Scottish Lib Dems leader sets out plans for “skills revolution”

ALEX Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has set out his party’s vision for a “skills revolution” in Edinburgh today. 

He appeared at Dynamic Earth, just next to Holyrood to meet with young scientists from The University of Edinburgh to discuss a new industrial strategy and skills strategy. 

The party has launched “a new industrial strategy that focuses on what we’re really good at and what we can be good at”. 

This strategy promises to throw the weight and levers of government behind businesses and help achieve greater success in life sciences, energy, food and drink, fintech and financial services, and defence. 

Alexander Cole-Hamilton, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats speaking at the Scottish Liberal Democrats Spring Conference 2026. (C) 2026 Martin McAdam

In addition, Cole-Hamilton pledged to develop a new skills strategy, which will they say will fit training and education systems around gaps. 

They say that this could help the country secures the skills it needs in everything from social care to engineering and construction. 

The Liberal Democrats have also promised new funding for skills and Scottish Universities, which are facing unprecedented funding shortfalls at the moment. 

Cole-Hamilton added: 

“Scottish education just isn’t what it used to be. We used to have one of the best education systems in the world, but under the SNP it is now just average. 

“The whole education system isn’t producing the range and depth of skills that businesses and our economy need. It’s ridiculous that the Scottish defence industry is having to hire 300 welders from the Philippines. 

“Our plan will invest in education at every stage, starting from a young age and continuing throughout adulthood. 

“We want every child to get the support and attention they need at school, so they leave with the skills, confidence and resilience to be happy and successful, whatever they choose to do next.” 

He went on to criticise the state of Scotland’s higher education system: “We will repair Scotland’s colleges and vocational skills system, and safeguard the future of our world-leading universities so that we can deliver a skills revolution. 

“Unlike the SNP, Scottish Liberal Democrats would get ahead of the curve instead of waiting to pick up the pieces, making the most of Scotland’s homegrown skills, engineering supply chains and natural advantages.” 

In recent budget negotiations, the Scottish Liberal Democrats secured £70m for Scotland’s struggling colleges, a 10% increase on the previous year’s budget. 

The Scottish Liberal Democrats also secured up to £1.4 million in funding for Corseford College in Renfrewshire as part of budget negotiations. 

This funding, announced in early 2025, ensures the specialised college for students with complex needs remains open until at least 2027.

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