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
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“At that session, Alex Reedijk of Scottish Opera said: “It is interesting that we see a trend and increasing evidence that teachers no longer have the skills to deliver elements of the creative part of the curriculum”.—[Official Report, Finance and Public Administration Committee, 13 January 2026; c 10.] What discussions is this cabinet secretary having with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to address that serious concern? Angus Robertson: I have been in extensive conversations over the years with our national performing companies, and I acknowledge that teaching and the teaching pipeline—the students who come through from our schools into the likes of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland—are very important.”
“The Scottish Government has a long-standing history of supporting young people to engage in the arts through programmes such as the youth music initiative and Sistema Scotland. We are proud that those programmes will receive an uplift in the 2026-27 budget, taking our annual investment in the programmes to £10 million and £2.787 million. Both programmes demonstrate the transformative power of culture, ensuring that young people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to enjoy music and wider arts. Liz Smith: I am sure that the cabinet secretary followed closely the recent evidence that the Finance and Public Administration Committee took from five performing arts companies.”
“International development has been supported by Scottish Governments for the past 20 years and has enjoyed cross-party support. I assume that I should conclude from the member’s question that her party is opposed to international development spending and to that consensus. I am very sorry if that is indeed the case.”
“At the same time, the alcohol and drugs budget is being cut by around £1.3 million in real terms, and the health capital budget is being cut by almost £50 million. Our constituents will be wondering why those issues were not as high up the priority list as international development. Will the Scottish Government simply get on with the priorities of hard-working Scots: building hospitals, improving public services and addressing Scotland’s shameful drug deaths crisis, which remains the worst in Europe? Angus Robertson: As the member knows, there has been a significant financial contribution in relation to those issues, particularly in the health and social care budget. I hope that she also recognises that, at the same time, Scotland’s charities and humanitarian relief organisations have done and continue to do a fantastic job.”
“I am proud to confirm that, as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government set out in her statement to Parliament, while others are choosing to reduce commitments to international development, we in Scotland will increase our international development fund by a quarter to £16 million. We have also reaffirmed our commitment to climate justice, with more than £12 million allocated to support for vulnerable communities in the global south, particularly women and young people. As the budget is currently in draft, we await final agreement through the parliamentary process before confirming allocations and spending plans for next year that reflect the proposed uplift. Meghan Gallacher: The international development fund will increase by 25 per cent compared with last year.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill be passed. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-20419, in the name of Gillian Martin, on a legislative consent motion on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For 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) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine 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) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) 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) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) 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) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-20390, in the name of Richard Lochhead, on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, is: For 114, Against 0, Abstentions 0.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise—I could not connect to the system. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Robertson. We will ensure that your vote is recorded.”
“James Dornan: What more can the Scottish Government do to support humanitarian efforts and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories? Angus Robertson: The Scottish Government’s £600,000 contribution to UNOCHA formed part of a wider package of measures that the First Minister announced on 3 September 2025 in response to the crisis in Gaza. That included a further £400,000 grant to Kids Operating Room to establish the Gaza HOPES field readiness hub, which is a scale replica of a rapidly deployable field hospital. Those commitments bring the Scottish Government’s total humanitarian aid for the Gaza crisis and wider middle east to £2.3 million.”
“At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs—UNOCHA—fund helps to co-ordinate the humanitarian response by international and national organisations to those in the affected areas. The funding will support the delivery of life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families. The Scottish Government takes seriously its responsibilities as a global citizen, and we continue to respond within our powers to provide assistance to those who are most in need.”
“In case she does not know, I point out that, as part of our support for Ukraine, the Scottish Government has provided £300,000 for the Scotland- headquartered HALO Trust, for mine clearance, risk education and the training of de-miners, with a focus on employing women to help make communities safe. The Scottish Government will continue to advocate for support for Ukrainian women and to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including through the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership and initiatives such as the John Smith Trust’s Ukrainian women’s leadership programme. Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund 8.”
