Scottish Government Research Articles

An exploration of community food pantries in Scotland: strategic and operational perspectives on addressing food insecurity and health inequalities

Introduction: Food insecurity and health are inextricably linked. Since 2008, Scotland has witnessed a proliferation of both food insecurity and emergency food provision. There is a recognised commitment from Scottish Government to ‘end the need for food banks’, however, the food aid landscape was ‘turbo-charged’ during COVID-19 leading to intense expansion and diversification of food-based projects, including the development of community food pantries (CFPs). These ‘new’ models are relatively under-researched, meaning we do not adequately understand their potential or realised impacts on food insecurity and health. This study aims to fill that gap.MethodsA qualitative methodology was used to collect and analyse data from in-depth interviews with 10 representatives from both operational and policy settings related to food insecurity in Scotland. In addition, we conducted an analysis of policy documentation from Scottish Government related to tackling food insecurity to understand how CFPs fit into its overall strategy to transition away from food bank use.ResultsWe found there were variations in conceptualisations of CFPs and how they operate, challenges related to addressing food insecurity at a community level and varied narratives around the role of community level interventions in tackling health inequalities. Choice and access to services were viewed as central components to the pantry model. However, there were significant challenges faced by CFPs, including territorialism, funding and food supply. Articulations of health were often multi-layered and complicated with strong recognition of the social determinants as well as acknowledgement of the limitations of tackling food insecurity and health inequalities solely at the community level.ConclusionsDespite a commitment to transition away from emergency food provision, CFPs in Scotland appear to face many of the same issues as food banks, particularly those which impact health. Urgent critique of their reliance on surplus food redistribution is required alongside investigation of how these ‘new’ models are experienced by the people who access them. Further expansion of these models should be viewed with caution and in the same vein as traditional emergency food provision: a symptom of, rather than a solution to, the problem of food insecurity.

Radiograph accelerated detection and identification of cancer in the lung (RADICAL): a mixed methods study to assess the clinical effectiveness and acceptability of Qure.ai artificial intelligence software to prioritise chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation

IntroductionDiagnosing and treating lung cancer in early stages is essential for survival outcomes. The chest X-ray (CXR) remains the primary screening tool to identify lung cancers in the UK; however,...

ANTI-CANCEROUS POTENTIAL OF POLYSACCHARIDES DERIVED FROM WHEAT CELL CULTURE

There is a global need to discover effective anti-cancerous compounds from natural sources. Cultivated wheat cells can be a valuable source of non-toxic or low toxic plant-derived polysaccharides. In this study we evaluated the antitumor ability of seven fractions of wheat cell culture polysaccharides (WCCPSs) in the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line. Almost all (6/7) fractions had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of colon cancer cells, and two fractions (A-b and A-f) had considerable therapeutic indexes. The WCCPS fractions induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and induced different rates of apoptosis (<48%). Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed that WCCPS fractions caused apoptotic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, including damage to mitochondria and external morphological signs of apoptosis. In addition, the WCCPSs induced an increase in the levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspases 8 and 3, indicating that cell death was assessed through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Furthermore, some fractions caused a significant decrease of c-Myc, b-catenin, NFkB2 and HCAM (CD 44) levels, indicating enhanced cell differentiation. Thus, for the first time, our results provide a proof of concept of the anti-cancer capacity of WCCPS fractions in colorectal cancer. This research was supported by the FEDER Operational Program 2020/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento/ Project (B-CTS-562-UGR20) and the Chair “Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell research” (CMC-CTS963); Erasmus+ Mobility Program; “Bolashak” Presidential Scholarship of the Republic of Kazakhstan for scientific work abroad; Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division.

Human Rights in Scottish Foreign Policy: Constructing Scotland as a Good Global Citizen

Abstract While foreign policy is a reserved matter for the British government in Westminster, it is clear that the Scottish government aspires to, and indeed has implemented, an expanding programme of independent external relations. It is not the first sub-state political actor to do so. Whether as a part of the UK, or as potentially an independent country, Scotland has put considerable effort into developing an identity as a good global citizen. One area in particular where this has occurred is in human rights, where it has demonstrated leadership on a number of issues and sought to connect its domestic commitments to human rights to its external persona. This article will examine the dynamics of this development, looking at both the constraints and the possibilities for Scotland as an international human rights actor.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on support for the SNP and Scottish independence

