Angus Robertson
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“As Ukraine works to consolidate recent gains and secure further political and financial backing, the Scottish Government continues to respond to urgent Ukrainian requests for support by working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
“Those are acts of terrorism by the Russians, and they need to be described as such. He said that there should be no slackening of our commitments and that we should encourage the United Kingdom and other countries to provide everything that Ukraine requires to defend itself and to liberate the occupied territories.”
“He has served as a member of the Scottish Parliament representing the city of Aberdeen and as a Government minister in a number of portfolios, during which time he discharged his duties with tremendous engagement and professionalism—and we must not forget his local government background in Aberdeen.”
“Never forget what was agreed with Nazi Germany in relation to the Sudetenland in 1938 and what followed from that. Murdo Fraser paid tribute to Scottish volunteers and charities, and he was absolutely right to say that we need to do more.”
“I thank colleagues for their thoughtful contributions to this debate. The Scottish Parliament speaks with one voice in solidarity with Ukraine. If one was watching proceedings, one would not be able to guess which party any of us represented. We are speaking with one voice.”
“Stephen Kerr: Does the cabinet secretary agree that the seized assets that belong to Russian oligarchs and other friends of Putin should be put immediately at the disposal of Ukraine’s defence? Angus Robertson: The simple answer is yes, and we should be getting on with it.”
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“The Scottish Government has a long-standing history of supporting youth arts programmes. That includes the youth music initiative and Sistema Scotland. Both will receive a 3 per cent uplift in 2025-26, taking annual investment to £9.78 million and £2.68 million, respectively. We are also providing £12 million to local authorities to support free instrumental music tuition, and Screen Scotland’s groundbreaking film and screen education programme is supporting Scotland’s next generation of film makers. We are also calling on the United Kingdom Government to negotiate a youth mobility agreement with the European Union to ensure that young people can access the international opportunities of the creative industries.”
“In addition, the Scottish Government is developing a museums capacity and support programme in partnership with Museums Galleries Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in which we will be investing £4 million in 2025-26. I am pleased to say that that increased funding will offer additional support to the sector as a whole. Creative Industries (Young People’s Access) 3.”
“On Friday, I will attend the annual international workers memorial day event and, on Saturday, I will speak at the opening of the “Ship Ahoy!” Scottish maritime heritage exhibition, along with Paul Sweeney MSP. Does the cabinet secretary agree that such events highlight the essential role that local museums play in preserving Scotland’s industrial and maritime heritage, and that increased funding is needed to support and sustain them in our communities? Angus Robertson: I agree that such events highlight the essential role that local museums play in preserving Scotland’s renowned industrial and maritime heritage, while delivering significant benefits to communities across Scotland. As already mentioned, that is why we have increased funding to Museums Galleries Scotland from £2.7 million to £4.27 million this year.”
“The Scottish Government values our local museums and heritage centres, which is why we have increased Museums Galleries Scotland’s funding from £2.7 million in 2024-25 to £4.27 million in 2025-26, as well as continuing to support Historic Environment Scotland. Those organisations deliver direct and indirect support to local museums and heritage centres across Scotland by providing expert advice as well as grant schemes, details of which can be found on their respective websites. I encourage Mr MacGregor to share that information with the Summerlee museum. We are also collaboratively developing a strategically focused brand-new £4 million museums capacity and support programme with sector partners. Fulton MacGregor: This week, I will be present at two culturally significant events that are being held at Summerlee.”
“If that relatively small amount of funding is not found, those pieces will have to go into storage away from the public, in order to protect them, which will further decrease visitor numbers. Is the Scottish Government sleepwalking into the terminal decline of Scottish culture anywhere other than in our major cities, or does the plan that the cabinet secretary mentioned support culture in our towns and villages? Angus Robertson: I am happy to confirm that this is a Scotland-wide programme. Carole Mochan has raised concerns about some specific artefacts. I am not aware of those, but I would be grateful if she could let me know, as I want to look closely at those issues and understand whether there is anything that I can do to support their retention and display in the region that she represents.”
“Although it is for locally elected council representatives to make decisions on how best to deliver services in their local communities, the Scottish Government recognises the significant challenges that the museums and galleries sector is facing. The Scottish Government is developing a museums capacity and support programme in partnership with Museums Galleries Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will invest £4 million in 2025-26, taking a collaborative and strategic approach to enable positive change across the sector. That will ensure that those vital organisations have the resilience to continue to deliver for Scotland’s communities and for the nation as a whole. Carol Mochan: Across South Scotland, there are a number of important cultural artefacts that museums do not have the funding to maintain.”