“I also thank Savannah McCrum from the University of Stirling, whose recent research has revealed the critical role that local women are playing in Ukraine in undertaking the likes of active demining efforts, front-line volunteering and providing humanitarian support in communities. The research has also revealed the role that women are playing in capacity building and community resilience, with 50 per cent of new businesses being founded by women. When the cabinet secretary next meets his UK Government counterpart, will he raise the need to ensure support for the women of Ukraine in all their efforts? Will he consider how Scotland could partner with Ukraine to support female entrepreneurship? Angus Robertson: I am very content to look at the suggestions that Michelle Thomson makes.”
“The Scottish Government resolutely condemns Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, as we have done since its invasion. We recognise the devastating impact that landmines have, killing and maiming thousands each year. They are indiscriminate and unpredictable, and their presence drives whole communities from their homes and land. The Scottish Government regularly discusses with the UK Government issues arising from the on-going war in Ukraine, and civil servants engage on the matter with their counterparts in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Michelle Thomson: I thank the cabinet secretary for that response.”
“At the end of last year, it was great to see Moray Council submit its final proposals. However, working with historic sites is never easy. Will the cabinet secretary give some assurances that the Scottish Government and its agencies will provide support in finding solutions should any issues arise as this very important project for the local community develops? Angus Robertson: I would be perfectly content to give Tim Eagle that assurance. As a former member of Parliament for Moray, I was involved with the project at the earliest stages when the potential future for Grant Lodge was being discussed. He knows that I know that this is a very important project. I can give him the assurance that, should there be areas in which the Scottish Government could provide potential solutions, I would be happy to take a close look at them.”
“The Scottish Government provides support for our historic environment through sponsorship of Historic Environment Scotland. Regarding Grant Lodge regeneration, Historic Environment Scotland has been engaged on this work, including funding and planning inquiries. Regeneration of Grant Lodge forms a key pillar of the Moray growth deal cultural quarter project, which will receive £16.9 million of investment, of which £12.84 million is Scottish Government funding and £4.06 million is United Kingdom Government funding. The cultural quarter full business case was endorsed by both Governments in 2024. Moray Council recently submitted a planning application in relation to Grant Lodge, marking a significant milestone in delivery of the project. Tim Eagle: The cabinet secretary knows well the importance of Grant Lodge to the local community.”
“I look forward to any views that she might have on the specific question that has been posed today, because we are considering all options that flow from the Creative Scotland review.”
“Does the cabinet secretary intend to carry out such reviews on a regular basis, to prevent a repeat of the issues that were identified in the review of Historic Environment Scotland’s internal structure? Angus Robertson: In fairness—I am sure that Sarah Boyack will acknowledge this—the review into Creative Scotland reported its findings only a few weeks ago. I am sure that she will understand that we want to consider all those recommendations. I encourage her and people like her, who have a long track record and interest in culture and the arts, to be part of the process and feed in their thoughts. We need to keep arrangements for public sector bodies under continuous review. Sarah Boyack is aware that reviews of Historic Environment Scotland are being undertaken.”
“Since the publication of the review, on 25 November, I have been considering its recommendations alongside the recommendations of other related reports. Although the majority of the recommendations are for Creative Scotland to take forward, some are for other organisations, including the Scottish Government, or will require partnership work. As we continue to deliver our commitment to increase culture funding by £100 million per year, it remains vital that public sector partners do that partnership work as effectively as possible. The recommendations of the review will be key to that, and I will update the Parliament on progress in due course. Sarah Boyack: The review recommended that Creative Scotland should reassess its internal structure to ensure that its four statutory roles are effectively delivered.”
“Scottish Government offices in Brussels and European Union member states will be using their and our extensive network of formal and informal contacts across the European Union to ensure that Scotland’s interest and engagement in the Erasmus+ programme is firmly registered. At the time of our last involvement, Scotland participated overproportionately in the Erasmus+ programme. We will also be working with our higher and further education sectors in Scotland, as well as with youth, schools and others in Scotland that are in the ambit of the programme, to encourage maximum participation.”
