Scottish Government news, interviews and updates
The Scottish Government is a devolved government.
It oversees important day-to-day matters such as health, justice, and education for the people of Scotland.
The current First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) is John Swinney.
Read on for all the latest Scottish Government news, interviews and updates.
As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest Scottish Government news stories.
Secure accommodation units at risk amid capacity concern
Sarwar and Swinney accused of 'inaction on child poverty'
Council workers warn of 'avoidable' strikes in pay talk row
Scotland has two governments: The UK and The Scottish Government. The UK government retains control over 'reserved' matters, and The Scottish Government handles 'devolved' responsibilities.
The people of Scotland voted for Devolution in 1997. The UK Parliament then passed the Scotland Act 1998 which established the Scottish Parliament. Holyrood officially opened in 1999.
(Image: Jeff J Mitchell) The Scottish Government is responsible for managing its own expenditure and is accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries
Education and training
Environment
Health, care and social services
Housing and land use planning
Law and order
Local government
Sports, arts and tourism
Parts of social security
Some forms of taxation
Many aspects of transport
Domestic students in Scotland do not pay tuition fees, while students coming from the rest of the UK are charged a fee.
Universities receive funding from the Scottish Government for each student, with the amounts varying according to the nature of each individual's studies.
In Scotland, students apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), which covers their tuition fee, whether they study in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK.
Prescriptions are free in Scotland. Wales led the way in eliminating prescription fees in 2007, paving the way for Northern Ireland's 2010 decision.
File photo of a prescription being collected from the Craigton Pharmacy in Glasgow (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) The Scottish Government abolished charges in April 2011.
The Winter Fuel Payment benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was of state pension age to help cover their heating costs.
It is now limited to those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits who will get the Winter Fuel Payment - £200 or £300 for people aged over 80.
A recent petition started by pensioner Carole Webb has called on the government to rethink changes to the payments and has been signed by more than 150,000 people.
Scotland's justice system operates largely independently with its own courts, police, and legal profession.
The criminal justice system of Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
While some legislative powers remain with the UK Government, for example, criminal law relating to firearms, and drug policy reform, Scotland's justice system is largely devolved with its own courts, tribunals, judiciary, prosecution service, police service, prisons, fire and rescue service, and other justice agencies, as well as its own legal profession.
Scotland's ferry system is controlled by the Scottish Government to maintain and develop its services.
This is done through a multi-layered group involving an agency and three state-controlled companies.
Ferguson Marine was taken into public ownership by the Scottish Government in 2019 (Image: George Munro)Transport Scotland is the Scottish Government agency that oversees ferry policy, funding, and contracts.
Since 2007, the government has invested more than £2.2 billion in the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service and the Northern Isles Ferry Service.
This includes new routes, new vessels, upgraded harbour infrastructure, as well as the roll out of significantly reduced fares through the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme.
And from June 23, people aged 19 to 21 who live on Scottish islands are eligible for concessionary ferry vouchers for travel between their home island and the Scottish mainland.
Yes, the government calls for an election once every four to five years.
The next election is expected to be held next May.
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