Neil Gray
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I welcome the fact that, through the police and the courts, our justice system is ensuring that justice is done. Victims show enormous bravery and trust in our legal system in reporting crime, and I want that to continue.”
“The Scottish Government-funded Caledonian system is a good example of a community-based programme that aims to address the behaviour of men who have been convicted of domestic abuse, alongside providing support to affected women and children.”
“On the day after my appointment as justice secretary, I visited HMP Edinburgh to see the level of pressure that the Scottish Prison Service is facing due to an increasing prison population. It is clear that staff want to focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending but that it is increasingly difficult for them to do so.”
“Scotland shows a clear and persistent trend of increasing the length of average custodial sentences, including a 37 per cent rise between 2014-15 and 2023-24.”
“However, although the operational impact that will result from the changes is expected to be minimal, I still advise the Parliament to give legislative consent to the relevant sections of the bill.”
“I note my thanks and appreciation to the Parliament for expediting consideration of this legislative consent motion. It is regrettable that we are having to expedite scrutiny on an LCM, which is due to the UK Government’s timetabling for the National Security (State Threats) Bill.”
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“I acknowledge the motion that has been lodged, and I thank Jackson Carlaw, the committee convener, for setting out his case with his usual rhetorical flourishes. Whether today’s flourishes are by his hand or someone else’s, I recognise the good humour with which he set out the case; I also recognise that beneath the humour is a serious issue that we agree needs to be contended with. I also thank Helen Plank, Duncan Scott and all those who contributed to the committee’s work on the petition. As the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, I firmly believe that sport and physical activity should be accessible to everyone. Every individual deserves the opportunity to participate and have access to facilities that make that possible.”
“The 2023 Scottish household survey shows swimming to be the highest participation sport for women and for people with disabilities. We also heard—this is shocking in many ways—that 40 per cent of children in Scotland leave primary school unable to swim. We heard that 75 per cent of P4 pupils who learn to swim are total beginners, with the figure reaching a staggering 90 to 100 per cent for pupils from deprived areas. Those statistics become striking given that, as I have said, the committee also heard that Scotland’s accidental drowning rate is the highest of the United Kingdom nations. Pool closures therefore have a significant impact on people in Scotland and on their chances to not just thrive but, literally, survive.”
“While I acknowledge the point that Mr Carlaw narrates on behalf of COSLA, does he accept that last year’s budget gave a real-terms increase to local government funding? I recognise that pressures remain within local government, but does he agree that it would not be fair to say anything other than that increase has been provided? Jackson Carlaw: The point that COSLA and others made to us is that, with so many different areas being—appropriately—ring fenced, the capacity for discretionary action by councils is limited, and the cuts are falling on swimming pools and other such facilities. The core of the petition may appear to be just another matter of public finance. However, the waters run much deeper than that. The committee heard that pools are closing despite the on-going and continually growing demand for swimming.”
“I want to respect the confidentiality of those negotiations, but I am seeking to find compromise with our resident doctor colleagues. I respect their right to strike and their right to ballot their members—of course I do—but I agree with Sandesh Gulhane that industrial action will not be in anyone’s interest and will cause substantial disruption. I have ensured that our boards are as prepared as they possibly can be for such industrial action, should it take place next week.”
“That is why I visited Monklands hospital on Christmas eve to thank staff for the incredible efforts that they are deploying. That is why the First Minister had engagements at Glasgow Royal infirmary and the Royal hospital for children in Glasgow, to ensure that we were confident and assured as to the work that is being done across NHS boards to respond to the winter pressures in the system. I recognise the challenges that Sandesh Gulhane set out in relation to University hospital Wishaw. I understand them, and that is why we are working with boards to take a whole-system response that ensures that we are alleviating pressure. I will not comment or provide a narration on the on-going negotiations with resident doctors.”
“The SNP Government has lost the trust of public sector workers, as is demonstrated by the fudged deal with nurses. The Royal College of Nursing has accused Neil Gray of reneging on his promises, so how can anyone possibly trust the word of this cabinet secretary? The broken trust in him is going to directly impact patients such as William McLaughlin, who wrote to me about seeing 12 ambulances parked outside A and E with patients in them and who described University hospital Wishaw as being “under siege”. That is the reality of the SNP’s incompetence. The SNP has repeatedly taken credit for Scotland avoiding NHS strikes so far. If the strikes go ahead, will Neil Gray accept responsibility for this failure and resign? Neil Gray: I recognise the pressures that exist in our health and social care services at this time of year.”
