Beatrice Wishart
Scottish Liberal Democrats · Scotland
“I thank very much the people of Shetland, who put me here, and I thank my colleagues Willie, Alex, Jamie and Liam for their support. I hope that there will be more women on the Scottish Liberal Democrat benches after the election.”
“A plea was put out for funding to enable a well-known local man to access brain tumour treatment that is not available in Scotland. Within three days, the fund had raised more than £100,000 to help with on-going treatment in Germany. For a population of 23,000 people, that is quite remarkable.”
“I have heard numerous accounts of people coming to Shetland to take up jobs in the NHS or the council, only to leave a few months later because they cannot find permanent accommodation.”
“I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for bringing this important debate to the chamber on this, the last day of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament. This will be my final speech in the Parliament and, appropriately, the debate is on the sustainability of Scotland’s remote, rural and island communities.”
“What people seek is the means to live and work in their communities and to survive and thrive in them, which entails putting investment into infrastructure and public services.”
“I leave now to return to my family and friends, who have supported me throughout my time here, and I look forward to a bright Shetland summer.”
The complete record
Every one of 344 lines we hold for Beatrice Wishart, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 7.
“Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I am sorry not to join members in the chamber in person this evening. I thank members who have supported the motion and those who plan to speak in the debate. I also thank the organisations that have provided briefings ahead of the debate and those with which I have met over the past few months to discuss this serious infrastructure failing. I know that citizens advice bureaux across the Highlands and Islands are working hard to help people through the change, and I put on record my thanks to them all, including the Shetland bureaux, and to the other organisations that are doing the same across the country. There are just 40 days to go until the nationwide radio teleswitch service switch-off deadline on 30 June.”
“Pregnant women, people waiting for surgery, cancer patients and other people across my constituency rely on NHS Grampian. What reassurances can the cabinet secretary give that the stage 4 measures will not negatively impact patients from Shetland who have to access NHS Grampian services? Neil Gray: I readily recognise the situation that Beatrice Wishart reflects of her constituents having interaction with NHS Grampian, which is also the case for her colleague Liam McArthur and his constituents. My officials and the consultancy will be working to get NHS Grampian to a more sustainable financial position, with improved service delivery, to ensure that residents of the NHS Grampian area, as well as Beatrice Wishart’s constituents and Liam McArthur’s constituents, see an improvement in service and financial sustainability.”
“That will answer her question about ensuring that pathways are available for non- specific symptoms and that people can access those services. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessments (Waiting Times) 2.”
“Patients often report varying and non-specific symptoms that push them to go and see a general practitioner, and then it turns out that they might have a brain tumour. What actions can the Scottish Government take to ensure that GPs are best trained to be able to spot brain tumour symptoms from the very first appointment? Neil Gray: I thank Beatrice Wishart for raising that important point. We need to continue to work with our primary care teams, because she is right that general practice is fundamentally important in that respect, as is the wider interaction with the primary care environment. I point Beatrice Wishart to the expansion of the rapid cancer diagnostic services, which are providing primary care with the agency to make referrals into secondary care diagnostics and treatment.”
“The skills that are associated with oil and gas are so transferable that there will be energy workers who will work between all the developments that are part of the energy mix that comes on stream. Shetland is home to many renewable energy projects, for which that workforce is ideally suited. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Meetings) 6.”
“Gas from the Rosebank development will be exported through the west of Shetland pipeline system to Sullom Voe, ultimately ending up in the UK grid and contributing to the nation’s energy security. Does the cabinet secretary recognise the importance of Rosebank to my constituency? Does she agree that it will be important for jobs in Shetland, where there are skilled workers and knowledge that has been gained from decades of working in North Sea energy developments? Gillian Martin: No one has to remind me, as a north-easter at the heart of the oil and gas industry in Scotland for many decades, of the importance of oil and gas workers, and not just in terms of managing an industry that has served Scotland and the whole of the UK very well. I recognise that Shetland has had a very significant footprint.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to the open debate. 16:57”
“I have long held and raised concerns about the resourcing of the Scottish Government’s marine directorate given all that it is asked to do, from patrolling Scotland’s waters to research and analysing data. Concerns continue that the landings at Scottish ports by non-UK vessels are not being effectively scrutinised, at the expense of the Scottish fleet and accurate scientific data. As we increase at-sea infrastructure and transition away from legacy fuels, a better communications channel is needed for discussions about the impacts of offshore wind developments on traditional fishing grounds and nursery areas. I urge greater engagement between stakeholders, the Scottish Government and local fishing fleets about the realities of spatial squeeze in order to ensure the future of Scotland’s important fishing sector.”
