Our usual Crafternoon schedule has been extended for October!
Free drop-in craft sessions, all ages welcome! 
Crafternoons at Holyrood!
Tag: Scottish Parliament
Holyrood Staff Unite to Support Menopause Awareness
UK Parliaments Join Forces to Support Menopause Awareness
Staff from three UK parliaments – Holyrood, Westminster, and the Senedd – are coming together during World Menopause Month in a united commitment to supporting colleagues through every stage of life.
The three UK parliaments are hosting Menopause Cafés, supported by the Perth-based charity of the same name, and are backing its Menopause Awareness Ribbon campaign to spark open conversations about menopause and break down the stigma surrounding it.
Since forming in 2017, Menopause Café has sparked a global movement of informal ‘cafés’ worldwide, where people of all ages and genders get together either at work or in the community to discuss menopause. Since the first ever café in Perth that same year, the charity has supported over 1,800 Menopause Cafés worldwide, from the UK and the USA to Chile, Zambia, Bahrain and Portugal, empowering more than 18,000 participants to get talking.
The event at Holyrood today (Thursday 9 October 2025) was for all parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and hosted by MSPs Carol Mochan (South Scotland) and Monica Lennon (Central Scotland), representatives of the Cross-Party Women’s Health Group.
Carol Mochan MSP said, “The Menopause Café was a genuinely heartening event that gave lots of people the platform to put across their views on this vital issue.
“To be doing so in conjunction with colleagues in Cardiff and London offers hope that we can make significant progress on this issue in terms of substantial policy.”
Meanwhile, a bilingual Menopause Café for both English and Welsh speakers was held at the Senedd event on Friday 3 October and the Westminster event, hosted by the Scotland Office at Whitehall, will be held later this month on Tuesday 28 October.
Anna Daniel, Head of Strategic Transformation at the Senedd Commission, is one of the Welsh Parliament’s workplace Menopause Champions.
She said, “On World Menopause Day, 18 October 2023, the Senedd Commission proudly launched its ‘Peri/Menopause: Wellbeing in the Workplace Toolkit’, becoming the first organisation in Wales to adopt the British Standard – Menstruation, Menstrual Health, and Menopause in the Workplace: Guide.
“This October, in celebration of Menopause Awareness Month, we hosted two Menopause Cafés – an open, welcoming space to talk, listen, and learn. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to building a workplace culture that emphasises comfort, wellbeing and inclusivity.
“By raising awareness and creating space for honest, supportive conversations, we aim to make the Senedd a place where everyone is empowered to thrive.”
Rachel Weiss, Founder of Menopause Café, added, “We are thrilled that these Parliaments are holding Menopause Cafes and embracing the Menopause Awareness Ribbon campaign this month.
“Their eagerness to support both their parliamentarians and their staff sends a signal far beyond the walls of government, both symbolically and practically.
“By openly acknowledging and supporting menopause awareness, our Parliaments can help drive conversation across every workplace, inspiring a UK-wide commitment to improving workplace culture.
“This united front also sets the tone for future legislation and higher standards as, by embracing menopause awareness internally, they’re better placed to shape inclusive policies externally.”
Order a box of Menopause Awareness ribbons or single ribbons from:
John Swinney: A Fresh Start with Independence
FM: Scots should make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests
Independence would give the people of Scotland new opportunities to improve their standards of living, according to a new paper published by First Minister John Swinney.
‘A Fresh Start with Independence’ examines how an independent Scotland would be able to improve the economy and the NHS, and tackle issues such as household finances, pensions, social security, migration, energy and defence.
The paper states that the Scottish Government has worked hard to improve the lives of people living in Scotland using devolved powers but it would only be able to fully capitalise on the nation’s potential with independence.
The First Minister said: “I firmly believe that the people who live in Scotland are best placed to make decisions about Scotland. That is the fundamental democratic and practical argument underpinning the case that we make.
“Too many people in Scotland today do not have a decent standard of living and are finding it difficult to make ends meet. That is because standards of living in the UK have improved little in over 10 years, due to a failing economic system and Westminster decisions such as austerity and the disastrous decision to leave the European Union. Scotland did not support austerity and it did not support Brexit. The reality is Westminster is not working for Scotland.
“The Scottish Government works tirelessly to use the powers of devolution to deliver the very best for Scotland. Much good has been achieved through the expansion of early learning and childcare, the introduction of free university tuition, the expansion of the rail network, the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol, the creation of the Scottish Child Payment and many other measures.
“But Scotland needs to be able to improve the opportunities available to our people, our communities and our businesses. Scotland needs to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all. Those possibilities would only be available to Scotland with the fresh start of independence.