“We can see that in the waiting times data that has been published today, which shows that, for the sixth month in a row, waiting times of more than a year have reduced, and reduced substantially. That is down to the efforts of staff and the investment that the Government has given for a focus on that. On where we are in negotiations, it is important to respect the confidentiality of those discussions. However, I note that, on the one hand, Sandesh Gulhane tells me to resolve the matter and, on the other, he tells me not to capitulate. This is where the art of negotiation and compromise come in, so that we find a way through that is suitable for patients and resident doctors and is affordable and fair across public sector pay policy. Sandesh Gulhane: I notice that Neil Gray did not answer the question.”
“When the SNP is confronted with failures of its own making, it tries to doctor the figures in its favour. Its utter incompetence has left staff picking up the pieces but, with an almost unprecedented flu season under way, it feels irresponsible for resident doctors to strike next week, and I encourage them to think again. It is critical that the Scottish Government stops those strikes happening. If they go ahead, the needless loss of life will rest squarely on the shoulders of Neil Gray and John Swinney. If Neil Gray capitulates to the demands, where in the budget will he get the money from? What other offers are being made that are not monetary? Neil Gray: There are a few areas to unpick in Sandesh Gulhane’s question. First, the NHS is demonstrably turning a corner.”
“Presiding Officer, happy new year to you, to colleagues and to other staff. I held further constructive discussions with the BMA resident doctors committee yesterday, and I have just left further discussions in order to attend to parliamentary responsibilities this afternoon. Those discussions are on-going, and we hope to agree a resolution to avoid industrial action, which is in no one’s interests—least of all those of patients. Sandesh Gulhane: I declare my interests as a practising national health service general practitioner and a BMA member. November was the worst on record for four-hour accident and emergency waits, the 62-day cancer treatment target has not been met in more than a decade, and Scots struggle even to get an appointment with their local GP.”
“I have engaged directly with the BMA and the Royal College of GPs. I understand their concerns regarding continuity of care and the potential for health inequalities to be exacerbated. I want to ensure that the reverse is true, and that we can address health inequalities through the establishment of GP walk-in clinics and that we can make our services more accessible and flexible for people to use while maintaining their continuity of care. That is why I continue to insist on the involvement of not only boards but GPs in the design and evaluation of the system. The Deputy Presiding Officer: With apologies to members I was unable to call, that concludes portfolio questions on health and social care. Protecting Children From Harm”
“As far as I am aware, the British Medical Association had the opportunity to discuss the issue only the day before it was announced, and the Royal College of General Practitioners was unable to discuss it until two days after it was announced, which means that those organisations have not had the opportunity to shape the Government’s thinking. Further, as far as I am aware, they will not have the opportunity to shape the evaluation criteria, either. Can the cabinet secretary assure us that the expertise of the people who are delivering these services will be taken seriously, and that GP services will be treated as something more important than a conference gimmick? Neil Gray: The widespread welcome of the policy announcement on the part of the public is testament to the policy’s popularity.”
“The Scottish Government will evaluate the walk-in service pilots by drawing on the clear set of characteristics that were used to select proposals in the first instance, which include areas such as impact on access, patient experience, wider system performance and overall cost-effectiveness and scalability. Those characteristics will underpin the national governance and evaluation framework for the pilots. GPs and other stakeholders have been involved in shaping that work to date, and they will continue to be closely engaged as the pilot programme is established and evaluated. Patrick Harvie: More or less as soon as the policy was announced, it received significant pushback from GPs and other health professionals who said not only that it would be a poor investment but that it would actually risk worsening health inequalities.”
“Along with the chief medical officer, I have written to system leaders to request continued support in making access to vaccination easy for staff, and most health boards now provide peer-to-peer vaccination in workplaces and drop-in clinics for convenience. The vaccination programme is also working with professional bodies to reinforce that message through blogs and social media. The fact that uptake in those vital groups continues to rise as the programme progresses reflects those strong collaborative efforts. The message is clear: protect yourself, your loved ones and our services this winter by taking up the vaccine if you are eligible to do so. Walk-in General Practitioner Clinics 8.”
