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.”
The complete record
Every one of 641 lines we hold for Angus Robertson, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 13.
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 26, Against 72, Abstentions 19.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Robertson. Your vote will be recorded. David Torrance: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Torrance. Your vote will be recorded.”
“I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate and Rutherglen on its 900th anniversary celebrations, and I pay particular tribute to the community of volunteers who have made it all happen. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. In order to allow Bob Doris time to get to his next contemporary dance class, I suspend the meeting until 2 o’clock. 13:22 Meeting suspended. 14:00 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Climate Action and Energy, and Transport”
“Projects that have been funded in the area include Camglen Radio, a 24/7 community radio station that serves Cambuslang and Rutherglen, with the core aim of addressing inequality, promoting inclusion and improving wellbeing by giving local people a voice. The project includes targeted outreach sessions to engage underrepresented groups in the area. Another VSF grant will help Project 31 to support people living in Cambuslang and Rutherglen, particularly children, families, parents, carers and older people. The project delivers a significant amount of outdoor activity that is free at the point of contact, which ensures that people are not prevented from participating by the impact of poverty.”
“In recognition of the importance of the volunteer-led efforts that I have described, the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in inclusive volunteering through the volunteering support fund, in which £2.2 million is being invested between 2025 and 2027. The fund helps organisations to recruit additional volunteers for volunteering projects, and it focuses particularly on supporting individuals who face barriers to volunteering, such as those from black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. By prioritising diversity, the fund aims to broaden the volunteer base in the sector.”
“I am looking at the clock and realise that I am over my time, so—[Interruption.] Was that a request for an intervention from Bob Doris? It will have to be very short. Bob Doris: It was a comment from a sedentary position, so I apologise that I am now saying this in an intervention. During my research, I found that stonemasons from Rutherglen put in the foundation stones when Glasgow cathedral was built, assuming that Wikipedia is right. Angus Robertson: Well, that is now on the record, so it must be true. I appreciate that I am over my allotted time, but I will make some brief final comments.”
“I hope that that can be brought to bear in the restoration of Rutherglen’s Overtoun park bandstand in the coming months. Angus Robertson: As ever, I agree with the general points that have been made. On the issue of castings, I am satisfied that efforts have been made to ensure that there will be no loss of intellectual property, history or heritage. Clare Haughey: In relation to skills and heritage, I note that the Rutherglen boundary stones are being recreated in a college in Glasgow, which is helping to develop stonemason skills for the future. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give you the time back, cabinet secretary. Angus Robertson: That is fantastic. Those of us who are part of the on-going debate about skills in the heritage sector know how important stonemasonry is, so that is excellent to hear.”
“I also note the 900 origami peace cranes, which is a novel art project that was developed by the rotary club of Rutherglen and women from the Nurture Educational and Multicultural Society in Cambuslang. The cranes represent peace, hope, harmony, community and future happiness. Paul Sweeney: There are so many projects to discuss, but one that particularly springs to mind in the discussion about skills—and heritage skills in particular—is the restoration of the Overtoun park bandstand, which was destroyed in 2024. It is welcome that funding is being committed to restore it, but it shows the critical nature of Scotland’s skills in that area of conservation. In particular, the recent loss of Ballantine Castings shows the importance of architectural ironwork skills.”
“The launch featured live bagpipe playing, historic photographs, school artwork and the debut of the “Song of Rutherglen”, which was performed by local children from all 10 primary schools. It also included an appearance by Dougie the pigeon, the newly designed town mascot. [Interruption.] Let the record show that there was whooping in the chamber at the mention of Dougie the pigeon. Another success was the sold-out performance of “Bloom”, a mixture of dance, music and video projections, which was part ceilidh and part Japanese dance, reflecting the diversity of the Rutherglen community. The performance was described as “beautiful” and “mesmerising”.”
