Scottish AI Alliance Impact Report 2024/25 - A Milestone Year for Trustworthy and Inclusive AI
We are thrilled to share the Scottish AI Alliance 2024/25 Impact Report, showcasing a year of achievements, partnerships, and commitment to making Scotland a global leader in trustworthy, ethical, and inclusive AI.
Over the last 12 months, the Scottish AI Alliance has turned strategy into action: empowering individuals, supporting businesses, influencing policy, and shaping public conversations on AI. This report is more than just a review of activities, it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and compassion in shaping our AI-enabled future.
Empowering People: AI Literacy at the Heart
At the core of Scottish AI Alliance’s work lies a firm belief: AI is for everyone. That’s why Living with AI, our flagship public AI literacy programme, took centre stage this year. Relaunched in March 2025, it saw:
1,500+ learners engaging with the course,
17 partner organisations hosting it, including City of Glasgow College, Scottish Government, and Borders College,
A 34% completion rate – nearly three times the industry average.
This free, jargon-free, ethics-focused programme is helping people across Scotland understand AI in a human-centred way.
We also continued vital work with the Children’s Parliament, supporting over 140 children in exploring AI through a children’s rights lens. Their Calls to Action on AI are powerful reminders of who is most impacted by the future we’re building.
Enabling Businesses: Practical Tools for Responsible AI Adoption
While the tech world often buzzes with hype, at the Scottish AI Alliance we have focused on clarity over complexity for Scotland’s SMEs and enterprises. In October 2024, we relaunched the Scottish AI Playbook, a practical support hub for responsible AI adoption. Highlights include:
A brand-new AI Maturity Framework,
The AI Jargon Buster, downloaded over 200 times,
Case studies from organisations like Gigged.AI and the Financial Times,
A growing online community of 124+ professionals across sectors.
More than 200 businesses participated in workshops, and 500+ attended speaking events, a signal that Scotland’s business community is ready to lead ethically.
Building Trust: Transparency in Action
Trust in AI begins with transparency, and Scotland is leading the charge:
The Scottish AI Register now tracks 22 public sector AI use cases, offering citizens a platform to ask questions and provide feedback.
The Public Sector AI Taskforce convenes over 220 members across government bodies, ensuring cross-sector accountability and openness.
These efforts are reshaping how trust is built between citizens and government – not just in Scotland, but as a model for others worldwide.
Leading the Conversation: Events, Creativity, and Public Dialogue
This year marked the first time our Scottish AI Summits went regional, from Dundee to Inverness, bringing the AI conversation to communities across Scotland. From AI in agriculture to sustainability, each summit sparked critical dialogue, with attendees leaving more informed, empowered, and inspired.
We also partnered with the creative sector through Creative Informatics, spotlighting artists exploring AI’s societal impact. Exhibitions like How to Find the Soul of a Sailor demonstrated how creativity can illuminate the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As AI continues to evolve, so too will the work of the Scottish AI Alliance. Looking ahead to 2025/26, we’re hope to:
Further expand the reach of Living with AI,
Develop agile microcourses for just-in-time learning,
Host regional summits and People’s Panels across Scotland,
Deepen our commitment to inclusive, transparent, and ethical innovation.
Join Us on the Journey
The Scottish AI Alliance is proud to be building a future where AI serves the people, not the other way around. Whether you’re just curious, a business leader, or a policymaker, there’s a place for you to get involved with the Scottish AI Alliance.