Strathcarron welcomes the news from Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney yesterday (Monday 16 February) that the Scottish Government will commit £9.4 million to Scotland’s hospices in the 2026–27 national budget.

 The funding is a mix of previous allocations and a further £2.4 million, intended to support independent hospices like Strathcarron.

This investment represents a step forward in progressing the national ambition for hospice staff to achieve pay parity with their colleagues in the NHS.

Mags McCarthy, CEO of Strathcarron Hospice and Co-chair of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group, said: “Strathcarron Hospice welcomes the increased funding announced by the Scottish Government yesterday.

“This funding is a massive step towards achieving pay parity for our staff alongside their NHS counterparts. It recognises the vital contribution that Hospice staff make to patients and their loved ones and reflects a positive understanding of what is involved in delivering that.

“We are grateful for the impact that this will make to the staff of Strathcarron who work tirelessly to ensure that the people we serve receive dependable, high quality care at their most vulnerable times in our community, for our community, with our community, enabling people to live and die well.

 “This is an essential move in recognising the need for a sustainable hospice workforce and a stable funding model to ensure the future of hospice care in Scotland.”

Strathcarron Hospice CEO Mags McCarthy 

45 years of Strathcarron Hospice care.

45 years of community.

Let’s make sure hospice care is here for everyone - for the next 45 years.

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Published 17 February 2026