Paul McLennan
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic housing site. (S7O- 00129)”
“Scotland has decarbonised its electricity supply faster than almost any other country in Europe has done. More than 90 per cent of our electricity now comes from renewable sources—a transformation that is powered by the wind, waves and tides that shape our East Lothian shores every day.”
“We are at a moment that will define the future that we leave to our children and grandchildren. The science is clear, the evidence is all around us and the window for action is narrowing. Today, red weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued in the south-east of England.”
“Therefore, does he regret his party’s decision to close down nuclear energy in Scotland, which has been a huge contributor to the Scottish economy? Paul McLennan: I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy.”
“Paul McLennan: I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible.”
“As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to ensure that objective?”
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“To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic housing site. (S7O- 00129)”
“Scotland has decarbonised its electricity supply faster than almost any other country in Europe has done. More than 90 per cent of our electricity now comes from renewable sources—a transformation that is powered by the wind, waves and tides that shape our East Lothian shores every day. In East Lothian, we see both the risks and the opportunities more clearly than most. Our beautiful coastline is being impacted by climate change— communities in Cockenzie, Prestonpans and North Berwick know the reality of coastal erosion and flooding. Our farmers are already having to adapt to changing weather patterns that affect crops and livestock. However, East Lothian is also perfectly placed to be a green energy powerhouse. The Firth of Forth offers world-class conditions for offshore wind.”
“We are at a moment that will define the future that we leave to our children and grandchildren. The science is clear, the evidence is all around us and the window for action is narrowing. Today, red weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued in the south-east of England. This is the second heatwave of the summer and it is still June. More extreme weather is battering our farms and communities. Members should speak to farmers—they will tell them that things are getting harder and harder every year. It would be easy to stand here in despair, but I stand here with determination, because Scotland needs to rise to the challenge and our communities need to be at the centre of what we do. I am proud of what Scotland is already achieving.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect; I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Your vote has been recorded.”
“Making tax cuts now would also cut our block grant now, which in turn would mean cuts to our public services now, while Labour’s rise in employer national insurance contributions is damaging growth. I urge members to back carrying out a bold exploration of wealth taxation measures. Let us publish detailed options, engage with experts and unions, and deliver concrete proposals. We need to reform our public services and increase growth in our economy, but we also need to tax wealth fairly if we are to invest in our people and secure a better future for generations to come. Scotland deserves nothing less. 16:16”
“We continue to hear requests from other parties for more funding for public services but with no explanation of how they would pay for that. Reform and the Tories propose tax cuts now, but that would cut our block grant now when we are talking about creating future economic growth. I am willing to take an intervention if Mr Hoy would like to come in on that point. Craig Hoy: For clarification, the Scottish Conservatives proposed £1 billion-worth of tax cuts and £1 billion-worth of benefit cuts, which was absolutely axiomatic. Paul McLennan: Earlier, we heard Shirley- Anne Somerville make the point that welfare cuts would come from the Tories. However, their approach is not one that I would support. I go back to my key point.”
“We have heard today about corporation tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax, We could also use comprehensive wealth taxation to build the fairer, more prosperous country that we know is possible. In the meantime, we must use every devolved power that we have to push for more fiscal responsibility from Westminster and must lead by example, because this is about our values as a nation. We want a Scotland where opportunity is determined not by the wealth that people inherit but by the talent and effort that they bring; one where our schools, NHS and communities are properly funded so that every child has the best start and every family feels secure; and one in which we build a thriving, inclusive economy.”
“Today’s debate is not only about taxation. There will be many debates about growth, as there should be. Just today, the First Minister said, following his address to the Prosper forum: “A strong economy is key to everything I want to achieve as First Minister. We will make our planning system work better, expand apprenticeships and devolve powers to Regional Partnerships, helping to create more jobs.” I say to Willie Rennie that the point about wealth creation brings an important balance to this debate. The Scottish Government proves that by giving more revenue to front-line services while most taxpayers pay less than they would in England. The debate is also about Scotland’s future governance. With independence, we would have full control over our levers.”