“After announcing polling data, which showed strong public support for the sector, ahead of the UK-EU summit in London on 19 May, Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “The Scottish public are crystal clear—our fishing industry must not be sold short again.” She continued: “This poll confirms that Scots understand the value of fishing to our economy, our coastal communities and our national food security—and they expect their governments to stand up for those interests.” Given that the Scottish public is clearly supportive, those in our fishing sector must no longer be made to feel that policies are being enacted, with little or no consultation, that are to the detriment of their livelihoods.”
“That is why Westminster colleagues who are in the all-party parliamentary group on fisheries, which is co-chaired by Alistair Carmichael MP, have launched a call for evidence from the fishing industry and related stakeholders on their priorities for future fishing arrangements with the EU ahead of 2026, when the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement will be reviewed and the adjustment period on fisheries will end. Cutting red tape on trade with the EU with a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement would benefit the sector.”
“Last week, my Westminster colleague Alistair Carmichael sought assurances that there would be “no linkage” between current negotiations with the EU on security and defence and those around future access to fisheries. During Cabinet Office questions in the House of Commons, the minister responsible for negotiations confirmed that there will be no such link, which is a commitment that he will be held to account for. It is critical that we listen to those in the fishing industry who feel that, over the decades, they have been sold out by successive UK Governments—most recently, by the botched Boris Brexit deal in 2021, which brought in new trade barriers. That is why Westminster colleagues— Tim Eagle: Will the member take an intervention? Beatrice Wishart: I am sorry, but I have no time.”
“Fishing is also of cultural and social significance at home in Shetland. It is important that we enable the generations of family ties to fishing to continue into the future. We have already lost many such ties as well as vessels in the fleet due to policy decisions. Scottish Liberal Democrats will not support the Conservative motion. We will not oppose the Labour amendment. Although I note the clarification on the link with defence, which I will expand on shortly, we are disappointed by the fact that that amendment would remove from the motion the line about an annual debate. We will support the Scottish Government’s amendment. The Conservative motion refers to the relationship between the UK and the EU.”
“I am delighted that Tim Eagle is following my lead in bringing a fishing debate to the chamber. Members will recall that, in February, I brought the first fisheries debate to Holyrood since 2022. The Scottish Government has simply not allowed for enough opportunities to speak on all that impacts our important fishing sector. I welcome calls for an annual debate on fisheries, although the sector is worthy of more than just one Government debate a year, especially considering the significance of sustainable fisheries to Scotland’s economy and coastal communities. We should recognise that we are talking about a high-protein, low-carbon food staple that is caught around our coast in what is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and that it contributes significantly to food security.”
“The member is right to say that, at a time when we have a skills shortage, which is indicative of the pace of growth across some of our industries, the skills and knowledge that Grangemouth workers have are in high demand. We are committed to supporting the retraining effort. Clearly, we want to retain all those workers, and we are working as hard as possible to do that.”
“I thank the Deputy First Minister for advance sight of her statement. I, too, associate myself with her comments about the workers, their families and the community at this difficult time. Many of the workers at the refinery will be looking for more secure work. We have a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors, as other members have highlighted. I note the training programmes, but does the Deputy First Minister have an understanding of how many of those skilled workers plan to remain in Scotland, so that we do not lose their skills to other countries? Kate Forbes: I mentioned the funding that the Government has invested. We are working with the wider workforce across the entire industrial cluster.”
