Diversifying landownership and strengthening community ownership and control is not just a fair approach; it is the key to putting Scotland’s future in the hands of its people and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future.
That is why our first policy priority ahead of the 2026 election is to ask for 10% of Scotland to be community owned by the end of the Parliament delivered by a clear plan to significantly increase community landownership and reduce the concentration of private landownership in Scotland – including a Land Reform Bill with a meaningful Public Interest Test on all landownership and targeted taxation to deliver land reform outcomes.
Community landownership has repeatedly shown its value, giving people the ability to shape their local economies, create housing and jobs, restore nature and generate clean energy. But to unlock this potential at scale, it is essential that Scotland addresses its concentrated pattern of landownership and ensures a revitalised democracy rooted in communities themselves.
A new Land Reform Bill is a crucial mechanism to do that. Within this Bill, there needs to be a meaningful public interest test on large-scale landownership – a concept proposed by the Scottish Land Commission over the past five years, and which the Scottish Government had previously committed to with 72% of respondents strongly supporting the proposed measure within their consultation on this matter.
Combined with targeted taxation and a clear national plan to expand community ownership, these measures can shift the archaic status quo.
Reaching 10% community ownership is ambitious; but it is achievable, necessary and the clear next step to build a Scotland where land is owned and managed for the public good.
What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?
The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.
The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.
Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said:“Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.
“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.
“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?
“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”
Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.
Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.
Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.
Increased Scottish Government investment in culture has had a “positive impact” on confidence and stability in the sector but extra funding may to some degree be being used to help meet ongoing financial pressures, rather than necessarily generating improved cultural outcomes, according to a new report from Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
In a report published yesterday, the Committee recognises that “despite this welcome investment” the sector continues to face significant financial pressures, including increased employment costs such as employer National Insurance contributions, the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and Fair Work commitments.
In its report, published ahead of the Budget announcement in January, the Committee also shares concerns raised by arts and culture organisations that the Scottish Government funding increase may be being offset by funding reductions by local government.
Reiterating concerns
Throughout its pre-budget scrutiny, the Committee has considered evidence and the response of the Scottish Government, over the whole period of this session of Parliament, in order to build a longer-term view of culture funding decisions.
In its report, MSPs ask the Scottish Government to explain why it has not delivered 3-year funding settlements for the organisations it funds directly, despite a commitment in 2021 to do so.
That is one of a number of areas where the Committee is seeking clarity from the Scottish Government on the progress made in the last five years. Others include; a lack of strategic clarity in funding decisions and progress on collaboration with other Cabinet Secretaries to move forward on cross-portfolio working on funding for culture.
It also calls for details on progress made on a recommendation first given in 2022, that the Scottish Government urgently works towards alternative funding models for the sector, as well as for an urgent update on the establishment of a ‘Percentage for the Arts’ scheme and details as to what it would look like in practice.
The initiative was confirmed to be in its “initial stages” in 2022, but despite commitments to do so, the Scottish Government has not provided any further details to the Committee on the establishment of the scheme.
“Acute” skills shortage and infrastructure challenges
Further concerns raised in the report include a lack of skilled staff to maintain Scotland’s historic environment sector, with the Committee asking the Scottish Government how it is responding to this “acute” skills shortage.
It also asks key questions about whether the upcoming Spending Review will include plans to support the refurbishment, retrofitting and upkeep of cultural assets, as well as how the “substantial capital investment” required in the culture and heritage sector will be addressed to meet climate change and net zero ambitions.
Committee convener Clare Adamson said:“The Committee acknowledges the encouraging effect of the government’s pledge to boost funding for the culture sector, which has helped foster greater confidence and stability.
“Nonetheless, persistent financial challenges continue to pose serious difficulties for heritage and cultural organisations.
“We have listened carefully to the voices of those shaping and supporting Scotland’s cultural life and are mindful of the challenging economic context in which increased support has been made available.
“Our report outlines a series of recommendations for the Scottish Government.”
The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.
Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.
It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.
The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.
Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.
She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.
Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.
Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.
