Karen Adam
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“That is the question that I come back to: who is this growth for? When I think about economic growth in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I do not think first about a graph or a statistic; I think about the young folk in Buckie who wonder whether there will be a good job for them if they stay in their home town.”
“In my constituency, I see that potential everywhere. Fraserburgh harbour has a master plan that looks to future proof one of Scotland’s key fishing ports. Peterhead port, with links to fishing, energy and trade, is already a massive asset for Scotland.”
“I welcome the cabinet secretary to his new post. It is great to see him in the Parliament. When we talk about the economy, it can sometimes feel like we are talking about something that is quite abstract—something that is separate from people’s everyday lives.”
“It affects access to education, work, freight, business confidence and how quickly and cleanly produce from one of Europe’s most important fishing ports can reach the market.”
“Karen Adam: I thank the member for that intervention because it gives me the opportunity to say that I have already opened conversations and will discuss what next steps the campaign is asking for.”
“The range of amendments before us shows exactly why Scotland needs these powers to be in Scotland’s hands. While other parties pull the debate towards delay, denial, dependence or unrealistic simplicity, my constituents need a serious Scottish plan that is rooted in jobs, bills, climate responsibility and, importantly, a community benefit…”
The complete record
Every one of 357 lines we hold for Karen Adam, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 8.
“The legal 12-week treatment guarantee, which the Government introduced in 2012, is now routinely breached. In 2024, only 60 per cent of patients received treatment within that timeframe—the guarantee is, in practice, a fiction. On social care reform, £30 million was spent on plans for a national care service, but those plans have been shelved, have stalled and are subject to indefinite delay. Audit Scotland has described NHS Scotland as being in crisis without a plan. Staff are exhausted, and infrastructure is crumbling. That is not world- class healthcare; it is failure institutionalised. On the economy, let us not be seduced by SNP talking points on foreign direct investment. The real measure of a healthy economy is whether the country’s own citizens are investing and creating.”
“What did the SNP do in response to those issues? It pulled Scotland out of key international comparative studies. The official reason that was given was “budget priorities”. The real result was fewer benchmarks and less scrutiny. That is not reform; it is retreat. On health, the SNP tells us that the NHS is safe in its hands, but the facts tell a different story. In the OECD’s regional wellbeing index, Scotland scores just five out of 10 for health. Life expectancy is falling: for men, it is now 76.2 years; for women, it is 80.7 years. That places us behind Ireland, Canada and countries that once looked to Scotland as a standard setter. The crisis in accident and emergency departments is now chronic, and 723,000 Scots are now waiting for out-patient or in-patient procedures.”
“I want to talk about situations that impact the people of Scotland and look at them from the vantage point of the rest of the world. For example, the SNP inherited the highest- performing education system in the United Kingdom. In 2012, we led the UK in core subjects. Fast forward to 2025, and we are languishing near the bottom of the UK rankings and far behind many of our international peers. In the most recent programme for international student assessment results—2022—Scottish pupils ranked 30th in mathematics, 14th in reading and 32nd in science out of 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. We now sit behind countries such as Slovenia and Latvia. It is not a record to be proud of, and that is the international situation that we should be focused on, because it is a national embarrassment.”
“Does that not point out that Mr Kerr is talking absolute nonsense in today’s debate? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Please always be courteous and respectful, First Minister. Stephen Kerr: I am not sure that “absolute nonsense” is a respectful term. We are all entitled—[Interruption.] First Minister, might I have your attention? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Kerr has the floor, members. Stephen Kerr: Sorry? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I was saying that you have the floor. Stephen Kerr: Thank you. The whole point is that I am not talking nonsense. I asked a question at FMQs, and the Minister for Parliamentary Business said that he would log that I brought up an issue that involves Scotland’s place in the world, which I accept. However, this is a debate entitled, “The International Situation”.”