“How is the Government supporting health and social care staff to increase their uptake of the vaccine this year? Neil Gray: Presiding Officer, I thank Clare Haughey for her question, because it offers me the opportunity, in one of my final contributions before Christmas, to wish you and other colleagues a merry Christmas and, most importantly, to thank our health and social care staff for their service and sacrifice over the festive period, which is greatly appreciated by us all. I hope that I speak on behalf of the whole Parliament when I say that. This winter, additional measures have been introduced to boost uptake among health and social care workers, including digital prompts and tailored communication materials to encourage vaccination.”
“One of the most important things that we can do to support NHS boards is to make sure that people stay healthy and attend hospital only when it is absolutely necessary. In addition, our vaccination programme is vital in tackling flu this season, and we work closely with boards to make vaccination as accessible as possible. We do that by supporting national resources and funded initiatives, such as mobile vaccination units. Our nationally funded programmes, such as virtual hospitals and flow navigation models, also support boards to enable people to get the right care in the right place and reduce unnecessary visits to accident and emergency. Clare Haughey: As the cabinet secretary said in his answer, we know that one of the best ways of preventing influenza infection is to get vaccinated.”
“I routinely ensure that partnership working, which I have spoken about and which Mr Arthur was speaking about in terms of longer-term sustainability, is absolutely embedded not just in health boards but, I expect, in integration joint boards—although I do not have the same locus in IJBs as I do in health boards. Some of our community and voluntary organisations can reach people and provide services that our statutory organisations often cannot. We should be looking to provide that mix while supporting such well-run organisations to support our people and, through more preventative activity, move to better population health that will come through from the population health framework.”
“That is crucial for NHS sustainability. For example, Morven day services, in my region, receives no health and social care partnership funding despite having delivered nearly 11,000 hours of peer support, therapy and activities since January—worth £170,000 if billed. Like many third sector organisations, Morven faces closure next year without long-term sustainable funding. Does the cabinet secretary agree that losing such services would further strain an already unsustainable NHS? How will the Scottish Government ensure the sustainability of crucial community services such as Morven day services? Neil Gray: I thank Mr Whittle for raising the concerns of what appears to be a very strong community organisation in his region that provides support to people in the community and, undeniably, support for the health service.”
“We recognise the essential role that is played by the community and voluntary sector in supporting communities across Scotland and in supporting the delivery of the Scottish Government’s priorities. Community and voluntary partners are embedded across all aspects of Government policy, and the importance of the sector is reflected in our vision for public service reform and population health. As Mr Arthur set out earlier, we acknowledge that the sector needs stability and an opportunity for longer-term planning and development to support its sustainability and ability to continue to meet the needs of communities in the longer term. Brian Whittle: I welcome the cabinet secretary’s support for the third sector, because many manifestos, including that of Voluntary Health Scotland, call for third sector parity in service commissioning.”
“The delivery plan also outlines the work that we are doing with partners to continue to raise public awareness of NHS sexual assault response co- ordination services and to promote updated guidance for healthcare professionals on how to respond to a disclosure of rape or sexual assault.”
“It builds on the capability and capacity of support services, and it strengthens the justice response to victims and perpetrators. The role of the equally safe strategy is to define violence against women, to set out the scale of the problem and to take an agreed approach to addressing that problem across spheres of government and the statutory and community and voluntary sectors. Its vision for change recognises that NHS boards are at the heart of that, and a number of commitments within the equally safe delivery plan are aimed at supporting health boards. We are working with a range of partners to improve the training for staff, including the health workforce, on all forms of violence against women.”
“Domestic abuse is a violation of human rights and is totally unacceptable. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that NHS boards have robust domestic abuse guidance in place to address the issue. All boards are required to implement the national NHS Scotland gender-based violence workforce policy, which aims to provide sensitive and confidential support to employees who disclose that they are affected by domestic abuse. Jackie Dunbar: Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government’s equally safe strategy is supporting NHS boards such as NHS Grampian to tackle gender-based violence? Neil Gray: Our equally safe strategy sets out a vision to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer—actually, I can see that I voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Gray. I can confirm that your vote was counted. I call Alex Cole-Hamilton on a point of order.”
“Eligibility is decided on the basis of Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice on vaccinations. If we compare like with like, particularly among adults, we are substantially ahead on vaccinations issued compared with where we were last year. Our flu vaccination programme started in September and we have vaccinated more than 1.5 million people. Of course there is more to do, and it is never too late to pick up a vaccine, which is why the Government and I encourage everybody who is eligible for vaccination, whether they are a member of the public or a member of staff in health and social care, to make sure that they take it up. The Presiding Officer: I call Davy Russell for a brief question 8. Social Housing Waiting Lists 8.”
