Anti-racism delivery plan 2026-2030

1 Ministerial Foreword

As the Minister for Equalities, I am proud to present this Anti-Racism Delivery Plan. Scotland’s strength lies in its diversity and its unwavering commitment to fairness, justice, and dignity. Racism has no place in our society, yet I know it persists in forms that cause untold harm to individuals and communities. Tackling it requires honesty, courage, and collective action.

I am determined that we all confront racism at its roots – the systemic and structural racism embedded in policies, practices, and institutions. This Delivery Plan sets out practical steps to embed anti-racism across government, and our continuing commitment to the Race Equality Framework 2016-2030. It complements wider mainstream action set out in our Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan.

Anti-racism is not an add-on – it is a foundation for how we govern and serve. To communicate the clarity of this purpose and direction, I am pleased to make this government’s commitment to achieving the following vision:

A Scotland that tackles racism head-on and is committed to ending it - upholding equity, justice, dignity, and respect for all communities. System change will be led by government, shaped with communities, and driven through policy and practice across public bodies and wider society so that everyone can flourish and participate fully in life in Scotland.

We have heard clearly that communities want action, not more consultation. This plan responds by prioritising delivery, accountability, and transparency. It brings together commitments from across government to ensure anti-racism work is embedded across portfolios. And it sets the stage for further work to deepen and expand this approach across the public sector in the years ahead.

Our approach is underpinned by five priorities: working in partnership, building capacity, measuring progress, being accountable internationally, and sustaining inclusion for Gypsy/Traveller communities. Following the formal apology made by the First Minister in June 2025 for historic injustices, we will continue to work with Gypsy/Traveller communities and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to remove barriers and build trust, ensuring their rights and needs are fully recognised.

The Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland will be a cornerstone of this work, providing evidence, insight, and accountability to help us understand what works and where we need to do better. However, government cannot achieve this alone. Ending racism requires effort from every section of society.

I want to thank those across Scotland, and beyond, who have worked for many years to challenge racism and advance equality – grassroots organisers, community leaders, and national partners alike. Your tireless work has helped inform this plan and ensure we focus on what makes a difference.

In the months and years ahead, we will strengthen policies and practices that prevent discrimination, remove barriers where they exist, and build shared understanding and collective action. This is about making our institutions fairer and Scotland more just – so that every community is respected, safe, and able to thrive.

This Plan is not only about the next four years – it is about laying the groundwork for lasting change. As the responsible Minister, my priority is to ensure that the steps we take now will strengthen Scotland’s long-term anti-racism infrastructure, ensuring a legacy of clarity, accountability, and sustained partnership with communities. Real system change must persist beyond any one government or individual, and this Plan is designed to secure that.

This is a journey we must take together – government, public bodies, communities, and every section of society – working in partnership to dismantle systemic racism and build a fairer Scotland. Together, we can build a Scotland where respect and fairness are lived realities.

Kaukab Stewart MSP

Minister for Equalities