“By working together in this Parliament, we can—and we must—continue to advocate for Scotland internationally to ensure that our voice is heard on issues that affect our international relations and our domestic policy, and to stand up for the democratic values of the rule of law, co- operation and respect for human dignity. Parliamentary Bureau Motions 17:45”
“That is why I will close by reflecting on what can be achieved when we work together, collectively, across the chamber and across the country, to take a positive view of international engagement. A very good example of that is the establishment of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. The council, which has had the backing of other parties in this Parliament and, indeed, the United Kingdom Government, is helping to enhance Scotland’s reputation and to encourage others to think about what Scotland has to offer to global affairs. Its work has also helped to raise the quality of debate and the understanding of modern international issues across Scotland.”
“There is an extensive programme that involves the recruitment, retention and support of members of the GlobalScot network. The network works very well, and I think that we could look at expanding it. If colleagues have any views on that subject, I would be happy to hear them. We live in an increasingly interconnected world in which no nation or individual is sheltered from the impact of global affairs. Indeed, this afternoon’s debate has underlined the influence and impact that global issues have on our nation. Whether we consider the United States tariffs and the knock-on effects on the global economy, the devastating impact of conflicts and climate change or the weakening of the rules-based system that governs co-operation between nations, the issues affect all of us here in Scotland.”
“Given the history of Donald Trump having been appointed to it and then, ultimately, having had to be removed from it, is the Government playing an active role in looking at who, historically, has been put into the network and who is still active in it, and ensuring that it includes exclusively people whom we are happy to have working with us in what is sometimes portrayed as a quasi-ambassadorial role? Angus Robertson: The GlobalScot network is operated by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International. No issues have been raised with me about any members of the network. Patrick Harvie brings up a historical case, which is factually correct. If he has any concerns, I am sure that colleagues at Scottish Enterprise would be happy to look at them.”
“Recent global economic instability underlines the important roles that those networks play—and will continue to play—for Scotland’s businesses and the wider economy. For those who do not know this, I note that there are 1,200 to 1,300 members of the GlobalScot network, who work on a non-remunerated basis around the world to promote inward investment, our economy and Scotland as a place to study, work and live in. I encourage members to do everything that is possible to support that network, which is the envy of many other countries. Patrick Harvie: I support the continued existence of the GlobalScot network, which has positive value if we ensure that only people whom we are keen to work with are involved.”
“In addition, the strategy’s core themes of economy, trade and investment; climate change, biodiversity and renewable energy; and reputation, influence and relationships will ensure that we maintain focus on priority areas, so that our international work is impactful and delivers for Scotland’s people and businesses. I take a moment to draw members’ attention to the international network of Scottish Government offices and Scottish Development International posts that do so much work to promote Scottish interests overseas, strengthen our relationships with key countries, and protect and enhance Scotland’s brand overseas. Those networks and the people who work there create links and have helped to put Scotland on a path to a greener and more prosperous future.”
“We will continue to work with partners to promote and strengthen multilateralism and global institutions, to protect human rights and, through our international development programmes and humanitarian responses, to help the most vulnerable where we can. Last year, building on our global affairs framework, I was proud to launch the Scottish Government’s international strategy, which sets out our values-based approach to international relations. The international strategy emphasises Scotland’s aspiration to be a good global citizen and recognises the need for co-operation to build a more just and sustainable global system. That is central to our vision for Scotland’s place in the world, and it underpins the way in which we conduct ourselves internationally.”
“Through our engagement with international partners, we demonstrate our commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the principles of co-operation between nations, which are enshrined in the United Nations charter and anchored by the rules- based system that has defined international relations for much of the past 80 years. Many of those values are also those of our friends in the European Union, which is an endeavour that was forged in the aftermath of global turmoil and war in Europe. That is a point worth remembering—as it has been in this debate—as we approach the 80th anniversary of VE day in just two weeks’ time.”
“He talked about the importance of faith, co-existence and co-operation, about changing international relationships in a global context and the risk of war, and about the importance of trade and aid. I could not agree with any of that any more than I do. In closing the debate, I emphasise the role that Scotland plays internationally and the importance of navigating global challenges with a clear focus on our values, interests and strategic priorities. Engagement with the international community matters to Scotland. As well as being an important opportunity to make a positive contribution on global issues such as climate change, renewable energy and economic prosperity, it affects how we are viewed by the rest of the world.”