“In other health boards, hospital visitor restrictions are in place. Scotland appears to be facing a worst-case scenario this winter, but the situation could have been managed more effectively if the suggestions that we made to ministers months ago had been heeded. Flu vaccination rates are unacceptably low. It is shocking that more than 300,000 fewer adults have been vaccinated this season compared with two years ago. That is completely unacceptable. What additional measures will the Government introduce to rebuild Scotland’s vaccination rate before our healthcare system is completely overwhelmed? Neil Gray: In his narration, Mr Sweeney has compared apples with oranges in relation to eligibility for flu vaccinations a year ago in comparison with this year.”
“We are working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to support it this winter, as we are seeing levels of flu that are higher than usual for this stage of the winter season. We have provided funding to support initiatives such as virtual hospitals and flow navigation models, which help patients to get the care that they need while reducing unnecessary accident and emergency visits. Our vaccination programme is also vital in supporting health boards to respond to flu this season. We work closely with boards to make vaccination accessible, supporting them with national resources and funded initiatives such as mobile vaccination units. Paul Sweeney: Staff in Glasgow hospitals say that beds are filling up at an alarming rate due to what has today been called a super-flu.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Clare Haughey to speak on behalf of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. 17:37”
“Both committees have since indicated that they are content with the motion and with our recommendation that consent be given. I hope that Parliament finds that explanation and outline helpful in setting out the Government’s position, and I urge members to agree to give consent to clause 43 in so far as it relates to devolved matters being considered by the UK Parliament. I move, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 16 October 2024, and subsequently amended, relating to the prohibition on advertising of the England and Wales Voluntary Assisted Dying Service, so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, should be considered by the UK Parliament.”
“In addition to lodging a legislative consent memorandum, I gave evidence to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 23 September, where I set out the Scottish Government’s position, as I have to Parliament today. I have also responded to questions that were raised by the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee around the scope of the powers in clause 43, noting that our recommendation that consent be given was “based on the substance of the provision, not the scope of the enabling power, which will be determined by the UK Parliament.” In that response, I noted that, as the committee had acknowledged, “the exercise of the power in clause 43 is likely to have a very limited impact on the law relative to devolved matters” in Scotland.”
“The purpose of clause 43 is stated to be to prevent pressure from being put on vulnerable people or the undermining of national suicide prevention strategies through the unethical advertisement of the England and Wales service. By consenting to the provision, the Scottish Parliament would be agreeing that the English and Welsh service, if it was introduced, could also not be promoted in Scotland. Effectively, we are making sure that Scotland could not be used to advertise the service and closing what would be a gap in these islands if the bill were to be passed and such a service established. Regardless of personal views on assisted dying or on Ms Leadbeater’s bill, I doubt that any member would wish to see such an anomaly.”
“Therefore, we believe that the Scottish Parliament’s consent is required for clause 43 and that it should be given, so that we do not find ourselves in a situation in which the English and Welsh assisted dying service can be advertised in Scotland but not in England or Wales. Let me turn to the substance of the provision under scrutiny today. Clause 43 of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill imposes a duty on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to make regulations to prohibit “the publication, printing, distribution or designing ... of advertisements whose purpose or effect is to promote” the England and Wales “voluntary assisted dying service”.”
“Ms Leadbeater’s bill has no effect on Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, and neither does the motion; nor should the two bills be conflated, as they are undergoing very different processes in their respective Parliaments. The Scottish Government’s view is that clause 43 is for a purpose within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament, considering the schedule 5, section C7 reservation in the Scotland Act 1998. The C7 reservation covers regulation of, among other things, “misleading and comparative advertising, except regulation specifically in relation to food, tobacco and tobacco products”. It does not reserve advertising generally.”
“The debate is about whether the Scottish Parliament should give its consent to clause 43, on prohibition on advertising, in Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I am speaking to the provision as described in the motion. My recommendation on behalf of the Scottish Government is that the Parliament gives its consent. The motion in front of Parliament today is necessary to protect the constitutional settlement in the normal manner of legislative consent motions and is not a comment on the content of Ms Leadbeater’s bill. The Scottish Government does not have an opinion on the content or principle of that bill, which it is the UK Parliament’s responsibility to scrutinise.”
