Our Work in Scotland

Health is a devolved matter in the UK, meaning that the Scottish Government has full control over health policy in Scotland.

At Brain Tumour Research, we work closely with Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and the Scottish Government to ensure that the voices of Scottish brain tumour patients are heard. Our goal is to influence policy and decision-making so that patients in Scotland receive the best possible support and care.

In January 2025, the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence launched, further strengthening our ability to drive forward research and improve outcomes for patients in Scotland.

Parliamentary Events

In March 2024, a well-attended event at the Scottish Parliament brought together more than 50 brain tumour patients, campaigners and leading researchers during Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Meeting with MSPs, attendees called for greater investment in research and better treatments for the brain tumour community.

Pictured: First Minister John Swinney at our March 2024 Scottish Parliament event.

Debates

The Scottish Parliament also hosted a meaningful debate on brain tumours as part of Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2024. The debate featured valuable contributions from 10 MSPs across all parties. Notably, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, remained in the chamber to listen attentively to the opening speeches.

These debates play a vital role in raising awareness, not only within the Scottish Parliament but also in the wider community, fostering greater understanding and support for those affected by brain tumours.

Pictured: Paul Sweeney MSP (pictured) commended Brain Tumour Research for “building capacity in pioneering research” through our Centre of Excellence strategy.

Cross-Party Group

The Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours in Scotland brings together MSPs from all major parties – led by Convener Beatrice Wishart MSP – with the support of researchers, clinicians, patients and charities, to improve outcomes for those affected by brain tumours. The group raises awareness, calls for earlier diagnosis, better access to treatment and trials, and increased investment in research. It also works to tackle inequalities in care across Scotland and break down barriers to new tests and therapies. Brain Tumour Research is proud to provide the secretariat for the group, whose members include Finlay Carson MSP, Ben Macpherson MSP, Jackie Baillie MSP, Jackson Carlaw MSP and Foysol Choudhury MSP.

Coalitions

Brain Tumour Research is a committed member of several key coalitions in Scotland working to improve outcomes for brain tumour patients. As part of the Scottish Cancer Coalition, it helps shape national cancer policy and services. It also contributes to the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce subgroup in Scotland, supporting efforts to drive earlier diagnosis and better treatment for low-survival cancers. Through the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, the charity works with other organisations to improve care and support for people with neurological conditions. These partnerships strengthen its voice and impact across Scotland.

Ahead of the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales, Brain Tumour Research is developing dedicated manifestos to ensure brain tumour patients, their families and the research community are firmly on the political agenda.

These manifestos will set out key asks for the next governments, including commitments to sustainable research funding, improved access to treatments, earlier diagnosis and stronger support for those affected. By engaging directly with policymakers, we aim to influence health strategies and ensure brain tumour voices are heard within devolved decision-making.

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