ABSTRACT The retrospective model of voting holds that parties are elected based on their perceived competence in government and punished for incompetence. This theory is complicated in contexts of multilevel governance as it requires attributing responsibility to a particular party in a particular level of government. This paper tests the extent to which this model explains public opinion in a multilevel context (Scotland) on a high-stakes valence issue (the coronavirus pandemic). Using British Election Study Internet Panel data from 2019 to 2021, it assesses how the public responded to the perceived competence of the Scottish Government and British Government. The results find that for each Government those voters who rated their handling of the pandemic more highly increased their liking of the governing party and its leader. Further, those voters who thought a Government had performed well were more likely to switch towards supporting the party in power, but this depended on how much they previously liked that party. Similarly, increases in support for Scottish independence from the UK came from those voters who not only judged the Scottish Government to have handled the pandemic well, but also previously liked the SNP prior to the pandemic.

Exploring longitudinal patterns of absences, exclusions and attainment in secondary schools in Scotland

Objective and ApproachWe seek to understand the impacts that absences and exclusions have on educational outcomes in secondary school pupils in Scotland. We adopt a Multilevel Structural Equations Modelling approach to analyse data from the newly linked administrative database created under the “Children’s Lives and Outcomes” research strand of the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), which includes data from Education Analytical Services (Scottish Government) and Public Health Scotland (NHS) from the period between 2007-2019, and the 2001 and 2011 Census. ResultsWhile exclusions, absences and attainment are known to be associated with each other and with individual and structural factors, less is known about how these phenomena play out over time in the Scottish education system. Our analyses focus on a particular cohort of students followed up over their entire schooling period to understand how longitudinal patterns of school absences and exclusions, and other relevant individual and structural factors are interrelated over time. We show that variation across schools and local authorities in these outcomes is significant and substantial in Scotland. We also analyse the impact of these longitudinal patterns on attainment, with an emphasis on mental health wellbeing and familial socioeconomic circumstances. Conclusions and ImplicationsBy elucidating further these relationships and interrelationships, we expect our findings to be pertinent to policymakers and practitioners, contributing to inform strategies, policies and/or interventions to reduce the inequalities in exclusions, absences and attainment, ultimately helping to improve children and young people’s school experiences and outcomes.

Achieving Net Zero: How Could User Feedback Be Leveraged to Promote Domestic Heat Pump Adoption in Scotland?

Currently, 81% of Scottish households rely on mains gas for heating, contributing significantly to the country’s carbon emissions. Although heat pumps are a central component of the Scottish Government’s transition strategy, the adoption rate has fallen short of expectations. This small-scale research study delves into the pressing issue of transitioning Scotland’s homes to low-zero carbon heating systems, a critical step in achieving the nation’s net-zero target by 2045. This study’s primary objective was to investigate Scottish homeowners’ attitudes and motivations surrounding heat pump adoption. It scrutinises homeowners’ decision-making processes, the factors influencing their choices, and the experiences of those who have already embraced a domestic heat pump as their primary heating source. Furthermore, this research aims to harness this user feedback to bridge information gaps, address perceived barriers, and promote the wider acceptance of heat pump technologies. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire completed by a targeted sample of 61 Scottish homeowners who had already made the switch to heat pumps. The findings indicate that more targeted information and awareness campaigns can best help facilitate the widespread dissemination of heat pumps in Scotland, and that these should sit alongside support for current adopters. In doing so, it will be possible to ensure that the benefits of heat pumps are realised and that such benefits can be communicated to future users.

Alcohol free? An analysis of UK and Scottish Government obesity policies’ engagement with alcohol 1999–2023

