[Falkirk, 26.02.2026] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank has written to First Minister John Swinney MSP seeking urgent clarity over support for Scotland’s places of worship after Historic Environment Scotland’s budget was reduced from £74.3 million in 2025/26 to £70.7 million in 26/27 in the Scottish Budget.
Mr Stainbank joined Labour MPs Katrina Murray, Graeme Downie and Douglas McAllister in raising concerns that, despite record Barnett consequentials linked to the UK Labour Government’s new £92 million Places of Worship Renewal Fund, funding in Scotland has fallen for Historic Environment Scotland rather than increased.
The MPs argue that equivalent consequentials should have strengthened support for Scottish churches and other places of worship, many of which serve as vital community hubs providing foodbanks, warm spaces and local support services.
Mr Stainbank said:
“Places of worship in Falkirk are increasingly important for our communities. The UK Labour Government will provide long-term certainty in England, which provides the Scottish Government a record funding settlement to invest in Scottish places of worship in the process. It is therefore deeply concerning that the SNP Government has chosen to cut Historic Environment Scotland’s budget in this year’s funding settlement.
“We have asked the First Minister a simple question: where has the additional funding gone, and how will Scottish places of worship be properly supported by his Government?”
The MPs have requested full details from the Scottish Government on how support for places of worship will now be delivered in Scotland.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The letter sent by Scottish Labour MPs to First Minister John Swinney MSP is available at this link.
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