“He will be aware of my particular interest in the Erasmus scheme, given the fact that my late mother, Winnie Ewing, was a key architect and proponent of it when she chaired the European Parliament’s Youth, Culture, Education, Information and Sport Committee. Rejoining the scheme is great news for young people in Scotland and across Europe. It would therefore be helpful to know what discussions the various Scottish Government offices intend to have with their EU counterparts in relevant member states to ensure that Scotland hits the ground running and maximises the potential that the Erasmus scheme offers. Angus Robertson: I join Annabelle Ewing in paying tribute to Winnie Ewing for her role in relation to the Erasmus scheme.”
“Rejoining Erasmus+ is essential. The Scottish Government has made a consistent demand for that since Scotland was recklessly removed from the programme under the UK’s disastrous Brexit. We welcome the current UK Government’s agreement that staying in Erasmus+ was always the right choice. We will now work with partners to maximise the benefits and take-up of the scheme. However, every step to rebuild EU relations reminds us of what was lost through Brexit and what cannot be regained under the UK Government’s current negotiations process. Therefore, Scotland’s future is in Europe as a full EU member. Annabelle Ewing: I share the sentiments of the cabinet secretary’s concluding remarks.”
“A final point is that not all of the policy levers and powers that are open to the Irish Government in moving forward with that policy—specifically on tax, social welfare and addressing precarity in the workforce—are currently available to the Scottish Government. I give Evelyn Tweed a commitment that I am looking closely at the scheme and at whether there are learnings for Scotland. Erasmus Programme 4.”
“Every €1 invested in the pilot generated €1.39 in social value. What learning can the Government take from the success of such schemes? Angus Robertson: The Irish basic income for the arts pilot demonstrates just one approach across a range of possible approaches to supporting our creative producers. I spoke about that with my Irish culture minister colleague when he attended an event with me at the Edinburgh International Book Festival last year. Undoubtedly, the Irish scheme has provided benefit to the 2,000 individuals who receive support, but it is not without its challenges with regard to the number of beneficiaries, the number of unsuccessful applicants and the relative sectoral impact.”
“The Scottish Government develops approaches to supporting culture based on evidence of impact, including learning from other countries. A comprehensive evidence-based review of the structures surrounding culture funding is already under way, including analysis of the recommendations from the independent Creative Scotland review and the culture fair work task force. In addition, as an example of lessons learned, the Scottish Government recognises the value that multiyear funding delivers for artists and creatives, which is reflected by more than half of the 251 organisations that are funded through multiyear funding this financial year receiving stability for the first time. Evelyn Tweed: A pilot scheme in Ireland to provide a basic income to artists and creatives has seen great success and has now been made permanent.”
“I have met STV, Ofcom and the National Union of Journalists on the issue, and the Scottish Government will continue to champion a strong and sustainable Scottish broadcasting sector and will also continue, including through the current Ofcom consultation, to urge against any decisions that would result in further reductions in news reporting in Scotland or redundancies of Scotland-based staff.”
“Angus Robertson: It would be appropriate at this stage to acknowledge that I am, by profession, a journalist and have been a long-standing member of the National Union of Journalists. Although I recognise that STV, through engagement with Ofcom and as a result of the concerns that have been raised by stakeholders, has now reconsidered some of its proposed changes, the Scottish Government remains concerned that there would be a negative impact on news provision across Scotland if STV’s plans were to go ahead.”
“Richard Leonard: That STV has stepped back from a wholesale axing of its separate northern Scotland news programme is to be welcomed, but the STV group’s latest accounts reveal that it made more than £20 million in profit and that, for the sixth year running, “STV News at Six” is the most watched news programme in Scotland. In a recent survey, 83 per cent of the public opposed STV’s proposals. The unions also oppose the proposals, which would see 60 workers made redundant, some of them compulsorily. That is why the National Union of Journalists is taking industrial action at STV today. Will the cabinet secretary join me in backing the NUJ’s strike action and in calling on the board of STV to listen to its viewers, listen to its unions, meet its public service obligation and withdraw these proposals altogether?”