“We have shown that when we have the power to decide for ourselves, we find solutions and make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests. I believe Scotland can and will become a successful independent country, with a more dynamic economy and a fairer society.”
The Scottish Conservatives don’t agree, oddly enough:
Bill passed to help prevent domestic homicides and suicides
New review process will ensure lessons are learned from each case
Legislation to help reduce the number of domestic abuse-related homicides and suicides in Scotland has been passed unanimously by Parliament.
The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill will legally require a new robust review process following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is known or suspected.
The reviews, which are expected to start next spring, will mean that where there has been a death of this nature, justice, health, social care, local government and third sector agencies must work together to identify and agree any areas for change and improvement so further deaths may be prevented.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance has commissioned Healthcare Improvement Scotland to work with partners, those with direct experience of domestic abuse and families bereaved in these circumstances, to develop national standards to support how the reviews are undertaken and the multi-agency and multi-disciplinary response to domestic homicide and suicide.
The Bill will also help to modernise the justice sector by supporting greater use of digital technology, including evidence-sharing, and efficient processes.
It will make permanent a number of temporary measures that were put in place during the COVID pandemic in 2020 which improved how the criminal justice system works. The reforms include allowing more virtual attendance at criminal courts, electronic signing and sending of documents in criminal cases, and greater use of digital evidence from crime scene to court room.
As well as benefiting victims and witnesses, these reforms will help efforts to support frontline policing – sparing officers from unduly waiting around in court buildings.
The Justice Secretary said: “Any death following domestic abuse is one too many. The new Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model, backed by national standards, will help to ensure lessons are learned following such deaths, so that services are improved and victims are better protected.
“I hope that identifying what needs to improve will mean there are fewer deaths of this kind.
“Legislation alone is not enough, though. The real change we need to see will only happen when those who perpetrate domestic abuse – the majority of whom are men – change their actions and behaviour.
“This Bill will also provide resilience to the criminal justice sector by embedding efficiency and modernisation in procedures – making sure Scotland’s criminal justice system can meet current and future demands.
“This includes greater use of digital technology, including evidence-sharing, and efficient processes such as allowing more virtual attendance at criminal courts and electronic signing and sending of documents in criminal cases.”
Fiona Drouet, who founded the EmilyTest charity in memory of her daughter, and who chairs the Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Group under the Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, said: “The introduction of statutory reviews into domestic abuse homicides and suicides is a hugely important step.
“Like so many families, we were left to piece together the devastating circumstances that led to our daughter Emily taking her own life, all whilst in the most painful time of our lives.
“Doors closed on us, and the desperation to make sure no one else ended up in Emily’s shoes felt all-consuming – a responsibility we should never have had to carry.
“Having comprehensive reviews in place means there’s less risk of lessons being missed and future tragedies prevented. Domestic abuse-related suicides now outnumber domestic homicides, which is why giving equal priority to these deaths is so vital.
“As Chair of the Group under the Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce that is informing Scotland’s suicide reviews, I see firsthand the depth of expertise partners bring to the process, and am confident in a system that puts lived experience at its heart.
“The wider provisions in the Bill to strengthen existing practices and protections are also welcome, bringing greater consistency and safety across Scotland.”
Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: ““Scottish Women’s Aid warmly welcomes this legislation.
“We have been calling for a Scottish response to domestic abuse deaths for almost a decade, and this new law delivers a unique approach that was developed in an inclusive, thoughtful, and evidence-based process.
“Implementation, as always, must be resourced supported by the expertise of specialist services, but this law gives us the tools to make a difference.’’
Victim Support Scotland Head of Communications and External Affairs Carol Eden said: “Victim Support Scotland welcomes legislation in both parts of this important Bill.
“Much of what is being put into legislation reflects what has been in practice for several years now as a result of COVID. Victims and witnesses have become accustomed to and expect the level of flexibility this offers, and to not make permanent these powers would be a retrograde step.
“Equally, Victim Support Scotland is supportive of legislation to underpin a Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review model to help to develop a better understanding of how domestic abuse impacts communities in Scotland.
“We have been heavily involved in these developments as an active member of the Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce and associated sub-groups, with our work informed by our Support for Families Bereaved by Crime service, which provides practical and emotional support to families bereaved by murder and culpable homicide.”
Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill
Holyrood Committee agrees general principles of Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill
The introduction of the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill has been welcomed by the Economy and Fair Work Committee, who believe it has the potential to play a vital role in improving the lives of people across Scotland.
The Bill would place a duty on all local authorities to work with public bodies to adopt a community wealth building (CWB) partnership approach. According to the Bill, this would help communities to generate and retain wealth locally and give communities a greater stake in Scotland’s economy.