“Does Stephen Kerr not agree that the rise of right-wing politics across the world should absolutely be front and centre in this debating chamber, if history tells us anything? Stephen Kerr: The way that we address the extremes in politics is by making sure that we do justice by the people of Scotland in areas that impact on the quality of their everyday lives. For example, on education— The First Minister: Will the member give way? Stephen Kerr: I give way to the First Minister. The First Minister: I tread delicately here in order to point out the total contradiction in the point that Stephen Kerr is putting to the Parliament today. In the precious time that is available to the Parliament, Mr Kerr chose to lodge a question for First Minister’s question time to ask me about international trade.”
“The ruling provides clarity on the interpretation of two pieces of legislation, both of which were passed at Westminster. Can the cabinet secretary say any more about any relevant engagement with the UK Government going forward? Shirley-Anne Somerville: My officials are meeting their counterparts from the UK Government on Thursday 24 April. As I said in my statement, I wrote to the UK Government immediately following the judgment, seeking an urgent meeting. As the UK Government and the Scottish Government work through the impacts of the Supreme Court judgment, it is important that discussions take place, both at the official level and—I hope—at the ministerial level. As I think I said in my statement—for the avoidance of any doubt, I will say it again—I am still waiting for a reply to the letter that I sent to the”
“The potential reforms outlined during evidence to the committee, which included changes to the legal aid rules, cost- protection mechanisms and the establishment of a dedicated environmental court, all merit further consideration. Ensuring that environmental justice is accessible to all is not only a legal obligation under the Aarhus convention but a fundamental principle of a fair and democratic society. The committee will continue scrutinising the issue and engaging with stakeholders to explore how best to address the continuing barriers to justice. The committee will imminently hold sessions on legal aid reform and this issue will form part of that consideration. I look forward to hearing the rest of the debate and, in particular, the minister’s reflections on the issues that the committee highlighted. 16:07”
“They have drawn attention to the financial barriers that exist and have contributed to discussions about potential reforms that could improve access to justice in this area. Their work, along with contributions from other stakeholders, has been valuable in shaping the wider debate and I thank them for that. I would welcome an indication from the minister of how the Government can collaborate with organisations and stakeholders to promote awareness of environmental rights and ensure that people in Scotland are equipped to engage in environmental decision-making processes. Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities for Scotland to strengthen its approach to environmental justice.”
“A key theme that emerged from the committee’s discussions was the importance of public awareness of and education about environmental rights. Effective access to justice is not only about the ability to go to court; it requires access to information, legal advice, and expert support at an early stage. Witnesses emphasised the importance of ensuring that individuals and communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to participate fully in environmental decision-making processes. Organisations such as the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland have highlighted that Scotland remains one of the more expensive jurisdictions in Europe for environmental litigation.”
“The barriers that are faced by community groups were also highlighted during our evidence session. Unlike developers, which have the time, the financial resources and the expertise to navigate complex planning and environmental processes, communities often find themselves at a disadvantage. Many groups lack the technical knowledge required to engage effectively with environmental decision making at an early stage. Witnesses stressed that although meaningful public participation is a fundamental principle of the Aarhus convention, many people feel disenfranchised by the system. Community groups often face challenges in engaging with complex planning and environmental processes, so I hope that the minister can share with us how the Scottish Government can support such groups to participate effectively in environmental decision making.”
“I would be keen to hear from the minister whether the Government is planning to review or amend that regulation to broaden the scope of legal aid and improve access to legal aid on environmental matters. Another key point that was raised during the committee session was about the availability of legal representation. Even when individuals or organisations are willing to pursue environmental litigation, they often struggle to find a solicitor to take on their case. The specialist nature of environmental law, combined with the relatively small number of practitioners in Scotland who focus on that area, creates significant difficulties. In some circumstances, potential claimants are unable to secure legal representation at all. In effect, that renders access to justice impossible.”