“Paul McLennan: I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible. There is a balance to be struck here, which involves looking at fairer taxation, what we want to spend the money on and the fiscal framework within which we currently operate. I will touch on that later. There is no disagreement on what we want to spend the money on. I have highlighted the need for investment in child services and other services to ensure that the values that I have mentioned are promoted. We need to have a targeted and nuanced taxation system, because relying solely on income tax hits working people harder. We also need to revisit the current fiscal framework, which, as I said, does not suit Scotland.”
“We can build on the property and land taxes that we already control to develop a targeted, nuanced taxation system—there are many international examples out there that we can learn from—that will minimise avoidance while delivering results. Relying solely on income tax hits working people harder. In Scotland, we have shown that we can use fiscal powers progressively without harming growth. However, we must revisit the current fiscal framework with the UK Government, which does not suit Scotland. There is a total lack of flexibility. Willie Rennie: When it comes to what Paul McLennan would like to spend the extra money on, his list is different from the one that Bob Doris gave. Does the SNP have a coherent position on that?”
“Therefore, does he regret his party’s decision to close down nuclear energy in Scotland, which has been a huge contributor to the Scottish economy? Paul McLennan: I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy. Just last week, the Confederation of British Industry published a report that highlighted the green jobs opportunities that exist in East Lothian, which is the third-biggest contributor in Scotland to the green economy. Renewables are the future, both in Scotland and in East Lothian. The broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make success possible. Polling shows strong public support, including among higher earners, for taxing extreme wealth over cutting services.”
“However, we must go further by seriously exploring and developing wealth taxation options. More funding needs to be found to support more nurses, teachers and care workers, to expand programmes for tackling child poverty and to invest in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy. The broader debate is about ensuring that the successful pay their fair share— Craig Hoy: Will the member take an intervention? Paul McLennan: Yes. Craig Hoy: Mr McLennan will be well aware that there are many different ways of generating economic growth. Torness power station in his East Lothian constituency has generated significant economic growth. Since it came on stream, it has contributed £17 billion in gross value added to the economy.”
“We delivered the most progressive income tax system in the UK, which protects lower and middle-income earners while raising substantial revenue for services, and, as we have heard, we are proposing a mansion tax on properties worth more than £1 million and a tax on private jet use. I was heartened to hear the cabinet secretary talk about the need for long-term reform of council tax and business rates. Council tax reform is needed in this session, and we must all work together to ensure that that happens. We have had too many debates on the subject for it not to happen. The need for council tax reform goes to the heart of not only progressive taxation but local accountability. Business rates also need to be reviewed if we are to support and grow our business base.”
“Efficiency reforms and prevention are vital but, on their own, they are not enough. We need to generate sustainable, progressive revenue to match our ambition for a fairer Scotland. That revenue should come from increased economic growth and fair wealth taxation. Wealth inequality in Scotland remains stark. The wealthiest 10 per cent hold a hugely disproportionate share—the top 2 per cent hold more wealth than the bottom 50 per cent. Much of that wealth grows through assets that benefit from Scotland’s stability, infrastructure and skilled workforce, all of which are supported by public investment. It is only right that those with the broadest shoulders should contribute more, to sustain the social contract. The SNP will always act progressively on taxation.”
“In Scotland, our values are clear: they are about fairness, solidarity and opportunity for all. As an SNP MSP, I champion taking a progressive approach to funding the high- quality public services that define our nation. Why do we need to do that? We are facing rising demands on our NHS, our education system and our local communities, therefore we must have the courage to tax wealth more so that we can invest in the people of Scotland. After 15 years of Westminster austerity, our public services are under pressure. We also have an ageing population, and growing demand means that we cannot stand still. Waiting times, recruitment challenges and sustainability issues persist despite there being growth in real terms. Schools and local government also face strains.”
“Those guidelines must be agreed by the High Court before they come into effect and, once they are in effect, the court must have regard to any relevant guidance when sentencing. High Speed 2 Future Journey Times (Scotland-London) 7.”
“As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to ensure that objective? Neil Gray: That is a fundamental principle of the rule of law within our country. The independence of our criminal courts is a vital feature of how justice is delivered. One way in which an independent sentencing council can assist the operation of the courts is through the production of sentencing guidelines covering particular types of offence, such as rape, or particular categories of offender, to make clear the factors that a sentencing judge is required to consider in determining the appropriate sentence.”
