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.”
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TEAMS UP WITH BLACK SCOTTISH ADVENTURERS FOUNDER TO HIGHLIGHT MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE OUTDOORS
The Scottish Government has announced a new collaboration with Joshua Adeyemi, founder of Black Scottish Adventurers.
The partnership comes as part of the nationwide Mind to Mind campaign which aims to help normalise conversations about mental health and share practical strategies for coping with life’s pressures.
The campaign sees a striking new sign installed at Edinburgh’s Haymarket Station featuring Josh’s words: “Out here, you’re enough”, intended to share a note of support that reflects the spirit of the Black Scottish Adventurers community and to spark conversations about mental wellbeing.
Research from See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, explains that more than a quarter of people in Scotland believe it’s easier to avoid discussing mental health than risk an awkward conversation. One in five say fear of judgment stops them from speaking openly.
The Mind to Mind platform offers free, accessible guidance covering topics such as anxiety, grief, stress, loneliness, and financial worries. Visitors can explore personal stories, expert insights, and links to further help – all designed to be used at a pace that suits them.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Josh said: “Finding a community of like-minded individuals where I can talk about life struggles and be my authentic self has been so important on my journey towards understanding how to look after my mental wellbeing.
“The message says exactly what I hope people feel: Whilst being outdoors can’t fix everything, spending time amongst friendly faces, surrounded by Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery is powerful, and I’ve seen how it helps lift people’s spirits to keep moving forward.
“Working with Mind to Mind has been brilliant as they offer so many resources available to everyone to help navigate the tougher moments in life.”
Josh noted that placing the sign in Edinburgh holds deep personal meaning as this is where Black Scottish Adventurers originated and where he currently lives. He hopes it inspires people to see nature as restorative and stresses that enjoying the outdoors can be as simple as listening to the birds in the park. In collaboration with Mind to Mind, Josh encourages others to access the website to discover the mental health support available.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur MSP, said: “Mind to Mind is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Scotland can access mental health strategies and support tailored to their needs.
“Josh’s commitment to inclusive outdoor experiences brings a fresh perspective to the campaign, helping to engage communities and encourage open conversations about mental health.
“Together with Mind to Mind, these efforts aim to empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward wellbeing.”
If you’re going through a difficult time, you are not alone.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, visited Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development in Leith yesterday to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week and meet with current and former apprentices building their careers in the construction industry.
The visit highlighted the important role apprenticeships play in supporting Scotland’s housing sector, developing future talent and creating sustainable career opportunities. During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the development, spoke with the site team and heard first-hand from apprentices about their experiences and career progression within the industry.
Tower Street at Merchant Quay, one of Barratt Homes East Scotland’s developments, features a range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. Barratt Homes has numerous apprentices across a range of disciplines on their sites, with several Construction Managers, Site Managers and Senior Site Managers beginning their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term career opportunities available within the business.
Coordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, said:“Apprentices are a central part of growing our economy and I’ve enjoyed hearing directly from the young people who are starting out their careers in the building industry.
“Through the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Programme we’re also increasing the number of planners and supporting future improvements in the planning system by supporting students to study and gain real work experience.
“We know how important these programmes are to the success of the whole housing sector which our new agency, More Homes Scotland, will help to grow. I wish every success to our apprentices and thank them for their contribution to our future workforce.”
Frank Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland Chair, said:“Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy.
“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society. At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution apprentices make to our business and the wider construction industry.
“We were proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our Tower Street at Merchant Quay development to meet some of our talented apprentices and hear about the vital work being done on site. Apprenticeships are fundamental to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and addressing the construction skills gap.
“At Barratt Homes, we are committed to investing in people, providing structured training and clear progression pathways so that individuals can build long and rewarding careers with us. “Developments like Tower Street at Merchant Quay demonstrate how investing in skills supports both local communities and Scotland’s housing ambitions.”
As one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Barratt Redrow continues to play a central role in tackling Scotland’s housing challenges while supporting the local economy and helping to close the construction skills gap through investment in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and training initiatives.