“At present, that test makes it extremely difficult for individuals to obtain legal aid for environmental matters, and community groups and NGOs are not eligible at all. The second potential reform would involve the introduction of qualified one-way costs shifting, which is already in place for personal injury cases in Scotland, in environmental cases. That would mean that individuals and organisations that took environmental cases would not be exposed to the risk of paying the other party’s legal costs if they lost. The third proposal would involve the establishment of a specialist environmental court, as exists in many other countries, to provide a more accessible forum for environmental cases. Regulation 15 of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002 has been cited as a barrier to obtaining legal aid for environmental cases.”
“Although that sum was later negotiated down to £125,000, that is still a significant sum of money. Such sums pose a substantial barrier to justice. For most organisations, and certainly for members of the public, such costs are simply unaffordable. The reality is that the financial risks involved in environmental litigation deter many people from bringing cases at all. That raises serious concerns about access to justice and compliance with the requirements of the Aarhus convention. Three key potential solutions that would address those concerns were suggested in evidence to the committee. The first would involve repealing the joint interest test in relation to legal aid for environmental cases.”
“The evidence that the committee heard during its recent session reinforced that point. The Aarhus convention compliance committee has repeatedly found Scotland to be non- compliant in relation to access to justice on environmental matters. I will be keen to hear the minister set out what specific steps the Scottish Government is taking to address those findings. A striking example of the barriers that exist to environmental justice that was provided to the committee was that of the John Muir Trust’s judicial review challenge against the Stronelairg wind farm, in which the trust was ultimately unsuccessful. The financial consequences of pursuing the challenge were severe. The Scottish Government and the energy company SSE sought legal costs of £539,000 from the trust.”
“Although environmental law is devolved, which means that the Scottish Government is responsible for compliance in Scotland, the Aarhus convention’s access to justice requirements have not been fully incorporated into domestic law. That means that individuals and organisations in Scotland cannot rely on them directly in our courts. Since 2011, the Aarhus convention compliance committee, which monitors adherence to the treaty, has found that the UK— and, specifically, Scotland—has not been compliant with its access to justice provisions. The main issue that has been raised in relation to Scotland is the fact that it remains prohibitively expensive for individuals, community groups and non-governmental organisations to bring legal challenges against environmental decisions.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the issue of Scotland’s compliance with the Aarhus convention, particularly in relation to access to justice on environmental matters. The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recently took evidence on that important issue, and I want to set out some of the key findings and themes that emerged during those discussions. The Aarhus convention is an international treaty that was ratified by the United Kingdom in 2005. It establishes fundamental rights for the public in relation to environmental governance and guarantees access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision making and access to justice on environmental matters.”
“The Scottish Government’s five family payments, which include the Scottish child payment, best start foods and best start grants, could be worth more than £10,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, and around £25,000 by the time an eligible child turns 16. That compares with a figure of less than £2,000 for families in England and Wales, where support ends when an eligible child turns four. That support is in addition to the wider support that we provide for families, which includes the child winter heating payment, the carers allowance supplements and the on-going mitigation of the UK Government’s benefit cap, all of which is provided to put money in the pockets of the families who need it most. The Presiding Officer: Question 7 has not been lodged. Rural and Islands Housing Fund 8.”
“Investing in our people and communities through social security will be vital if we are to achieve the First Minister’s central mission of eradicating child poverty in Scotland. This week, the London School of Economics and Political Science found that the UK Government could cut child poverty by a sixth if it chose to match Scottish Government policies. Will the cabinet secretary lay out how much Social Security Scotland payments could be worth to a low- income family as they raise a child and how life- changing that investment could be? Shirley-Anne Somerville: I thank Karen Adam for that question, because it gets to the heart of how our investment in social security supports people in Scotland.”
“It is not about battling neurodivergence, but about building a society that welcomes it with all its potential. 17:15”
“We can improve the school experience by increasing the number of ASN teachers and adopting neuro-affirming approaches, along with quiet spaces, flexible transitions and reduced sensory load. Those things do not require new legislation; they simply require compassion and leadership. We can challenge employers to build inclusive workplaces. We know that, in our justice system, a high proportion of people in custody are neurodivergent, and that is why we must act at the point of entry by signposting individuals for a neurodivergence assessment. Doing so could open up a pathway to not just support but true rehabilitation. None of that needs to wait for a bill, but a bill can provide the backbone to sustain and scale that change. It can put rights on a statutory footing and help us to track and close the gaps.”
