Chamber and committees

Scotland is a welcoming nation that rejects racism, hate, and prejudice. The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland and unequivocally condemns the heinous attacks that took place in Edinburgh on 19 June. Each individual impacted by these incidents, either directly or indirectly, is able to seek mental health support and we encourage people to do that via their GP in the first instance.

NHS Lothian holds statutory responsibility to assess and meet the mental health needs of its population. In accordance with its duties under the Equality Act, it provides a range of culturally appropriate and accessible mental health supports and services (delivered in collaboration with local statutory and voluntary sector partners), which ensures responsiveness to the trauma experienced by minority ethnic communities. In practice, NHS Lothian’s evidence-based tiered provision of community-based, psychologically informed, trauma services includes: the Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Service; Health in Mind; Rivers Centre (specialist psychological trauma service); and CAMHS (Meadows) trauma service.

Nationally, with Scottish Government investment of around £1.5 billion annually, we have record numbers of staff, providing more varied mental health support and services to a larger number of people than ever before. We have provided £99 million for grassroots projects through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults since 2021, with support totalling £194 million since 2020. A further £15 million will be invested in the Communities Fund for Adults in 2027-28 as part of the Fairer Funding Pilot.

Additionally, over the last 5 years the Scottish Government has undertaken extensive work with delivery partners, including NHS Boards, to improve access to quality psychological therapies, which evidence shows are an effective intervention for supporting people affected by trauma. The National Specification for Psychological Therapies and Interventions sets out what high quality psychological care and practice looks like and acts as a service planning and evaluation resource for delivery partners.

Finally, since 2018, the Scottish Government has invested over £12 million in our National Trauma Transformation Programme. This provides training resources and implementation support for all members of the workforce, supporting the Scottish Government and COSLA’s shared ambition for a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive workforce and services across Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01371 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01371 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01503 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01503 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01371 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01503 on 17 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

In line with the requirements of Section 16 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, the Scottish Government discloses to the Scottish Parliament the number and total cost of employing special advisers on an annual basis. The latest report, pertaining to the financial year 2025-26, was published on 7 July 2026. I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01557 on 7 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I had a meeting with the Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board on 4 June 2026.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.