“Demand is high and the pressures are real, but, with record investment, falling waiting times in key areas and the incredible dedication of our NHS staff in East Lothian, we are making steady, serious progress, so let us continue to build an NHS that makes every person in East Lothian proud—one that cares for us from cradle to grave, and that our children and grandchildren can rely on.”
“We need to harness innovations such as digital booking systems and new ways to access physiotherapy and mental health support. In addition, we must put prevention at the heart of everything, which will keep people healthier for longer so that they need hospital care less often. Mental health services are being expanded, and we must continue to treat drug and alcohol harm as a public health issue. In East Lothian, renewal means having stronger community services, better integration between health and social care and a health service that works for all our coastal towns, growing villages and rural areas. A key message that I heard from local communities was that they must be involved in deciding how we deliver and develop services. Of course, challenges remain.”
“While others want to cut or privatise, the SNP stands firm: the NHS belongs to the people of Scotland. It is publicly owned, publicly delivered and protected for future generations. Importantly, we must renew the NHS. Investment and protection are essential, but we must also renew and reform the NHS to meet the challenges of an ageing population, new technologies and rising demand. That is why we are shifting the balance of care. That is about treating more people closer to home through hospital at home and community diagnostics, and expanding services at our local community hospital in Haddington. As leader of East Lothian Council, I brought the hospital at home initiative to East Lothian in 2010, and it is still making a huge difference now.”
“The Scottish Government has provided tens of millions of pounds extra to NHS Lothian, specifically to cut waiting times. In 11 months, we have already seen waiting times being cut. Other waiting lists have also fallen significantly: there have been notable reductions in those for orthopaedics, urology and general surgery. The SNP will always protect the core principles of our NHS: it must remain comprehensive and universal, and it must be free at the point of need. Under the SNP, prescriptions, eye tests and personal care remain free. Those benefits matter enormously to families and older people across East Lothian—I heard about that when I was out campaigning. Unlike Reform and Nigel Farage, we reject any move towards privatisation or a two-tier system based on ability to pay.”
“Following the closure by the UK Government of the social care visa route, the Scottish Government has taken action. I have spoken to carers about the lack of staff, and I know that it is an issue in East Lothian, especially in the more remote areas. We must all concentrate on that issue. On recruiting more staff, it is important to mention that Scotland has more GPs per head than elsewhere in the UK. We are expanding primary care with GP walk-in clinics and additional support for family doctors. Like many others, I support and will be campaigning for a walk-in centre in East Lothian. On GP surgeries, I mentioned the need for investment in growing communities. For example, we need new GP practices in North Berwick and the new community of Blindwells.”
“Thanks to SNP investment, East Lothian community hospital opened in 2020, as I have said, bringing together services from the old Roodlands and Herdmanflat hospitals into a state- of-the-art facility with 60 per cent more in-patient bed capacity. It delivers better care, closer to home, for our growing communities. I have discussed with the local NHS board the need to have accident and emergency services at East Lothian community hospital; that is another thing that I would like to take up with the cabinet secretary. We need to ease pressures on acute services by bringing more services from Edinburgh to East Lothian community hospital and maximising capacity. Delayed discharges in East Lothian are impacted by the lack of care staff.”
“I also want to talk about the challenges. We must admit that there are challenges out there—one of the challenges for East Lothian is the growing population. On delivery investment, the NHS has been backed by the SNP Government with record funding of £22.5 billion. That includes £17.5 billion for front-line services, including more than £2.3 billion directly for NHS Lothian. There is an issue of funding for areas with rapid population growth, such as the south-east of Scotland. That issue has been raised with NHS Lothian in various forums, and I would like to discuss it with the cabinet secretary when she has got further into her role. That investment is making a difference in East Lothian.”