Background and aimsAlcoholic beverages can be highly calorific yet remain largely absent from obesity policy debates. This article seeks to identify how Scottish and English obesity policies have engaged with the issue of alcohol consumption since devolution.MethodsObesity policy documents for England and Scotland from 1999 to 2023 were thematically analysed to identify their engagement with alcohol consumption. A stakeholder analysis was undertaken to identify key public health actors and commercial sector policy actors in the debate regarding the inclusion of alcohol in obesity policy. Their engagement with the issue of alcohol as an obesity policy issue was assessed through thematic analysis of consultation responses, along with documents, press releases, reports and other statements on policy (e.g. blog posts) available on stakeholder websites.ResultsWhile alcohol was recognised as a risk factor for obesity within obesity policy documents, no specific measures to address this issue were identified until a consultation on mandatory calorie labelling on alcoholic beverages was proposed in 2020. Engagement with alcohol in the policy documents was mainly limited to voluntary and self-regulatory measures favoured by industry actors who portrayed themselves as a key part of the policy solution. They used the policy focus on childhood obesity as a pretext to exclude alcoholic drink from fiscal and labelling measures. Public health NGOs, by contrast, argued that obesity measures such as mandatory calorie labelling and other obesity policies should be extended to alcoholic beverages.ConclusionThere is an insufficient engagement with alcohol as an obesity policy issue within policy documents and an over-reliance on voluntary and industry-partnership approaches. Alcoholic beverages and reduced alcohol products are excluded from beverage taxes and labelling requirements in ways which are hard to justify. As with other areas of public health policy, this represents an industry-favoured policy agenda, opposed by health NGOs. Further research is needed to understand the influence of these actors on the engagement of obesity policy with alcohol.

Regulatory challenges and impacts on hospitality: a case study of Scotland's self-catering sector

ABSTRACT This study explores how Scottish Government regulations impact self-catering businesses post-short term let legislation. Survey findings highlight adverse effects including reduced competitiveness and increased costs. Guided by ‘Better Regulation’ principles, it identifies unintended consequences, urging policymakers to collaborate and adopt a data-driven approach. The research calls for legislative review to improve regulatory outcomes, contributing to broader discussions on tourism regulation and enhancing transparency in Scotland's self-catering sector.

The Six Qualities of Great Urban Places framework: combining theory and practice to decode the components of places that deliver for people and planet

ABSTRACT The Six Qualities of Great Urban Places is a practice-based framework for designing cities and neighbourhoods that deliver for people and planet. Our approach is grounded in practical experience and a literature review, which aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to thriving ecological, economic, and social systems. We also drew inspiration from established design frameworks, such as the Government Architect of NSW’s ‘Better Placed’ design policy, The Scottish Government’s ‘Place Standard Tool’, and the ‘City Resilience Framework’ by the Resilient Cities Network. Moreover, we incorporated insights from Hassell’s experience in urban design and landscape architecture. From our research and practice, we identified six common characteristics of well-functioning places and ecosystems: 1) Beautifully Original, 2) Conveniently Compact, 3) Richly Diverse, 4) Openly Networked, 5) Playfully Dynamic, and 6) Naturally Regenerative. We discovered that what distinguishes these qualities from other design frameworks we have analysed is their dual manifestation in both the physical design of spaces and their social and economic fabric. In this article, we present these qualities and share reflections from our practical application of the framework. Our aim is to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how to foster healthy urban environments.

Scotland in the Forefront of Property Law Reforms in the UK: Potential Implications for the Scottish People

Abstract The Scottish Government has taken steps to revolutionise its body of law on ‘trust and succession’ and housing. The recent Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Act 2024 has severally impacted the issues of appointment and removal of trustees, fiduciary duties of trustees, rights of beneficiaries, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments in Scotland; while the proposed new Housing (Scotland) Bill 2024 has the proclivity of influencing rent, rent control areas, eviction and homelessness in Scotland. Accordingly, this paper focuses on exploring the potential impacts of these legislative reforms on the lives of the Scottish people. Do they ‘make’ or ‘mar’ the proprietary rights of the Scottish people? Are all the provisions useful to Scotland’s rental market? Will the proposed ‘ask and act’ approach address homelessness in Scotland? This paper will also be important to jurisdictions that may intend to modernise their property law and housing regimes.

All Change. Again

The Spring of 2024 saw further political turmoil in Holyrood. The Bute House Agreement between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Greens came to an abrupt end, and resulted in the subsequent resignation of Humza Yousaf as leader of the SNP and, thus, as Scotland’s First Minister. This editorial essay surveys the events contributing to the crisis and considers the prospects of a minority Scottish Government led by the SNP’s John Swinney.