For further information about Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development, visit:
Molly vsThe Machines is a new documentary premiering on Channel 4. It tells the story of a young girl who died by suicide after being influenced by negative social media algorithms, and her dad, who is now fighting for online safety.
This encourages an important national conversation on how we keep people safe online. Samaritans supports the pressure put on platforms to make their content safe for everyone.
Why making safe online spaces is so important
The dangers that exist online when it comes to suicide and self-harm related content raises the bigger questions of how AI, Big Tech, and social media are negatively infiltrating our lives.
If we want the internet to be a safer space, especially for individuals experiencing distress, things need to change.
But how can we do that?
Putting pressure on platforms for positive impact
Samaritans believe that dangerous self-harm and suicide content, such as graphic images, should be taken down by platforms as they can cause serious harm.
Platforms have a duty to keep their users safe and should never actively push dangerous content onto their algorithms.
That’s why it’s vital that platforms recognise and respond to the vital role they play in suicide prevention.
If users are intentionally looking for this kind of content, the platforms must minimise the availability of harmful content and maximise opportunities for improved help-seeking.
They should highlight helpful resources, share stories of recovery, and signpost to services like Samaritans. And they should also recognise that protections should be further endorsed for the safety of young people.
Keeping young people safe
It is the age of the internet. And young people are used to having phones and tablets and computers within arm’s reach, all the time. But how do we make sure that what they are consuming is safe and appropriate?
Molly vsThe Machines really highlights the importance of parents and caregivers being aware of the risks of social media.
And while some platforms do have restrictions like age limits for who can join and/or sign up, that doesn’t always mean that the content will automatically be age appropriate.
Parents and caregivers need to be informed of the risks so that they can have open and honest conversations with their children about what they’re consuming, how to stay safe, and what to look out for.
Charity Children First says must-watch documentary drama Molly vs the Machines is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers
Commenting in advance of the screening of Molly vs the Machines on Channel 4, last night, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national charity said: “This must-watch documentary drama is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers to demand that tech firms prioritise the protection of our children over lining their own pockets.
“Parents are already extremely worried about the children’s safety in the digital world, but what Molly vs the Machines exposes is the extremity and volume of harmful content that big tech are knowingly targeting to children and young people, which many adults won’t be aware of.
“The consequences for children, childhood and public health are horrifying, but change is possible. Technology firms could stop this tomorrow. Action is needed at every level to regulate, educate and create the cultural and policy shifts that are needed nationally and internationally so that every child can thrive on and off-line.”
Any parent or carer in Scotland worried about their child can contact Children First’s support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat.
Projects to benefit from £600,000 fund to support ex-Service personnel
A scheme to help wounded or sick veterans recover their confidence through golf is among 30 projects to receive backing from the Scottish Veterans Fund.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced successful applicants to the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund on a visit to the On Course Foundation at Drumoig Golf Hotel in Fife.
The fund, which the Scottish Government had committed to maintaining for the rest of the parliament was in fact boosted with a further £100,000 in the 26-27 budget, a 20% increase.
The On Course Foundation has been awarded £39,008 over three years to run golf activities across Scotland aimed at improving confidence, reintegration to civilian life and improving employment opportunities.
Other recipients of the 2026-27 funding round include:
Scottish Veterans Residences, which is awarded £40,000 for employability and mental health work with homeless ex-servicemen and women
Shared Parenting Scotland, which will receive £16,500 to work with veterans and their families who are going through family break-up
Erskine which receives £9631 to support veterans experiencing hearing loss.
Since being launched in 2008, the Scottish Veterans Fund has provided more than £3.8 million to nearly 220 individual projects supporting ex-service personnel and their families.
Mr Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the work being done to help veterans recovering from illness or injury by the On Course Foundation here in Fife.
“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families with services such as financial support, employability and by helping them cope with mental and physical health challenges.
“This year’s funding allocations will continue to provide targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community across Scotland, and prioritise projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting service personnel and their families – past or present, living or based in Scotland – and to ensuring they have access to all the help, support and public services they require.”
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “It was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications from organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“I warmly welcome the increase in funding to £600,000 this year, enabling support for a greater number of impactful projects. I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by my predecessors and me, including in the areas of justice and financial wellbeing, and those reaching the less heard from parts of the veteran community.”
