Families across the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break.
When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.
Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include;
- Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food
- Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child.
Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Orkney Islands Council, working in partnership with Sportscotland, has been awarded £51,000 through the 2026 Summer of Sport initiative to provide free opportunities for young people to get active. The programme will be delivered alongside the Pickaquoy Centre and a number of local clubs and organisations.
Click on this link for the Summer of Sport in Orkney.
A range of sessions will run throughout the summer, covering activities from football, athletics, and hockey to fencing, netball, swimming and more, with dedicated inclusive sessions also available.
Sessions will be delivered across venues including Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Swimming Pool and a number of primary schools, as well as visits to Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Eday, Rousay, Shapinsay, Papay and North Walls.
Eliza Waye, Home Start Strategic Lead for Scotland said:
“We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained. For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach.
“At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime. Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families.”
Community organisations are also on hand to help. Home-Start, located across Scotland, including in Inverness and Orkney, provides practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.
Click on this link for Home Start Orkney.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.
“We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer.
“I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there - not just over the summer, but all year round.”
Families can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot