Elena Whitham
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“More homes Scotland will help to drive forward the Government’s core priorities of eradicating child poverty and growing our economy. To do that, we must focus on building more social homes and maximising investment in Scotland’s housing sector generally. We have a very strong record in Scotland in that regard.”
“Elena Whitham: I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am a member of Shelter Scotland’s committee. Given that far too many children live in temporary accommodation, more homes Scotland must be integral to ending homelessness, and its creation is most welcome.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be more homes Scotland’s core mission. (S6O- 05714) The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan): Increasing the supply of affordable homes is key to addressing housing need and critical to tackling homelessness.”
“I thank my colleague Brian Whittle for securing this excellent debate. I rise to speak about sport being a force for good with a mixture of pride, gratitude and a sense of coming full circle.”
“It has a proud history, a trophy-winning junior team that inspires huge local pride and a vocal but good- natured rivalry with its next-door neighbour, Auchinleck Talbot Football Club.”
“It means recognising that participation looks different at different stages of life, whether that is walking football, which is delivered in partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and supports people to stay active and connected, or inclusive cycling opportunities for those with learning disabilities, which is developed alongside…”
The complete record
Every one of 376 lines we hold for Elena Whitham, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 8.
“In my constituency capacity, I have engaged with a number of the individuals whom Elena Whitham referred to. Roseanna and Shamus McPhee are constituents of mine, so I am directly familiar with the experiences that have been recounted, and I am grateful for their engagement on the question. I am determined to ensure that the approach to reconciliation can be built on the basis of the apology that has been offered today. That is the commitment that the Government offers to”
“Christina McKelvie, Kevin Stewart and I were deeply privileged to work together with members of the community on the first action plan, and today’s apology can now be placed at the heart of this work. The First Minister: I acknowledge the importance that Elena Whitham attaches to the term “reconciliation” and I am glad that she has done so, because that is the route for us to have a process of healing with a community that has been badly damaged. I hope that the steps that the Government has taken today and the fact that I am here offering the apology on behalf of the state to the Gypsy Traveller community indicate the seriousness with which the Government considers the matter and the significance that it attaches to the need for it to be addressed.”
“Today is a historic moment on the path to reconciliation. I welcome the First Minister’s apology and much-needed recognition of the deep harms that were caused by state policies such as the tinker experiment and the associated practice of trafficking Scottish Traveller children overseas. Does the First Minister agree that, beyond acknowledgement, true reconciliation and the healing of intergenerational cultural trauma require on-going community-led investment in support and cultural preservation for Scotland’s Gypsy and Traveller communities, which must remain a priority for the Government? I take this opportunity to thank community members, activists and academics such as Roseanna and Shamus McPhee, Dr Lynne Tammi-Connelly and Davie Donaldson, as well as all the third sector partners who never stopped pushing for justice.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the latest births and deaths figures published by National Records of Scotland. (S6O-04835)”
“Alongside that, we are working with NHS boards to refine the financial incentives that are in place to support dentists in moving to work in rural areas, thus supporting sustainable access across Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We have a supplementary from Finlay Carson. Again, it should be with reference to Dumfries and”
“As the minister has touched on, increasing the dental workforce plays a crucial role in improving access to NHS dentistry, in Dumfries and Galloway and across all our rural areas more widely. Can the minister say more about the steps that the Scottish Government is taking to support the dental workforce pipeline, especially in rural areas, where the need is acute, with far too many of our constituents travelling extensively to secure treatment, oftentimes when they are in pain? Jenni Minto: The Scottish Government’s operational improvement plan sets out a package of actions to improve the NHS dental workforce now and into the future, in Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland. As I have said, it is being supported by additional funding in 2025-26.”
“Let us write Scotland’s chapter on how immigration can work fairly, flexibly and for the common good of everyone. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The final speaker in the open debate is Emma Harper. You have up to three minutes, Ms Harper. 16:31”
“Let us imagine a system that prioritises those who will contribute to Scotland’s society and economy while recognising their humanity and dignity. The Government’s motion is asking not for something radical but for something reasonable. This is not just about policy but about fairness. It is about devolution in action and Scotland having the tools to serve its people, communities and future. We often hear that this Parliament is the most powerful devolved legislature in the world, and yet it is blatantly clear that a Canadian province wields much more power than we do in this chamber. Let us take a lesson from Canada. Let us take a page from Quebec and its unique circumstances that are reflected in its immigration policy, which is distinct from the policy in the rest of Canada.”