“NHS Grampian works closely with NHS Shetland, offering many of my constituents healthcare treatment that is not available in the islands. The SURE unit will cover patients needing treatment for urological cancers, including prostate, penis, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer. With plans first mooted in 2021, there had been hopes to have patients seen in the department by May. I recognise the financial issues at NHS Grampian, but I would appreciate it if the minister could use some of her time to address that point in her response. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I now call Fulton MacGregor, who is the final speaker in the open debate. You have up to four minutes, Mr MacGregor. 17:44”
“Things to look out for include lumps, heaviness, build-up of fluid in the scrotum, pain and/or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum and pain in the lower back. Those symptoms can be caused by injury or infection, rather than cancer, but it is important that men see a doctor if they notice any of those signs or a combination of them. If a man knows what is normal for themselves, that will help them to spot changes. Education is vital, and I support calls for greater awareness raising, for reducing stigma and for myth-busting. Men should not let embarrassment put them off going to see their GP. Before I conclude, I want to raise the 13-month delay of the proposed swift urological response evaluation—SURE—unit at Aberdeen royal infirmary, which is of serious concern.”
“In the past five years, all cases in Shetland were treated within the target period. Of course, low numbers do not make island men indestructible, and, just as women are encouraged to regularly check their breasts for any lumps, bumps or changes, so, too, should men self-check themselves. Edward Mountain is right to say that we need to normalise discussions about the issue, and I agree with Claire Haughey’s point that we more often speak about women’s health than men’s. Therefore, I am happy to set aside my discomfort and contribute to this debate on men’s health. Checking in the shower is recommended. Feeling the weight is important. Often, testicles are different sizes, but they should not feel heavier or larger than usual.”
“I thank Marie McNair for securing this opportunity to talk about testicular cancer. I also thank Cahonas Scotland, which, as the motion states, is Scotland’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity. As others have said, testicular cancer is rare. It is more likely to be found in younger men, most commonly affecting those aged between 15 and 45. Early detection and treatment are key, with a 95 per cent cure rate when the cancer is found early. As the motion highlights, approximately 220 people in Scotland are diagnosed each year. The latest NHS Shetland data shows low numbers of testicular cancer patients in the isles over the past five years, with no diagnoses in 2020 or 2021— people avoiding seeing the doctor during the height of the Covid pandemic might have had something to do with that.”
“Beyond indicating that the issue is under consideration, there is little more that I can say, given that it relates to a live planning application. However, I understand the importance of her point and the importance of early decision making, where practical. The Presiding Officer: We move to general and constituency questions. Pension Age”
“It has been more than a year since the Loch Long salmon semi-closed containment project was called in for a decision by the Scottish Government. That length of wait for a decision from ministers could discourage investment in Scotland. It is now more than a month since I last raised the issue in the chamber, with no update since. Does the First Minister acknowledge that long waits for planning decisions are bad for business? The First Minister: I certainly want to make sure that we take decisions as efficiently and swiftly as we possibly can, but I also have to make sure that the Government has adequate space and opportunity to consider all the issues that are involved. I am sure that Beatrice Wishart will understand the significance of that point.”
“The VisitScotland national events funding programme aims to support events outwith the central belt. However, one of the eligibility criteria is that there be more than 1,000 in-person attendees. That is an unreasonable ask for many small, rural and island communities. What can the Scottish Government do to enable a review of that requirement to ensure that such communities can access the fund? Angus Robertson: In replying briefly, I note that VisitScotland and the national events strategy falls in the orbit of another ministerial colleague, but I will ensure that the point that Beatrice Wishart has raised is passed on to my departmental colleagues, because her point is, of course, entirely relevant for smaller areas or parts of the country that are further away from major population centres. European Union (Policy Alignment) 6.”
“I therefore ask the cabinet secretary, considering the growing waiting lists, the financial interventions and the failure of enhanced monitoring, to turn the ship around. Does he have confidence that he will find the right candidate for the role of chief executive, considering that the interim chief executive has had enough and is going before a replacement has been found? Does he have confidence in the board of NHS Grampian to do its job, to deliver the leadership that staff need and to ensure that patient care is put back on track? If not, what plans does he have to step in and assist the people of the north-east, who are being so badly let down? 18:08”
“In that case, I am sure that early intervention would have led to a better patient outcome and would most probably have been more cost-effective for our NHS. I am normally a strong believer in local devolution, and I admit that I would be the first to complain if the Scottish Government were undermining local decision making. However, I feel that, with NHS Grampian, we have reached a point at which the Scottish Government needs to be bold. It needs to step in, steady the ship and provide a service that the people of the north-east deserve. Let us make no mistake about it: these failings are not down to the thousands of dedicated doctors, nurses and surgeons, nor to the many other front-line staff; they are a direct result of mismanagement.”
