Evelyn Tweed
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“My love affair with Stirling began immediately when my family moved to Doune in 2016—the welcoming people, the beautiful scenery and the atmosphere of the Trossachs. It was just stunning.”
“This will be my last speech in Parliament, Deputy Presiding Officer, so I hope that you will indulge me with an extra few words today. Tourism is a key industry across Scotland. It is amazing to be able to welcome visitors and share our country and all that it has to offer, but high footfall has an impact on infrastructure.”
“I thank my political mentor, David Shearer, for his unwavering advice and good humour. I thank my party and its members for the opportunity to be here. I also do not forget the great teachers that I had who helped shape my love of life and politics: Mr Mulligan, Mr Johnson and Mr Mochan—Carol’s dad.”
“I know what it feels like to come from poverty, to be homeless and to feel that no one cares for you. I have loved that part of my role, and I would like to thank everyone who has come to me over the years. I hope that I did your cause justice. It has been a privilege to serve you.”
“I start my speech with the words of Kate Buchanan, who was a constituent of mine. Kate said: “I don’t want to die, but I am going to … I want to be just like the rest of you—not thinking of dying all the time. But I can’t, it consumes me, it totally dominates my living, worrying about what is going to happen to me and my family.”
“She had stockpiled some medications to be able to take her own life, but, ultimately, we decided we didn’t have the knowledge to be sure of using them effectively and safely, and we didn’t want to put a friendly GP or a GP friend in a difficult or unlawful position by asking for advice.” He went on: “While Kate was an effective supporter…”
The complete record
Every one of 115 lines we hold for Evelyn Tweed, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.
“The transition from child to adult mental health services can be a worrying time for both young people and their parents or carers. What assessment has been made of the support that is required for those who are transitioning from youth mental health services to adult mental health services? Tom Arthur: The question of transitions is extremely important. Providing transitionary support was one of the recommendations in the commission’s original report. That report followed the 2018 publication of the transition care plan guidance that informs our CAMHS approach. There is flexibility, in that when a young person reaches 18 years of age it does not necessarily mean that they move immediately to adult mental health services.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve access to legal aid for survivors of domestic abuse. (S6O-05034)”
“To ask the Scottish Government how much it has allocated in its budget for the improvement of road safety on the A84 trunk road between Stirling and Lochearnhead. (S6O-04973)”
“That is, of course, a discussion for local authorities. Our communities face many issues, and they want them to be addressed through the improvement of infrastructure to enable them to cope with the number of tourists and visitors in their areas. Money being put back into the community to grow local facilities and infrastructure is a positive story that people want to tell. It is only a good thing for visitors and local communities.”
“The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 gives businesses the opportunity to work with local councils to generate funding for enhanced facilities, heritage events and the promotion of local culture. Does the minister share my view that, in many cases, the visitor levy can enhance the visitor experience by making destinations more attractive and competitive? Richard Lochhead: I absolutely agree with the member’s points. We should remember that 21 out of 27 European countries have some type of occupancy tax that is broadly equivalent to the visitor levy, and they do so for the very reasons that the member outlines. Many people whom I have spoken to in the tourism and hospitality sectors of Scotland are relaxed about the levy. We want to ensure that it is implemented where appropriate and in an appropriate manner locally.”
“I welcome the First Minister’s unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing our Scotch whisky industry—a vital, thriving sector that creates thousands of jobs across Scotland. Can the First Minister provide further details on his recent meeting with President Trump in Washington ahead of the United Kingdom and US trade talks? At that meeting, he made the case to reduce the tariffs on the Scotch whisky industry— something which the US industry supports.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to support gender equality in the arts and culture sector’s workforce. (S6O-04934)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to develop year-round support for, and promotion of, high street businesses, in light of the recent Scotland loves local week. (S6O-04919)”
“To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to reduce the number of road traffic incidents on the trunk road network, in light of reports of a number of serious accidents over the summer. (S6F-04246)”
“We are committed to supporting all boards to meet the standard, which is that 90 per cent of children and young people who are referred to CAMHS should start their treatment within 18 weeks. We are providing access to professional advice and support to boards that are not on track to meet that standard, as well as ensuring that we have robust improvement plans in place and are monitoring their implementation.”