“Scotland’s NHS is one of our greatest achievements. In East Lothian, the service looks after our families every single day. Whether through the outstanding care at the East Lothian community hospital in Haddington; our local GP practices in North Berwick, Dunbar or Prestonpans; or specialist treatment at the Edinburgh royal infirmary, the NHS is a safety net that we all rely on. We all hold the national-level NHS close to our hearts. However, as we have heard, our experiences are driven by local delivery. East Lothian community hospital was fully opened in 2020, at a cost of £70 million, and it replaced the old Roodlands and Herdmanflat hospitals. I want to speak about how the SNP is delivering for East Lothian through the three clear commitments that we have heard about: to invest in, protect and renew our NHS.”
“Although the Parliament does not have the full range of powers to address and mitigate all the impacts that are affecting people and their standard of living, it is incumbent on us to intervene, when we can, in an effective and proportionate way that supports those whom we have been elected to serve. Island Communities 5.”
“Does the minister share my view that the Government has a responsibility to ease the burden on households during a cost of living crisis, including through targeted interventions when a broken Brexit economy places essential goods out of the reach of Scottish households that are struggling under decades of Westminster austerity? Tom Arthur: Paul McLennan raises a number of important points. I recognise that immediate and acute pressures on the cost of living are emanating from the war in Ukraine and will ensue from the war in Iran, but those pressures are coming after a concatenation of crises, including Brexit, austerity, the financial crash back in 2008 and the legacy of the pandemic.”
“Together, in this Parliament, let us make East Lothian—and Scotland—the best place on these islands in which to raise a family.”
“Changes that East Lothian Council made last year highlighted the need for closer co-operation. I have pledged to continue working with parents’ representatives moving forward. I say to the parents and carers here today: I see the demanding work you do every day. The SNP is the party that has consistently put families first. We delivered the 1,140 hours provision, and now we are ready to go further. Flexibility and capacity will be key, as we have heard today. To everyone else in the East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs area, I say that the Government will deliver the big ambitious changes that will make life better. That means continuing the progress that is already transforming lives across our towns, villages and countryside.”
“For far too long, lack of childcare has been a block on economic growth. Increasing childcare will help growth in our local economy. High-quality early learning helps every child, and especially those who need it most, to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively. We know that delivery is key. That is fundamental in times of tight fiscal management. That is why there has already been a £1 billion-a- year investment in the current programme and the Government has worked in partnership with local authorities to pay staff the real living wage. As a local MSP, I will continue to work closely with East Lothian Council, providers and parents to ensure that the next phase of the policy is delivered smoothly and sustainably in our communities. The next phase must be delivered in partnership with parents. It must be a model of co-production.”
“Other parents face pressures from working in local tourism, agriculture or small businesses, or simply from trying to make ends meet. The expansion will be a game changer. A parent in Dunbar, in East Lothian, told me that they can go back to work knowing that their nine-month-old is receiving loving, high-quality care. Families in Prestonpans with primary-age children will no longer be scrambling for expensive after-school arrangements. Working mums and dads across Longniddry will be able to balance careers and family without losing out financially. There will also be better support for families with additional needs, and more flexibility for everyone. Of course, this is not just about childcare. It is about tackling child poverty, closing the attainment gap, supporting women back into work or training and growing our local economy.”
“That means wraparound care—before and after school, breakfast clubs, which have been mentioned, and holiday provision—and proper support for childminders and all types of providers. To come back to Mr Kerr’s point, we are backing the expansion with—this is a ballpark figure—£500 million of investment. For East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs, the proposed expansion is huge. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in Scotland, with young families choosing to settle in East Lothian because of our schools, coasts, communities and quality of life. However, many parents still face real pressures, such as commuting to work. We must ensure that the policy offers flexibility, given that some people are catching trains at seven o’clock in the morning and not returning until six o’clock in the evening.”
“Indeed, I heard about it on the doorstep many times during the campaign—I am sure that we all did. I heard about parents returning to work or study with confidence, and mums and dads having a bit more breathing space. One important point is that the provision allows children to thrive in a nurturing environment—they are learning through play, making friends and getting ready for school. That is despite the challenges that we faced during the global pandemic a number of years ago. What does the expansion mean? The SNP will deliver the next big leap: a transformational expansion of childcare from the age of nine months right through to the end of primary school, available 52 weeks a year.”