“My constituent has been diagnosed with basal cell carcinomas on a number of occasions. Normally, those were dealt with by the general practitioner performing minor surgery at a nearby minor surgery centre, but that does not seem to be an option now. My constituent was instead referred to the dermatology department at the ARI. It took nearly two years for the carcinoma to be removed, and he was warned that there was a strong likelihood of the cancer returning. It has returned, and he has been referred to the dermatology department again; however, he has been warned that it may be over two years before he gets an appointment. He is rightly worried. We often hear about early intervention.”
“Those services were reduced during the pandemic and have never returned to full strength. This is not the first time that I have raised the situation in Turriff in the chamber. In January, I highlighted how many rural communities across North East Scotland were being let down by the huge reduction in local services, forcing them to travel to hospitals such as Aberdeen royal infirmary, which simply cannot cope. It is a hospital that is severely under pressure—so much so that staff were forced to declare a major incident and turn patients away, with a winter plan that had unravelled by November. This all matters because, at the end of the day, it affects people—the people whom we were all elected to this place to serve. I will conclude, therefore, with a story of someone who contacted me last week.”
“When Douglas Lumsden talks about patients in the north-east, does he recognise that NHS Grampian serves the island constituencies as well? I have a constituent who is waiting for a hip replacement and who was told that the waiting list for elective surgery at Woodend hospital in Aberdeen was more than 3,000 people and that it would be impossible to predict when he would be seen. Douglas Lumsden: I completely agree with Beatrice Wishart—the problem that she describes is the one that most people face. They are on a waiting list but they have no visibility as to how long the wait is going to be. A lot of people will therefore go private if they can afford it. There needs to be a change. During the recess, I spoke with residents in Turriff, where constituents have repeatedly raised the continuing lack of services in the local hospital.”
“Scotland’s islands might be off the coast, offshore or even out of sight, but they are a huge part of Scottish life and, like sparkling gems, we must protect and cherish them. 19:03”
“It would be disingenuous not to allude to the challenges that the motion touches on. Island living can be hard and is threatened by depopulation. That is an interconnected and complex issue but one that could be addressed with greater investment in the islands’ infrastructure. Digital connectivity lags behind that in urban areas, and it stifles economic growth and education. Lack of housing, along with unreliable and expensive transport connectivity, deters people from living and working in the islands. In the Faroe Islands, the development of a tunnel network connecting the islands has reversed depopulation. It is no secret that I have been advocating for tunnels for some time, because I see their enormous potential for Shetland.”
“Lerwick Port Authority operates Shetland’s principal commercial port, which is built around a natural harbour that has offered shelter to many seafarers over the centuries. It is vital for fish landings, as a hub for North Sea oil activities and, with a deepwater quay, for decommissioning. It can accommodate any size of vessel, from small yachts to cruise ships, bringing in thousands of visitors. What happens in Lerwick harbour is like a barometer of the Shetland economy. Other MSPs have tonight highlighted exhibitors from their local areas across the island groups. I often come to the chamber and highlight the islands’ economic contribution and how we punch well above our weight. There could be an even greater contribution, with more investment in the islands to support businesses and local communities.”
“With growing global interest in the satellite launch market, the spaceport development is in the right place at the right time. Shetland is also represented at the island showcase by the Community Development Company of Nesting, which supports local communities with a food bank, a gym and a business studio. Shetland Jewellery is a 70-year- old firm that designs and manufactures jewellery locally that is inspired by Shetland’s scenery and heritage. Shetland Aerogenerators is a family-run company that is at the forefront of developing wind farms and energy sites. Its Burradale wind farm is considered to be the most productive wind farm in the world per unit of installed capacity.”
“There is a resilience and community spirit among those who live in Scotland’s islands. As today’s events highlight, the islands are home to local businesses, innovation and entrepreneurship of all kinds and sizes, forged with passion and island tenaciousness and, in some cases, developed from necessity—the can-do attitude that Jamie Halcro Johnston spoke of. Space is Shetland’s new frontier. Unst, the UK’s most northerly inhabited island, is host to the SaxaVord spaceport and satellite launch facilities—a vision born of an entrepreneur with steely determination who could see the enormous potential for Unst, for Shetland, for the country and, indeed, for the world. Today’s modern life is impossible without satellites. Think of all that we access on our mobile phones through maps and apps.”