“I have taken the time to have a look at the programme of events in Rutherglen this year, and there is something for absolutely everyone. Mention has already been made—and I will add my pointer to it—that there is an amazing amount of information on the Rutherglen 900 website. If anyone who is listening to or watching this debate wants to know what is on and when, I urge them to visit that website, as all the information is there. I think that I am right in saying that the web address is rutherglen900.com. The variety of what is on offer and the enthusiasm behind it reflect a key strength of the community. As we have heard, the Rutherglen 900 project held a successful launch event at Rutherglen town hall on 29 January, which was only a few days ago.”
“The vast majority of community-level cultural initiatives are driven by committees of dedicated volunteers, and many community-based cultural events rely on the practical support of volunteers to succeed. I add my voice to those around the chamber who have put that on the record during the debate. I have been struck by the range of events that are on the programme for Rutherglen 900 and that are already under way. Edinburgh celebrated its 900th anniversary two years ago. Although I am the member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central, no competition is implied with my colleague Clare Haughey, who led the debate. Rutherglen and Edinburgh became royal boroughs at about the same time, and I have some experience of what can be done with a 900th anniversary.”
“As we have heard, Rutherglen shines as a great example of the community working together to honour its rich history and bright future by creating a programme for a wonderful year of celebrations, led by the community, with events ranging from heritage to the arts, wellbeing, environmental and sporting activities, and much else besides. Thousands of Scotland’s cultural and arts groups rely on dedicated volunteers, whose time and effort make those events so successful. It is great to see celebrations bringing together people, organisations, schools and volunteers across Rutherglen, and it is nice that so many people were recognised across the chamber for having made a contribution. Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Government, we value the significant contribution that volunteers make to cultural activity in our communities.”
“Over the years, we have joined forces on the issue of period dignity, and I know that it appreciates the cross-party work in the Parliament that led to the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Does the cabinet secretary recognise the good work that it does in his portfolio? Angus Robertson: I do. It also underlines something that is true for Rutherglen as well as the rest of Scotland, which is that, in the fabric of our communities, what happens in them is also outward facing: our communities look to other places in the world. All members in the debate drew attention to the importance of volunteers, Scotland’s third sector and those who have contributed to Rutherglen’s public life over the years through community-led activities, festivals and events.”
“She highlighted the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. As the cabinet secretary responsible for external affairs and, through that, international development, I know that that organisation is a key partner for Scotland, and I know about all the good work that it does internationally, although I was unaware of its connections to Rutherglen. I thank Monica Lennon for her contribution, and I thank Paul Sweeney for his intervention. He always has something to add when it comes to the history of different places in Scotland. Monica Lennon: Another fantastic organisation has come to mind: Classrooms for Malawi, which is also based in Rutherglen.”
“I am not quite sure whether it will be modern dance or Irish dance— other forms of dance are available. Monica Lennon: Contemporary dance. Angus Robertson: We hear the Parliament updated from a sedentary position, Presiding Officer, that it will be contemporary dance. When the dates are confirmed, I am happy that my office will be in touch with Monica Lennon’s to make the necessary arrangements for both of us to attend that event. Monica Lennon: As dance partners. Angus Robertson: She has raised it to being dance partners. This is going in directions that are not included in my speaking notes or in my diary commitments, but I say yes to that. As others have, Monica Lennon pointed to different individuals in Rutherglen and to organisations founded and present in Rutherglen over the past 900 years.”
“I am grateful to Clare Haughey for lodging the motion and securing the debate. I commend her as an outstanding member of the Scottish Parliament for Rutherglen and Cambuslang and for taking the opportunity to highlight what is a tremendous year of celebration for Rutherglen on its 900th year. As we have heard, it is a celebration for Rutherglen recognising its past, its present and its future ambitions. It is fantastic to hear that the Rutherglen community is pulling together to create a year-long festival of events, exhibitions and performances to mark this special milestone. I thank the various speakers, including Annie Wells, Bob Doris and Monica Lennon, for their valuable and interesting contributions. In the spirit of cross-party agreement, I would be absolutely delighted to second Monica Lennon’s motion that Bob Doris perform dance.”
“The brave men and women whose names are etched into stone, who gave their lives for our freedom, deserve nothing less. With that, Presiding Officer, I seek permission not to move the motion on the general principles of the bill. As soon as I return to my seat, I will write to the chief executive to withdraw my bill. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Gallacher. It is now time to move on to the next item of business.”