“I welcome the minister to his new post. The Scottish Government has been trying to make improvements aimed at reducing CAMHS waiting times, but it is vital that we maintain momentum on that. Can the minister say more about how health boards are being supported to improve their performance and provide our young people with the help that they need? Tom Arthur: As I said earlier, despite the improvements that we have seen, we absolutely cannot be complacent. I acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to do. Alongside our provision of a record £16.2 billion settlement for health boards, we have provided an additional £123.5 million- worth of recurring funding to support better outcomes across a range of mental health services, including CAMHS and neurodevelopmental services.”
“In addition, travel and subsistence support, including accommodation funding, is also available to support apprentices where they have to attend formal off-the-job training outwith normal daily travel, if required as part of the MA framework. The member’s constituency is home to one of the most celebrated rural apprenticeship successes in the shape of Marc Ingram, who works at Blair Drummond Smiddy. Marc was the 2024 Scottish apprentice of the year and is an amazing young man whose journey highlights the incredible transformative impact that an apprenticeship can have on someone’s life. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I have received requests for supplementary questions from three members. I intend to take all three.”
“These assessments inform the strategic management of apprenticeship starts at both national and regional levels, which ensures alignment with industry priorities and local economic conditions. Evelyn Tweed: My Stirling constituency covers a vast area, but the majority of apprenticeships are centred in Stirling city. How is the minister engaging with stakeholders to ensure the wide availability of apprenticeships, especially in more rural areas? Graeme Dey: A key priority for the Scottish Government is to encourage apprenticeship delivery in island and rural communities. As part of that, we introduced a rural uplift for modern apprenticeship delivery, which is an increased payment for training providers, to encourage provision in island and rural areas.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any regional variability in the availability of apprenticeships. (S6O-04862) The Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans (Graeme Dey): Skills Development Scotland has operational responsibility for apprenticeships in Scotland. SDS acknowledges that regional variability in apprenticeship availability is influenced by the geographic distribution and recruitment activity of employers across key sectors of the economy. As apprenticeships are demand led and aligned with employer needs, the number and type of opportunities naturally differ across regions. To manage this situation, SDS undertakes continuous labour market analysis and produces annual regional skills assessments.”
“My question is similar to Meghan Gallacher’s. What assessment has been made of the economic impact of the potential job losses, particularly following recent losses of other industrial jobs in Forth valley? Kate Forbes: As I said to Meghan Gallacher, my primary focus is on protecting the jobs, and that will be my priority.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent ILGA-Europe rainbow index of LGBTI equality laws, which shows that the United Kingdom, including Scotland, has fallen from first place in 2015 to second worst this year. (S6O- 04828)”
“This is an opportunity for us to show them otherwise, to show them that their voices and their experiences matter and to show them that we are listening. 15:42”
“As the Young Women’s Movement report, “The Status of Young Women in Scotland 2024-25: Gender Justice and Young Women’s Human Rights” says, “Time alone does not drive progress.” Real progress towards equality, including equal access and influence over policy decisions, needs active effort. I ask the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee to consider those additional barriers in the next phase of its work. I also think that the committee possibly needs to consider its own gender balance. The Young Women’s Movement reports that, in 2018, young women overwhelmingly called for more opportunities to engage in politics. Now, in 2025, they feel that, even if they had opportunities to engage, they would not have the power to effect change.”
“It allowed them to participate more easily, and it allowed us to see the activities that they care about locally. There are also frustrations in our rural communities, which every committee has heard about. Going to them signals a commitment to hearing them and understanding the issues that they face. It also lifts the barriers of cost and difficulty in accessing public transport and childcare. The Scottish Rural and Islands Parliament and other organisations are already doing excellent work generating a rural movement. Youth local action groups across Scotland are mobilising young people and building engagement. Could people’s panels be designed in collaboration with these movements, to work with and contribute to existing networks?”
