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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“Bill Kidd: As has been mentioned, in the face of global conflicts and turbulent economic times, it is more vital than ever for our prosperity and security that we have a strong relationship with our neighbours in Europe. On the basis of what he said, I think that the cabinet secretary agrees that, when we are confronted with global challenges such as trade tariffs and energy security, the harms of Brexit will only grow. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we return to the European Union. Angus Robertson: I agree with Bill Kidd. We face unprecedented times and events that bring into question the very survival of the values that have underpinned the international order throughout our lifetimes and provided us with the stability and peace that we have been able to enjoy.”
“The European Union’s founding values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights are the values of Scotland. Despite voting to remain in the European Union, Scotland was taken out by a hard Brexit that has limited economic growth, restricted trade, increased food costs and diminished opportunities for young people. It has also damaged long-standing ties with European neighbours at a time when global insecurity makes international co-operation more important than ever. Let us be clear that the best future for Scotland must be in rejoining the European Union as an independent country.”
“Angus Robertson: I hope that Tess White understands that Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland and other such organisations are arm’s-length organisations. I agree with her that we want to ensure that all organisations comply fully with the law and the regulations that apply to them. I am happy to write to her about that. Every time there are portfolio questions on culture, the cultural organisations watch the exchanges that take place. I am sure that Historic Environment Scotland will be seized of the matter that Tess White has raised. We can continue our dialogue on the subject during future question sessions.”
“Tess White: Just a few weeks ago, it emerged that Historic Environment Scotland was propagating that trans women are women. It had no policy regarding the provision of single-sex spaces and suggested that excluding people from bathrooms and changing rooms is transphobia. When my colleague Rachael Hamilton demanded that the cabinet secretary intervene, the cabinet secretary said that it was “an operational matter for Historic Environment Scotland.”—[Official Report, 19 March 2025; c 2-3.] Following the Supreme Court’s judgment and the Parliament’s swift action to comply with the ruling, will the cabinet secretary stop washing his hands of the situation and ensure that the organisations that fall under his remit immediately comply with their legal obligations to women?”
“There are currently no plans for the Scottish Government to undertake a review of Historic Environment Scotland. I draw the member’s attention to Historic Environment Scotland’s recently published corporate plan for 2025 to 2028. It is a public access document that highlights that, by 2028, HES will have increased direct expenditure on its assets by 15 per cent; increased its contribution to Scotland’s gross domestic product by 10 per cent—from £1 billion to £1.1 billion—and invested at least £40 million in local communities across Scotland through its grants schemes. We can all agree that those are ambitious outcomes and programmes of work, and I am very supportive of the excellent work that the organisation is undertaking.”
“I draw Jeremy Balfour’s attention to other initiatives that are promoted and funded through Creative Scotland and which help to showcase young and up-and-coming talent. I am happy to forward some information to him on that. If he believes that anything should be done in addition to what is already taking place, I will be very interested to hear his suggestions. I agree with him that we want the young up-and-coming generations of talent in this country to thrive and succeed.”
“Jeremy Balfour: A young DJ recently told BBC Scotland that he is concerned that the rising cost of going to gigs will stop people being energised by music and that priority is being given to artists from more affluent backgrounds. Will the cabinet secretary outline what action the Scottish Government is taking to enable artists from all backgrounds to thrive at this time in particular, as we approach the important festival season? Angus Robertson: One initiative in this year’s budget is to look at the establishment of a Scottish exports office for culture. I am sure that Jeremy Balfour will agree that one of the great opportunities for young up-and-coming artists across genres is that they have not only the ability to perform here but the ability to travel and perform internationally. I am very keen to support that specific area.”
“The Scottish Government and our partners continue to work with the music sector, recognising that music is an integral part of what makes Scotland the perfect stage. Music is often offered as one strand of events and festivals, which provide a platform both for up-and-coming bands to perform and for the hospitality sector. VisitScotland continues to grow the market and increase demand for all genres by regularly promoting through its channels events and festivals across the country as part of the rich year-round programme that Scotland offers. Events and festivals that host music can apply for grants through EventScotland’s national and international grant programmes, and there are opportunities for learning and development through its events industry development programme of activities.”
“Specifically on facilities, I draw Rachael Hamilton’s attention to libraries, although I am happy to talk about other issues in correspondence. We believe that everybody should have access to library services. That is why we have asked the Scottish Library and Information Council to put together a short-life advisory group to explore what good-quality public library services look like and make recommendations on the mechanisms for ensuring that a standard level of service is delivered across Scotland, with an approach that strives for excellence and creates a benchmark for quality. The group is expected to commence work soon. I urge her to feed into that process. Up-and-coming Artists (Concerts) 3.”
“Rachael Hamilton: The report recommends the closure of key local facilities, including Coldstream museum, Eyemouth community centre, Jedburgh swimming pool, Abbey Row community centre in Kelso, Selkirk leisure centre and other important facilities. Service usage patterns have changed and running costs are high, but the Scottish National Party has reduced funding to local authorities, and Labour’s national insurance rise has put a strain on SBC resources. I urge the Scottish Government to consider a longer-term strategy that will ensure equity in rural areas for the people who rely on those vital services. Angus Robertson: To correct the record, spending for local authorities is going up under the SNP’s budget, which Rachael Hamilton voted against.”
“We value culture in all its forms, which is why we increased the culture budget by a record £34 million in 2025-26. Creative Scotland is engaged with Scottish Borders Council through the Scottish Borders place partnership on developing a Scottish Borders culture strategy. Creative Scotland supports Alchemy Film & Arts, which will receive a total of £881,250 in multiyear funding between 2025 and 2028. In 2024-25, Scottish Borders schools received £221,861 via the youth music initiative. Of course, decisions on local culture policy lie with local authorities, and I urge Scottish Borders Council to continue working with local communities to ensure that they receive the services that they deserve.”
“Angus Robertson: I assure Pauline McNeill that issues that have been part of public discourse for a while, such as the ticket levy, have been the subject of direct conversations that I have had with the Music Venue Trust and the wider sector. We keep the matter under review. As I have said to the Scottish Green Party’s Patrick Harvie and Mark Ruskell—who regularly raises the issue—and to others, it is under active consideration. I am happy to look more closely at the other areas that the survey highlights, and to reply to Pauline McNeill. We have a shared interest in making sure that live music thrives. If there is anything that the Government can do more of, less of or differently to support the sector, I am keen that we do that.”
“Pauline McNeill: The fan-led survey announced that fans want action on venue closures, ticketing and audience safety, and that they want further support for grass-roots music venues. Not surprisingly, 93 per cent of fans agreed that there should be a £1 ticket levy on arena and stadium live-music events to fund grass-roots venues. Further, 85 per cent of fans believe that there should be a restriction on new residents filing noise complaints near existing venues. That is an old issue, and it is one that impacts my Glasgow region in relation to Barrowlands and King Tut’s. Will the cabinet secretary set out which issues raised in the survey, including the ticket levy, the Government can support? I agree that Scottish people love their live music, and it would be good for the Government to be seen to be active in delivering such support.”
“Live music is a subject that many of us in the chamber and across the country feel very passionate about. It adds value to our economy and to Scotland’s global cultural reputation. The Scottish Government will listen carefully to the findings of any fan-led review, as those would provide valuable insights to inform our continuing work with partners to help the sector to flourish. Although some review issues such as dynamic ticket pricing and VAT rates are reserved, our latest budget already addresses some of the financial challenges that the sector faces. In 2025- 26, 40 per cent relief is being offered to hospitality premises, including grass-roots music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people and a rateable value of up to and including £51,000. That relief is capped at £110,000 per business.”
“In summary, it is beyond debate that key promises that were made during Brexit have not been delivered and that Brexit has had significant impacts on Scotland’s marine sector and our coastal and island communities. The Scottish Government will continue to represent the sector’s interests as it presses the United Kingdom Government to move ever closer in its relationship with the European Union until such time as we can, once and for all, reverse the folly of Brexit and rejoin the European Union as an independent member state. The Presiding Officer: I call Jamie Halcro Johnston to wind up. 17:30”
“Ariane Burgess pointed to a loss of fishing sector jobs since Brexit, which should concern us all. Beatrice Wishart underlined the contribution of the fisheries sector in Shetland and Scottish coastal communities. She raised something that I think has been missing in the debate: the importance of an agriculture, food and drink agreement—a sanitary and phytosanitary, or SPS, agreement—which, as I hope everybody across the chamber would agree, would be a beneficial part of the reset with the European Union that is being negotiated. Karen Adam reminded members about the scope of the sector and the needs of the fishing communities that she so ably represents. Emma Harper reminded members how badly the fisheries sector is understood both by Tories and by the Labour Party.”
