Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison has confirmed £500 million in cuts to public services as part of nearly £1 billion in savings necessary to balance the budget this financial year. The cuts will include reductions in active travel funding and a freeze on government marketing spend, while up to £460 million from ScotWind revenue will be repurposed to meet urgent budgetary needs. Robison has blamed prolonged austerity measures, Brexit, and the ongoing cost of living crisis for the financial pressures, urging the UK Government to prioritize public service investment in its upcoming autumn statement. Critics have pointed to the SNP's long-term governance as a factor in the financial challenges, asserting that the party has not effectively boosted Scotland's economy over the past 17 years. Robison is set to present her tax and spending plans for 2025-26 to the Scottish Parliament on December 4, with a commitment to prioritize NHS funding. She emphasized that without immediate action, spending will continue to exceed available funds, necessitating tough decisions across various sectors.