“The Scottish Government strongly believes that regional news is essential to healthy democracy, and we value its role in providing scrutiny of local institutions, giving voice to underrepresented communities and ensuring that important civic information reaches those who need it most. That is why we support the creation of the Scottish public interest journalism working group to strengthen local journalism, and it is why we consistently stress the importance of sustaining high-quality, locally relevant news in our engagement with broadcasters, Ofcom and other stakeholders. We remain committed to ensuring that Scotland’s media landscape is robust, sustainable and representative of all communities across Scotland.”
“Angus Robertson: The public should be very concerned about all political extremists who oppose Scottish self-government, who seek to undermine community cohesion and who want to privatise the national health service. It is important that, no matter the outcome of the Scottish Parliament elections, democracy is respected. That means defending against any attempts to undermine devolution and the powers of the Scottish Parliament. Regional News 2.”
“A very happy new year to you, Presiding Officer. The Scottish Government is committed to forging and maintaining good relationships with Governments and Parliaments across the United Kingdom, as well as defending and enhancing the current devolution settlement. Any attempts to undermine devolution or to damage relationships between our Parliaments should be resisted robustly. George Adam: Does the cabinet secretary agree that decisions about Scotland should be taken by the people elected here, who are accountable to the people of Scotland, and not by parties based elsewhere that have little understanding of our communities and no real stake in Scotland’s future?”
“If he has any contributions that he passed on to the review that he would wish me to look at closely, I would be delighted to see them.”
“The cabinet secretary has been in post for years. When did he become aware of the systemic failures occurring in a body that is directly within his ambit, and, having failed to involve himself thus far, what remedial action is he taking? Angus Robertson: First, I pay tribute to Creative Scotland for introducing multiyear funding. It is a transformational shift in the culture sector—and I think that Liam Kerr agrees that that is a good thing. Having done that, Creative Scotland is now in a position to take seriously the suggestions that have been made as part of the review. More than 450 people and organisations took part in it; if Liam Kerr did, I am sorry that I have not seen his contribution of suggestions.”
“I welcome the review and the opportunity that it provides for Creative Scotland to deliver on the ambition of the evolving sector with more efficiency, transparency and impact. Consideration is being given to the recommendations, and the Parliament will be updated in due course. Ensuring that the support infrastructure for the culture sector is as effective as possible is vital while the Scottish Government continues to deliver on our commitment to increase the culture budget by £100 million. I am grateful to Angela Leitch and her team, and to all those who contributed views to the review, for their work. Liam Kerr: Creative Scotland receives almost £90 million of taxpayers’ money each year. The independent view points to excessive bureaucracy, weak leadership and no effective performance monitoring.”
“On Monday, when I was in London, I raised the issue directly with Ian Murray at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. I would hope that the UK Government will understand the advantages of the UK again being part of the creative Europe programme. Of course, there is no substitute for being an independent member state of the European Union. “Independent Review of Creative Scotland” 8.”
“We have lost so much since Brexit—which, of course, Scotland did not vote for. Although there are possibly some opportunities ahead, does the cabinet secretary agree that the only way back to the full benefits of the EU is as an independent Scotland in Europe? Angus Robertson: Yes, I agree. Member states of the European Union enjoy the benefits of free movement of people, including in the culture sector. The value of cross-border cultural exchange cannot be overestimated. The creative Europe programme, for example, represents one of the best means of facilitating it, given its unique focus on transnational cultural connections. It is therefore disappointing that the UK Government has not sought participation in that valued programme.”