The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.
Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said:“This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.
“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.
“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”
Jryna Batters said:“The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.
“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”
Bruce Norval said:“I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.
“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.
“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.
“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.
“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”
Bill Wright OBE said:“The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.
“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.
“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.
A majority of MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have given support to a Bill which gives school pupils a right to opt back into religious education and amends the UNCRC compatibility duty. However, they have also highlighted significant concerns about the Bill.
Those Members also noted the need for significant amendments to the Bill to resolve the serious concerns that were raised about it.
Other Members of the Committee were not content with supporting the general principles.
Rhoda Grant MSP felt that she was not able to make a recommendation, while Pam Gosal MSP and Tess White MSP said they could not support the general principles.
If the Bill is passed, schools would need to inform pupils if a parent or guardian requests that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance. If a pupil objected to being withdrawn, the school would have to follow the pupil’s wishes.
Following concerns raised in evidence, the Committee’s report recommends that the Scottish Government separate religious education and religious observance and considers unintended consequences such as the possibility of increased conflict between parents and children.
Additionally, the Bill sets out how public authorities should act when their duties under the UNCRC Act conflict with other legal obligations.
Witnesses raised concerns about why this part of the Bill was needed and what kind of precedent it sets for future human rights legislation.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said:“The Committee heard strong views on this Bill during evidence, with very serious concerns being raised.
“However, given the clear support for the basic premise of the Bill of furthering children’s rights from several witnesses, a majority of our Committee recommend that Parliament support the general principles of the Bill.
“We are clear though that substantial amendments will need to be made to respond to the significant concerns we heard.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
The Scottish Parliament came alive last night with The Light We Share: Ukrainians Enriching Scotland, a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community (writes ZHENYA DOVE).
The event brought together parliamentarians, diplomats, artists, and members of the Ukrainian community to celebrate the profound cultural impact Ukrainians continue to make across Scotland.
Over the past few years, Ukrainian creatives have become a visible part of Scotland’s cultural scene. Ukrainian artists have exhibited work at the V&A Dundee, Ukrainian performers have taken the stage at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and performances have brought new energy to the Edinburgh Fringe and other Scottish festivals.
Hosted by Colin Beattie MSP, with addresses from Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities of Scotland, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, and Zhenya Dove, Chair of the Culture Working Group, the evening showcased how art and creativity can transcend hardship, uniting communities through shared expression.
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
In her remarks, Kaukab Stewart MSP reflected on the deepening relationship between the two nations: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which Ukrainians are both enriching Scotland’s culture and sharing in our heritage as well.
“The people of Ukraine have become interwoven in Scotland’s story. We now have a shared history that will shape both nations for many generations to come.”
Colin Beattie MSP, who sponsored the event, said: “It’s an honour to sponsor such a landmark event – a moment to celebrate how Ukrainians who sought refuge from war are now shaping and enriching the cultural life of Scotland.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Consul of Ukraine Andrii Madzianovskyi, speaking on behalf of his nation, conveyed his sincere appreciation: “On behalf of Ukraine, I extend my deep gratitude to our Scottish friends for your solidarity, for your warmth and support.
“May this evening strengthen our friendship and inspire us to continue standing together – for culture, for freedom, and for our bright future.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Zhenya Doveclosed the evening with words of gratitude and hope: “Creativity doesn’t just survive the hardest journeys; it transforms them.
“It turns rubble into stages and loss into light. That light, the one that refuses to go out, that’s the Ukrainian spirit. And tonight, it shines here with us.”
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
The event featured a live performance by students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a cultural showcase curated by the Museum of Ukrainian Craft and Culture Scotland, highlighting the remarkable ways in which Ukrainian artists, educators, and communities have enriched Scottish cultural life.
The event was attended by over 160 guests, including MSPs, members of the Consular Corps, cultural leaders, and representatives from key Scottish and Ukrainian organisations.