A discursive field of contested ethics: Reporting the UK’s blue economy in the making

This paper analyses newspaper coverage of ‘blue economy’ in the UK 2012–2020. It elaborates on Germond-Duret and Germond’s (2022) finding that UK media published a dominant development discourse concerning the UK’s marine space without reflecting on the risks of growth agendas. Articles from UK print media featuring ‘blue economy’ were compiled from LexisNexis then analysed to establish patterns of publishing, the investors, investments and projects reported, the experts cited and their statements on blue economy. Analysis reveals no sustained coverage, little that communicated with a national audience, little investigative reporting, and no predominance of London-based newspapers in news production. Reporting on blue economy was sporadic until a surge in 2020 that coincided with efforts to secure investments through local growth plans. Newspapers registered this buzz of activity, collecting statements from actors who used business ethics to express the legitimacy of their planning to build what they called a ‘blue economy’ even though this looked more like ‘blue growth’. A second group of actors including the Scottish Government announced plans to build a ‘sustainable blue economy’. These actors used the ethics of regional development, achieving net zero and protecting, enhancing or restoring ocean environments. Journalists reported critical views on these plans: inadequate attention to environmental protection, investment in activities seen as environmentally unsustainable or investments with limited regional development. Thus, analysis of statements on ‘blue economy’ reveals a discursive field featuring a confusion of contested ethical claims. This paper identifies the UK’s fragmented newspaper landscape and new architecture of public–private enterprise partnerships as important contexts shaping media engagement with blue economy.

Justice Work: Sisters (Having to) Do It for Themselves

Abstract This article outlines findings from our research which sought to explore the lived experiences of victim/survivors of stalking and/or coercive control as they navigated their way through the Scottish Criminal Justice System (SCJS), commissioned by the Scottish Government. Building on the work of Acker (1990), Hochschild (1983), Fishman (1978), Kelly (2016) and Vera-Gray (2018; 2020) our findings show that women’s involvement as victim-survivors with the criminal justice system insists they perform elements of both hidden (behind the scenes) and visible (but unacknowledged) work. These types of work replicate already identified elements of emotional, safety and violence work. In addition, however, we uncovered a new form of work that women must undertake when seeking justice which we have conceptualized as ‘Justice Work’.

Why does community ownership foster greater acceptance of renewable projects? Investigating energy justice explanations

ABSTRACT The fact that community ownership increases the social acceptability of renewable energy projects is well established, but there is a lack of empirical evidence to explain why this is the case. This study examines whether energy justice factors (fair involvement, fair distribution of benefits and perceived impacts from wind turbines) can help explain this relationship, whether these factors are interrelated, and whether different ownership structures (community, shared or private ownership) change these associations. Using a postal survey of residents in Scotland (n = 320), the study employs a novel method, Multigroup-Structural Equation Modelling, to investigate these questions. This modelling reveals that acceptance of these projects was influenced by factors of energy justice (i.e. fair involvement, fair benefits and perceived impacts), but the influence from each factor depended on the ownership structure. Specifically, those near the community-owned project prioritised involvement, those near the privately-owned valued fair benefits, and those near the shared ownership prioritised both. By examining the relationships amongst energy justice factors, the real-life complexity of people’s responses to wind energy projects is revealed, whereby factors can have knock-on effects. Importantly, this study finds that the community and shared ownership projects fostered greater community acceptance than the privately-owned because they had more instances where fair involvement influenced other factors, which led to greater overall acceptance. Although community involvement may seem time-consuming, a more inclusive approach can prevent long-term issues caused by local opposition. Policy Highlights Community ownership of renewable energy projects leads to greater acceptance by local residents, as long as the projects meet their expectations. Energy justice plays a crucial role in acceptance of onshore wind energy projects, but residents prioritise different aspects depending on ownership. Policymakers and developers should take into account the preferences and concerns of local residents when designing renewable projects, especially in terms of fair involvement and fair distribution of benefits. Better support for communities and developers is essential if the Scottish Government want shared ownership offered on all new projects.

Representing Scotland: Conservative narratives of nation, union, and Scottish independence

The United Kingdom’s vote to exit the European Union reignited the debate about Scottish independence, requiring statewide political parties to rearticulate the case for the Union. The UK Conservative Party, as the party of government and one with a tumultuous history vis-à-vis Scotland and devolution, was at the fore in making this case. This article explores representations of Scotland, its position within the United Kingdom, and Scottish nationalism as a political force by the Conservative Party at a prolonged moment of significant political and constitutional tension. We focus, therefore, on 2019 to 2024, a parliamentary term and political period defined by protracted debates on Scotland’s place within the Union, playing out against the backdrop of the Brexit negotiations, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. To this end, we draw upon parliamentary debates, two daily English newspapers (The Daily Telegraph and the Sun) and two online right-leaning news sites (ConservativeHome and The Spectator online). Our analysis identifies three distinct but interrelated strands in Conservative representations of Scotland, each of which is centred on a contrast. First, a distinction between an inclusive unionism versus a narrow nationalism; second, a largely economic narrative, contrasting a prosperous union with the economic risks of independence; and finally, a contrast between governmental competence at Westminster and the SNP-led Scottish Government failing Scotland. These contrasting narratives elucidate the ways in which Conservatives construct representations of Scotland, particularly at moments of constitutional contestation.