“We can embed understanding of neurodivergence across public services, ensuring that every GP, teacher and social worker is equipped with the training to recognise and support neurodivergent people. We can create clear national diagnostic pathways with self- referral options, and we can accept private diagnoses though the national health service from those who have felt the urgent need to pay for a diagnosis themselves. We can begin early screening where neurodivergence might be masked, especially when people present with addiction, eating disorders, anxiety or chronic fatigue, because those are often the red flags. If we embed that thinking in our systems, we can intervene earlier and more effectively.”
“We often hear people say, “School just wasn’t for them,” but it should be—we should create an environment for them. I was disappointed that the proposed LDAN bill was not included in the most recent programme for government, but I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has a continued commitment to publish that draft legislation. I can tell members today that I know that the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, is genuine in her care for that work and the people it impacts. I know that from the conversations that I have had with her, and I am grateful for it. I believe that there are things that we can do now.”
“I agree that it is a crisis. Those are not abstract numbers—they are people’s lives. They are people I represent, people I know and people who email me every single week. In fact, it is the top issue on which I receive correspondence. In my various roles as a local councillor, an MSP and convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, and as a mum and a neurodivergent woman, I have seen and heard many devastating stories. There are women who have spent decades without a diagnosis, dismissed or misdiagnosed, and who are completely burnt out; there are families who are stuck in cycles of poverty because they cannot access suitable work; and there are young people who are overwhelmed by a system that was never designed for them in the first place.”
“I congratulate my colleague Daniel Johnson on securing this members’ business debate, and I thank him for his continued openness on this issue. I, too, feel deeply passionate about it, because it also affects me and my family. Ultimately, it is about how society is run, because it cuts across everything, from education and healthcare to employment and justice. Right now, neurodivergent people feel that they are being let down everywhere, in all of it. I want to tell them that I see it and that I validate them and their experience. Around 84 per cent of autistic adults are unemployed, despite so many of them wanting to work, and nearly 66 per cent have contemplated suicide. People are waiting for years for a diagnosis and, in some areas, local authorities, health boards and integration joint boards have paused referrals.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what immediate and longer-term actions it can take to support and promote the Scottish seafood processing sector, ensuring that it can compete effectively in a United Kingdom and global market. (S6O-04482)”
“Through grass-roots efforts such as those of the Peterhead and Buchan fair trade group, fair trade lives and breathes in our communities. Such groups remind us that global solidarity starts at home—that a stall in a school hall, a cotton uniform and a donated sewing machine are all acts of hope. Scotland’s status as a fair trade nation is not a static accolade but a living and evolving commitment. It asks something of each of us: to advocate, to educate, to choose differently and to build a system that serves not just the fortunate but the forgotten. We must continue to uphold that commitment. We must honour the campaigners, the producers and the promise that Scotland can be a beacon of fairness in a world that desperately needs that. 16:03”
“In stark contrast, unfortunately, the UK Labour Government has chosen to slash international aid to just 0.3 per cent of gross national income— breaking a manifesto promise and turning its back on some of the world’s poorest communities. Scotland chooses another path. We choose to lead. I believe—deeply—that, given the full powers of independence, we could go even further, by committing to the UN’s target of 0.7 per cent GNI for official development assistance and enshrining that promise in law. However, until that day comes, we must make every devolved lever count. Through our vision for trade, we apply the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance to every decision that we make, placing fairness and the planet at the heart of our economy.”