“Cabinet secretary, what will you do to keep all women safe in hospitals, protect their sex-based rights and eradicate this climate of fear, harassment and bullying?”
“Tess White: NHS Fife was found to have harassed a nurse of 30 years just for standing up for her rights to privacy and dignity. Her sex-based rights under the Equality Act 2010 were not protected. Too many female nurses are operating in a climate of fear in a two-class system. National health service boards are allowing trans activists to push their illegal and harmful self-identification agenda and fuel a toxic and harmful culture. The cabinet secretary talks about different opinions, but what about nurses who are being told to be nice, when nice means subjugating their rights to privacy, dignity and safety? Activism has no place in hospitals, where the number 1 priority should be safeguarding.”
“We note the judgment in this very complex case. Individual decisions by the board in relation to employment matters are a matter for the board, but, as a Government, we will be considering the judgment very carefully for any issues that require wider consideration. This Government has called for, and will continue to call for, a respectful and compassionate debate on gender issues, recognising the need for respect and dignity for all involved. These matters need to be carefully considered, openly and thoughtfully, and respectful debate among people with differing opinions should always be possible—that is the only way that we will make progress. My focus is to ensure that NHS Fife and other boards provide an effective health service for the populations that they serve across Scotland, and that will continue to be my focus.”
“The uptick in flu rates this winter is following a similar trajectory, albeit slightly earlier in the year, to what we saw last year, when there was significant disruption. I have already set out some of the measures that we are taking to improve performance and flow through the system, but the Government has also made wider investments to support the wellbeing of our staff at particular times of pressure such as this, so that they can continue to deliver remarkable care and treatment for the people of”
“NHS Ayrshire and Arran has been forced to suspend routine visits across all hospitals; some hospital wards in NHS Dumfries and Galloway have closed to new admissions; and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has told patients with flu symptoms to stay at home and treat themselves. The situation is worsening. What support has the cabinet secretary put in place to support staff who are dealing with that early, and very sharp, rise in cases? Neil Gray: I offer my absolute gratitude—as, I am sure, do all members in the chamber—for the work that is being delivered under significant pressure by our health and social care staff. They deliver remarkable care and service to the people we seek to serve all year round, but I am certainly grateful for the sacrifice that they make at this time of year in particular, and I know that colleagues will be, too.”
“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that the groups for flu vaccinations should change this year, so when we compare like for like, in particular among adults, we are actually ahead of where we were last year on vaccine uptake. There is much more to be done, however, and I encourage people to continue to take up the vaccine. We have delivered more than 1.5 million vaccinations so far this year. The vaccine programme started on delivery of the vaccine supply in September, and we continue to push the important message—I hope that it will leave the chamber resoundingly today—of, “Please, take up the vaccine.” Carol Mochan: Health boards across the country are facing a sharp increase in cases, with hospital admissions as a result of flu increasing by 70 per cent.”
“Public Health Scotland has reported that all age groups are now affected at levels not previously seen at this time of year, and it has confirmed that cases of flu in Scotland have “more than doubled in the past week”. As the cabinet secretary said, prevention is key, so why were there delays in administering vaccinations, and why are vaccination rates significantly lower than they were two years ago? Neil Gray: I reiterate Carol Mochan’s point about the importance of vaccination. Anybody who is eligible, whether they are staff or a patient, should be picking up their vaccination; it is the best way of protecting themselves, their family, their colleagues and services this winter.”
“Experts in Public Health Scotland and in the Scottish Government are closely monitoring the flu situation, and vaccination remains our best protection against the virus. That approach, alongside enhanced infection prevention and control measures, aims to support boards to manage the increase in respiratory infections over this winter. Carol Mochan: As the cabinet secretary outlined in his answer, vaccinations are the best way of protecting oneself from flu. Last year, the uptake of vaccinations was poorer, so why has uptake been so low this year? There are more than 300,000 fewer adults vaccinated now in comparison with the figure two years ago. Children’s vaccination rates are down, and some areas have had delays in administering vaccinations.”
“I am aware of the significant pressures that the national health service and its staff, who I am incredibly grateful to, are under over the winter period. I was clear in my statement to Parliament last month about the steps that we have been taking since last winter to improve our resilience this year. That includes providing additional support to NHS 24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service, as well as up to £20 million of investment to support social care and address front-door pressures to improve flow. Furthermore, the Scottish Ambulance Service is taking forward initiatives, such as a hospital ambulance liaison officer at the front door of our hospitals, that are designed to relieve pressure on acute services.”