The Light We Share Ukrainian Community in Scotland
Among the distinguished attendees were Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Science and Technology, representatives from the Consulates of China, Japan, Poland, Romania, Germany, Austria and Turkey, as well as leaders from the British Council, Baillie Gifford, Wheatley Foundation, EVOC, the University of Edinburgh, Napier University, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Museums and Galleries Scotland.
‘Fundamental issues’ must be addressed in a Bill which seeks to introduce a recall process to the Scottish Parliament. This is the outcome of a report issued by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.
Whilst the Committee recommends the Scottish Parliament agrees the general principles of the Bill, the report sets out a number of areas for reconsideration to ensure the process works within the Scottish Parliament’s electoral system.
These include consideration of the complexity and costs associated with the recall of regional MSPs, and some of the practical arrangements of holding recall petitions to ensure all those eligible to sign can do so.
The Bill also proposes new grounds for the automatic removal of MSPs, either on criminal offence grounds or when a Member has not attended the Parliament in person for 180 days without a reasonable explanation.
The Committee is not persuaded that MSPs should be removed for not physically attending the Parliament and invites Mr Simpson to reconsider this element of the Bill.
Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “We have heard that at its heart, this Bill has the integrity of the democratic process and the aim of improving accountability.
“Whilst this is clearly to be welcomed, there are some fundamental changes which need to be made for the Bill to achieve this aim.
“The recall process suggested within the Bill builds on the now well-established process at Westminster. But as we heard time and again, the two electoral systems are not the same and it is clear to us that there needs to be further thought given to how regional recall will work.”
The Convener continued: “The proposals within the Bill in relation to removal of MSPs fail to take into account the fact that we operate as a hybrid Parliament.
“With this in mind, we are simply not persuaded that requiring physical attendance is the correct basis for removal of MSPs and this must be rectified during any further consideration of the Bill.”
Release programme includes exclusions and governor vetoes
The Scottish Parliament has approved plans to release more short-term prisoners early due to rising prison numbers.
Following parliamentary approval of the regulations, this means:
Short-term prisoners serving sentences under four years and within 180 days of their scheduled release are eligible for emergency release
Anyone serving a sentence for sexual offences or domestic abuse, and registered sex offenders, is excluded from the release plan
Prison governors can veto an eligible person’s early release if there is evidence they would pose an immediate risk to specific individuals or groups.
Based on the approved criteria, approximately 440 prisoners could be released in the first three fortnightly tranches over November and December 2025.
Around 550 could be released over the remaining four monthly tranches from January to April 2026, with January likely to see the largest release.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “These emergency measures are necessary and proportionate to maintain prison security and good order, as well as the safety and welfare of prisoners and staff.
“Emergency release will reduce the prison population within days, with scheduled releases over six months maintaining this effect.
“These regulations include safeguards: statutory exclusions for sex offenders and those serving sentences for domestic abuse, plus additional exclusions for prisoners with unspent domestic abuse convictions or non-harassment orders.
“In addition, prison governors can veto releases that pose an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable individual or group.
“This is not a decision I take lightly, but action is necessary. The Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) Assessed Capacity Tolerance has been breached repeatedly, with many establishments at red risk status.
“The SPS risks failing to meet statutory duties and legal obligations.
“I absolutely recognise that the early release of prisoners can be a cause for concern for victims and I would encourage anyone wishing to do so to join the Victim Notification Scheme or contact the SPS direct.
“We are committed to a sustainable prison population long-term, including opening new prisons in Inverness and Glasgow.
“We will consider recommendations from the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, due by end of 2025, to address Scotland’s disproportionately high prison population compared to other European countries while maintaining a safe, rehabilitative environment.”
HOLYROOD’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee has said it is disappointed by an ongoing lack of transparency in data gathering and analysis, which makes it very difficult to assess the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the Scottish Government’s approach to mental health spending.
The findings are part of the Committee’s Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026-27, which this year focused on mental health spending. Spending on mental health services now stands at around £1.5 billion and has risen in recent years.
The Committee acknowledge there is general support for the priorities set out in the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan, but regrets that it remains very difficult to identify links between those priorities and how mental health budgets are spent.