The project will support veterans through a two year Outdoor Therapy programme designed to improve veterans’ health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities in access to support, strengthen families and support successful transition into civilian life.
Reading Force
Scotland‑Wide (Multi‑Region – Moray, Fife, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, and the Highlands)
Free story-sharing initiative
£9,914
£9,999
£10,088
The project will continue and expand their free story-sharing initiative for the Veteran community across Scotland, supporting Service leavers, their spouses, partners and children, and bereaved families with resources to help look after their own wellbeing and stay well within their communities.
Scottish Veterans Residencies
Edinburgh
FO(OT)HOLD
£40,000
£40,000
£40,000
This project will use occupational therapy to improve the mental health and employment prospects of homeless Veterans in supported housing.
Housing Options Scotland
Edinburgh
Military Matters Programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project will provide 1-1 housing information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community, supporting veterans and serving personnel with expert housing brokerage at the point of transition to navigate the complex processes involved in securing appropriate housing.
Lothians Veterans Centre
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Drop-in Centre
£31,781
£33,846
£35,930
Project will fund the drop-in centre in Dalkeith, offering a range of holistic, person-centred advice and support to veterans and families primarily in the Lothians.
Royal Marines Association
Angus (Arbroath)
Transition Support Officer North
£9,000
£9,000
£9,000
This project will fund a Transition Support Officer , based at 45 Commando in Arbroath.
Shared Parenting Scotland
Edinburgh
Separation and family breakdown support
£16,500
£16,500
£16,500
This project will expand activity underway to strengthen support for veterans and their family’s experiencing separation, family breakdown and loss of contact with children.
On Course Foundation
Scotland‑Wide
Confidence building golf activities
£7,872
£15,568
£15,568
To deliver a programme of confidence building golf activities throughout Scotland, supporting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans and Service personnel on recovery duty.
Thistle
Edinburgh
Meaningful Connections
£40,000
£42,000
£44,000
The project will refine and build on the successes of the Meaningful Connections programme, which has improved the health, wellbeing and social participation of over 120 veterans and their families across Scotland to date.
Sacro
Edinburgh
Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS)
£25,000
£25,000
N/A
This project is available for military veterans who are currently in or are at risk of becoming involved in Scotland’s Justice System. The service works closely with each veteran to build an intensive support plan, providing practical and emotional support throughout their journey.
Combat Stress
Highlands & Rural North
The Veterans and Family Recovery Network.
£32,000
£16,000
N/A
The service will provide veterans and their families’ access to a mental health education programme.
Forces Employment Charity
Scotland‑Wide
NOVA Scotland programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project supports veterans in contact with the Scottish Justice System, with the overarching aim of reducing reoffending, facilitating reintegration into the community, and encouraging a successful transition into a sustainable, law abiding lifestyle.
Royal Caledonian Education Trust
Edinburgh
Support to Service leavers’ and veterans’ children.
£37,500
£37,500
£37,500
Funding to support children and young people to achieve a successful transition to civilian life when their parent leaves the forces.
Defence Gardens Scheme
Highlands & Rural North
Strong Roots
£24,000
£24,000
£24,000
This project is for all members of the Armed Forces across the Highlands and will deliver bespoke evidenced horticultural therapy and train practical growing skills to enable veterans and their families to become Veteran Volunteers.
Organisation
Location
Project Title
26/27
27/28
28/29
Project Overview
ACVC Hub
Greater Glasgow
Creative Well-Being Enterprise Programme
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
This project will deliver arts and crafts tutored sessions to veterans and their families, 3 days weekly over 3 years. Using arts and crafts as a non-clinical support tool to improve mental health, build routine, reduce isolation and support transition to civilian life.
Fresh Start Scotland
Edinburgh
Support for veterans working through addiction
£15,001
£15,450
£15,913
This project will be delivered through a partnership between Fresh Start, LEAP (Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme), and Recovery Through Activity, to provide a tailored pathway to support veterans who are in, or emerging from, addiction recovery.