“When there is a lack of visibility of women in public office, young women do not feel encouraged to get involved in politics at all levels. That can have a detrimental effect on democratic wellbeing, which is compounded for young women of colour, disabled women and trans women. I acknowledge the “positive impact”, as the report describes it, of having panels in the Parliament and the ways in which that makes people feel more involved. However, going elsewhere might allow people’s panels to be targeted in specific areas that face particular issues or where there is a lower level of engagement. Measures such as the travelling Cabinet acknowledge the importance of meeting people where they are. I attended the Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Alloa, and people were absolutely delighted that the Parliament went to them.”
“Additionally, there are some areas of policy and legislation that have the requisite broad impact, but in relation to which it would nonetheless be appropriate to choose a panel of people who are specifically affected by that issue, rather than have a panel that represents a broad cross-section of society. Dr Rebecca Mason, from the Young Women’s Movement, advised me that young women consistently told her that they feel excluded from politics and democratic processes in Scotland. Indeed, recent research from the Young Women’s Movement found that half of young women surveyed do not trust politicians and decision makers in Scotland to advocate for their human rights, which is a really worrying statistic.”
“I welcome the plan set out to increase deliberative democracy in the form of people’s panels, and I note suggestions for further development, such as reviewing the accessibility of deliberative processes and developing processes that work for young people. My contribution will build on those suggestions. Participants in people’s panels are randomly selected to ensure a diversity of voices and involve individuals who might not normally engage. That approach has a lot of value, but further consideration should be given to strategies to engage groups who are marginalised and might face additional barriers to access. The report acknowledges that additional support might be needed in order to allow people to engage in the panels.”
“We are elected to represent the people of Scotland and ensure that their voices are heard and acted on. However, as we have heard, trust in political institutions is at a historic low. The committee’s report highlighted the power of more deliberative methods, not only for improved scrutiny but improved transparency. The positive impact cannot be argued with: participants reported a more positive view of political institutions and a greater understanding of how processes work. Participants were also more willing to change their opinion when presented with new information, which is an excellent result and in contrast to the polarisation and fixed opinions that characterise much of public debate today. I thank the convener, the committee and, in particular, Parliament staff for their work in that area.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with stakeholders regarding safe parking and road use in popular rural areas, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park. (S6O-04703)”
“Brexit left the social care sector with less flexibility to respond to on-going labour supply challenges. Research by the Nuffield Trust highlights the broader negative impact on the UK health and social care sectors. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the statement on the impact of UK Government decisions on the care sector. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business to allow members on the front benches to change over. Additional Support for Learning”
“The Labour Government’s plan to limit the number of international social care workers is only the latest measure from successive UK Governments that have damaged recruitment in the sector. Can the minister set out what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s social care workforce? Maree Todd: As members know, Brexit had a devastating impact on the Highlands and on Scotland as a whole. Scottish employers were more reliant on European Union workers than employers in many other parts of the UK, so the ending of free movement as a result of Brexit, which Scotland did not vote for, had a hugely negative impact on our public services and the Scottish economy. That is one of the fundamental reasons why there are so many labour shortages across every sector at the moment.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details on how its planned museums capacity and support programme will support local and regional museums and galleries. (S6O-04647)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what steps the justice secretary is taking to prevent young people from becoming involved in gang-related activity. (S6O- 04555)”
“Museums Galleries Scotland has also bolstered its repair and adaption fund, which will support capital costs that directly increase the resilience of museums or improve accessibility through projects that address capital repair issues and adaptations. Further details on the full range of support that is available through Museums Galleries Scotland is available on its website. Local Museums and Heritage Centres 2.”
“I note that, earlier this month, thanks to record investment from the Scottish Government, Museums Galleries Scotland announced new grant funding of £2.4 million for 2025. Can the cabinet secretary speak to how that funding will help to maintain and revive museums and galleries for communities across Scotland? Angus Robertson: We value the support that Museums Galleries Scotland offers the sector. This year, due to the increased investment from the Scottish Government in the 2025-26 budget, Museums Galleries Scotland has opened the small grants fund to non-accredited museums, increasing support opportunities to more organisations across Scotland.”
“Many people are continuing to struggle with high energy bills, and standing charges of more than £350 not only contribute to higher levels of fuel poverty; they also undermine energy efficiency improvements. We would look for reform in that area.”