“Stephen Kerr: I am listening carefully to what Paul McLennan is saying about the situation in his constituency, but does his experience not reflect that of, for example, Calum Kerr, who gave a very thoughtful speech, and of Patricia Gibson, who noted the gaps in the provision that is currently available and the lack of flexibility for working families? Paul McLennan: One of the key things that I will touch on is co-production. That must be not only with the sector, but with parents and other groups. I will come on to that point later in my speech. As I said, that includes working with the PVI sector. The cabinet secretary has highlighted other areas of discussion that will be part of the process going forward, and co-production is an incredibly important part of that. I have seen the difference that the 1,140 hours provision makes.”
“In East Lothian, our council and local providers—nurseries, childminders and community groups—have worked hard to make provision flexible and high-quality so that it fits real family life. Next week, I will meet the council to discuss that very issue. In East Lothian, the expansion will involve, as it did with 1,140 hours, capital investment in buildings and resource investment in, and recruitment and training of, staff. We have heard about the importance of the PVI sector, which is worth mentioning—and it will continue to be worth mentioning as we consider further expansion.”
“That is why the SNP’s childcare expansion matters so much to families in East Lothian. I will show my age when I say that, like so many others in the past, I had to rely on grandparents to help bring my kids up. It was tough bringing kids up then and it still is now. However, we have already delivered a transformation. The Scottish Government doubled the funded early learning and childcare entitlement to 1,140 hours a year for every three-year-old and four-year-old and for eligible two-year-olds, which is about 30 hours per week during term time. That is real, practical help that is worth thousands of pounds to the average family every single year—we heard the figure of £6,400 mentioned.”
“Deputy Presiding Officer, I welcome you to your position, and I welcome the cabinet secretary and the minister to theirs. As the SNP MSP for the now-renamed constituency of East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs, I thank voters for placing their faith in me. I am proud to stand here and talk about one of the most important things that we can do as a community, which is giving every child the best possible start in life and supporting every family in my constituency and across Scotland. During the election campaign, when I spoke to the many parents in Prestonpans, Dunbar, North Berwick, Haddington and Longniddry, and across rural communities in Lammermuirs, the same things came up time and again: the cost of living, the juggle of work and family and the desire to give our kids every opportunity.”
“I, Paul Stewart McLennan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me”
“New data shows that banks have withdrawn mortgage offers across the board, leaving first-time buyers in the lurch as rates spiral out of control. While the Westminster Labour Government sits on its hands as mortgage rates spiral in broken Brexit Britain, the Scottish National Party will support renters and first-time buyers with up to £10,000 to help them to get on the property ladder. People want to get on in life, and the SNP will help them every step of the way. Will the First Minister outline what steps the Scottish Government is taking to support renters and those who hope to buy their first home?”
“I urge every colleague to join me in voting to pass the bill. Let us send a message that, in Scotland, our children’s rights are not optional—they are the law. The bill is for every child who has ever felt powerless in a school corridor, for every parent who has waited anxiously for a phone call that never came, and for the future of an inclusive, compassionate Scotland. 15:31”
“It puts children’s rights at the heart of our schools. Once again, I thank and pay tribute to Daniel Johnson for introducing the bill and for the thoughtful way in which he has worked across the Parliament. I also thank fellow members of the Education, Children and Young People Committee for their rigorous scrutiny. Above all, I thank the families, the campaigners and the children themselves, who have shared what have often been painful experiences. Their courage has made the bill possible. They are an inspiration to all of us in this place. Today, Scotland has a chance to say loud and clear that we do not restrain our children unless there is no other way, and that we do not isolate them from their peers without proper safeguards. Instead, we choose dignity, support and inclusion.”
“It is about giving every educator the tools and the confidence to support children without resorting to physical intervention or isolation. It is about creating the trauma- informed, rights-respecting schools that Scotland’s young people deserve. As legislation, it sits squarely within the Scottish Government’s values. I thank the cabinet secretary, Jenny Gilruth, for her collaborative work with Daniel Johnson and the Education, Children and Young People Committee in considering the bill. The Government incorporated the UNCRC into Scots law. As a Parliament, we made the Promise to Scotland’s care-experienced children just last week. As a Parliament, we believe that every child, regardless of their needs, should thrive in an inclusive education system. The bill delivers on those commitments. It turns warm words into legal duties.”