“I thank the convener of the CPG on islands, Jamie Halcro Johnston, for bringing this important debate to the chamber this evening. Those of us who live in the islands know of the exciting and challenging activities that happen around us. In the CPG on islands, we are able to learn more about life across all of Scotland’s islands. Today, those islands are being showcased at a round-table event and reception, and in this debate, which is an excellent opportunity to highlight their successes to a wider audience. As deputy convener of the islands CPG, I know that today’s events would not have been possible without the hard work of the secretariat, the exhibitors and those sponsoring travel, and without lots of work behind the scenes. I thank all those involved for making today’s events happen.”
“I visited that van when it was in Shetland, and I know that it has been appreciated by small businesses there. There are probably similar examples that can be replicated across the rest of the country. Marine Energy Industry 2.”
“Upgrading older housing stock will be a critical step in reaching our net zero goals. The barriers to achieving that include not having the skills to renovate and insulate properties and to install modern heating solutions. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that we have the expertise and skills in the workforce to do that? Alasdair Allan: I agree on the need to ensure that the skills are there, and it is relevant to island constituencies, such as the one that Beatrice Wishart represents, that we ensure that there are opportunities for training and retraining. For instance, we have invested in a mobile centre for heat pump installation training, to ensure that training opportunities are more equally available across Scotland.”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Budget (Scotland) Act 2024 Amendment Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum relating to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (UK Legislation). That the Parliament agrees that the Education, Children and Young People Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill at stage 1. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Ending Destitution”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (Treatment of Qualifications Scotland as Specified Authority) Order 2025 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: Unless any member objects, I propose to ask a single question on four Parliamentary Bureau motions. As no member has objected, the final question is, that motions S6M-16943 and S6M-16944, on approval of SSIs, and motions S6M-16945 and S6M-16946, on designation of a lead committee, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (Part 2 Further Extension) Order 2025 [draft] be approved.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect; I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Wishart. We will ensure that that is noted. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Rona Mackay] Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McKelvie, Christina (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jamie Hepburn] McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Con) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (Con) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Smyth, Colin (South Scotland) (Lab) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-16942, in the name of Jamie Hepburn, on approval of an SSI, is: For 70, Against 0, Abstentions 50.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I apologise to those whom I was unable to call to ask supplementary questions, but we are tight for time this afternoon. Secure Accommodation Capacity”
“I have raised this matter previously, yet it is still unclear whether patients travelling to different parts of Scotland for national health service treatment will be impacted by the visitor levy. What assessments has the Scottish Government made of the impact on patients who are travelling for necessary treatment? In the interests of fairness and equity of access to healthcare, will a national exemption be considered? Ivan McKee: There are clearly some exemptions in the legislation, but the specifics on implementation are for local authorities to address through the consultation process that the legislation requires them to take forward in their local area to find a scheme that is suitable for their local circumstances.”
“It was also clear to the committee that the sector faces a number of environmental and fish health challenges, especially in the wider context of climate change and rising sea temperatures, which the sector and the Scottish Government must understand and adapt to. This debate does not signal the end of our interest in the issue. The committee will return before the end of this session of Parliament to consider what progress has been made in implementing our, and the REC Committee’s, recommendations. We expect the Scottish Government to use its time wisely to make more tangible progress in future-proofing the industry. Urgent Question 16:49”
“Colleagues spoke about the welfare of farmed fish, and Fergus Ewing mentioned the £1 billion that the industry has invested to promote good fish welfare at farms. The committee was supportive of that investment to market Scottish salmon as a premium product. We also noted the industry’s need to balance treating fish to meet requirements regarding sea lice with the potential unintended consequences that that might have for fish health and welfare. The committee recognises the economic contribution of the Scottish salmon farming sector, both as a successful national export and as a driver of prosperity in rural and island communities such as mine.”