However, the Committee’s Stage 1 report says that, although the Bill creates an obligation to act, it may not, on its own, enable or necessarily drive implementation.
Success will depend on the strength of the accompanying statement by Scottish Ministers that clearly sets out the intended policy outcomes, and the provision of clear and consistent Scottish Government guidance that helps CWB partnerships to produce action plans.
Under the Bill, CWB partnerships will be required to publish and report on the measures being taken, or which will be taken, to empower communities and strengthen local economies. Examples include buying locally, supporting job opportunities, and including fair work criteria in procurement contracts.
Complementary legislative and policy reforms to shift economic power to local communities will also be crucial, such as compulsory purchase orders to support the acquisition of land or property for community use.
As part of the Committee’s scrutiny, members visited Alloa and Irvine to observe different local CWB approaches in practice. MSPs heard about the many benefits, including safer and more vibrant neighbourhoods, improved facilities and transport links, increased employment opportunities, and a stronger sense of community pride and wellbeing.
Committee Convener, Daniel Johnson MSP said: “Our Committee recognises the transformative potential of community wealth building, when supported by local authorities and other public bodies.
“The Bill is a significant step toward empowering communities and promoting inclusive economic development across Scotland.
“But an obligation to act imposed by the legislation may not, on its own, drive implementation. Quality guidance to support action plans, and a clear policy statement from Scottish Ministers will help to support that.”
Further legislative and policy changes will also be essential to fully realise the Bill’s aims, the Committee heard. During evidence, stakeholders consistently highlighted the importance of reforms in areas such as compulsory sale orders, procurement practices, community empowerment and asset transfer.
The Convener added: “The Committee agrees these changes are vital and asks the Scottish Government to outline how the broader policy landscape will be adapted to support the Bill’s success.”
Holyrood Committee: Public bodies failing to promote equality
Public bodies are failing to deliver on their duties of advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between different groups, according to a new report from Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
The Public Sector Equality Duty is a legal requirement for public bodies and organisations that was issued following the passing of the UK Equality Act in 2010. It aims to make sure that these bodies and organisations think about how they can improve society and promote equality.
In its report, the Committee finds that fundamental reform to Scotland’s approach to the Duty is required so that it can have the impact that it was intended to have.
Evidence heard by the Committee demonstrated that public authorities lack the genuine understanding of the protected characteristics and the interrelationship between them that can improve people’s lives.
One issue was that understanding of the duty is not being cascaded down from senior staff to those on the front line. The Equality and Human Rights Commission told the Committee that this meant that delivering the Duty effectively could be more “hit and miss”.
In response, the report calls for the Scottish Government to provide leadership, direction and investment to embed the Duty; to deliver significant societal and economic benefits; and to improve outcomes for people with protected characteristics.
As part of its inquiry, the Committee also considered reforms proposed by the Scottish Government, but found these would not deliver enough change to improve outcomes. Instead of waiting for reforms, which should be accelerated, the Committee’s report calls on public bodies to act now, with Ministerial direction on priorities, to implement the duty fully.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “This is a time of significant funding challenges for public authorities. We recognise that this means that capacity to focus on delivering the Public Sector Equality Duty can be severely restricted.
“However, our view is that this makes it even more vital that this is a priority, not an add on or tick box exercise, for public authorities.
“We ask that the Scottish Government provide leadership, direction and continuing investment to ensure that the Public Sector Equality Duty can deliver on its aims and effectively promote equality in Scotland.”
Holyrood Committee: Sign Language law transformative, but challenges remain
An Act that aims to promote the use of British Sign Language (BSL) in Scotland has significantly improved the daily lives of BSL users, according to a report by MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
Stakeholders told the Committee that the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act has increased visibility of BSL, improved access to services for BSL users and delivered greater empowerment of the Deaf community. The report also concludes that national and local authority plans have helped embed BSL into public service delivery.
However, challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified interpreters, finite funding and resources for services and a lack of enforceability and accountability around BSL plans.
In its report, the Committee expresses particular concern regarding the experiences of Deaf children and young people who face challenges accessing their native language.
It is also concerned that Deaf children in mainstream schools may feel a lack of identity and sense of isolation from the wider Deaf community. In response, the Committee calls for more work to be done to increase the visibility of Deaf role models and increase the number of teachers with BSL skills.
Similarly, the Committee’s report highlights concern about access to justice. It calls for greater education for Deaf people on rights and how the justice system works, increases to the number of suitably trained Deaf experts to help survivors of crime and improvements to data recording on victims of crime to ensure that appropriate support is available for BSL users.