It calls on the Scottish Government to provide additional data to illustrate how and to what extent mental health budgets can be linked back to the priorities identified.
The Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to provide data on actual spend on mental health services to allow for better evaluation and to help inform spending decisions.
While acknowledging the current landscape is complicated, even more so as a result of the integration of health and social care, the Committee say the Government must do more to provide detailed analysis of current spending to inform current and future policy.
Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our pre-budget scrutiny this year has been focused on the Scottish Government’s spending on mental health but what we have found is that issues of transparency, data availability and analysis has limited our ability to effectively scrutinise policy and funding.
“More importantly, this limits the Government’s ability to understand the effectiveness of funding for mental health services and where spending could be better targeted to improve outcomes.
“We’re calling for more transparency, and better data and analysis to improve evaluation and to better inform spending priorities.
“Better data capture and analysis could also help inform preventative approaches to mental health funding and highlight areas where ring-fenced funding could be effective. We look forward to the Scottish Government responding to our report.”
The reported negative impact of a lack of long or even medium-term certainty around budgets is also highlighted and the Committee is seeking reassurance from the Scottish Government that the Spending Review can provide a degree of long-term certainty for services and the third sector.
Health and social care is the largest portfolio area in the Scottish Government’s budget, accounting for over £21 billion of spend, equivalent to around a third of the entire Scottish budget. Within this total, spending on mental health services now stands at around £1.5 billion and has risen in recent years.
Holyrood’s Finance Committee has urged the Scottish Government to begin long-term fiscal planning now to address Scotland’s future financial challenges.
The committee’s report on Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures is published today, in advance of the government’s Budget being announced in January 2026.
The committee says it is “in the dark” over the detail of government’s plans and is urging the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Spending Review, also in January, to bring clarity to its priorities and how substantial savings will be made.
Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said:“We agree with the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) that the spending review provides an opportunity for the Scottish Government to set out how it will address Scotland’s long-term fiscal sustainability challenges.
“We seek further details of how the government is directing spending toward its priorities and what areas are being deprioritised.
“We’d also like to know how Ministers plan to meet their ambitions for public sector workforce reductions and efficiencies worth £1billion over the next five years. Evidence and trends suggest these targets will be incredibly challenging to meet.”
Mr Gibson added:“We asked the Scottish Government to provide a full response to the SFC’s Fiscal Sustainability Report on demographics in March 2023, but are still waiting. We, therefore, remain in the dark on the Scottish Government’s longer-term financial plans.”
While the committee welcomed recent improvements in the level of information provided in the Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy on the ‘challenges ahead’, it questioned why a separate document was needed by the government to explain how it is responding to medium-term pressures.
Mr Gibson said:“We do not share the Government’s view that the two documents ‘set out a credible plan’ to deliver its priorities.
“Ministers must put greater emphasis on longer-term financial planning now, in order to mitigate the potentially significant impact of future trends within Scotland’s economy and population.”
The report asked the government to maximise opportunities for better aligning skills with the needs of Scotland’s economy, including supporting fit-for-future funding models for colleges and universities, and careers advice. And, how it is supporting organisations to retain and attract older workers and those with disabilities to increase labour market participation and grow the tax base.
The committee requested further details of how the Scottish Government is creating the right conditions for businesses in Scotland to grow, take a long-term view, invest in capital and leadership, and change attitudes to risk – all of which the committee heard are key barriers to productivity growth.
The committee also wants more information on how high-value businesses, such as in the FinTech sector, are being supported to ‘scale up’ including into unicorns.
Lastly, on social security spending Mr Gibson said: ““Our committee is not convinced that the Scottish Government has set out sufficient evidence to support its argument that the future social security budget is sustainable.
“We are disappointed the government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy did not include the information we requested on the fiscal sustainability of social security spending.
“Nor did the government say how it is assessing the effectiveness of, and outcomes from, its approach to benefits delivery in Scotland – or how this impacts upon other parts of the Budget.
“We’ve therefore asked the government again to carry out this work and report back without further delay.”