“I believe that, if the Scottish Government is true to its word and looks to legislate in this area—or if a Government of a different make-up chooses to legislate in this area—we could do something positive to reduce the number of attacks on our war memorials. I will conclude by speaking directly to the armed forces and veterans groups who are the custodians of war memorials. Any attack on a war memorial, however large or small, is egregious, cruel, offensive and re-traumatising for everyone—for families who have lost a loved one in conflict and those who have served or are serving themselves. The Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill might not be the answer today to prevent the mindless vandalism of war memorials across the country, but I will continue to work hard to ensure that better protections are put in place.”
“Given the limited time that is left in this parliamentary session, and mindful that progressing the bill would require significant amendments, which have not been consulted on, I do not believe that it is right to push the bill to a vote today at stage 1. I do not want Parliament to be divided on what I believe is an important issue, especially when we are divided not necessarily on the principle but on the piece of proposed legislation that is before us. I would much rather work with all parties to achieve the desired outcome. That is what our armed forces and veterans groups would expect from us, and I am keen to gather that consensus.”
“Meghan Gallacher: I welcome that intervention from the cabinet secretary, and I agree. I am glad that we are having this discussion in the chamber today, where we are able to talk about it openly, and it will of course form part of the Official Report. I again welcome the approach that the cabinet secretary has taken, and also the way in which we have discussed other ideas, such as extending our approach to cover different types of memorials and the review that he confirmed to me in a letter dated 26 January. Although I remain absolutely committed to protecting war memorials and tackling the harm that is caused by desecration incidents, the Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill as drafted is not the most effective solution.”
“rose— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I ask you to resume your seat for a second, Ms Gallacher. I have a point of order from the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson. Angus Robertson: Sorry—I was actually seeking to make an intervention on Meghan Gallacher, if she will allow that at this stage. I commend Meghan Gallacher for pursuing this issue, about which there is cross-party consensus. Does she agree that the bill process has established that a statutory aggravation is key to legislative success and that, given that that is not possible to achieve in the bill before us, or by another means in the remainder of this session, all parties across the Parliament should commit to legislating at the earliest opportunity for such a statutory aggravation in the next parliamentary session?”
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“Finally, I recognise the vital role of the Loden Foundation, whose commitment to promoting education, nurturing social entrepreneurship and preserving Bhutan’s cultures and traditions continues to make a profound impact. Its work demonstrates how investment in people, values and heritage can support long-term national resilience and international partnerships. Taken together, these themes point towards a relationship rooted not only in diplomacy but in shared values, respect for nature, commitment to integrity, belief in the wellbeing of future generations and, of course, a shared love of whisky. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 18:49. This is the final edition of the Official Report of this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“Academic and cultural exchange must remain central to all relationships that Scotland forges. Scotland has much to gain from reflecting on Bhutan’s experience by considering how broader measures of wellbeing might inform our own policy discussions. Equally, the development of strong cultural links allows both countries to celebrate difference, build understanding and enrich our respective societies. I commend the outstanding work undertaken by the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, whose long-standing partnership in documenting and conserving Bhutan’s rich plant diversity has made an important contribution to global biodiversity conservation. This collaboration exemplifies how scientific co-operation can strengthen international relationships while delivering tangible environmental benefits.”
“Even though Bhutan’s political and institutional development is very different from that of Scotland, it is important to acknowledge that difference with respect, and there are also areas of shared practice and mutual learning that can benefit both nations. There are clear opportunities to further develop the relationship between Scotland and Bhutan, and I take inspiration from the K5 Himalayan whisky, which was created to commemorate the coronation of the fifth King of Bhutan. This whisky features a blend of eight and 12-year-old Scottish malts with Bhutanese grain spirits and Himalayan spring water. If K5 whisky can successfully blend Scottish malts and Bhutanese spirits into a balanced whole, it suggests that our two nations, working in the right spirit, can also combine our strengths to tackle the challenges of climate change.”