“Jamie Halcro Johnston: Will the cabinet secretary give way? Angus Robertson: I will make some progress. My cabinet secretary colleague Mairi Gougeon updated the Parliament on cancelled meetings with her UK Government opposite number. I hope that that will be rectified as a priority. Sadly, that reminds us more of poor relations with the previous UK Government—not one that is committed to a genuine reset with Europe and with the devolved Administrations. Rhoda Grant rightly warned about suggesting that fishing agreements have been reached. I am not aware of that being the case—it would be good if true—but I would welcome it if she encouraged her UK colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to meet representatives of the Scottish Government.”
“Angus Robertson: I have to make some progress, but I will come to Mr Eagle’s comments in a moment. The fishing community finds itself in a predicament made for it by the UK Government, and the UK Government has severely limited the scope for progress by the red lines that it has set itself for negotiating with the EU. The interests of Scotland are best served as an independent nation and member state of the European Union. Coming now to individual contributions, I will start with that of Tim Eagle, who began by acknowledging that the TCA negotiated by the Conservative UK Government did not deliver for fishing communities. It is a shame that he did not apologise for his party’s sell-outs. We should never forget that it was the Conservatives who signed the UK up to the common fisheries policy.”
“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation described the Brexit deal as “desperately poor” and said that it generated “huge disappointment and a great deal of anger” about the “failure to deliver on promises made repeatedly to this industry.” Although I welcome the UK Government’s stated intention to improve relations with the European Union—and the Scottish Government will continue to engage proactively to seek improvements that can benefit Scottish people and traders—I deeply regret the fact that Scottish businesses, including those in the fishing sector, are no longer part of the largest single market and customs union on earth and no longer have the many benefits that come with freedom of movement within the EU. Tim Eagle: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?”
“The global and geopolitical outlook that we face today has truly exposed the incredible act of self-harm that this Government and the people of Scotland always knew Brexit to be. The force of global economic volatility and the spectre of US tariffs simply reinforce more than ever the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that come with European Union membership. Scotland paid a heavy price for a Brexit that it did not vote for, and that affected the fishing sector worse than many others. Salmon Scotland reported that Brexit cost Scotland around £75 million in 2023 in lost salmon exports to the European Union, and farming companies face increased red tape and costs.”
“I expect the BBC to fully and fairly represent all communities in Scotland, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of licence fee payers to ensure that the Scottish industry and audiences are properly represented. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. 13:30 Meeting suspended. 14:30 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Education and Skills”
“The cumulative effect of decisions that have been taken on broadcasting services in Scotland, which have weakened perceptions of and trust in the BBC and the benefits that we expect for audiences and the creative industries, only strengthens my view that the future of broadcasting would be safer in our hands. I thank members and everyone who has shared their views with me and engaged with the Scottish Government on this important matter. There is clearly an abundance of passion and support for “River City” and the opportunities that that kind of production brings to our creative sector. I have been clear with the BBC that it must protect and increase its investment in Scotland and enhance the network of professionals who contribute to productions such as “River City”.”
“I reiterate my regret that the BBC has taken this decision and that we continue to see a number of challenges to the rebalancing of public service broadcasting for Scotland. The Scottish Government does not believe that audiences and our creative sector are currently being adequately served, and it is our view that it is unsustainable that broadcasting policy remains reserved to Westminster. We have long argued that it should be devolved to ensure that we can take the right decisions for our creative economy and for Scottish viewers and listeners.”
“Improved equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as authentic representation, are best delivered by commissioning content from within Scotland, and the Scottish Government will continue to make those views clear in our engagement with the BBC, Ofcom and the UK Government, including with regard to the forthcoming charter review, in order to strengthen the delivery of services for audiences and the support for the creative sector in Scotland. Having sustainable jobs and production businesses that are based in Scotland is essential to maintaining and developing a strong, sustainable and growing Scottish screen sector, which the Scottish Government is committed to growing to reach £1 billion in gross value added by 2030. I will return to the motion.”
“We should reflect on that, because that does not need to be so. I believe that this Parliament should be in charge of Scotland’s broadcasting policy. As I touched on earlier, the Scottish Government has been critical of the level of BBC spend in Scotland. Although we have seen improvement, we remain seized of that issue, which we expect to be covered in the charter review. We also expect continued and more effective efforts from the BBC to move commissioning power to Scotland to ensure that more Scotland-originated productions can showcase the incredible talent that we have in Scotland.”
“Angus Robertson: I am open to considering all avenues, including Patrick Harvie’s proposal, that would support the growth and retention of the screen sector in Scotland. It is also important to put on the record that the rules in relation to screen production in Scotland have clearly been breached, most certainly when it comes to the spirit, if not the letter, of the rules in relation to production in Scotland. Frankly, the BBC is being watched very closely with regard to what it does, and that will form part of our approach to charter renewal. I point out that normal countries decide broadcasting policy, but we do not do that in Scotland. Broadcasting policy is reserved to Westminster. Would we be having this debate if the Scottish Parliament had the power to exert direct influence on broadcasting? I think not.”
“Patrick Harvie: The cabinet secretary is right to put some of this in the context of the charter renewal, because one of the things that have changed, and which will not go back to the way that it was, is that, at the beginning of the era of the BBC, licence fee-funded public service broadcasting dominated production. Now, production is dominated by commercial models, including those of the big streaming services, which are not funding infrastructure and the ecosystem in the way that the BBC used to. Therefore, does the Scottish Government support the idea of a levy on the streaming services so that we have revenue funds to invest in productions—whether those are made by the BBC or anyone else—that create that ecosystem and which can sustain what the BBC does not want to sustain at the moment?”
“On the matter of talent development and Scotland-originated production growth, Screen Scotland is also closely engaging with the BBC, including through its memorandum of understanding with the BBC, to enable more new original content to be made and Scotland-based talent to be developed. I take the opportunity to highlight the BBC charter and the upcoming review. The charter is essential in delivering the BBC’s public service remit, of which supporting the creative economies in the nations is a key purpose. The Scottish Government’s powers to bring about change in broadcasting policy are limited. However, we will do everything that we can to press the BBC to strengthen its investment and to ensure that decision making does not adversely impact that crucial public purpose.”
“As many members have highlighted, people working in Scotland’s screen sector must continue to be able to access meaningful career and skills development opportunities as they have been able to do through the “River City” training academy. “River City” has been an important kick-starter for many careers, and it is vital that the BBC considers how it will continue to ensure that people can develop successful careers in Scotland. I will continue to press the BBC to deliver increasing opportunities for people in Scotland and to continue the positive diversity and inclusion work that “River City” has supported.”
“The BBC is accountable to Scottish audiences, and it should be delivering a service that meets the needs in Scotland. When I recently met the BBC Scotland director, I was clear that investment, skills and job opportunities must remain in Scotland and that we expect to see those increase. That is particularly important given the historical imbalance that has existed in relation to the proportion of licence fee income that is raised in Scotland being spent here. I also recently met Ofcom to discuss wider production in Scotland, and I urged the regulator to ensure that the BBC is meeting its obligations in delivering for viewers and for Scotland’s creative professionals.”
“The Scottish Government could not be clearer that we expect the BBC to be doing more for our audiences and creative industries by developing skills and training opportunities, supporting quality jobs, creating high-quality programmes in Scotland and serving Scotland’s diverse audiences equitably. As the many strong contributions that we have heard from members have emphasised, the discussion is critical, and we must take the time to acknowledge the vital role that a production such as “River City” has for our creative economy and for the many talented individuals who work on it. Although editorial decision making, of course, sits with the BBC, it is right that we speak out and urge against decisions that will impact services, skills, development and jobs in Scotland.”
“I am pleased to respond on behalf of the Scottish Government to this important debate, and I thank Neil Bibby for lodging the motion. I pay tribute to the “River City” cast and crew, many of whom are with us in the public gallery, as well as to Equity, the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union and the Writers Guild of Great Britain, which have, in recent weeks, provided such strong representations on the subject. It is more than regrettable that the BBC has taken the decision that it has regarding the only production of this kind in Scotland, and I am deeply disappointed that we continue to see a worrying trend in decision making that runs counter to the BBC’s commitment to invest in the nations and to improve representation.”
“The Scottish Government is doing what it can to mitigate the damage of a Brexit that Scotland did not vote for, to minimise divergence from the EU and to ease Scotland’s return to the EU as an independent country at the earliest opportunity.”
“With the unreliability of the Trump pronouncements on tariffs, which are almost daily, does the cabinet secretary agree that we were better off in the EU than we are out of it? Angus Robertson: Indeed, I agree. Brexit has been a huge backwards step that has sharply reduced access to our greatest international trading market while bureaucracy, costs, delays and complexity have been imposed on Scottish businesses. Recent Scottish Government modelling estimates that leaving the EU will reduce Scottish gross domestic product by at least £4 billion in the long run, measured against today’s GDP, compared with what the figure would have been under continued EU membership.”
“The increased global economic volatility following President Trump’s announcements on tariffs reinforces more than ever the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that come with EU membership. The EU is a rules and values- based organisation, with a single market of around 450 million citizens. Given the present global uncertainties, the importance of sustaining a Europe of countries working together for peace, prosperity and progress has never been greater. For those reasons, we are profoundly committed to Scotland achieving membership of the EU as an independent nation. Christine Grahame: I thank the cabinet secretary for his answer, with which I agree. Recent analysis by the office of the chief economic adviser estimated that Brexit trade barriers could impact Scotland’s economy by £4 billion.”
“The First Minister is also setting out our four priorities for government through a series of speeches. We will continue to speak about the issues that matter to the public so that people can have an informed choice about the future options that are available to them. European Union (Membership) 8.”
“Given that growing public awareness, will the Scottish Government provide an update on how it intends to build on that momentum and continue informing the public, through civic engagement and public education, about the opportunities of Scotland becoming an independent country? Angus Robertson: I agree with Karen Adam. It is important to say that the Scottish Government has set out and will continue to set out the opportunities that will come from being an independent country. We have set out our plans for the economy of an independent Scotland; for rejoining the European Union; for a new constitution with democracy, rights and equality at its heart; and for an inclusive and welcoming approach to citizenship, as well as a migration system that meets Scotland’s needs.”
“The Scottish Government believes that the best outcomes for Scotland will come if we ensure that more of the decisions about Scotland are taken by and for the people of Scotland. The First Minister is setting out a vision of a country free from child poverty, with higher living standards and with the powers of independence to create the kind of Scotland that we know is possible. We remain committed to publishing a final overview independence paper to give people in Scotland the information that they need to make an informed choice about their constitutional future. Karen Adam: People in Scotland are recognising the democratic deficit that we face.”
“What plans does the cabinet secretary have for that visit and for engagement with President Trump? What will he say to him? Angus Robertson: I can confirm to Mr Rennie that I do not have any scheduled meetings with President Trump in which I could raise the issues that he is outlining. There are also no plans in place or time agreed for any potential state visit, which is a matter for the United Kingdom Government. Mr Rennie raises points about the challenges that have been thrown up in recent weeks and months, which make it much more challenging for all of us to protect our economic interests and free trade. To go back to the question, we will remain in dialogue on that with our EU friends, neighbours and allies. That is one of the areas in which Scotland house in Brussels does excellent work. Independence 7.”
“Regardless of the outcome of any US presidential election, and following the strong deregulatory impact of Brexit, the Scottish Government has always had a policy of aligning with the EU where it is possible and meaningful to do so. In Scotland, we will continue to pursue that alignment across the full range of devolved policy areas. That will allow us to protect and advance the high standards that our fellow Europeans benefit from thanks to effective EU regulation, and will allow us to keep up with legislation that is in place across the member states of the EU. Willie Rennie: I agree with the cabinet secretary and note that doing that is even more important following the election of President Trump, considering the volatile effects that his leadership has had. It is reported that President Trump will visit Scotland in September.”
“Meeting the criteria is the sole factor that determines a funding decision, and I urge Eden Court theatre to get in touch with Creative Scotland directly if it has any concerns. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Pam Gosal to ask a brief supplementary question.”
“Angus Robertson: I assure Emma Roddick that the voices, views, needs, interests, concerns and expectations of arts organisations throughout Scotland, regardless of where they are, are important to the Scottish Government and to Creative Scotland. Where we have strategic partnerships, round-table events and on-going dialogue, I am very keen to ensure that everybody who can and wants to take part is able to do so. As a parliamentarian who represented a north of Scotland constituency for a long time, I know how important Eden Court theatre is. All organisations that meet established criteria are considered equally for funding, irrespective of the interactions that they might have in person with Creative Scotland.”
“Emma Roddick: The Highlands and Islands region has a lot to be proud of in the realm of arts and culture, but I am aware that many organisations often feel that they are at a disadvantage, because it is not as easy for them to mix with officials or funders when informal conversations about what people are doing well frequently happen in the central belt. Will the cabinet secretary go into more detail on how the Scottish Government ensures that opportunities are available across the country? I reiterate my very warm invitation for the cabinet secretary to come to Eden Court and hear for himself about the role that the theatre plays not only in fostering local talent and promoting arts and culture in Inverness and the Highlands but in ensuring that it is firmly embedded in the wider community.”
“We are proud that our record funding to Creative Scotland this year supports a wide range of exciting new entrants to the multiyear funding programme, serving smaller, often rural communities. That includes Glenkens Community and Arts Trust in Dumfries and Galloway and the Lyth Arts Centre in the Highlands, which join existing members of the geographically diverse cohort such as Deveron Projects in Aberdeenshire and Dance North Scotland in Moray. It demonstrates that we are committed to ensuring that our support for the sector is distributed across Scotland, reaching the communities who need it most.”
“Angus Robertson: Maggie Chapman is right to raise the fact that there is a broad range of Scottish charitable and third sector organisations that want to assist Palestinian people in their present time of great need and distress. It is not just the fire engine that she has talked about that is being prevented from entering Gaza; much of the aid that the international community would wish to provide to people in Gaza is not getting through either. I will use every and any opportunity that I can to add my voice and the Scottish Government’s voice to appeal to authorities everywhere that have a locus in this to allow aid to get through to help the people of”
“Maggie Chapman: The cabinet secretary will be aware that, in addition to the important support that he outlined, many other organisations have made contributions—sometimes in kind—to support those who are trying to cope with occupation and genocide. One example is the International Fire and Rescue Association, a Scotland-based charity that has donated a fire appliance to Dundee’s twin city of Nablus. However, the appliance has been impounded by Israeli military customs since last July. Is there anything that the cabinet secretary can do to press for the release of the appliance so that it can be used as intended to aid communities in Nablus?”
“Yesterday, the First Minister announced an additional £300,000 to support humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East through the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and the Scottish charities the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Mercy Corps. That is in addition to our previous contribution of £250,000 to the DEC appeal, SCIAF and Mercy Corps, as well as £750,000 for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East appeal in November 2023. That funding has helped to deliver life-saving food, shelter and medical assistance for people across Gaza and the wider region. Humanitarian needs continue to escalate. The DEC appeal has so far raised £3.8m in Scotland and the Scottish public can continue to make a donation to it.”
“I would be grateful if he could forward the details to me so that I might be able to reply to the second part of his question in a more considered and broader way.”
“Does the cabinet secretary have discussions with colleagues in other parts of the Government to ensure that colleges, which are crucial to the advancement of the creative industries, are able to support people into those industries? Angus Robertson: The first part of Mr Rowley’s question was about whether there are discussions with education colleagues about the provision of support in education and training in relation to the creative industries. The roll-out of the screen sector element of the curriculum across Scotland that I mentioned, which has a positive benefit in Fife too, is an example of that. Mr Rowley has drawn my attention to a specific issue in the region that he represents.”
“Alex Rowley: What discussions does the cabinet secretary and his department have with education and training and skills colleagues? A third of Fife College’s provision, for example, is in the creative industries sector. The Scottish Funding Council has announced a rise for colleges of 2.6 per cent. However, I have looked into that further, and it seems to be broken down across the country, with Fife College receiving an increase to the teaching grant of only 1.6 per cent. Therefore, my understanding is that the grant that is being offered to Fife College represents a real- terms cut, despite the fact that a third of its provision is in the creative industries.”