“The 2018 investigation by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland laid bare the gaps: there were no national standards, there was patchy monitoring and parents were left in the dark. The voluntary guidance had not been good enough. That ends today. The bill changes that by placing the Scottish Government’s guidance on a statutory footing. It requires every school—public or independent—to train staff properly in de- escalation techniques and positive behaviour support. It demands that parents are informed immediately when restraint or seclusion is used, and it insists on proper recording and reporting, so that we can spot patterns, learn lessons and drive down the use of such measures for good. The bill is not about tying teachers’ hands; it is about empowering them.”
“I thank Daniel Johnson for his work to introduce the bill. As the MSP for East Lothian, I am proud to support the bill on behalf of the children and young people of the county. As Daniel Johnson said, the passing of the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill—which is often called Calum’s law—is a landmark moment. The bill puts clear, enforceable protections in place so that restraint and seclusion are used only as a genuine last resort and never as a first response. I commend Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger for their work in getting us to this position. We all know the current reality for too many children, especially those with additional support needs. More than a third of pupils have been subjected to practices that are inconsistent, poorly recorded and sometimes downright harmful.”
“Between April 2024 and December 2025, those hubs delivered more than 2,600 workshops across the whole of Scotland, reached 48,000 people and provided support to community groups, ensuring that climate risks and solutions are embedded in many local place plans. I was grateful to be able to discuss the draft climate change plan with all our climate action hubs online during the period of scrutiny of the plan. Given the hugely important role that the hubs play in delivering local solutions on the ground, they want to do more, and be supported to deliver more, for the individuals and groups in their area, and I am happy to support them.”
“Over the past few years, I have met and engaged with the East Lothian Climate Hub and seen its work across East Lothian. It has engaged with communities to embed the work that is needed to tackle the climate emergency. What commitment can the cabinet secretary give to the existing climate hubs about supporting them to continue the progress that they have already made? Gillian Martin: Paul McLennan is a big supporter of and advocate for the work of his local climate hub. Community climate action is a vital part of our communities’ journey to net zero. We have a national network of climate hubs and funding to support them.”
“We would not have had to fund that, and could have spent that money in other ways, if the UK Labour Government had not frozen the local housing allowance, but that was its choice. We would not have had to fund the work that we are doing to assist One Parent Families Scotland if the UK Government, in its child poverty strategy, had delivered reform of child maintenance services. Once again, when we consider how much we are spending on mitigation—a record £159 million next year—that is investment that we are making to pick up the pieces of a Government that has failed to deliver at a UK level.”
“Westminster’s cost of living crisis is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. On top of ever- increasing energy costs, households across East Lothian continue to suffer from cruel policies such as the benefit cap and the bedroom tax. Will the cabinet secretary tell Parliament how actions in the plan will further mitigate UK Labour’s cruel austerity measures? Shirley-Anne Somerville: Paul McLennan is right to point out the UK Government’s choice to continue some of the policies of previous Conservative Governments that, to me, exemplify austerity. We look at the amount that we are spending on the benefit cap, the bedroom tax and, as announced today, the further £9 million through discretionary housing payments to support 18,000 families.”
“In addition, the budget will further expand the provision of free breakfast clubs and free school meals to reduce the poverty-related attainment gap, will continue the provision of extra funding for pupils with additional support needs and will provide £186.5 million of investment to protect teacher numbers in our schools. Defence, Aerospace and Space Sectors (Skills Shortages) 3.”
“I, too, have rural schools in my area. Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has increased spending on Scotland’s schools by more than £1 billion in real terms to support our pupils and teachers. Will the minister outline how the Scottish budget—which, of course, Finlay Carson did not vote for—supports the attainment of children and young people across Scotland, including in rural schools? Natalie Don-Innes: The 2026-27 budget, which provides more than £3.5 billion to support education and skills, includes up to £200 million of investment, through the Scottish attainment challenge programme, for closing the poverty- related attainment gap. In December, the latest data showed that attainment levels in literacy and numeracy across primary and secondary schools were at a record high.”