“That is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s international strategy. Through initiatives such as the climate justice fund, which was launched in 2012—making Scotland the first country to commit funds explicitly to climate justice—and through our partnerships with countries such as Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan, we continue to promote inclusive development and ethical global relationships. Scotland’s international development fund will increase to £12.8 million in 2025–26. That includes support for humanitarian emergencies and vital investment in areas such as global health and education—especially for marginalised women and girls. At a time when global need is rising, the Scottish Government’s commitment is both morally right and strategically wise.”
“It is a reminder that our small nation can make a big difference on the world stage, especially when we stand shoulder to shoulder with producers and workers in the global south. We live in a world that is wracked by enormous challenges, such as climate change, conflict, inequality, and global health crises. Those crises disproportionately affect the very communities that fair trade seeks to support. Scotland’s response has been clear: we choose to stand in solidarity, we choose partnership over exploitation, and we choose justice over indifference. The fair trade model is about more than just trade. It recognises the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of people throughout the supply chain, empowering farmers, workers and producers to build better lives for themselves and their communities.”
“It has partnered with the Co-op, collaborated with Aberdeen fair trade group, presented to local organisations such as the Mintlaw women’s institute and the central Buchan rotary, and participated in national and international forums such as “Meet the Producer” and “Campaigning Together.” Its current campaign deserves special mention: collecting and sending donated tools such as drills, grinders and sewing machines to a rice co-operative in Malawi. That initiative speaks to not only the creativity of local campaigners but the deep solidarity at the heart of the fair trade movement. Scotland has been a fair trade nation since 2013. The retention of that status in 2025 reaffirms our on-going commitment to fairness, social justice and global solidarity.”
“The group’s work reaches across our communities and into the hearts of our schools. It has held fundraising stalls at school fairs, presented to assemblies and even introduced Fairtrade cotton uniforms as an option in local schools, planting the seeds of global citizenship in the minds of our young people. It shows us that fair trade is not a distant ideal but something that is woven into our everyday lives—our choices, our shops and our classrooms. The Peterhead and Buchan fair trade group has also worked with local businesses, organising permanent fair trade displays in hardware stores and running seasonal sales and raffles to raise awareness.”
“I join my colleagues in welcoming Scotland’s renewed status as a fair trade nation. It is not merely a badge of honour; it is a reaffirmation of who we are and the values that we choose to stand for—fairness, dignity, solidarity and justice. I pay tribute to the fair trade campaigners, businesses and community groups across our country whose dedication has made that status possible. Among them are the inspiring members of the Peterhead and Buchan fair trade group in my Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency. That collective, which is made up of volunteers from Peterhead and from Mintlaw and New Deer in my colleague Gillian Martin’s constituency, has worked tirelessly since achieving Fairtrade status in 2012—a status that it has proudly renewed again this year.”
“By doing that, we can send a clear message that we believe in Scotland’s seafood and are committed to it, both at home and abroad. Scotland’s seas are rich, but let us make sure that we not only celebrate but sustain what they offer. 15:38”
“The issue is not simply about what is in our shops; it is also about ensuring that our young people are taught about this wonderful food source. The seafood in schools programme has been brilliant in introducing young people to the benefits of Scottish seafood and showing them where their food comes from. If we want our seafood sector to continue to thrive, we need to support it in any way possible. Investing in our seafood infrastructure and upgrading ports, markets and processing facilities will keep our sector strong, as will tackling workforce shortages. We should encourage more Scots to eat Scottish seafood by launching public information campaigns and working with supermarkets to make our produce affordable and visible.”
“Supermarkets play a huge role in that; they decide what is visible on the shelves, what is promoted and what is priced competitively. Right now, 37 per cent of supermarket promotions are for unhealthy, high-fat, high-sugar products, while fresh produce—including fish—is far less visible. That has to change. When Lidl and Aldi invested in marketing Scottish seafood, they saw higher sales and increased market share, thereby proving that when local produce is given prominence, people will buy it, so let us get all the major supermarkets on board to stock and label Scottish fish prominently and to run special offers on it, just as they do with imported produce. We must make sure that our local food is properly supported by Scotland’s biggest food retailers.”
