Latest news with #TheScottishGovernment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ScotRail news, interviews and updates on the railway operator
Scotrail is a publicly owned, nationalised rail service operated on by The Scottish Government and overseen by Scottish Rail Holdings Limited. The train service was returned to public ownership in April 2022 after The Scottish Government ended its ten-year contract with Abellio three years early. The Dutch state-owned railway company had been awarded the franchise in 2015 to run until 2025, but the deal was cut short following criticism over cancellations and performance. The contract was worth more than £7 billion, according to the BBC. Read on for all the latest ScotRail news, interviews and updates. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest ScotRail news stories. Scot Gov declines to reveal cost of Intercity bids process ScotRail warning ahead of Far North Line improvement works ScotRail: Glasgow Central trains face disruption amid issue On-peak travel is generally between 06:00 and 09:15, and 16:30-18:00. Always check with ScotRail before you travel to ensure you have the correct ticket. John Swinney announced the peak train fares in Scotland will be scrapped permanently from from September 1 2025. The First Minister confirmed the policy at Holyrood, following a pilot scheme that removed peak-time ScotRail fares but ended in September last year following 'limited success'. Transport Scotland said the scheme - which was subsidised by the Scottish Government and standardised tickets across the day - 'did not achieve its aims' of persuading more people to car journeys for rail travel. ScotRail's off-peak tickets can be used after 9.15am on weekdays, and at any time on the weekend and on Scottish bank holidays. Some evening travel restrictions apply to off-peak tickets depending on the station or route. Always check with ScotRail before you travel to ensure you have the correct ticket (Image: Archive) The ban on drinking alcohol on ScotRail services is set to come to an end. First Minister John Swinney made the announcement when he made his Programme for Government statement to Holyrood. The document said the ban is 'counter-productive and ineffective'. A press release from the Scottish Government, which also announced the ending of peak train fares, said: "ScotRail peak rail fares abolished and the general alcohol ban on ScotRail trains removed and replaced with time and location restrictions." A blanket ban on drinking alcohol on ScotRail trains was introduced during Covid-19 in November 2020 and was extended 'for the foreseeable future' in 2022. The 24/7 ban prohibited drinking alcohol at any Scottish station or on any ScotRail service. Transport union RMT said ScotRail's ban cannot be 'adequately enforced', and has called on the train operator to tackle anti-social behaviour. The alcohol ban on ScotRail services has been around since November 2020 (Image: Newsquest) Gordon Martin, organiser at RMT Scotland, told The Herald: "It is not the job of rail workers to police the anti-social behaviour of passengers, and it is clear the rules around alcohol consumption cannot be adequately enforced. "What we need is for ScotRail to take real responsibility for dealing with anti-social and violent conduct, and to ensure every assault on staff is treated seriously and prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, or tortoises, are allowed on ScotRail train services. According to the operator's website, up to two pets are allowed, but they must be on a lead or in a travel cage. ScotRail has options for frequent travellers to save money. Train season tickets offer a 40 per cent saving for those commuting five days a week. There are weekly, monthly, or annual options for the Season Tickets. With the removal of peak fares, season tickets were discounted by 20 per cent for a year and that will continue as planned until September. ScotRail say Flexipass provides a 30 per cent discount, allowing 12 single or six return journeys on the same route within 60 days. More information on ScotRail's railcards and tickets is available on its website. ScotRail passengers experiencing delays of 30 minutes or more could be entitled to compensation. This also applies to missed connections caused by ScotRail train delays. Claims must be made within 28 days of the delay.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Ayr MSP urges local organisations to apply for CashBack for communities funding
Organisations across South Ayrshire can apply for a share of £26m available through the next round of the The Scottish Government initiative. An MSP, in her capacity as Minister for Victims and Community Safety, has announced £26m of funding available through the CashBack for Communities programme. SNP politician Siobhian Brown is encouraging organisations across South Ayrshire to apply for a share of the cash available through the next round of the Scottish Government initiative, which channels money recovered from criminal activity into community projects, will support initiatives working with young people at risk of involvement in crime or antisocial behaviour. Funding will be awarded for the period 2026 to 2029, with applications opening on June 12 this year. Projects eligible for support will work with young people aged 10 to 25, offering a wide range of activities, including access to trusted adults, skill-building opportunities, and pathways into education, employment, or volunteering. Since its inception in 2008, the CashBack programme has invested £156m and supported around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. Ms Brown said: "I'm pleased to announce this funding. CashBack for Communities transforms the proceeds of crime into opportunities, helping young people develop skills, build confidence and stay on a positive path. "Over the next three years, we're making £26 million available to organisations delivering vital work with children and young people. I urge local groups in my constituency and across Scotland to apply. This is a chance to make a lasting difference and help young people thrive." The programme is a key part of the Scottish Government's Vision for Justice and supports efforts to build safer, fairer communities.
The Herald Scotland
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Government news, interviews and updates
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. Latest Scottish Government news As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest Scottish Government news stories. Government promises 'exclusion does remain an option' for schools Prestwick Airport staff receive pay boost as sale considered Holyrood civil servants warned not to discuss policy with AI Why is The Scottish Government devolved? 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. What powers are devolved? 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 Does the Scottish Government pay for university? 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 in Scotland 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. Is the Scottish Government paying the Winter Fuel Payments? 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. Scottish courts 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. Scottish island ferries subsidised by the government 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. Can the Scottish Government call for an election? Yes, the government calls for an election once every four to five years. The next election is expected to be held next May.