Money Advice Scotland
Lanarkshire (East Kilbride)
Money Advice for Veterans
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
A specialist training programme delivered to the sector on supporting veterans with financial advice and challenges.
Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB
Scottish Borders
Supporting rural veterans
£28,065
N/A
N/A
A project advisor to reach out and provide additional physical outreach to support for veterans within the rural community.
Royal British Veterans Enterprises
Greater Glasgow
Empowering Scotland’s Bravest
£31,297
£35,980.46
£37,409.91
A pilot which will restructure RBVE’s Accredited Training Centre, in partnership with West College Scotland (WCS) and provide a dedicated training programme for disabled, disadvantaged, vulnerable and underemployed veterans and military families in Scotland.
SMALL FUND
Organisation
Project Title
26/27
Project Overview
Archaeology Scotland
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Wellbeing Through Archaeology
£10,000
This project offers a unique, archaeology-based approach to improving health and wellbeing for female veterans, female serving personnel, and their families.
Clyde Coast Radio
Inverclyde (Port Glasgow)
Veterans Radio Show
£9,000
A volunteer group of Army veterans providing support to veterans through radio.
Cyrenians
Lothians (Wilkieston)
Sanctuary for veterans and families.
£10,000
To provide support for veterans and focus on under-represented groups such as the LGBTQI+ community and families through wellbeing activities at the Linburn Walled Garden.
Erskine
Renfrewshire (Bishopton)
EARS 2 Hear
£9,631
The project will provide a hearing support initiative for veterans.
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group
Lanarkshire
Veterans Group
£10,000
To provide veterans support through fortnightly meet-ups, offering a varied programme of activities and support based on the needs and interests of the group.
Macmerry and District Mens Shed
East Lothian
Twice weekly workshops
£7,500
A twice weekly workshop bringing veterans together, with the opportunity to learn new skills and access support.
Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership
Lothians (Dalkeith)
CAB services for veterans
£3,000
Project will increase access to local up-to-date information and confidential advice on a range of support services for veterans through Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau Virtual Expert Remote Advice portable touchscreen devices.
Nature 4 Health
Highlands (Forres)
EVAC North Sessions
£9,600
Weekly 90 minute activity sessions to be held at Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North, ranging from dissertation writing on subjects of interest to learning bushcraft.
Rothiemurchus Lodge
Highlands (Aviemore)
Refurbishments
£9,410
To refurbish the Lodge and provide respite accommodation for veterans and their families.
Stand Easy
Fife
Drama-based therapy
£10,000
Drama-based therapeutic workshops to support ex-Service personnel and their families affected by Post-Traumatic Stress.
What Makes the Difference
Ayrshire / West Coast
Support to veterans in custody
£10,000
A 12-week pilot to deliver structured coaching to veterans in custody, addressing the unique challenges of identity loss, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and neurodivergent traits that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
‘Our plan is delivering’ – Health Secretary welcomes new figures
New figures show the number of operations carried out in the 12 months to January 2026 increased by 6.1% compared to the same period the year before.
New statistics from Public Health Scotland show a total of 276,118 operations were performed during the last 12 months, while 756 operations were carried out per day; an increase from 713 for year ending January 2025.
This comes on the back of new waiting times statistics which show waits of over a year have decreased for 8 consecutive months – with new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks more than halving since July 2025 and waits of over a year reducing by almost 30% for inpatient/day-case procedures in the same period.
Labour is desperate to talk down Scotland’s NHS, but here are the facts.
Latest stats out today show we are delivering more operations, meeting our CAMHS target, and long waits are falling. Thanks to our incredible NHS staff and the Scottish Government’s investment👇 pic.twitter.com/KWQTCZL74l
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These new figures show that our plan is delivering for Scotland – I am pleased to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out, despite on-going pressures and the adverse weather seen over Winter which has impacted activity.
“I thank all NHS staff for their continued hard work – they are driving this progress and these figures are further evidence that our NHS is turning a corner.
“We are seeing waits of over a year come down month after month and we are delivering thousands more operations, procedures and appointments compared to last year – we are determined to build on this momentum.”