DNACPR: Utilising Poster Interventions to Improve Compliance With Scottish Government Guidance

DNACPR: Utilising Poster Interventions to Improve Compliance With Scottish Government Guidance

Evaluating adherence to ECG monitoring protocols for methadone patients in primary care.

Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) is the gold standard for managing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is highly effective at reducing all-cause mortality and drug-related harms. Prescribing OAT, particularly methadone, is becoming increasingly complex as Scotland's OUD population ages. Older patients, with increased polypharmacy and multimorbidity, are more susceptible to QTc interval prolongation associated with methadone use. Therefore, adherence to ECG monitoring guidelines for patients prescribed methadone is crucial, though insights from substance use services indicate suboptimal compliance. Medically Assisted Treatment guidelines established by the Scottish Government advocate for shared care agreements, thus transferring OAT prescribing responsibilities to primary care. Understanding ECG monitoring guideline implementation in non-specialist services is vital for developing safe OAT services in primary care. This audit assessed adherence to NICE guidelines for ECG monitoring in OUD patients prescribed methadone in a Scottish primary care practice. The notes of patients prescribed methadone were assessed using NICE criteria to determine eligibility for ECG monitoring. Eligible patients' medical records were reviewed to identify previous ECG investigations. Of 21 patients prescribed methadone, 16 qualified for ECG monitoring. Only 25% of eligible patients received ECG monitoring per NICE guideline, meaning 75% did not. These findings highlight that the issue of poor compliance with ECG monitoring guidelines is not limited to specialist services, but also affects primary care. Further exploration of barriers to guideline implementation is essential. Perhaps more resources are needed to integrate OAT services into primary care, which has taken on increased responsibilities without corresponding investment.

Twitter, Politics, and the Pandemic

This article examines the intersection of politics, government, and health communication in the Scottish Twittersphere during the Covid-19 outbreak. It captures two phases of the pandemic: the beginning of the health crisis, and the rollout of the vaccination programme, coinciding with the emergence of the Delta variant in Scotland. A combination of thematic, quantitative content and social network analyses is employed to identify key themes emerging from the tweets of selected government and politicians' accounts, and to explore the formation of social networks communities. The thematic analysis reveals that Twitter has primarily been used for disseminating information about the virus, preventative measures, and government interventions, with limited efforts towards public engagement. Twitter communications became increasingly partisan as the pandemic progressed, with users frequently using the crisis as a political proxy. Five major clusters were detected in the Twitter network: two highly partisan and polarised clusters; a group containing numerous news media accounts reporting on the pandemic, and two clusters focusing primarily on the vaccination programme and the provision of health information, where the First Minister and the Scottish Government operate. Implications of these findings for government and political communication in health crises are discussed.

Community-developer collaboration and voluntary community benefits in Scotland: Are community benefits a gift or compensation?

Community benefits are a key strategy for promoting social acceptance of renewable energy and ensuring distributive fairness of the energy transition. However, they can sometimes damage rather than strengthen the relationship between communities and developers. This paper examines stakeholder submissions to The Scottish Government's Good Practice Principles on Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments (2019) consultation. Communities perceive community benefits as compensation and express concerns about their voluntary nature, while developers see them as benevolent gifts, worrying about their impact on project viability. As the guidelines are voluntary, community benefit arrangements rely on collaboration between developers and communities, but power imbalance and a lack of shared understanding can impede this collaboration. Inspired by governmentality literature, this study analyses stakeholder discourses to understand how issues are framed, solutions proposed, and rationalities guiding these discussions. Qualitative system dynamics modelling is used to provide a comprehensive view of challenges in the design of community benefit arrangements in Scotland, highlighting risks to the developer-community relationship and trust in the energy transition. The analysis suggests that making community benefit arrangements mandatory or rethinking them is essential to preserve this relationship and trust.