“Despite repeated calls from the Scottish Government and widespread evidence of differing demographic needs, Westminster has continually refused to devolve immigration powers. That refusal undermines Scotland’s ability to address its unique challenges and opportunities, and creates a glaring inconsistency when compared with the more flexible and collaborative arrangements in countries such as Canada. That flexibility fosters trust, brings more accountability and, crucially, brings people into communities that want to welcome them—not because of quotas but because of shared purpose. Let us imagine a Scottish rural visa, shaped by local councils and the voices of farmers, crofters, teachers and local businesses.”
“The other provinces and territories can enter into agreements with the federal Government to run their own provincial nominee programmes, enabling them to tailor migration policies to local, economic and demographic needs. Provinces can nominate migrants based on specific criteria—for example, languages, skills and community ties— and ensure that migration works for them. They can create incentives to entice people to areas where they are needed, for all the reasons that we have just heard. The process is iterative—it is continually evolving and being tailored. That is what happens when there is trust. In contrast, the United Kingdom’s highly centralised system denies Scotland similar powers, even though immigration deeply affects devolved areas such as health, social care and education.”
“We know that, in relation to all the issues that have been outlined today that go beyond the issue of migration, there is a huge amount of things that we need to sort. However, we also know that our economy relies on talent—often international talent—in sectors such as agriculture, health and social care and hospitality. Therefore, let us look to Canada not just as an idea but as a proven model. The Canadian federal system is built on a constitutional framework that recognises and respects the autonomy of provinces, allowing them significant powers over areas such as education and healthcare—like we have in our devolved system—and, crucially, immigration. Quebec has its own autonomous immigration system, with unique visas reflecting its distinct society status.”
“That experience shaped who I am and, crucially, what I believe is possible here in Scotland. So, today, I ask the chamber to consider this question: why can Scotland not do the same? Migration is not simply about numbers; it is about people: the care worker in Girvan; the engineer at the Prestwick aerospace cluster; the Gaelic teacher in the Hebrides; and the family rebuilding their lives in a new land with open hearts—a feeling that I remember all too well from when, as a wee six-year-old, I found myself in a place that welcomed me with open arms. It welcomed my dad as well: as an engineer, he helped to fill the skills gap in Canada at the time. Skills gaps are not unique to Scotland.”
“As I am someone whose life journey took them across the Atlantic as an economic migrant, to Canada—a place that has long shown how migration can be shaped by the hands of local communities, not just central Governments—it was important for me to speak today to offer a tried and tested alternative to the status quo that is hampering Scotland’s vitality and the viability of many of our communities and industries. Growing up in Ontario and Quebec, I witnessed at first hand how a distinct migration model that was designed by and for the people of each province could be both compassionate and practical. Quebec’s unique tailored immigration system does not just fill labour market gaps; it strengthens communities, nurtures diversity and reflects the province’s unique identity and values.”
“Jim Fairlie: I absolutely sympathise with Elena Whitham, who will be aware that Scottish ministers simply cannot intervene directly in such matters. We absolutely recognise the critical importance of bus services, particularly in more rural areas, which—as she rightly points out—provide a lifeline service for access to healthcare, education and work, as well as helping with social inclusion. I appreciate the disruption that has been caused and sympathise with all the communities that are affected by the process. I encourage Stagecoach and the unions to work together to resolve the issue as soon as possible and to come to a fair and sustainable agreement that not only supports the employees but ensures the long-term viability of those important services in the area.”