“What engagement has the Scottish Government had with the UK Government regarding Ofgem’s standing charges proposals, given concerns from charities that a more complex billing system will disadvantage vulnerable people? Alasdair Allan: There has been a consultation on Ofgem’s standing charge option within the price cap. The consultation suggests that any changes will not fix the fundamental issue with the standing charge system. Failing to address the unfair cost of standing charges and overcomplicating bills is perhaps not an effective way of dealing with the ever-increasing debt in the system. It is worth adding that it is doubtful that much of the energy debt will ever be paid. We welcome Ofgem’s original consultation on standing charges.”
“Evelyn Tweed: Access to the mainstream benefits system would be transformational. Restricting access to benefits is a political choice. 18:34”
“Legal interventions by the UK Government are unpredictable and highly politicised and thus cannot be relied on as a bellwether. The Home Office sets the list of public funds, which can be changed, as and when, with no requirement for consultation. That includes benefits that are administered here in Scotland. The Scottish Government has already engaged with the UK Government on removing the Scottish welfare fund from the list, which would allow decisions about crisis grant eligibility to be made here in Scotland. I ask the minister, as is suggested in the report, to ask Westminster to commit to clear and transparent public funds guidance. The most effective way of alleviating poverty and the risk of destitution is to put money in the hands of those who need it. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude.”
“That is support to which people had been entitled but were unable to access for long periods. Sometimes, services will require proof of receipt of universal credit as a short cut to ensuring that recipients are low income. As people with no recourse to public funds cannot access benefits, they are excluded from other services that they are eligible for, such as free school meals. Making consideration of the impact of no recourse to public funds central to service design will allow those unintended exclusions to be avoided. There is an opportunity for stakeholders across all levels to collaborate and make some real positive change. As the report highlights, services for people with no recourse to public funds cross several overlapping devolved and reserved policy areas.”
“The Central Scotland Regional Equality Council provides support and advice for people who need assistance accessing public services, and works to prevent social isolation and help build capacity in community groups. In 2023-24, the fair way Scotland partnership, which aims to prevent and mitigate destitution among those with no recourse to public funds, supported more than 1,000 people. Researchers from Heriot-Watt University carried out studies alongside that and found that virtually all of those surveyed were experiencing homelessness and that virtually all of them were destitute. Average incomes were exceptionally low—usually less than £40 a week. The research also showed that, in some cases, caseworkers were able to unlock access to essential support almost immediately.”
“I thank my friend Maggie Chapman for lodging this motion for debate. I completely agree with her that there is no evidence that hostile environment policies, including no recourse to public funds, have achieved the aims that they were designed to. However, we can be certain that they have made the lives of many people very hard, indeed. People from across the world bring so much to our country. We are all the richer for their presence, on so many levels. In Scotland, we recognise that. Incredible organisations across Scotland do amazing work to support those with no recourse to public funds or restricted eligibility. In my constituency, Forth Valley Welcome helps families to integrate and build networks, and advocates to make sure that those who are seeking sanctuary can access the services that they need.”
“To ask the Scottish Government, as part of the development and delivery of its economic strategy, what assessment it has made of the contribution of the net zero sector to the economy. (S6O-04486)”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it supports schools to ensure that pupils with additional support needs can access learning environments that meet their needs without being excluded from activities or isolated from their peers. (S6O-04468)”
“We have children now approaching us to advocate for themselves and seek support that they think they need. Breaks, and relationships built during them, are vital.” I call on the Government to set out how it will engage with local authorities and work to ensure that breaks, both within the school week and in the form of longer residentials, are widely available. Lastly, I want to give a quick shout-out to Robert Cairney for all his work in the area. He, too, is in the gallery today. 13:02”
“Esther Keane, the young carers officer at Stirling Carers Centre, told me that, in schools, particularly high schools, young carer co-ordinators often no longer have dedicated time in their timetables to run support groups. Demand for residential breaks is high and there are often waiting lists. She pointed out that those incredible young people take on the responsibilities that are normally expected of adults. We must recognise the toll that that can take and ensure that support is in place, including through access to breaks. Looking at Braehead primary school, we can clearly see the positive impacts of embedded access to breaks. Mrs Lawrie and Miss Light told me that “the resources and spaces we have available allow our children to thrive in an environment where they might not necessarily have done before.”