“Audrey Nicoll was right to reflect that we should give greater, not less, consideration to international developments. That includes the malevolent role of Russia around our shores, which we should all be alive to. Karen Adam warned of the dangers of othering, fear, rumour and blame—history is repeating itself in that regard. Turning to the concluding contributions, I think that Daniel Johnson was right to describe the unique context that we find ourselves in at present and to say that the issues are so profound that we must discuss them. I agree with him. He went on to talk about the importance of the defence sector. I also agree with him on that and on his highlighting of northern security as an area where we all share a key priority. Jackson Carlaw made a very expansive and considered contribution on behalf of his party.”
“Paul O’Kane highlighted the importance of co-existence and hope, and of not forgetting about frozen conflicts that sometimes appear less in the international headlines. He recounted his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina with Remembering Srebrenica. Having led the first Scottish delegation to Srebrenica with Remembering Srebrenica, I recommend that all colleagues who have not yet been go—please ensure that the combating of genocide and Holocaust denialism remains a priority for all of us in Scotland. Kevin Stewart made a powerful speech about the situations in Ukraine and Palestine and warned about the damage of tariffs and the danger of the far right. Michelle Thomson highlighted the impact of tariffs on bond markets and how that impacts on Scotland and our devolved governance.”
“He was correct to identify the broad range of challenges, including the dangers of a trade war. I note his support for brand Scotland, which is extremely welcome, and I look forward to him and his party colleagues promoting its campaigns. Patrick Harvie correctly warned about the range of crises and spoke about the importance of believing in hope and a better future. Alex Cole- Hamilton painted a vivid image of Ukraine and why the conflict there should matter to us all. George Adam said that we should aim for Scotland to play a part in the international community—actively doing so is, of course, the global norm. Emma Roddick highlighted the impact of disinformation, which is ever more relevant both here and globally.”
“That is why taking an internationalist and outward-facing approach is vital, which means that we must actively engage with partners to protect Scotland’s economic interests, create opportunity for Scotland’s people and stand up for the values that we believe in. In the face of rising tensions and uncertainty, we cannot take the view that global events do not affect matters that come before this Parliament or, indeed, have no impact on Scotland more widely. As the contributions to this debate have highlighted, a range of issues affect our international work. I will reflect on the contributions of members who had something to say about the impact of the international situation. Neil Bibby was the first to do so. He said that there is much to discuss, and he is absolutely right.”
“Before I respond to the points that have been raised by members, I thank everybody who has participated in this afternoon’s important and timely debate. Given the breadth of the subject matter, I am pleased that members of the Parliament have had the opportunity to listen and to contribute to this afternoon’s discussion. As the First Minister noted in his opening speech, the events of the past few days and, indeed, the past few months have challenged the international rules-based order that we have perhaps taken too much for granted. That has real consequences for people here, in Scotland. Global instability, conflict and economic uncertainty impact on jobs, investment and our shared desire for a just and fairer world.”
“It should go without saying that for those whose loved ones did not return home, that suffering never ends. Members will know that Fort George, home of the Black Watch since 2007, is still expected to be closed by the Ministry of Defence within the next decade. That move will end the Army’s association with the Fort George area, which is a relationship that has existed for more than 250 years. The Scottish Government has significant concerns over the potential impact of the proposed cuts to the defence estate, and we caution against any further proposals to close bases in Scotland due to the negative impact on local communities and economies.”
“I reiterate this Parliament’s recognition of all the soldiers of the Black Watch who lost their lives in those conflicts, including the 14 who received the Victoria cross. The Scottish Government recognises not only the sacrifices made by the soldiers of the Black Watch but those made by all our armed forces men and women, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms that, sadly, we so often take for granted today. When we remember those sacrifices, we are not seeking to glorify war but to recognise the hardships endured and the courage displayed in the face of extraordinary adversity. When we reflect on the impact of conflict, we must also remember the suffering of families at home facing the uncertainty of the future and being unsure what would become of their loved ones serving elsewhere.”
“I am sure that all members who spoke in the debate, and those who did not, will support me in welcoming members of the Black Watch Association and other veterans to our proceedings. They are very welcome here today. It is important to stress that there is cross-party support for our Scottish military, regimental traditions and everybody who has served. In preparing my closing remarks today, I anticipated that little would be left for me to say about the Black Watch and its tercentenary, which we have come together to debate today. Members have already reflected sensitively and considerably on the honour, gallantry and devoted service of the Black Watch, including its extensive involvement in military campaigns throughout history.”