“We have committed to establishing voluntary sectoral bargaining arrangements in Scotland, and we have been working through the fair work in social care group to progress that. No one should have to wait for care assessments, families should not be in any distress and their loved ones should be supported and provided with the appropriate care package. I recognise the need for the Government to do more, collectively and in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and social care providers, to make improvements.”
“We need a sustainable and fair approach to funding the sector—on that, we can all agree. That is why, despite what Jackie Baillie said, our investment in social care has reached record highs. Our amendment references the 2025-26 budget, to which the Greens and Liberal Democrats contributed and which includes more than £15 billion for the local government settlement and almost £2.2 billion for social care and integration, exceeding our commitment to increase funding by 25 per cent early and by nearly £350 million. We continue to invest in our workforce through the real living wage, with an estimated £950 million that enables adult social care workers in the community and private sectors to be paid at least the real living wage.”
“I start by thanking those in our incredible social care workforce for all that they do. Their hard work and resilience ensure that those who need care receive it with dignity and respect, including members of my family and those of colleagues across the chamber. I do not hide from the issues facing the social care sector that lie in Scotland and for which the Scottish Government holds responsibility—far from it. I know that there are complex challenges that require long-term action. That is why my amendment specifically references the need for the Government to continue to work closely with partners across the sector, including funding local government and the community and voluntary sector, to continue making improvements for the social care workforce and all those whom it supports.”
“I would be grateful if members who wish to put a question could press their request-to-speak buttons now.”
“It is eight months until our athletes take their first step, leap, jump and dive into what I am sure will be Scotland’s best performance yet. When Scotland stepped up to safeguard these games, we set a new course for the future. Now, we take the next step in showcasing our nation to the world. I hope that the whole Parliament will join me today in wishing our Scottish athletes the very best in their preparations and letting them know that we stand ready to cheer them on as we make the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games another one to remember. The Presiding Officer: The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues that were raised in his statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business.”
“By bringing together sport, culture and business under one roof, we will ensure that Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the games themselves. Glasgow 2026 is about more than hosting a world-class sporting event; it is about supporting team Scotland, strengthening international partnerships and creating a lasting legacy for communities across our country. It will be an incredible summer of sport in Scotland. We have eight months to help build momentum and eight months with Finnie the unicorn, the games mascot, who will pop up across Scotland to bring colour and excitement to communities. It is eight months until thousands of spectators descend on Glasgow to fill our shops, support our local businesses and celebrate our great city.”
“A series of targeted events is planned to showcase Scotland and Glasgow’s strengths and expertise across a range of sectors. Scotland house will serve as the central hub for business engagement during the games and offer a platform to facilitate trade and investment opportunities by hosting networking events, business forums and sector-specific showcases. It will also promote Scottish sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, tourism and food and drink. Those events aim to attract national and international leaders and forge connections that will benefit our economy long after the games. Scotland house will demonstrate our ambition, creativity and commitment to building lasting partnerships.”
“Welcoming thousands of visitors to Scotland gives Glasgow another chance to shine and showcase the very best that we have to offer, and the Scottish Government is committed to maximising every social, cultural and economic opportunity. That is why I am delighted to announce today that, working with our partners, the Scottish Government will provide £150,000 to create and run Scotland house during games time. It will be a welcoming hub for athletes and their families to use and a platform to celebrate Scotland’s sporting, cultural and economic strengths. Located at the Corinthian in the centre of the city, Scotland house will host an ambitious programme of events, from sport to creative industries. It will be open throughout the games to showcase the best of Scotland.”
“That legacy will focus on creating lasting benefits for communities, inspiring participation and strengthening connections across Scotland and the wider Commonwealth. Alongside that, the King’s baton relay has been reimagined for these games. We are really looking forward to welcoming the batons back to Scotland in July 2026, and we are planning our own programme of activity, working with partners across Scotland and inviting our communities, local businesses, athletes and artists to join in. All 74 Commonwealth nations, including Scotland, will receive their own baton and have the opportunity to decorate it themselves to reflect their culture and creativity. All the batons will be present at the opening ceremony, and as they converge in Glasgow they will carry with them a message of hope and friendship.”