“Crucially, building that international reputation means investing in the next generation of fishers, so that our industry continues to thrive for years to come. Although our seafood is a huge success internationally, we should also be eating more of it ourselves. Fish is one of the healthiest, most sustainable and tastiest foods that we have access to, yet many Scots do not eat the recommended amount, which is two portions a week—in case anyone needs to know that. Part of the solution is to make sure that people can access and afford Scottish seafood. It is a strange reality that, in a country surrounded by the sea, we do not eat as much of it as we should. We need to make sure that we are holding retailers to account so that they properly support and promote our world-class produce.”
“Tim Eagle: The industry was fairly upset a couple of weeks ago, when it found out that one of John Swinney’s special advisers had said that the spatial squeeze in the North Sea is not a thing. Do you agree that that statement is unfair, given that fishermen across the north-east are very concerned about the wind farm developments in the North Sea? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I again remind members to speak through the chair. Karen Adam: I had not heard of that comment, but I am happy to discuss it. When I was first elected to the Parliament, I noted that there was a space that needed filling for fishers and the offshore wind industry to come together to have discussions on the blue economy. That is why I set up the cross-party group on fisheries and coastal communities, which I convene.”
“That diversification helps to shield our industry from economic uncertainty and trade disruptions. Expanding our global reach helps to ensure long-term sustainability, but it also means that we must push for more support from the UK Government and work closely with producers to remove unnecessary barriers and provide the right support to maximise opportunities worldwide. That international reputation is built on hard work and innovation. However, to keep it growing, we need to make sure that our seafood industry gets the support that it needs. That means supporting exporters and making it easier to get Scottish seafood on to plates around the world. It means making sure that our ports, markets— Tim Eagle: Will the member take an intervention? Karen Adam: Yes, I will.”
“Industry leaders such as Jimmy Buchan of the Amity Fish Company are taking our seafood to new markets, and they recently showcased Scotland’s produce in Dubai. At the Gulfood trade show, the largest food expo in the world, Scottish companies secured more than £1.5 million in new business, thereby proving that there is huge demand for our seafood. Every new restaurant in Paris or Dubai that serves Scottish seafood strengthens our industry back home. The industry contributes billions of pounds to our economy and supports thousands of jobs in fishing, processing and logistics. Strengthening the sector means ensuring stable livelihoods for coastal communities that have relied on the sea for generations. Scottish seafood is not just in demand in high-end restaurants abroad; it is also making its way into major retailers and emerging markets.”
“I am really pleased to speak in the debate and to focus, in particular, on Scotland’s world- class seafood, which is not just a product that we sell; it is part of who we on the coast are. For generations, our coastal communities have been built around the fishing industry, with ports such as Peterhead and Fraserburgh landing some of the finest seafood in the world. It is not just delicious; it is a sustainable, low-carbon source of protein that is rich in omega 3 and vitamins, which are essential for a healthy diet. It is something that we should be immensely proud of. With 70 to 80 per cent of our seafood being exported, our produce is recognised worldwide for its quality, and our shellfish and white fish are sought after in some of the finest restaurants in Europe, Asia and the middle east.”
“That was 25 years ago, but women are still saying that they do not feel that they are listened to when it comes to their health. Perhaps this is where empowering patients with innovative systems to monitor and track their own health can help—not just in helping with physical health but by ensuring that women feel that they are being heard. Sandesh Gulhane: On women’s health, cervical cancer representatives came to speak with us today about how women are not able to get their cervical cancer surgery on time.”
“That is making healthcare safer, faster and more effective overall. Although such advances are transforming many areas of healthcare, we also have to ask who is benefiting from them most. If innovation is to work for everyone, we need to make sure that it is reaching those who have historically been unserved—for example, in women’s healthcare. A few nights ago, I chaired the cross-party group on heart and circulatory diseases, and we focused on women’s health. Let us be honest: we all already know the problem, and we do not need more reports telling us that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed when they have had a heart attack, or that menopause and menstrual health are still not treated as the serious medical issues they are. This is personal for me. My mother died of heart disease when she was only 49 years old.”