“Members will have heard Graeme Dey and others reiterate the Government’s commitment to ensuring that our veterans, service personnel and their families are not disadvantaged as a result of their service and that Scotland is a destination of choice when they leave the armed forces. I do not think that I will be speaking out of turn when I say that that commitment and dedication to our entire armed forces community is shared by members across the chamber. We have heard excellent speeches by speakers from all corners of the chamber. We were joined at the start by the First Minister, John Swinney, who, as we know, has long represented the recruiting heartland of the Black Watch. He also comes from a military family; his uncle was posthumously awarded the Victoria cross.”
“However, I speak with some personal trepidation, as those who know their Jacobite and Perthshire history will know where clan Robertson came from—in highland Perthshire. They might also be able to guess on which side it fought in the 45. I will not be dwelling on any family connections. However, regimental campaigners will know how involved I was as the Scottish National Party’s defence spokesman in the House of Commons during the campaign to protect and sustain the regimental traditions of the Black Watch in 2006. The Scottish Government—primarily through its excellent Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey—has continued to be clear in its support for our entire armed forces community. That includes serving personnel—regular and reserve—veterans, their families and the wider sector, including our outstanding partners in the third sector.”
“I begin with the many kind words about our dear colleague Christina McKelvie. She was a friend and a first-class ministerial colleague. We were a team working to promote Scotland internationally, promoting Scottish culture and international development. My condolences, as those of others, are with Keith Brown and Christina’s family. In reflecting on military service today, it is worth recalling that Keith Brown is the only member of the Parliament who served in front-line combat during the Falklands conflict. Our thoughts are with him today. I am delighted to close this debate on behalf of the Scottish Government. I thank Liz Smith for bringing forward the motion and members for their contributions.”
“By promoting and purchasing fair trade, we support producers, workers and enterprises, particularly in the global south, to build a fairer, more sustainable trading system—one that supports the rights, dignity and livelihoods of people throughout the supply chain. Businesses, schools, churches and local communities across Scotland are doing just that. The assessment report “Is Scotland still a Fair Trade Nation?” noted that fair trade activity regularly happens in 22 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas. That level of civic engagement across all sectors of society in Scotland speaks to the deep and unwavering commitment to justice and equity in trade that exists across our communities.”
“The United Kingdom Government recently announced further cuts in aid, with the amount of UK gross national income being spent on overseas development aid dropping from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent, which will further compound that global impact. The Scottish Government has been clear that, although we welcome the UK Government’s commitment to increased defence spending at a time of such acute need across Europe, we are deeply disappointed by the cut to the overseas aid budget, which will be the lowest percentage of UK finance spent on aid in over a quarter of a century. This is a time when, globally, we all need to step up to support the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world. One of the simplest ways that we can do that as a nation is through our support for fair trade.”
“My express hope is that the Scottish Parliament will continue our proud tradition of supporting our partner countries for the benefit of the most vulnerable communities globally and that the Parliament will continue to show leadership on the global stage. Members here today will, I am sure, share concerns about the deteriorating global order at this time and the cuts to aid that have been made over the past weeks by Governments around the world. The freeze and now newly-announced termination of 83 per cent of US Agency for International Development spend has seen the largest donor of humanitarian and development assistance pause and then cancel the majority of its programming. We know that that will have a serious global impact on the most vulnerable, including in our partner countries.”
“He said: “The primary duty of this Parliament and our devolved government is to use our powers for the betterment of the people of Scotland. But we have another duty too, as elected politicians and as citizens of the world: a duty to be good neighbours and to play our part in global challenges.” Strong cross-party support for international development in the Scottish Parliament has been a feature that has underpinned the international development work of successive Scottish Governments since 2005. It has been fundamental to the international development programme and therefore to the difference that has been made by contributions from Scotland over the past two decades to the lives of those who live in our partner countries and, through our wider aid, to the communities that live through humanitarian crises.”
“Shortly after, the Scottish Parliament hosted an event called “Malawi After Gleneagles”, which brought together key Scots and Malawians from across Government, Parliament and civic society. The approach that was mapped out at that event—with a clear focus on people-to-people links and dignified reciprocal partnership—has guided our international development work ever since. That is reflected in the new international development principles that we co-developed with our partner countries and international non- governmental organisations in Scotland in 2021. At that Scottish Parliament event in 2005, the then First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Jack McConnell, made a point that is as true now as it was then.”
