COVID-19

A project which helps people struggling to heat their homes has become the first to receive a share of a £7 million fund to tackle fuel poverty this winter.

Action to ensure businesses across Scotland impacted by level 4 restrictions get additional and faster access to financial support have been announced by the Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has appointed Mairi Gougeon as the new Minister for Public Health and Sport, among a range of new appointments which she said come “at a crucial time for Scotland” as the nation faces a number of challenges.

The Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Government Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan was launched earlier this week, and identifies a series of priority areas focused on employers, education and individuals that will help Scotland capitalise on job opportunities emerging from the net-zero transition. 

Perthshire based Alba Medical Sciences has launched a funding bid for the first project of its kind to combine new optical technologies and computer algorithms to remotely diagnose a person’s state of health, including for Covid-19.

The food and drink sector is getting £5 million to help its recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19) and prepare for Brexit.

A new joint industry and government plan containing more than 50 actions has been developed to assist in stimulating demand for produce in key markets and supporting businesses to capitalise on consumer demand.  

The National Rural Mental Health Forum is researching how Covid-19 has impacted on the mental health and wellbeing of marginalised rural communities throughout Scotland, specifically young carers, refugees and asylum seekers and LGBT+.

A five-level framework which will allow for a refreshed strategic approach to suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks across Scotland has been published today (Friday, October 23).

More funding will be made available for businesses affected by the extension of temporary restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The First Minister announced that the current temporary restrictions will remain in place until 2 November. As a result, funding for business grants over this period will be increased proportionately.

Additional spending powers and funding for councils. 

A package of financial flexibilities and extra funding for councils which could be worth up to £750 million has been agreed by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA.

To address the financial pressures caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the next two years, councils will be granted additional spending powers which could be worth around £600 million.