“It is changing how we detect breast cancer by using artificial intelligence to improve screening accuracy. Its AI tool—Mia—has helped radiologists to detect 10.4 per cent more cancers than standard screenings, while reducing their workload by 36 per cent. That is not some futuristic idea—it is a real working example of how technology is improving patient outcomes today and reducing the burden on our NHS workforce, thereby freeing it up to focus more on patient care. It is exactly the kind of technology that ensures efficiency without compromising on quality by allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to patients than to processes. The accelerated national innovation adoption pathway is making sure that, when research- backed advancements emerge, they do not get stuck in trials for years, but are adopted by our NHS fast.”
“Often, before I write my speeches, I like to have a discussion with people around me just to see what they think about the topic. I am very lucky to have a friend who works in research, development and innovation in the NHS: it has been helpful to get some links from her. Overall, there was a perception among people whom I spoke to that healthcare innovation is a bit of a luxury item, that it is way off in the future and that they would only ever see it in the likes of “Star Trek”. However, the opposite is true, and many great advances in healthcare technology are happening in Scotland right now. Take the NHS Grampian’s GEMINI— Grampian’s evaluation of Mia in an innovative national breast screening initiative—project, which is a perfect example of such an advance. It was developed with the University of Aberdeen and Cairn Technology.”
“I say to the young carers in the gallery and to those who could not be here today: we see you, we value you and we recognise everything that you do. What you do matters more than you will ever know. 13:32”
“It highlights two critical areas of support that young carers desperately need: time for themselves to rest and greater understanding and flexibility from schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. I am here today in the chamber because the young carers who supported me in caring for their siblings when they were growing up are now, as adults, keeping things ticking over at home. Young carers do not stop caring; they grow into adult carers. That is what usually happens. It is up to all of us to ensure that their voices are heard. Young carers in my constituency hold me to account. This week, one emailed me to make sure that I was doing something for young carers action day. I say to my constituent: I am here and I am keeping your voice going.”
“Sometimes, the sibling might need to run to grab a pair of socks, because the child needs to be dressed, or to do other wee errands around the house. We do not often acknowledge that that is what caring can be or look like. A young carer might have to stay up through the night, because their sibling is restless and making noise, and then go to school very tired. They might have to miss out on days out and trips, because their sibling has additional needs, but still find patience and kindness at home. It can mean that their parents’ time is shared unevenly. Being a carer, specifically a young carer, means a lot. This year’s young carers action day theme— “give me a break” or “geezabreak”—could not be more fitting.”
“Jeremy Balfour spoke about his lived experience at home, which prompted me to score out some of the lines in my speech and to speak from the heart. I have children with additional support needs. As my other children grew up, they had to support them and me in the home. Often, we wonder what it is like to be a carer. If we were to ask someone what that looks like, we might imagine a carer physically helping someone by feeding them, changing them and caring for them, but, a lot of the time, caring might not be like that at all. A young carer or sibling carer might need to quickly vacuum the living room after some kind of messy explosion while the parent nips out to clean up and fix up the child who has the additional support needs.”
“I thank Paul O’Kane, my colleague on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, for securing this important debate. I know that the subject is close to his heart and that he is passionate about promoting the voices of young carers in the Parliament. I extend a very warm welcome to the young carers who have joined us in the gallery. It is truly an honour for us to have them here. It was a privilege for me to secure the debate on young carers action day last year, as my colleague Evelyn Tweed noted. I was prompted to do so by young carers in my constituency, and their courage, resilience and determination have left a lasting impression on me. It is because of them and the thousands of young carers across Scotland that we are here again today, ensuring that their voices are heard.”
“I am proud to have voted for more investment in our coastal communities. However, we must not stop there. Let us get this right and power on with renewables—for Scotland, our coastal communities and, ultimately, our future. 16:27”