Edinburgh Reporter
04-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Programme for Government will be published on Tuesday
New measures to strengthen Scotland's public services and ensure people are supported during the cost-of-living crisis will be set out by the First Minister this week. First Minister, John Swinney, will deliver his Programme for Government on Tuesday 6 May, focused on his four key priorities – eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, investing in public services and tackling the climate emergency. The First Minister announced last month that he would bring forward the Programme for Government from its expected publication date post-summer to enable a full year of delivery before the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. The First Minister said: 'Times are tough for households and businesses across Scotland, and the world around us is changing in ways that are difficult to predict. 'But my promise to the people of Scotland is that amidst the uncertainty there is one thing they can be sure of: the government I lead will always seek to do what is best for Scotland. 'As First Minister, I will always put the needs and interests of the people of Scotland first. 'I made the decision to bring my Programme for Government forward to ensure people know that the government I lead is entirely focused on improving their lives. 'On Tuesday, I will bring my plan to Parliament that will strengthen our health service and ensure more money stays in people's pockets during this cost of living crisis. 'The 2025-26 Programme for Government will make Scotland healthier and wealthier.' The First Minister making a keynote speech given to delegates of the Better Society Academy at The Social Hub in Glasgow on Friday 2 May 2025 PHOTO courtesy of The Scottish Government Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
23-04-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Government appoints new Chief Entrepreneur
The Scottish Government has appointed businesswoman Ana Stewart as its new Chief Entrepreneur until July 2026. Ms Stewart, who has chosen to take up the role on an unpaid basis, will be expected to act as the chief adviser to Government on growing the start-up and scale-up economy. This role includes key priorities such as implementing the Pathways report which Ms Stewart authored with the first Chief Entrepreneur, Mark Logan. The 2023 paper sets out ways of supporting women in entrepreneurship and began with the brief to 'address the root causes of female under-participation in entrepreneurship'. The Chief Entrepreneur will work on optimising the existing programmes and initiatives, growing Scotland's risk capital market and working with universities to increase the number of spinout companies who reach scale. She will collaborate closely with investors and entrepreneurs, ensuring that Government policy and delivery is shaped by business, and making sure entrepreneurship is instilled in the education and skills systems, with clear routes established to setting up a business. L-R Ana Stewart, Chief Entrepreneur and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes PHOTO The Scottish Government The appointment was announced as Ms Stewart accompanied Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on a visit to Inspirent, a social enterprise based in Hamilton. The body will help the government deliver the new £700,000 round of The Scottish Government's Ecosystem Fund. This pot of money will help to strengthen Scotland's start-ups. The application process for the fund is to be fully digitised this year with a bespoke online portal. This will enable faster decisions and expanding opportunities for community led projects in Scotland. Since the launch of the fund in 2021-22 the Ecosystem Fund has awarded £2.6 million to 75 projects. The Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said: 'It is vital to Scotland's economic resilience that we support our business community – particularly those taking their first steps. Ana Stewart is an exceptional talent with deep experience of starting, scaling and investing in some of Scotland's best companies, and will ensure we are well-placed to deliver this support. 'Scotland is home to some of the world's brightest business minds, ideas and innovators. The Scottish Government is committed to helping deliver an end-to-end support network that nurtures this talent and helps this and future generations of business founders to thrive. 'To deliver truly meaningful, strategic support, it is vital we continue to listen to and learn from entrepreneurs and the wider business community. Ana Stewart brings the insight, lived experience and connections needed to shape and accelerate our policies and deliver for Scotland's start-up talent.' Ms Stewart's decision to take up the £130,000 role on an unpaid basis is linked to the resignation of the first Chief Entrepreneur Mark Logan amid criticism surrounding his pay packet. Ms Stewart said: 'Leveraging my own lived experience as an entrepreneur and investor, I am looking forward to contributing to the development and optimisation of the Scottish Government's entrepreneurship strategy. 'Entrepreneurship is the engine room for economic growth and it's essential that we provide more pathways, increased access and accelerated funding to current and future founders, whilst ensuring private and public sector are aligned in making that happen.' Founder of Ecosystem Builders Network, a previous Ecosystem Fund recipient, Bruce Walker said:'The Ecosystem Fund has been a vital catalyst for Scotland's entrepreneurial community, enabling grassroots organisations to provide meaningful support to founders. It has allowed us to deliver targeted programmes to help entrepreneurs build resilient businesses, scale their impact and connect with global networks, as well as strengthen ecosystem builders across Scotland. 'For many early-stage founders, this support comes at a critical time, bridging the gap between ambition and action. Beyond individual ventures, the fund has helped strengthen the connective tissue of the wider ecosystem, empowering local leaders to foster inclusive, sustainable growth across sectors. Its impact continues to ripple through the community, creating a more collaborative, vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland.' The application portal and further information can be found on a new dedicated Ecosystem Fund website: Ms Stewart set up a non-profit Pathways Forward and The Scottish Government will award a grant of £50,000 to the body to support the organisation while the Chief Entrepreneur takes up her new position. Ana Stewart in discussion on a visit to Inspirent with the Deputy First Minister PHOTO The Scottish Government Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes at the National Robotarium announcing funding for start up businesses with Mark Logan right and Ana Stewart his successor in the red jacket behind May 2024 PHOTO ©The Edinburgh Reporter Like this: Like Related