“Since then, we have had a period of unprecedented upheaval, with Brexit’s trade realignments, the economic and social disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the heightened urgency of the climate emergency. Yet, in the face of those immense challenges, Scottish civic society has held fast to its commitment to justice and equity in trade. This year also marks a significant milestone in Scotland’s commitment to addressing poverty and inequality overseas, as it is the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Government’s international development programme. That milestone is significant not only for the Government but for the whole Parliament. Twenty years ago, the G8 met at Gleneagles to discuss the challenges that Africa was facing at the time.”
“I thank them for their work in championing the cause of fairness in global trade, and I look forward to hearing more about their efforts from colleagues across the parties during the debate. I also thank Scottish Fair Trade for its leadership in promoting and strengthening Scotland’s fair trade commitment. The report “Is Scotland Still a Fair Trade Nation?”, which was published earlier this month, notes that 97 per cent of the Scottish population have heard of fair trade. That is a phenomenal result, which reflects the work of Scottish Fair Trade and its members to ensure that fair trade remains at the forefront of people’s minds. The report also reminds us of the turbulent context in which renewed fair nation status was achieved. It has been seven years since the previous assessment.”
“I am proud to have the opportunity to open the debate, which will celebrate Scotland’s renewed status as a fair trade nation. The title of fair trade nation is one that Scotland has held for more than a decade. We share it with only one other nation, namely our friends in Wales. However, being a fair trade nation is about more than just a title. The motion recognises the dedication and hard work of fair trade campaigners, businesses and communities across Scotland to achieving and, importantly, sustaining fair trade nation status. I had the chance to meet some of them at a reception ahead of the debate, and I am delighted to see them in the public gallery today.”
“We require to have a mechanism in place, and we will do everything that we can to ensure that we have a legal and respected process that is recognised around the world so that Scotland can take its rightful place as a member state of the European Union and the international community.”
“Angus Robertson: I agree with Ash Regan that the people of Scotland should be able to determine their future. She is absolutely right about the length of time that has passed since the 2014 referendum. She did not mention, although she could have, that a mechanism exists for there to be a border poll for Northern Ireland, and it is suggested that that might be able to be held every seven years. If it is possible for Northern Ireland, I do not see why it is not possible for Scotland. This Government remains seized of making the case that people in Scotland, regardless of whether they support or oppose independence—I and this Government support it—should be able to decide as quickly as possible.”
“In 2024, the Scottish Government, as part of the “Building a New Scotland” series, published a further four papers covering the topics of culture, our place and role in the world, education and lifelong learning, and justice. In 2025, we will publish a final overview independence paper to complete the prospectus series. Ash Regan: Young Scots who voted yes at 16 will be approaching 30 at the next Scottish election. A political generation has therefore passed with pro-independence parties winning mandates at election after election, but Scotland is no closer to independence. Polling today shows an independence majority in 2026 of 66 seats across three parties. Will the Government take instruction from the people of Scotland, and not Westminster, by committing to put a clear democratic vote for independence on the list ballot next May?”
“I am keen to keep her apprised of developments in the near future, which I am sure that she will welcome as much as I do.”
“Can he outline how the Government is working with the college and apprenticeship sectors to make heritage skills an attractive career path for our young people and resolve the crisis in our sector? Angus Robertson: Not long ago, I had the good fortune to visit Historic Environment Scotland at Holyrood palace—just across the road from the Parliament—where outstanding apprentices, craftsmen and craftswomen have developed their traditional skills on site. They do remarkable work at the palace, the cathedral and Edinburgh castle. Sue Webber is right to underline that there has been a crisis in the traditional skills area, but I can give her an absolute assurance that the Scottish Government, the college sector and Historic Environment Scotland are seizing that as an issue.”
“The Scottish Government delivers support through our sponsorship of Historic Environment Scotland, which is the lead public body that is responsible for the historic environment. The Scottish Government budget for 2025-26 allocates more than £74 million to Historic Environment Scotland, which will enable the organisation to invest in fair staff pay, operate and maintain its properties, deliver grants to the heritage sector, continue research on climate change and fulfil its advisory and regulatory functions. Sue Webber: Historic Environment Scotland has acknowledged that Scotland has a heritage skills crisis and it has proposed a new register to combat that. Can the cabinet secretary outline what discussions the Scottish Government has had to boost traditional heritage skills provision in Scotland?”