“Stakeholders have been clear that the lack of mobility provisions for touring artists in the TCA is making it harder to reach new audiences, harder to generate income, harder to collaborate across borders and harder to showcase internationally. It is critical that an agreement on cultural mobility is prioritised. I have frequently pressed for it to be prioritised in UK Government negotiations with the European Union, and I will continue to urge my UK counterparts to use the review, existing TCA structures and wider negotiations to seek progress on the issue, including at the next culture and creative industries interministerial group meeting. Clare Adamson: There has been a dramatic impact on small artists in particular—not the big- arena artists, but smaller touring artists—and on our national performing companies.”
“Applications for the £3 million Culture Collective fund for 2026 and the £320,000 creative communities Scotland fund for 2026 are currently being assessed, and the five national performing companies, which are funded directly by the Scottish Government, work with local communities across”
“Rona Mackay: Acorn Shed Music in East Dunbartonshire is a fantastic organisation that shows how storytelling and songwriting can connect people of all ages, including those living with dementia and their carers. How will the Government ensure that innovative community arts organisations such as Acorn Shed Music receive sustainable support, so that their impact is not limited by short-term funding? Angus Robertson: I can give Rona Mackay the assurance that a central ambition of the culture strategy is for everyone to experience the transformative potential of culture. The Culture Collective and creative communities Scotland programmes support community-engaged creative activities that are driven by the communities where they are based, to shape the future cultural life of Scotland.”
“In 2025-26, Creative Scotland provided £30,000 from the youth music initiative to We Make Music instrument libraries to establish a new instrument lending library in East Dunbartonshire and to allow children and young people to develop their music making outside school. We value culture in all its forms, which is why we increased the culture budget by more than £34 million in 2025-26 as part of our commitment to an additional £100 million per year by 2028-29. Widening access to culture is central to the culture strategy. The Scottish Government supports community-based participative arts activities, including through the youth music initiative.”
“I know that he has been in correspondence with my colleagues and that this is not the first time that he and other members have raised the issue. He makes a good point in saying that unintended consequences sometimes play a role in things. As I said, I assure him that we are currently reviewing the terms and conditions of the scheme to make sure that support is as widely accessible as possible. The timing of his question is very good, because it will help those who are looking very closely at any potential changes—they will be encouraged to look at examples such as Dundee Rep, to see whether it is possible to make any necessary adjustments. Arts Participation (East Dunbartonshire) 6.”
“However, Dundee Rep is currently prevented from accessing the scheme because of the situation that I have described. I do not believe that that effect was intended by the Government in establishing the scheme. The on-going review of eligibility criteria is absolutely essential to make the change that will allow Dundee Rep to make the investment that it wishes to make. Will the cabinet secretary give a commitment that those who review the criteria will take that strongly on board and make sure that institutions such as Dundee Rep—there will be institutions across the country in the same situation—can access the scheme in order to make the necessary changes to its premises? Angus Robertson: I unequivocally give Michael Marra that assurance.”
“With the recent publication of the draft climate change plan, ministers have discussed energy efficiency measures and carbon emissions reductions across all sectors of Scotland’s economy. I welcome the efforts of Dundee Rep theatre and other similar organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and to contribute towards meeting Scotland’s net zero targets. The SME loan and cashback scheme continues to support many businesses across Scotland in all sectors. We are currently reviewing the scheme’s terms and conditions to make sure that support is as widely accessible as possible. Michael Marra: I welcome that. The cabinet secretary knows that Creative Scotland requires building-based charities such as Dundee Rep to adapt their premises in order to improve energy efficiency.”
