to help reduce energy bills. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1896539214512099342

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “It was good to have a tour of Melville Housing Association’s  new social rented development and meet one of the tenants whose new home is part of Oakwood Edge near Dalkeith.

“What is particularly impressive about this development is the range, quality and  energy efficiency of these houses, alongside the existing community facilities in the area. 

“We’re pleased to have provided £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding for this project  and have a good track record in affordable housing, delivering more than 135,000 affordable homes  since 2007 including 95,000 for social rent and 26,306 council homes. 

“Furthermore, our budget of £768 million for 2025-26 will help tackle the housing emergency while  contributing towards our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.” 

Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell, we believe building homes is about  more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating lasting value for communities.

£Oakwood Edge is a  great demonstration of how we integrate social impact into every stage of development and we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here alongside our partners, Melville Housing Association.” 

Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, said: “This development, our second with  Lovell, is a fantastic example of how partnerships can deliver real results for communities.

The homes  at Oakwood Edge provide much-needed, high-quality social housing in an area of high demand. So far,  11 tenants have moved into their new homes and we’re delighted with the positive feedback we have  already received from our new tenants.” 

MAEDT Manager Sharon Hill said: “We are incredibly grateful for the contribution Lovell has made to  our community projects. Their practical support has strengthened the services we can offer to our  community.” 

To find out more about Lovell, visit: www.lovell.co.uk

Carers in education urged not to miss out on extra money

Financial support for student carers

This National Student Money Week (3 – 7 March 2025), unpaid carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland. 

It is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. The type of help they provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a family member, friend or neighbour. But many don’t recognise themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on extra money. 

There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies:  

Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, it is available to more carers in education.  

Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland.

Louise Reid, Student Support Adviser at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Financial Capability Champion on the National Association of Student Money Advisors (NASMA) Board, explains the importance of this type of help. 

“Students, alongside wider society, are consistently pushed to the limit financially from sources outside their control. The cost of housing, energy and food have all been consistently high and this hits student carers particularly hard.  

“As caring responsibilities can limit or completely reduce any capacity for part time work to top up existing student funding, additional financial resources are vital.  

“Carer Support Payment is an invaluable financial resource that can make the difference between continuing with studies or not. Being able to claim this benefit, whilst studying really makes such a difference to students who provide care.”  

To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments for carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call free on 0800 182 2222.   

  • Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.  They need to earn £151 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
    Carers in education who may be eligible includes:     
  • Part time students – those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course    
  • Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course    
  • Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma   
  • There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, who may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at   If you study – mygov.scot 
  • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is currently £288.60.  It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   
  • Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.   
  • Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot  
  • National Student Money Week March 2025 National Student Money Week 2025 – NASMA 
  • Carers Trust Scotland estimates there are around 30,000 – 35,000 unpaid carers at college or university in Scotland. Carers at College & University | Carers Trust Scotland 
  • If you are an organisation that supports student carers in Scotland, there are shareable resources, many of which are available in different languages, via our resources pages on our website:  

Social Security Scotland – Carer Support Payment Resources  
Social Security Scotland – Young Carer Grant Resources  

Cruise Ship Levy consultation

Views sought on proposed new power for councils

Local authorities could be given the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships that visit their areas in future.

The Scottish Government is seeking views on the practicalities of such a levy, as well as the potential market implications and effect on local economies and communities.

Analysis shows there were around 1,000 cruise ship visits to Scottish ports in 2024, bringing 1.2 million passengers – an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.   

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.

“Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”

Consultation on a potential local authority Cruise Ship Levy in Scotland – gov.scot

The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.

The areas that welcome the most cruise passengers are Invergordon, Orkney, Edinburgh, Lerwick, and Greenock, and the average ship in the five busiest ports carries over 1,000 passengers. 

SNP budget delivers record funding for City of Edinburgh Council

5.9% INVESTMENT INCREASE FOR LOCAL SERVICES

Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the record funding going to City of Edinburgh Council after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.

After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive an increase in funding worth £60 million.

This increases funding for local priorities, teachers, and additional support for learning and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more.

Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “This year’s Scottish Budget provides record funding for Edinburgh Council which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our communities get the investment they need.

“After over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils £100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties.

“Under the SNP, we are not only investing in our local councils, but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of £144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.

“This SNP government is delivering for the city, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.”

https://www.gov.scot/news/15-billion-for-councils