“That spiritual foundation has helped to foster a society that places deep importance on compassion, balance and community wellbeing. Perhaps most notably, Bhutan has offered the world a distinctive lens through which to measure progress, through its pioneering use of the gross national happiness index. By placing wellbeing, sustainability and social cohesion alongside economic indicators, Bhutan has challenged global assumptions about what truly constitutes national success. That approach continues to resonate far beyond its borders and provides strong lessons that Scotland can learn from.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak today about the potential for building links with Bhutan. I congratulate Michelle Thomson on securing the debate, and I listened closely to the positive contributions from Kenneth Gibson, Pam Gosal and Claire Baker. It is always a delight when there is cross-party consensus on this Parliament—and, by extension, this Government—having good and ambitious external relations. I will take a moment to recognise the importance of Bhutan as the world’s only carbon-negative country, as well as its ranking as one of the top 20 least corrupt nations in the world. As we have heard in the course of the debate, Bhutan is also distinguished by its vibrant Buddhist heritage, which shapes not only its cultural life but its values, governance and sense of collective purpose.”
“We support the United Kingdom Government’s position and the international position in supporting Ukraine and in supporting sanctions. On some of Mr Leonard’s other questions, he will be aware that the First Minister is giving a statement later today, and I encourage Mr Leonard to be present in the chamber to hear what the First Minister has to say. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes portfolio question time on constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. Of the eight members who sought to ask a supplementary question, I apologise to the two whom I was unable to call as I needed to protect the rest of the afternoon’s business. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business. Justice and Home Affairs”
“Richard Leonard: The siege of Venezuela, the seizure of its President and the recolonisation of its oil fields; the continuing siege of Cuba and the threat to its sovereignty; and the threat to Greenland and the robbery of its mineral wealth— is this not naked aggression? Is this not raw imperialism? Are they not illegal actions of Donald Trump—actions that all democratic Governments should unequivocally and unconditionally condemn? Angus Robertson: Mr Leonard knows that the First Minister has put the position of the Scottish Government on a number of those questions on the record. I add that it is important at the present time to appreciate the sanctions regime that is supported by the international community against Vladimir Putin’s Russia, which is using trade in oil to fuel its conflict against Ukraine.”
“Scottish Government ministers and officials have regular meetings with the US consul general and US consulate staff as part of our on- going bilateral engagement with the United States. I most recently spoke with Kathryn Porter at a parliamentary event to mark the US semiquincentennial. We have not had any specific meetings to discuss the Scottish Government’s international strategy, which was published in January 2024; however, ministerial and senior official-level engagements with United States partners often include discussions on Scotland’s approach to international issues.”
“That work is supported by the Scottish Arctic Network, which is a network of researchers, and by the Scottish Government offices in Copenhagen, Ottawa and Washington DC, which help to maintain and deepen Scotland’s Arctic relationships. United States Consul General (Meetings) 8.”
“Angus Robertson: “Arctic Connections: Scotland’s Arctic Policy Framework”, which was launched in 2019, strengthens our co-operation with Arctic and sub-Arctic nations by promoting knowledge exchange on shared challenges such as climate change, community resilience and sustainable economic development. The framework highlights areas where Scottish expertise aligns with Arctic priorities. It is currently under evaluation, with the recommendations due in February. To enhance Scotland’s role as a European gateway to the Arctic, the Scottish Government works closely with Arctic, Nordic and Baltic partners and ensures Scottish participation in key Arctic conferences. We also seek to attract Arctic events to Scotland to broaden civic engagement.”
“The Scottish Government was represented by officials from the Nordic international office at the Arctic Circle assembly in October 2025, who engaged with international stakeholders on a number of issues, including climate change, science and innovation, and rural economic development. That has enabled the Scottish Government to strengthen existing collaborations and gain valuable new insights into a region that has a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. The Scottish Government has had ministerial or official representation at every Arctic Circle assembly since 2016. Gordon MacDonald: Given that Scotland is the world’s most northerly non-Arctic nation, what steps is the Scottish Government taking to place Scotland as a link between the Arctic region and the wider world, particularly as a European gateway to the Arctic?”