“Several members discussed environmental and welfare considerations about the use of cleaner fish in salmon farming. Although the committee acknowledged the steps taken by industry and the Scottish Government to better protect the welfare of wrasse and lumpfish, we remain concerned by evidence about the welfare of those fish, and especially about the high mortality rates being reported and about the sustainability of wild wrasse fisheries. I know that the Scottish Government is expecting further advice on that from NatureScot and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, and I am sure we all hope that that will translate into concrete measures to enhance the welfare of those animals.”
“It would certainly help the general public to understand more about salmon farming and might even help to dispel many of the concerns, myths and misconceptions about how the industry operates. Another key point made in today’s contributions was about the need for improvements to research and scientific evidence. That would develop a more robust evidence base about the environmental footprint of salmon farming and the impact on the marine environment of certain chemicals that are used by the industry, while also addressing gaps in knowledge about the interactions between farmed and wild salmon. The committee believes that dedicated research pens would not only help to answer some of those questions but would help Government to make better decisions about policy.”
“The committee was also concerned about the structure of the wider regulatory framework, which does not seem to take full account of how salmon farming impacts wild salmon. That lack of a holistic approach to regulation was consistently emphasised by stakeholders such as Fisheries Management Scotland in their evidence to the committee. Members also discussed the need for more consistency and transparency in how data is collected and reported on by the Scottish Government and industry. Timely reporting of that data makes it easier to find on the Scotland’s aquaculture website and seems to be a reasonable solution to the issue. I welcome the fact that the cabinet secretary is now committed to modernising how data is presented on that website, but that work to improve accessibility is long overdue.”
“Many members spoke about the challenges that the sector is currently grappling with, including those relating to fish mortality. The committee was disappointed not to see more progress on that issue since the REC Committee report. I welcome the news of a reduction in the overall mortality rate last year and hope that that progress will continue, but that will happen only if the Scottish Government provides the support that the sector needs to adapt and innovate so that it can address some of the environmental and climate-related factors that many members touched on in their contributions. Members spoke about the need for better regulation and enforcement of the industry to help improve performance. The committee highlighted mortality as one area where the Scottish Government must address gaps in accountability and governance.”
“However, at our community engagement event in Oban, the committee also heard that, for some, the benefit of that funding is not always clearly visible to the general public. That is why we recommended that the Scottish Government should develop good practice principles for community benefits from aquaculture developments. We think that that would help to provide greater transparency on community benefit packages and would help to ensure that they are tailored to the characteristics of each development and to their local communities. The cabinet secretary said that the Scottish Government would explore our proposal on good practice principles with stakeholders to ensure that any decision is in place ahead of the 2026 Crown Estate Scotland lease fee increases. The committee will be keen to see how that work progresses over the coming year.”
“They made the important point that, as well as being directly responsible for supporting jobs in its sector, the industry is indirectly responsible, through the wider supply chain, for supporting jobs in areas such as transportation, engineering and food processing. I have first-hand knowledge of how important salmon farming is in my constituency of Shetland. In fact, figures that Shetland Islands Council provided to the committee suggested that local aquaculture provides around 400 full-time jobs and accounts for around 12 per cent of our islands’ total GVA. The committee heard about the local initiatives that fish farmers support through their community benefit funds and the funding that is made available to local authorities, through sea bed leases, from salmon farm development.”
“I am pleased to close this afternoon’s debate on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, as its deputy convener. I reiterate the committee’s thanks to all the stakeholders who engaged with our inquiry. Their views were invaluable to us in drawing up our report’s conclusions and recommendations. I also thank members across the chamber for their contributions to what has been, mostly, a constructive and thoughtful discussion about an industry that I am sure we all want to succeed in becoming more sustainable. Members such as Rhoda Grant, Fergus Ewing, Tim Eagle, Jamie Halcro Johnston and Colin Smyth rightly spoke about the economic and social benefits that salmon farming brings to their communities.”
“Based on the evidence that the committee received, we will be undertaking an analysis of options, including statutory and other alternatives, to understand how improved welfare standards can best be supported. The detail of those commitments is broad and is set out in our written response to the committee, but I hope that what I have set out briefly today shows that we are listening, we are acting and we are continuing to make progress. In drawing to a close, I thank committee members again for their in-depth consideration of the matters. I look forward to keeping the committee updated as we make further progress across the important areas to ensure that we continue to support the sector’s development, to operate within environmental limits and to deliver the range of social and economic benefits that we know that it brings. 15:21”