The report also calls for greater support for BSL users in the health service. Witnesses drew attention to Deaf people with mental health issues, calling for them to be able to communicate directly with an expert who can read their body language and understand exactly what they are saying and how that is being expressed.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “In the 10 years since it became law, the British Sign Language Act has had a transformational impact on the lives of Deaf people, but this progress has been uneven and substantial challenges remain.
“For many Deaf people, BSL is not an additional language but their only language. That’s why we want to see the Scottish Government and public bodies continue with their commitment to consulting on and improving their support for BSL users.
“Our report makes a number of key recommendations that, if followed, will ensure that the excellent progress on implementing the BSL Act continues and that it fully achieves its aims.”
A majority of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee do not support the general principles of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR RIGHT TO RECOVERY IGNORED?
A majority of a Scottish Parliament Committee is unable to recommend the general principles of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill be agreed to.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee highlight a series of concerns with the Bill and say it will require significant amendments, should it proceed to Stage 2.
The Member’s Bill, introduced by Douglas Ross MSP, seeks to give people diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction a statutory right to receive treatment from a relevant professional.
The Committee recognises the strength of evidence received throughout its Stage1 scrutiny which revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with availability and access to support services for those experiencing harm from drug or alcohol misuse.
However, the Committee’s Stage 1 report also highlights widespread stakeholder concerns that the Bill’s focus is too narrow and could lead to a deprioritising of prevention and early intervention when tackling harmful drug and alcohol use.
The Committee says it has heard substantial evidence of the significant strain those working in drug and alcohol services are currently under and says the Bill could potentially exacerbate pressure on the workforce and resources.
Fears that the three-week statutory deadline in the Bill could compromise treatment quality, limit choice, and increase relapse risk are also highlighted. The Committee raises concerns that this treatment deadline could end up putting further pressure on over-stretched resources.
There are also concerns that the costs of implementation set out in the Financial Memorandum are a significant underestimate and the Committee concludes that the Bill may result in resources being diverted from addressing the needs of individuals in order to achieve legal compliance with the Bill.
The Committee points to ‘strong evidence’ that the right to treatment outlined in the legislation could set a dangerous precedent and expectation for a similar legal right to treatment for other conditions.
Further concerns are also raised by the Committee that an unintended consequence of the Bill could be a significant rise in litigation, in cases where health services are unable to meet the legal rights set out in the Bill.
Stakeholders’ doubts about whether legal rights alone can overcome cultural, capacity, and resource barriers, and concerns over proposed enforcement routes as being too costly and complex are highlighted by the Committee.
There are also concerns about the way the Bill might interact with the existing legal framework governing the rights of people suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.
Should it proceed to Stage 2, the Committee calls on Douglas Ross to consider further ways of ensuring that the Bill works in tandem, rather than in conflict, with the existing policy and legal framework.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee recognises the long-standing and serious harms that drug and alcohol misuse can have on individuals and families across Scotland.
“The number of people suffering from drug and/or alcohol use in Scotland is still far too high and our evidence made it clear that more must be done to tackle these issues.
“However, a majority of our committee do not believe this Bill is the correct vehicle to effectively support those suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.
“Our report highlights our serious concerns with the Bill in its current form and it is because of those concerns that a majority of our committee is unable to recommend to Parliament that the Bill should proceed to Stage 2.
“We acknowledge the Bill’s aim of helping those suffering from drug and alcohol misuse. However, our evidence has highlighted that the Bill in its current form could negatively impact individuals who are suffering and put even greater strain on services that are already deeply stretched.
“On behalf of the Committee, I am grateful to everyone who has provided evidence and informed our scrutiny of the general principles of this Bill.”
Douglas Ross MSP responded: “Disappointing that Holyrood’s Health Committee has said the Right to Recovery Bill should fall.
“But Parliament doesn’t have to agree. This Bill would guarantee a legal right to treatment. With lives lost every day, I hope MSPs back further work on it.”
Other key findings in the report:
- the Committee notes concerns that the Bill places a particular emphasis on abstinence-based types of treatment over harm reduction, rather than focusing on what is best for each individual
- the Committee voices concerns that the Bill could prove exclusionary, in that individuals who have not received a diagnosis of addiction would not be able to exercise the right to access treatment conferred by the Bill
- the Committee notes a range of concerns about the language and definitions used in the Bill. For example, the Committee highlights suggestions that a more appropriate alternative term to “addiction” would be “substance use disorder”, as defined by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”
- the Committee is concerned by the Bill’s lack of acknowledgement of the crucial role families and carers play in supporting individuals, the role of multi-disciplinary teams, and regrets that the Bill makes no direct reference to the critical role of independent advocacy.