“The theme of this year’s action day is, as we have heard, “give me a break”. The ability to take time out within the school day is important, as are the relationships built in young carers groups. Local young carers have said that "my young carers group is kind and supportive and has helped me come a long way. I now feel less alone and mentally happier. I feel like I am coping better because I have met others who are also going through it." Along with breaks in the school day, longer residential breaks are important, too, because having the time to switch off, to be themselves and to have fun is invaluable to young carers.”
“The school is an exemplar and one of only six schools in Stirling to have achieved the “We recognise” and “We develop” levels of the we care award. It was amazing to see what has been embedded in the school. Being a young carer is celebrated and achievements are shared with the whole school; there is no stigma; and the co-ordinators are always actively looking for young carers to ensure that they are supported. Young carers can access breakout spaces and sensory rooms when they need a break from their classes. There is a “problems shared, problems halved” box where young carers can submit concerns to be discussed with co-ordinators. They also spend one afternoon a week together doing fun activities such as cooking and crafts, or sometimes just chatting and playing board games.”
“I thank my colleague Paul O’Kane for introducing his members’ business debate. I am absolutely delighted to speak in praise of our young carers and their support staff across Scotland, and I warmly welcome the young carers in the gallery, including those from my constituency. Ahead of the debate, I was reflecting on last year’s members’ business debate, which Karen Adam led and in which we talked about the important role that schools play in supporting young carers. Olivia and Sara are here today from Braehead primary school, along with young carer co-ordinators Mrs Lawrie and Miss Light. When I recently visited them at school, they gave an excellent presentation on what it means to them to be a young carer.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase democratic engagement, in line with the powers outlined in the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025. (S6O- 04427)”
“For that reason, I will support the Scottish Government’s amendment. 16:28”
“It will not be eradicated without tackling underlying attitudes, so the Scottish Government funds the mentors in violence prevention programme in secondary schools, which encourages the development of healthy relationships. It gives young people a chance to understand how they can safely support each other and challenge attitudes that underpin gender-based violence. There are no quick fixes here. The work being done by the Scottish Government is taking us in the right direction. Narrow conceptions of what gender-based violence looks like, and thus what measures are needed to prevent it, harm us all. There is no room for scapegoating or for laying the blame at the door of already marginalised communities. We must stay focused on the root cause and remember that none of us is equal until we are all equal.”
“Evelyn Tweed: Yes, I agree with that point. I will come on to that shortly. Unlike for other crimes, victims are often held responsible for sexual violence. Successive Scottish social attitudes surveys have found evidence that many people in Scotland still believe in rape myths. Those are false beliefs about the behaviour of a victim—whether they have been drinking, how they dressed or how they acted afterwards—that attribute a level of blame. One of the most widely held beliefs is that attackers are strangers. However, the vast majority of survivors of rape and sexual assault know their attacker. As I said, gender-based violence is both a symptom and a cause of gender inequality.”
“Worryingly, hate crime is at its highest level since 2011. Rachael Hamilton: Will Evelyn Tweed take an intervention? Evelyn Tweed: No, I will not at this point. In 2022, only 22 per cent of survivors of rape reported it to the police. Some communities face greater barriers to reporting. Gender-based violence in black and ethnic minority communities, as well as in LGBTQ+ communities, is likely to be hugely underreported. Unlike for other crimes, victims are often— Mercedes Villalba: Will the member take an intervention? Evelyn Tweed: Yes, I will. Mercedes Villalba: On that important point about tackling violence against women, does the member agree that, although it is vital that we take action to tackle gender-based violence, scapegoating the trans community, as the Tories are seeking to do in their motion, does nothing to achieve that?”
“The act places a statutory duty on health boards to provide forensic medical services for survivors of sexual offences. It sets out the legal framework for consistent access to self-referral, which allows a person to request a forensic medical examination without first having to report the incident to the police. Survivors are able to take the process of reporting at their own pace without missing out on essential medical care. No one is immune from the risk of gender-based violence, but we do not all share the same level of risk. Factors can increase risk and can also be a barrier to seeking help. Women of colour and disabled people face a heightened risk, as do lesbian and bisexual women. Nearly half of transgender and non-binary people will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.”