Learning from 25 years of Preventative Interventions in Scotland

23 June 2025

Within Scotland, there has been a long standing interest in preventative approaches. This Learning from 25 years of Preventative Interventions in Scotland report includes 15 case studies of successful preventative interventions introduced in Scotland since devolution and draws together overarching observations.

Cross-cutting observations include:

• There are a large number of post devolution examples of preventative interventions that have been shown to improve outcomes, reduce costs and reduce demands on public services.
• There are several examples where Scotland has led the way in introducing new and innovative approaches to prevention.
• There is evidence that preventative interventions have been successfully targeted to meet the needs of particular groups and provide more intensive support to those with greater need.
• There are examples of preventative interventions being informed by behavioural research, resulting in changes in behaviours and attitudes.