Fairer Scotland

  • Refugees are welcome in Scotland

    21st June 2019 by

    Scotland has a long history of welcoming people of all nationalities and faiths, including those seeking refuge and asylum from war and persecution elsewhere. Over successive generations, refugees have helped make Scotland the strong, successful and diverse country it is today. As Communities Secretary, I have heard from people from across Scotland who have come...

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  • Reforming gender recognition in Scotland

    20th June 2019 by

    Today, I announced that I will publish a draft Gender Recognition (Scotland) Bill, which would reform the current process of obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate. I also made clear that this draft bill will be subject to a full consultation and will be accompanied by an equality impact assessment. I will introduce the legislation only...

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  • Elena’s story

    20th June 2019 by

    Elena’s story shows how Elena’s mum, Leona was able to access financial support  through the Family Fund to buy a washer dryer and outdoor play equipment. This helped improve the day-to-day quality of life they as a family were able to experience. Elena is two years old, and lives in Dundee with her family. “Elena...

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  • Scottish Traveller: Would you hire me?

    17th June 2019 by

    My name is Angel Hendry, I’m 24 and a Scottish Traveller. I’ve experienced several barriers, trials and tribulations growing up as a young Traveller. I first experienced discrimination towards my culture when I was three years old. I was crying in my pram as my mum was pushing me around in a shop. A lady approached and leaned over the pram...

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  • Laura and Connor’s story

    13th June 2019 by

    Bringing up, and caring for, a disabled child or young person can and should be a positive and rewarding experience. It’s really important that families with a disabled child or young person are supported at an early stage to enable them to cope with the stresses and demands of their caring role, and to look...

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  • Investing in young children and their future

    4th June 2019 by

    School Age Payment Launched It is projected that by 2030, one in three children could be living in poverty in Scotland as a result of UK Government welfare cuts. This is not acceptable in the 21st century. The cruel cuts that are being enforced through Universal Credit and wider UK government welfare changes will reduce...

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  • Brody’s story

    29th May 2019 by

    Families with disabled children often say that they’re not able to take full advantage of what Scotland has to offer because of worries they have about how accessible the places they want to go are for people with disabilities.  Read Brody and Laura’s story below to find out more.  My seven-year-old son Brody is an...

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  • Putting people and places at the heart of future planning

    23rd May 2019 by

    Scotland needs a planning system that will help to deliver inclusive and sustainable economic growth. While there appears to be consensus that the Planning Bill is a great opportunity to improve the current system, the debate has brought to light many different, and often conflicting, views on how planning can and should work in the...

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  • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

    17th May 2019 by

    This is an important day which reminds us that we must keep fighting the discrimination which many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the world continue to face.

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  • Ross’s story

    10th May 2019 by

    This blog post is part of a series highlighting support available for disabled young people and their families. You can find out more in our guidance: Supporting disabled children, young people and their families. Ross is a young campaigner at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). He and other young campaigners have been working with...

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