Public Support for Right to Recovery Ignored
Annmarie Ward of FAVOR UK (Faces and Voices of Recovery) said: We have published a detailed statement responding to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s Stage 1 report on the Right to Recovery Bill.
“The statement sets out why the Committee’s decision ignores overwhelming public support, repeats long-debunked myths, and privileges government-funded institutions over families and lived experience.
You can read the full statement here:
https://facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org/public-support-for-right-to-recovery-ignored/
“Scotland remains the drug death capital of Europe. Nearly 80 percent of consultation respondents supported the Bill, yet the Committee has chosen to defend the status quo rather than recognise the urgent need for enforceable recovery rights. This deserves immediate scrutiny.”
Will reform improve Scotland’s freedom of information system?
Proposed changes to strengthen the public’s right to information and increase transparency among public authorities are set to be scrutinised in Holyrood
The Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill.
The Bill would update the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by making the public’s right to information explicit (unless it is subject to an absolute exemption) and establishing a new duty for public authorities to publish information proactively.
It would also bring more bodies under freedom of information rules and mandate the appointment of freedom of information officers, to improve compliance.
In a move to improve the effectiveness of existing processes, the Bill would give the Scottish Information Commissioner stronger enforcement powers. It would remove the First Minister’s power to override the Commissioner’s decisions and allow the Commissioner to refer cases of failure to comply with the timescales directly to the Court of Session.
The Committee now wants to hear from users of the Act (which includes the media, trade unions and campaigners), public bodies, and bodies providing public services that may become subject to freedom of information rules under the Bill (such as third sector organisations and housing associations).
The range of organisations with an interest in this Bill is wide and is also likely to include academics and think tanks involved in representative democracy, legal bodies, information governance professionals and others who are involved in interpreting and applying freedom of information legislation.
The call for views is open now and will close to responses on 22 October 2025. The Committee plans to hold evidence sessions with stakeholders in November.
Martin Whitfield MSP, Convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, said: “With the original Act now 20 years old, it’s timely to look at how the law might be updated.
“New legislation must be clearly defined and workable. The Committee is keen to hear views on the Bill’s proposals, and whether its aims to strengthen existing processes, increase transparency and extend coverage are likely to achieve their intended impact.
“The Committee will listen clearly to these views and take them into account, together with the oral evidence we will gather, to suggest how the Bill might be amended and improved.
“If you are a user of the Freedom of Information Act, subject to its rules (or may be, following the Bill), involved in interpreting requests or have an academic or public interest in the system, please do share your views on this Bill.”
The call for views has opened and can be found here: Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill
Scotland’s Essential Sector: SCVO publishes 2026 election manifesto
Leading voluntary sector body outlines priorities for next Scottish Government
Scotland’s next Government must play its part in maintaining a strong, sustainable voluntary sector, a leading third sector body has said.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published ‘Scotland’s Essential Sector’, its manifesto for next May’s Scottish Parliament elections.
The sector is instrumental in the delivery of public services. Public sector funding makes up 40% of the voluntary sector’s income, with around £1.6billion from local authorities and £1bn from the Scottish Government – much of it through contracts and grants.
The manifesto has been shaped by the sector itself – with organisations asked what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
Scotland’s Essential Sector sets out what the sector needs to be stronger, more sustainable, and more empowered – so it can play its full role delivering for communities, and tackling some of the biggest challenges we face as a country.
The six priorities outlined in the manifesto are:
• Delivering fair funding – reforming public sector funding to be multi-year, flexible, sustainable, and accessible.
• Creating a partnership of equals – establishing a formal, long-term partnership between government and the sector.
• Commissioning with communities – embedding ethical commissioning and ending default to commercial procurement.
• Modernising regulation – launching a comprehensive, independent review of charity regulation.
• Securing the future of volunteering – reversing the long-term decline in participation through targeted action.
• Protecting the sector’s voice – introducing anti-SLAPP legislation and safeguarding public interest advocacy.
SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face — tackling poverty, improving health and wellbeing, supporting children and families, strengthening local economies, advancing climate action, building skills for the future, and much more besides.
“From mental health support to employability programmes, from sports clubs to social care, from community transport to creative arts — voluntary organisations deliver vital support to people and communities in every part of Scotland.
“They are trusted, rooted in communities, and are at the heart of a healthy society, a fair economy, and a strong democracy. They are Scotland’s Essential Sector.
“As we look ahead to the next Scottish Parliament elections, one thing is clear: government cannot meet the needs of people and communities alone.
“The next Scottish Government needs a strong, sustainable voluntary sector.”
Full details of Scotland’s Essential Sector can be found online: