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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“I begin by paying tribute to Richard Demarco, one of Scotland’s greatest cultural figures. Together with Clare Adamson, the convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, I attended an event at the Scottish Parliament yesterday at which he was recognised as the Scottish European of the year. I am sure that I speak for all members and parties in the Scottish Parliament in congratulating him and paying tribute to his remarkable contribution to culture in Scotland and Europe. [Applause.] To answer Kenneth Gibson’s question, ultimately, we believe that Scotland should be an independent country with full control over all the powers that we need to grow our economy. Decisions that affect Scotland should be made by the people who live here.”
“That spirit of collaboration is exactly what we need now as we deepen Scotland’s international connections. Finally, let us remember that St Andrew himself is a figure who transcends borders—a patron saint shared by many nations and a symbol of unity and diversity. In that spirit, I commend all those who will celebrate St Andrew’s day, here and around the world. Together we can ensure that this national day continues to bring people closer, forging new pathways and telling Scotland’s story with pride. Scotland is a global nation, Scotland is connected and, on St Andrew’s day, Scotland shines. Meeting closed at 18:03. Correction Graeme Dey has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction.”
“This week, I will join friends in Switzerland and Germany to showcase Scotland’s strengths in innovation in energy, life sciences and the creative industries while exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Many of my ministerial colleagues will also champion Scotland internationally, in Ireland, Belgium and London, alongside our global network of offices, which will host activities to mark the day. I pay tribute to our international network of Scottish Government offices, our Scottish Development International staff in a further 30 locations, and the more than 1,200 GlobalScots. We owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis Canavan, whose determination ensured that St Andrew’s day became a national holiday. His work reminds us that, when we act together across parties and sectors, we achieve lasting change.”
“Today’s debate has shown that St Andrew’s day is a powerful platform for that ambition. I recently had the privilege of hosting the Argentine ambassador along with esteemed guests from Buenos Aires to celebrate our shared passion for rugby and mark 200 years of cultural connection. The historical ties between Scotland and Argentina run deep, and reminders of the enduring relationship can be seen throughout Buenos Aires, where references to St Andrew— San Andrés—are woven into the city’s identity. Members have mentioned the diaspora in North America, but it is often forgotten that Argentina has the fifth largest Scottish diaspora in the world. Every celebration abroad, whether in countries that share St Andrew as a patron saint or where our diaspora thrives, tells Scotland’s story and opens doors for trade, tourism and cultural exchange.”
“The latest public insight monitor shows that more than a quarter of people in Scotland mark the day, which is a clear sign of its growing importance in our national life. St Andrew’s day reminds us that Scotland is one of the oldest nations in the international community, but one that continues to innovate and inspire. It is a day that unites us across communities, faiths and continents. From Edinburgh to Eindhoven and from Glasgow to Guelph, Scots and friends of Scotland will gather to celebrate our shared identity and values. However, it is not just about tradition; it is about opportunity, and the Scottish Government’s “Scottish Connections Framework” sets out a clear ambition to strengthen ties with our diaspora and to build cultural, educational and economic links that benefit Scotland and our global partners.”
“I look forward to colleagues from across the chamber making the most of that. Carol Mochan drew attention to diaspora Scots who have left the country. She was right to do so, but it is important to say that, in 2025, diaspora means more than that—it includes those who want to be associated with Scotland and people who have studied here, lived here or travelled here. I commend to members the “Scottish Connections Framework”. Members should have a look at that to see what we are trying to do in reaching out to Scotland’s historical, current and—no doubt— future diasporas. There is an opportunity to do that not just on St Andrew’s day but throughout the year. Christine Grahame brought wonderful historical context for St Andrew’s day, and John Mason brought us the religious context.”
“He was absolutely right that we should miss no opportunity to do that, so I look forward to him talking up the international promotion of Scotland and the diaspora in future. Carol Mochan paid tribute to the cross-party group on St Andrew’s day, and I take this opportunity to join her in doing so. Like other members, she talked about the opportunities for the promotion of Scotland. For colleagues who are not aware of it, I mention the brand Scotland strategic partnership that the Scottish Government chairs, which brings together public bodies such as VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, Scottish universities and many others. If colleagues have not yet been to www.scotland.org and made use of the free-to-use promotional materials to promote Scotland, they should please do so.”
“We can learn much from our Celtic cousins for the promotion of Scotland on our national day. Michelle Thomson also mentioned the opportunity to co-operate better with the culture sector, at home and abroad, as part of St Andrew’s day celebrations. I would be pleased to take that away and raise it with culture sector colleagues. Kenneth Gibson made an intervention about the anniversary of the battle of Athelstaneford. Paul McLennan, as the member for East Lothian, is well placed to remind us about the origins of St Andrew and Scotland’s national flag. He called for support from across the chamber for a formal event to mark St Andrew’s day in the Scottish Parliament, and I join him in that. I was delighted to hear Stephen Kerr call for the promotion of Scotland at home and abroad.”
“I thank Michelle Thomson for the opportunity to debate St Andrew’s day and, as I close the debate, for us to reflect on what St Andrew’s day truly represents, not only for Scotland but for Scots everywhere and for people everywhere who love Scotland. It is more than a date in the calendar; it is a celebration of who we are—a nation with deep roots and global reach, as we have heard, that is proud of our heritage and confident in our future. Michelle Thomson began her introductory speech by saying that St Andrew’s day provides a huge opportunity to promote Scotland, and I agree. She made a comparison with Ireland, and it is worth having a look at what Ireland does every year. This year, 38 representatives of the Irish state took part in St Patrick’s day events in more than 90 cities in 40 countries.”
“It comprised fixed-bottom developments in shallower waters, in contrast with the ScotWind programme, which is comprised of a majority of projects that use floating technology further offshore in more challenging conditions, therefore requiring a higher cost base for projects to be constructed. As I have already confirmed, reviews have been based on expert independent advice. If Mr Ewing has any suggestions about those, I would be happy to pass them on to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time. First Minister’s Question Time 12:00 Grooming Gangs Inquiry 1.”
“Fergus Ewing: The cabinet secretary has not answered the simple question, and he seems to take complacency to new, Olympian heights. The report found that we have lost a sum of between £15 billion and £30 billion. That is between two and four times the whole of the Scottish Government’s capital budget in one year. Surely there has to be an investigation into why there was an auction with a cap. Is getting the best price not the purpose of an auction? Whose advice was that decision based on? How on earth was advice not obtained about comparable value figures that were available just south of the border? Angus Robertson: I am sure that Mr Ewing knows this, but the English and Welsh leasing round 4 is not comparable to ScotWind.”
“The ScotWind leasing round, which was developed by Crown Estate Scotland, was informed by a 2021 review that was based on expert independent advice to ensure long-term value. It is important to take a holistic view of all the economic value that can be derived from ScotWind—not simply initial option fee payments. For example, ScotWind developers have committed to investing an average of £1.5 billion per project in Scotland, which is expected to deliver jobs and significant economic benefits. I note that Mr Ewing has written to the Auditor General to ask for an investigation. Scottish Government officials discuss future audit programmes with Audit Scotland, but, ultimately, any decision will be a matter for the Auditor General.”
“Angus Robertson: I say to Mr Halcro Johnston, so that he can read this, that those statistics, including from the OECD, are on pages 35, 36 and 37 of the report—although I do not know whether he knows what the OECD is. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I have three requests for supplementaries. I would like to take all three, but I need succinct questions and responses.”
“I commend the report to Jamie Halcro Johnston because it is clear, given his question, that he has not even read it. I know that it is difficult reading for Scottish Conservatives because the statistics in it—they are provided by, among others, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is a very reputable international body—draw comparisons between the United Kingdom and our neighbouring countries. The report shows that our neighbouring independent nations are wealthier, happier and fairer than the United Kingdom, that growth is higher and that there is lower overall poverty—[Interruption.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: Members.”
“The potential economic implications of the proposals in “A Fresh Start with Independence” are set out in the paper itself and in its two accompanying publications on “The macroeconomic framework of an independent Scotland and the measurement of economic flows” and “Questions and Answers”. Jamie Halcro Johnston: Leading economist Professor Ronald MacDonald has described the Scottish National Party’s economic plans as “totally shambolic” and said that they would have “a devastating effect”. In addition, “A Fresh Start with Independence” wrongly states that Scotland’s gross domestic product has grown faster than that of the UK. Does the cabinet secretary still stand by that discredited paper—the bill for which the SNP has made Scottish taxpayers pick up—or will he admit that it simply does not add up? Angus Robertson: No, I will not.”
“We have always been clear that the UK Treasury must fully fund the actual cost for Scotland’s public sector, recognising the different size and configuration of our public services, to meet our specific needs. In my portfolio, the Scottish Government is committed to investing at least £100 million more annually in culture and the arts in communities by 2028-29. It is disappointing that the UK Government has chosen to erode the full benefit of that. We are clear that the UK Government should have asked those with the broadest shoulders to contribute more, rather than trying to balance its budget on the back of cultural organisations, charities and the national health service. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question 5 has been withdrawn. “A Fresh Start with Independence” (Economic Implications) 8.”
“The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations estimates that the total cost of the United Kingdom Government’s rise in employer national insurance contributions to the voluntary sector in Scotland, which includes many cultural bodies, will be around £75 million. Organisations say that they have nowhere left to cut and may have to freeze pay or cut jobs as a result. Can the cabinet secretary say what discussions the Scottish Government has had with regard to reimbursement, and does it support calls for the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer to scrap that damaging policy in the upcoming UK budget? Angus Robertson: I commend Bill Kidd for his question.”
“The Scottish Government strongly supports Glasgow’s creative industries. Scottish Enterprise is leading on a range of strategic projects and tailored business support for the creative industries; it is managing 42 opportunities that are worth nearly £8 million in grants, and more than 90 per cent of those are situated in the Glasgow region. To support those projects, Scottish Enterprise is working with Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, Animation Scotland and other partnerships, including Glasgow City Council and local innovation districts. Skills Development Scotland also provides apprenticeships and the free skills for growth programme to assist workforce planning. Bill Kidd: I thank the Scottish Government for everything that it is doing to support the sector.”
“Members have talked about the issue of advertising and said that there are projected increases in advertising income. I was told by STV that its concern is about reducing advertising income. There is a disparity there, and it is for STV to clarify that so that we can best understand the matter. Everybody wants sustainable journalism and a sustainable STV, but we will have to understand the decision making that has been involved. I have made my position on supporting journalistic jobs in Aberdeen and right across Scotland absolutely clear.”
“Does the cabinet secretary agree that, if the chief executive, Rufus Radcliffe, cannot make the north news work in light of STV North’s increasing profits, he should step aside and let someone else manage the company instead? Angus Robertson: I am sure that Douglas Lumsden will appreciate that I, as somebody who represented a north of Scotland constituency and studied in Aberdeen, enjoyed the joys of Grampian Television before the change to STV. I understand that there is a particular dimension to the proposed changes for Aberdeen, the north-east and the north of Scotland more generally, and that is why I wanted to raise those points directly with Rufus Radcliffe. I think that he and STV will have heard the views of members across the chamber about the concerns that people have.”
“I met Scottish Television on 6 November, and the Scottish Government will continue to engage on the matter, including by responding to Ofcom’s forthcoming consultation. The Scottish Government expects all broadcasters to reflect the diversity of our nation and our local communities. I will continue to champion a vibrant, inclusive and regionally representative media sector and a strong and sustainable Scottish broadcasting sector. Douglas Lumsden: The fact that three north- east MSPs have lodged questions on the potential axing of the north of Scotland news programme shows how important we, on a cross-party basis, feel that it is that the local news coverage is retained.”
“Angus Robertson: I agree with Audrey Nicoll that regional news is a crucial part of our media landscape. I also absolutely agree that the north- east of Scotland is a huge part of that in terms of both audiences and journalistic talent. That is why I met Scottish Television last week to press the importance of protecting jobs for media professionals right across Scotland. I will also meet Ofcom and the National Union of Journalists in the coming weeks to discuss STV’s proposals and to set out the Scottish Government’s deep concerns. Throughout those on-going engagements, I will continue to emphasise our strong opposition to proposals that put sustainable Scottish jobs and the outputs of vital news services at risk. STV (North of Scotland News Programme) 7.”
“Audrey Nicoll: The removal of STV North from the north-east will silence the region’s voice at a critical time when issues such as energy are of national importance. STV North has been an important destination for a pipeline of top-quality north-east journalists, who have cut their teeth on local stories. Indeed, the school of journalism at Robert Gordon University has a strong collaboration with STV North through student placements and a memorial bursary in the name of Donald John MacDonald—the wonderful former STV news editor. Does the cabinet secretary agree that STV is shamefully closing the door on the next generation of journalists, producers, engineers and creatives in the north-east? Will he join me in calling on STV to immediately reverse its damaging proposal?”
“I commend Audrey Nicoll for her question. The Scottish Government is deeply concerned by any potential negative impact on news provision across Scotland and, in particular, on locally relevant news for audiences in the north of Scotland. Local journalism is essential to the health of our democracy. It provides scrutiny of local institutions, gives voice to underrepresented communities and ensures that important civic information reaches those who need it most. The Scottish Government remains committed to supporting a sustainable, diverse and inclusive media landscape. We will make those views clear through our on-going engagement with Scottish Television and Ofcom, including through the forthcoming consultation.”
“That is why I will continue to emphasise our strong opposition to the proposals, which put sustainable Scottish jobs and the outputs of vital news services at risk. I met Scottish Television last week to press the importance of protecting jobs for media professionals across Scotland. I will also meet Ofcom and the National Union of Journalists in the coming weeks to discuss STV’s proposals and set out the Scottish Government’s deep concerns, which Jackie Dunbar has raised. I have heard important points from members across the chamber about advertising income and its future projections. That is a matter for STV to explain to us all. STV (News Provision) 6.”
“Jackie Dunbar: STV claimed that falling viewer figures and advertising revenue were to blame for it slashing 60 jobs and axing north of Scotland news. However, we have now learned from STV North’s own accounts that profits rose by almost 24 per cent last year on the back of increased income from advertising. The cuts simply do not make sense and they fail communities and viewers in Aberdeen and the north-east. Does the cabinet secretary agree that local journalism is a vital part of a democratic society? Can he provide an update on the latest engagement with STV in the light of that news? Angus Robertson: I agree with Jackie Dunbar that local journalism is a vital part of our democratic society.”
“Following my written correspondence with Scottish Television, I met the broadcaster on 6 November to emphasise the critical importance of protecting jobs that are based in the media industry in Scotland and the vital outputs of regional news services. During the coming weeks, I will also meet the regulator, Ofcom, and the National Union of Journalists to discuss the implications of the proposals. I recognise the anxiety of the situation for many affected staff members and communities, particularly those in northern Scotland, and I reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to protect sustainable jobs, maintain regional representation and uphold the broadcaster’s public service obligations.”
“It is important to note that communities, in seeking to understand their options for the future use of churches, are best advised by those whose job it is to do so—in this instance, Historic Environment Scotland. However, I am happy to be apprised of the situation. I have seen some really good examples of potential new uses for churches. Perhaps some of those are options that are currently being explored by the community itself, and I would be happy to hear about that.”
“It is known as the birthplace of the King James Bible. It is one of hundreds of buildings that the Church of Scotland is disposing of. However, the church is of historic and cultural importance and, without intervention, it is at risk of being lost. A community group has been established to explore all avenues, and Historic Environment Scotland has visited the site. Will the cabinet secretary consider visiting Burntisland to see at first hand that undervalued jewel on the Fife coast and to discuss how we can protect that heritage building for future generations? Angus Robertson: I thank Claire Baker for raising the issue of Burntisland parish church and for extending an invitation, which I am happy to accept.”
“Although decisions about church closures are for the churches themselves, not the Scottish ministers, I am keen to ensure that the cultural value of such sites is appropriately considered during any decision making, and that the appropriate planning regulations are applied. On its website, Historic Environment Scotland provides advice and guidance for asset owners, community groups and developers. I have met the Scotland’s Churches Trust and members of the general trustees of the Church of Scotland to discuss my concerns, and I will continue to engage with stakeholders to explore approaches to safeguard those important assets for future generations and for the communities in which they lie. Claire Baker: Built in 1592, Burntisland old parish church is a category A-listed landmark with deep cultural and community significance.”
“That is their best chance of getting a successful funding decision, so I encourage as many cultural and arts organisations in the North East as possible to do so.”
“Angus Robertson: I thank Mr Kerr for raising the issue of regional distribution. I know that members across the chamber who represent different parts of the country will want to make sure that local arts and cultural organisations and venues are properly funded. Across the North East region of Scotland, there are 24 multiyear-funded organisations. Those include seven in Aberdeenshire, eight in Aberdeen city, eight in Dundee city and one in Angus. I will look closely at the fund that Mr Kerr has drawn my attention to, to satisfy myself that the applications match the criteria. To him, and to all members, I say that I would encourage all cultural and arts organisations, regardless of where they are, to apply for funding.”
“A key development over that period was the delivery of the multiyear funding programme, which began distributing funding in April this year to more than double the number of organisations that had previously been in receipt of core funding from Creative Scotland. Liam Kerr: Interrogating those figures, we see that in the past five years, Creative Scotland has spent just over £430,000 on culture projects via its crowdmatch fund. Out of 110 projects that were given public money, only four were from the North East. Those projects got a total of £20,330—that is less than 5 per cent of the fund for Aberdeenshire and Moray. Does the cabinet secretary believe that Creative Scotland is too focused on the central belt and will he commit to reviewing how Creative Scotland can ensure a more equitable distribution to the North East?”
“I begin by drawing members’ attention to the publication today of the Scottish Government’s international strategy report. I am sure that I speak for us all when I thank everyone in the global network who does so much to promote Scottish exports, inward investment, tourism growth and much else besides. In answer to Liam Kerr’s question, Creative Scotland distributed a total of £113,266,072 in award commitments between 1 November 2024 and 6 November 2025. That figure consists of more than £88 million from the Scottish Government and more than £25 million in national lottery awards to promote resilience, diversity and innovation and to help support the arts to thrive in communities across Scotland.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Apologies—I could not connect, either. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Robertson. Liam McArthur has a point of order. We need his microphone to be switched on.”
“Angus Robertson: I take very seriously the issues that have been reported at Historic Environment Scotland. I am very clear that, on the whole, HES is an excellent organisation, with hard-working staff who look after one of this country’s most valuable assets—its historic environment. Scottish Government officials have been working closely with the HES board and leadership team to improve the organisation’s leadership and governance. As a result of that, together with the appointment of Sir Mark Jones, Ray Macfarlane and Susan Deighan, along with a new chief operating officer, I am confident that HES will soon leave these issues behind it and go from strength to strength. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise members that I have received a number of requests to ask a supplementary question. I will try to get through all the requests.”
“Work has since moved on to supporting the efforts of the new chair, Sir Mark Jones, to resolve the well- documented issues at Historic Environment Scotland and appointing the two new interim board members to support Sir Mark, those being Ray Macfarlane and Susan Deighan. Stephen Kerr: This episode has revealed a cabinet secretary who is completely out of touch with events inside his own office and in one of the most troubled public bodies in Scotland, for which he has a responsibility. Does Angus Robertson not see that, by throwing a senior civil servant under the bus to protect himself, he has done lasting damage to his reputation? Will he accept that shifting blame on to officials is no substitute for competence, and that Parliament and the public deserve a minister who is on top of his brief, not one who seems incapable of managing it?”
“Angus Robertson: I have discussed the matter with officials today. When I questioned why they did not notify me of the invitation sooner, the reason that they outlined was that it was to protect the independence of the investigation, and I understand that. In the interests of completeness, I point out that officials have today advised me that Dr Hall requested meetings with the board on 24 July in a meeting and by email on 12 and 29 August. At that time, officials advised Dr Hall that, irrespective of a meeting, I was fully engaged with matters at Historic Environment Scotland.”
“The cabinet secretary was invited to meet the board of Historic Environment Scotland. Let us stick with the facts—that is what he was asked to do. The fact that he did not know that he had been invited is a separate matter that I will come on to. However, let us be clear about one thing: the ministerial code requires that ministers “give accurate and truthful information to the Parliament” and correct any errors at the earliest opportunity. Does the cabinet secretary accept that he failed in that duty when he misrepresented the facts to the committee last week? Why did it take a set of courageous whistleblowers and a front-page newspaper story for him to act? Will he now apologise for the serious disservice that he did to the chair and board of Historic Environment Scotland and for undermining confidence in ministerial accountability?”
“I was not aware of any such invitation when I attended the committee last week. Senior officials have now confirmed that they had not advised me of the request from the former chair, as they were seeking to address a number of sensitive matters at Historic Environment Scotland prior to providing me with advice. Perhaps the most pressing sensitivity was that the on-going investigations at Historic Environment Scotland included one into the conduct of the former chair, Dr Hugh Hall. Subsequent to his request, Dr Hall then indicated his resignation to the Scottish Government, some months prior to the end of his term. That brought the investigation into his conduct to an end and, as a result, his request to meet the board was superseded. Stephen Kerr: That is, frankly, nonsense.”
“Paisley is a really important part of Scotland’s cultural landscape, and I am grateful to him for highlighting the many great events that take place there. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time. First Minister’s Question Time 12:00 Justice System 1.”
“George Adam: The cabinet secretary will be aware that, over the past weekend, Paisley had its annual Halloween festival, which is the largest of its kind in Scotland. It ensured that thousands of buddies were in Paisley town centre on Friday and Saturday night. During the same weekend, Paisley received the award of Scotland’s town of the year. Is Paisley leading the way as the perfect example of how cultural investment is an important part of town centre regeneration? Angus Robertson: I am grateful to Mr Adam for highlighting the range of interventions and events that are taking place in Paisley. He underlines the fact that the Government is committed to supporting cultural and arts events right across Scotland.”
“The Scottish Government is investing an additional £34 million in Scotland’s culture sector this year, which is moving us closer to fulfilling the First Minister’s pledge to invest at least £100 million more annually by 2028-29. The uplift strengthens Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding programme, which supports 251 organisations across 27 local authority areas, and expands flagship initiatives such as the Culture Collective and creative communities Scotland. That investment boosts participation, supports jobs and drives cultural and economic growth nationwide. VisitScotland’s latest survey shows that history and culture are one of the biggest attractions for visitors and help to secure Scotland’s place as a world-class cultural destination.”
“If the member has specific examples of funding volatility at present, I would be grateful if she let me know. The new system has been introduced, so that should not be the case. Local Cultural Activities and Festivals 7.”
“However, UK Music stressed that funding volatility threatens grass-roots talent, touring and economic sustainability. I appreciate and understand budgetary pressures. However, how will the cabinet secretary ensure that Creative Scotland delivers strategic, predictable and resilient investment, in particular for emerging artists, self-releasing labels and rural organisations, through 2025-26 and beyond? Angus Robertson: The good news for Michelle Thomson and the music sector is that the introduction of multi-annual funding puts an end to the volatility that many organisations have previously had to put up with. No other part of the United Kingdom has multi-annual funding such as this Government has introduced for the Scottish culture sector, and such funding has an important impact on the music sector.”
“The Scottish Government has increased Creative Scotland’s multiyear funding by £20 million this year, providing a major boost to Scotland’s culture sector. That investment provides stability for organisations to plan and deliver high-quality programmes in theatre, visual arts, literature and music. Forty-six music organisations now receive multiyear support, which is more than double the previous number, and support for three more is potentially in development for 2026-27. Many multidisciplinary groups also include music, further strengthening the impact of our support. Michelle Thomson: In the recent independent review of Creative Scotland, UK Music highlighted that Scotland’s music sector generates more than £857 million and sustains more than 7,000 jobs.”
“The tattoo strengthens Scotland’s reputation as a world-class events destination, helping to attract international audiences and drive sustainable tourism. Alongside our diverse portfolio of major arts and cultural events, it plays a vital role in promoting Scotland’s creativity, landscapes and warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Justice and Home Affairs Legal Aid (Survivors of Domestic Abuse) 1.”
“Gordon MacDonald: The Edinburgh military tattoo is a highlight of the Edinburgh festival season, drawing more than 200,000 attendees each year, with a significant proportion of international visitors from more than 100 countries. Does the cabinet secretary agree that, by boosting the global promotion of Scotland, the tattoo not only puts Scotland on the world map, but helps to boost tourism in Scotland? Angus Robertson: VisitScotland works closely with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to promote Scotland internationally, using the event’s global profile to inspire overseas visitors to experience our culture and heritage. The collaboration is particular valuable during the tattoo’s international tours and major showcases, such as tartan week in New York.”
“I congratulate the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on its 75th anniversary, the success of the first show under new creative director Alan Lane, and the £750,000 in charitable giving that was provided during 2025. The Scottish Government-led brand Scotland partnership maximises domestic and international opportunities to promote Scotland. Through its work, we showcase the tattoo annually, amplifying its impact in Edinburgh during August and year round, alongside our other globally recognised festivals. Scottish Government officials will soon meet tattoo counterparts to explore further collaboration on international ambitions, building on previous partnership work such as tartan week and the Washington DC tattoo in the USA.”
“The FCDO told us that it had lobbied the Israeli authorities to make clear that it expected the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of those on board. All four residents of Scotland have now been deported from Israel, and at least one is back in Scotland, with three deported to Jordan. The FCDO told us earlier today that consular officials are supporting all British citizens who have been deported to”