“Members will be aware that the First Minister has called on the United Kingdom Government to join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice. Although cultural institutions are clearly independent bodies, I fully expect all publicly funded bodies to act in accordance with published Scottish Government and related regulatory frameworks that place respect for human rights and the rule of international law at their core. We will continue to give our voice to calls for a two-state solution, so that we can have a peaceful future for Palestine and for”
“Humza Yousaf: One hundred and thirty-six— that is how many children have been killed in Gaza since the so-called ceasefire was announced in October, according to Amnesty International. In the West Bank, summary executions, settler violence and land theft continue with absolute impunity. Israel is operating as a rogue state with no respect for—let alone adherence to—international law. As the question rightly says, we need action, not simply statements of condemnation. Will the cabinet secretary do everything in his power to ensure that cultural institutions do not collaborate with the state of Israel under the Netanyahu regime and that we treat Israel as we once treated the apartheid regime of South Africa? Angus Robertson: The continued bloodshed— not least that of 136 Palestinian children—is absolutely abhorrent.”
“We take the motion of 3 September very seriously. Although a ceasefire has been agreed since the motion was passed, that has not yet brought the peace that will end the bloodshed. That is why we continue to take very seriously the terms of the motion on matters such as boycotts. Clearly, our cultural institutions are independent of Government, but I am clear in my expectations that all institutions in every part of Scottish public life should abide by the intent of the motion that was passed by the Scottish Parliament in September. The Scottish Government has implemented a range of economic and humanitarian measures in direct response to the motion, as that is the most direct and effective response that is available to us within our delegated powers.”
“I have also had recent dialogue with the City of Edinburgh Council on festival matters. I am open to suggestions. We are approaching the setting of budgets so, if Miles Briggs has any specific proposals, including details on how we would pay for them, I am open to receiving them. I look forward to receiving such contributions from him in the weeks ahead. Israel (Cultural Institution Boycotts) 4.”
“Miles Briggs: As a fellow Edinburgh MSP, the cabinet secretary will be acutely aware of the extra pressures that Edinburgh is under due to annual cultural events such as the Edinburgh festivals, royal week and other national civic events. Will he agree to organise a funding summit with all interested partners to consider the growing pressures that the capital faces? He will be acutely aware of the complaints about refuse not being collected and of the need for better planning of public services during such events. Angus Robertson: That is a very interesting idea. As Miles Briggs is aware, I have convened a standing strategic partnership involving Scotland’s festivals, including a number from Edinburgh, because some of the challenges that exist in Edinburgh are also felt in the rest of the country.”
“The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and I regularly discuss financial matters relating to local government and the culture sector, which is on track to receive an extra £100 million by 2028-29. This year, councils, including the City of Edinburgh Council, received a record £15.1 billion, which represents an increase of 5.5 per cent in real terms. Since 2008-09, Edinburgh has had additional funding for its capital city status, and that funding now amounts to £3.9 million a year. From summer 2026, the tourism visitor levy will provide significant new revenue to help the city to manage the pressures of major cultural events and royal visits.”
“Does the cabinet secretary agree that devolving such duties would allow Scottish ministers to have greater resources to mitigate the damage that is inflicted on health and the economy by tobacco and alcohol? Angus Robertson: I agree with Kenneth Gibson. It is clear that devolving additional tax powers would give the Scottish Government greater resources to tackle the health harms that are caused by tobacco and alcohol, which remain a significant health challenge. Disappointingly, our calls for the disparity in alcohol duty to be addressed in this budget went unheard. Greater control over taxation would ensure that the Scottish Government could design a system that better tackles public health challenges while supporting Scottish businesses and industry where it is appropriate.”
“Scotland contributes a disproportionate amount of alcohol and tobacco duty to the Treasury relative to the rest of the UK. Although we have not had discussions specifically on the devolution of alcohol and tobacco duty, we have consistently called for a full devolution of income tax and VAT, alongside national insurance contributions and capital gains tax, to be considered as a priority. Kenneth Gibson: I would add corporation tax to that list. Scottish ministers previously suggested devolving alcohol excise duty in the Scotland Act 2016, but that was ignored by the UK Government. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that alcohol duties will raise £13 billion across the UK this year, and £8.1 billion will be raised by tobacco duties. As the cabinet secretary said, a disproportionate amount of that will be collected in Scotland.”