“If, as a result of seeing that, he identifies areas where we might be able to pursue a better understanding and get better statistics in order to pursue our shared objective, I would be happy to take the matter forward with him. Arctic Circle Assembly 7.”
“Scottish Ballet could not really answer, and Scottish Opera has since sent me a helpful map that shows that, predominantly, its audiences come from the west end of Glasgow and up into Bearsden and from the south side of Glasgow out into East Renfrewshire. Is the cabinet secretary satisfied that we are reaching as wide an audience as we should be? Angus Robertson: We should always strive to widen that audience—I am at one with John Mason on that. From the conversations that I have had with the national performing companies, I know that they are committed to that as well. I am interested in the range of information that Mr Mason has. Perhaps he does not have all the information, but I have given a commitment to share the information that I have.”
“Scotland’s five national performing companies are required to develop a broad and diverse audience base as part of their grant conditions. The national performing companies published a joint social impact report in 2023. I would be happy to send the member a copy of that report. One in 10 of all tickets sold to national performing company events were issued to those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland, and 43 per cent of the national performing companies’ audiences live outside large urban areas, including rural communities and those in the Highlands and Islands communities. John Mason: I accept that all of the companies go out into communities, but I am more interested in who is coming to the main events. I asked about that at the Finance and Public Administration Committee.”
“I am a great supporter of the RSNO and I acknowledge the benefit of the investment and the return on it for Scotland’s cultural sector and the economy more generally. Mr Kerr would be standing on firmer ground in his support for cultural organisations in Scotland if he had voted for the biggest single increase in culture funding since devolution and Covid. I recall that Mr Kerr voted against that, so he is not on very strong ground now calling—[Interruption.] I invite Mr Kerr to vote for this year’s budget, which sees a further increase for culture funding.”
“Liam Kerr: I am grateful for that answer, but independent analysis shows that, for every £1 that the Scottish Government invests in the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, it returns more than £4 to the economy and nearly £3 in wellbeing benefits. An additional £3 million would provide almost £14 million of economic impact. However, the RSNO has a salary bill of more than £5 million, which is more than the Government provides, and it was forced to make redundancies last year. Does the cabinet secretary accept that the proposed cut to the RSNO’s budget does not make economic sense and risks severe damage to one of Scotland’s leading cultural institutions? Angus Robertson: I do not accept Mr Kerr’s characterisation.”
“I recognise the important role that the national performing companies play in the cultural infrastructure of Scotland. We will continue to fund the internationally acclaimed work of our national performing companies in 2026-27, with a view to providing them with additional funding in future financial years as part of the commitment towards an additional £100 million. That funding builds on the uplift of £1 million in funding across our five national performing companies in 2025- 26, and an additional £700,000 of funding in 2024- 25. That investment takes their core funding to the highest level since 2011-12.”
“I assure him that a lot of effort was put into making sure that the legacy benefits, not only from 2014 but from events such as the UCI cycling world championships, endure into the years ahead. He said that the legacy has been less than what was desired. I make a genuine offer to him that, leading up to the forthcoming Commonwealth games in Glasgow, he might share with me and my colleagues, in discussions in the months ahead, some areas on which he thinks that we should focus in order to ensure that we have the best possible games. I make that offer to members of all parties, because we want to ensure that we do it right.”
“In 2014, the Commonwealth games showed Scotland and Glasgow in the very best light, but when that caravan packed up and left, the 2014 legacy— contrary to what the cabinet secretary seems to think—left a lot to be desired. For example, this time round, the Scotstoun stadium venue is the jewel in the crown, but right next door to it, the hockey centre that was developed for 2014 is crumbling and is no longer being used properly. Hockey around Scotland is now becoming simply islands of hockey. How will we learn from that? How will we ensure that the same mistakes are not made again and that the cultural legacy of the 2026 games is a success? Angus Robertson: First, I acknowledge Brian Whittle’s expertise and commitment to sport and culture in this context.”