“I note, with some concern, that the Royal Navy does not have a single ocean-going conventional patrol craft that is based in”
“Security and defence are about much more than weapons and soldiers; energy security and food supply are also vital issues. What actions will the Scottish Government, working with our European partners, undertake in order to increase maritime security in Scottish waters? Angus Robertson: Stuart McMillan is right to identify the importance of working together with the European Union, its member states and neighbouring countries such as Norway and Iceland that are not part of the EU, as they are all countries that have an important security dimension around our shores. Defence is a reserved matter, but notwithstanding that, in the areas in which the Scottish Government has responsibilities, such as the marine sphere and energy sector, it is legitimate to make sure that we have the appropriate levels of security in place.”
“The Scottish Government is in regular contact with the UK Government in order to set out Scotland’s priorities for its future relationship with the European Union, which includes a return to the single market. Modelling by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research shows that the UK economy is now 2.5 per cent smaller than it would have been in the European Union. The hard Brexit that was negotiated by the previous Conservative UK Government took the UK out of the EU, the single market and the customs union, and it brought an end to freedom of movement. With independence, Scotland can rejoin the European Union. Stuart McMillan: The world of 2016, when the Brexit referendum took place, is not the world of today.”
“I note BBC Scotland’s commitment to three new drama projects. However, I have concerns about the announcement, particularly because of the training opportunities that “River City” has provided over the decades. I have asked the BBC to engage fully with Bectu, Equity and the Writers Guild of Great Britain on that issue. It is important to involve all the trades unions in this. We have a shared agenda of ensuring that screen and television go from strength to strength, and I would be very concerned about anything that might undermine that.”
“Pam Duncan-Glancy: The cabinet secretary will be aware that, yesterday, BBC Scotland announced that the soap opera “River City” will be decommissioned. Equity, the union, says that the move will have a disproportionately negative impact on Scottish performers and the wider production landscape, including in relation to apprenticeships. What reassurance has the Government had from BBC Scotland that it will replace, like-for-like, the apprenticeships and training opportunities for young workers in Glasgow who want to develop a career in television or film? Angus Robertson: I commend Pam Duncan- Glancy for her ingenuity in raising yesterday’s announcement by BBC Scotland. My view on the ending of “River City” is that it is to be regretted. Like many people, I have watched it over the past 20 years.”
“I thank Pam Duncan-Glancy for her question. The Scottish Government has a long- standing history of supporting youth arts programmes, such as the youth music initiative and Sistema Scotland. YMI and Sistema will receive a 3 per cent uplift in 2025-26, which takes our annual investment for those YMI to £9.79 million and for Sistema to £2.68 million. In 2024-25, Glasgow City Council received £540,644 through the YMI formula fund, ensuring that every primary school child has access to a year’s free music tuition. A further 28 youth arts projects received YMI funding in the city. Sistema runs Big Noise Govanhill, which works with more than 1,000 local children to provide high-quality music education.”
“I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to write directly to the member with a full answer to her question. I think that she and other colleagues appreciate that it is important that arm’s-length organisations, whether that is Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland or others, answer such operational questions. I would be grateful to Rachael Hamilton if she could share the correspondence with me, and I give her an undertaking that I will look at that. I expect Historic Environment Scotland to reply to her directly. Cultural Activities for Children and Young People (Glasgow) 3.”
“Rachael Hamilton: An employee of Historic Environment Scotland shared a copy of an article that had been published on the HES internal website, which states: “Excluding people from places such as changing rooms or bathrooms are all explicit forms of transphobia and considered harassment.” First, cabinet secretary, can you confirm whether Historic Environment Scotland provides single-sex spaces in all buildings? Secondly, do you agree with the statement— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair. Rachael Hamilton: Does the cabinet secretary agree with this statement from HES? If he does not, will the cabinet secretary direct HES to remove the article from its internal website and to issue an apology to its employees? Angus Robertson: I repeat the point that I made a moment ago.”
“We hope for a strong and flourishing Scotland where all individuals are equally safe and respected and where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse. We are committed to ensuring that working environments are inclusive and safe, including on the basis of the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010. The provision of safe working environments for its staff is an operational matter for Historic Environment Scotland, and I will therefore ask it to write directly to Rachael Hamilton with a full answer to her question.”
“He is right to mention Mercy Corps, which has its European headquarters in Edinburgh. A lot of its grant-in-aid funding comes from countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, so any reductions in overseas development aid budgets are likely to hit such organisations. It is in all our interests to ensure that the talented people and organisations in the sector that are based in Scotland receive the help and support that they need.”