Society & Communities

Improving online connectivity

4G programme brings benefits to thousands of rural homes and businesses.

Pension Credit: What you need to know

Up to 880,000 households across the UK may be missing out on support worth on average over £3,900 a year. Read more about claiming for yourself or a loved one.

Views sought on single-use cup charge

People across Scotland are being asked to have their say on a minimum charge for single-use cups to promote responsible consumption and cut waste.

Welfare outcomes for livestock transported on Northern Isles ferry routes

This report from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) explores the welfare outcomes for livestock transported on the Northern Isles ferry routes and aims to provide objective evidence on the behavioural responses of cattle and sheep to ferry transport from the Northern Isles to Aberdeen.

Afghan medical students arrive safely in Scotland

Education Secretary welcomes students.

Annual Report: Inspectors of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024

Annual report, written by Robert Swanson QPM, Senior Inspector of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors, and Professor Gordon Findlater, Inspector of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors, providing a resume of duties undertaken in the role during the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Boost for rural housing and community projects from the Scottish Land Fund

Three community housing initiatives across Orkney and the Western Isles have received backing during the latest round of funding from the Scottish Land Fund.

Extending Carer Support Payment

Scottish benefit for carers now available in seven more council areas

National Strategy for Community Justice: Delivery Plan Update 2 March 2024

Sets out deliverables which detail the work that will be undertaken to drive improvement nationally towards the aims of the National Strategy for Community Justice.

Pay offer to NHS Agenda for Change staff

5.5% pay increase for nurses and NHS workers in 2024-25.

Prime Minister and Welsh First Minister: Together we will supercharge mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower

The Prime Minister and Welsh First Minister will supercharge efforts to make Britain a clean energy superpower, by investing in homegrown energy to grow the economy, create jobs, boost skills, and strengthen our energy independence.

Prime Minister meets new First Minister in Cardiff for two day Welsh visit

The Prime Minister recently (19 August 2024) arrived in Cardiff for his first in-person meeting with First Minister Eluned Morgan since she took up the role this month.

The King visits Southport

His Majesty The King has visited Southport to meet the local community and emergency services.

Drinking water in Scotland 2023

Issued on behalf of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister receiving cancer treatment

GAA lead unique biodiversity project thanks to National Lottery funding

The National Lottery Community Fund has today announced funding of £404,543 to Ulster GAA, for a first of the kind project in Northern Ireland, to help raise awareness, change behaviours and produce action on biodiversity and protecting water sources through their club network.

Increase in drug misuse deaths

Figures show 12% rise

Meeting with Israeli Diplomat

Angus Robertson gives update.

Public dialogue on the use of data by the public sector in Scotland

This report presents the findings from a public dialogue on the use of data in Scotland commissioned by the Scottish Government to explore the ethics of data-led projects. The purpose of the panel was to inform approaches to data use by the Scottish Government and public sector agencies in Scotland.

Widening residential rehabilitation access

New initiatives to increase access to residential rehabilitation across Scotland which will be able to support more than 100 residential rehab placements have been introduced.

Consultation on offshore marine conservation measures

Fisheries management measures proposed in existing Marine Protected Areas to further protect and restore ecosystems.

Exploring the link between Learning for Sustainability and attainment

Report setting out the findings and recommendations from a small-scale qualitative research project which examined practitioners' perceptions of the link between Learning for Sustainability (LfS) and attainment

Makars tenure ends

First Minister John Swinney has thanked Scotland's national poet, Makar Kathleen Jamie, for her contribution to public life as her three year tenure comes to an end.

Scotlands Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report 2023/2024

Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Licensing canine fertility services

Proposals to introduce a strict licensing framework for canine fertility businesses have been announced.