“The Scottish Government is drawing on the successful cultural legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth games to inform its approach to Glasgow 2026. In 2014, culture was embedded as a core part of the games, helping to widen participation, showcase Scotland internationally and strengthen the cultural sector. For 2026, the Government will seek to ensure that that governance and planning are in place from an early stage in order to maximise long-term public benefit. I have already had meetings with ministerial colleagues to discuss maximising the impact of, and the legacy from, the Commonwealth games, and I look forward to those discussions continuing over the coming months. Brian Whittle: I think that the cabinet secretary agrees with me that sport is culture.”
“Scotland’s international network does a lot of work to promote Scotland’s culture internationally. I am sorry that there is an ever-growing number of voices among Tess White’s party that seek to reduce that work. Her predecessor on the front bench used to call for an increase in Scotland’s international network. It is a sad day when the Conservative Party, which set up Scotland’s first international office, chooses to downgrade that network.”
“During that time, in the north-east, Angus has lost its award- winning Gateway to the Glens museum, Dundee Rep has been reeling after the council cut its funding and Gardyne Theatre recently made its staff redundant. Aberdeen has closed six libraries with, doubtless, more to come. Why is the culture secretary wasting so much money on his jet-set Walter Mitty lifestyle when the core of his job—the one that is expected by taxpayers—is being eroded after years of Scottish National Party cuts? Angus Robertson: I am genuinely surprised that Tess White is not aware that the increase in the external affairs advice and policy budget reflects the inward transfer of budgets from areas outwith the portfolio for teams working on population and migration and international climate change.”
“The constitution, external affairs and culture portfolio received £415.8 million in the Scottish Government draft budget for 2026-27. That represents a £36.1 million increase in funding compared with the current financial year. Funding is allocated based on principles of best value and is allocated to existing, recurring and new projects. Decisions on draft budget allocations are made by the Scottish ministers, based on advice provided by policy officials and in discussion with special advisers. Tess White: The Government’s tax and spending plans show that funding for international and European relations will rise by 29.3 per cent. Two years ago, it rose by 12 per cent.”
“If Fulton MacGregor would like to follow up after this question session on the specifics that he raised in his supplementary question, I would be happy to enter correspondence with him. Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Portfolio Funding (Value for Money) 2.”
“Does the cabinet secretary agree that formal recognition of outdoor arts, circus and spectacle in Scotland would greatly support artists and cultural events, as well as helping to deliver on the culture and international culture strategies for 2024 to 2030? Angus Robertson: I welcome the contributions that outdoor arts, circus and spectacle make to Scotland’s culture sector and I recognise the challenges and opportunities that those distinct art forms face. Our culture strategy celebrates the diversity and excellence of cultures in Scotland, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with Creative Scotland and stakeholders to ensure that we can best support our mutual goals for the culture sector.”
“Fulton MacGregor: Earlier this month, I sponsored an event at the Parliament alongside Articulation to mark the publication of “Beyond the Stage: Understanding the Benefits of Outdoor Arts, Circus and Spectacle in Scotland”, which is Scotland’s first-ever report on outdoor arts, circus and spectacle. Among other things, the report notes that, as Creative Scotland does not recognise outdoor arts, circus and spectacle as distinct art forms, artists are often forced to apply under generic categories, resulting in misaligned support and making it difficult to track or understand investment in the sector.”
“Creative Scotland supports nine organisations with an outdoor arts, circus and spectacle background through its multiyear funding programme, with funding that will total almost £4 million over the three-year period of the awards. Six of those organisations had not received core funding from Creative Scotland previously. That result has been made possible by record levels of funding being provided by the Scottish Government for multiyear funding. The Scottish Government support increased the multiyear funding budget by £20 million in 2025- 26, and a further £20 million increase is planned in the draft budget for 2026-27, taking the total to £74 million.”
“If Ms Smith will allow me to do so, I will write to her with greater detail, because I acknowledge that it is really important that our young people receive investment and support. That is exactly what is happening through the budget process. I gently suggest to Ms Smith that, if she agrees with me that that is important, she votes for the budget. Infrastructure Projects (Finance) 8.”