“In my Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency, reliable rural bus services are vital. Does the minister agree that it is wholly regrettable that the privately run business Stagecoach, on which my constituents rely, has failed to broker a deal with its employees over the strike period to ensure not only that they receive equitable pay in accordance with fair work principles but that such fragile transportation links are resumed? Many constituents across rural Ayrshire, who, in the main, support the calls of the drivers, are now cut off from accessing health appointments, attending work and accessing food—the basics that we all take for granted. That simply cannot continue, so I ask the Scottish Government to work with local areas urgently to create sustainable bus services.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how it is supporting colleagues in COSLA regarding their call for civility in public life. (S6O- 04777)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the impact of the MalDent Project on oral health policy in Malawi. (S6O-04740)”
“Mairi Gougeon: Elena Whitham raises not only important points about the importance of the work that the biosphere undertakes and how important it is in the region, but valuable points about sustainable tourism and the encouragement thereof, in relation to which a lot of work is going on. I know that the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership received a new funding package from South of Scotland Enterprise to support its important work in tackling the climate and nature crises and to support sustainable development, including sustainable tourism. We welcome the funding that has been introduced. As I said in my statement, we will take some time to reflect on the reporter’s recommendations, which talked about building on the existing structures, before we set out next steps.”
“How can the Scottish Government help to support the vital work of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership—the first UNESCO biosphere in Scotland—to fully realise its potential and aims of creating sustainable tourism across my constituency of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, as well as Dumfries and Galloway, especially now, when the biosphere’s funding and sustainability are in question? The partnership has, to date, received amazing buy-in from community groups, towns, villages and businesses that are working to increase biodiversity efforts in low-carbon days out for residents and visitors to the area.”
“Let us work together across the chamber with a cross-party summit being convened to ensure that every Scot—whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, child or adult—gets the support that they need to thrive. 16:34”
“It is one thing to say that no diagnosis is needed and another thing to have services responding to the real and urgent need that all our inboxes tell us is there and that requires it. We cannot overlook the reality of the workforce pressures, the structural complexity of services or the trauma that delays can cause. We also cannot pretend that private diagnosis is a viable option for most families—and, when it is used, we need a transparent, clinically safe, shared care framework that allows for collaboration with NHS professionals, not the blanket refusals that we are all hearing about. We cannot shy away from the scale of the challenge. I acknowledge that progress is being made in the background but it is yet to be felt on the ground by my constituents.”
“The Scottish Government has committed to delivering the national neurodevelopmental specification and we are all avidly watching to see its manifestation. The specification is vitally important because it aims to ensure that children and young people can access timely, co-ordinated support regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis. I know that that is supposed to be what is happening now—it is a fundamental shift, from waiting to identify need to responding to it early and holistically. We must also ensure that services in local areas are resourced, supported and trained to undertake that work. That is what was supposed to happen for my own family, but there was no support on the ground.”
“They have a child who is experiencing acute mental distress, but despite being told that their child is most likely autistic, they have no way to seek assessment as their GP’s multiple referrals are being knocked back. They are pushed between services: the school is trying to support through decreasing attendance and a GP is recognising the mental distress that is being experienced, but a system that rejects all the evidence is saying that it is all down to their suspected, but as yet undiagnosed, neurodivergence. That is not acceptable. We cannot have a system that sees people’s mental health spiral down due to unmet neurodevelopmental needs, nor a system that requires such deterioration in order to access the pathway.”
“I have heard from parents who are battling for a diagnosis and from adults who are coming to terms with a new understanding of themselves but who face years- long waiting lists for assessment and treatment— or, indeed, who have no way to get on to those waiting lists because they are closed to patients unless there is a demonstrable, co-occurring, severe and enduring mental health condition. One of my constituents has lodged a petition with the Parliament, entitled “Improve access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment across Scotland”. Our constituents should not have to lodge petitions to get access to healthcare. Despite my own child’s four-year wait for assessment, I consider my family to be lucky— unlike the family who came to see me in my office last Friday.”
“More people are seeking answers, assessments and support for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD, and they are not wrong to expect timely, effective care. We as a Parliament cannot shy away from the fact that there are far too many people being left to wait, too many families struggling to keep their heads above water and too many GPs and educational settings bearing an unsustainable burden. I fully recognise the distress that is caused by the current situation. I have heard from many constituents about the subject.”
“It is clear that we are facing significant challenges in how we support individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions in Scotland—challenges that demand not only honest recognition, but bold and compassionate action. We are all acutely aware of the profound pressures on our mental health services. Those pressures were hugely intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many individuals, such as my own loved one, became unable to mask their neurodiversities when the world went back to normal, and their whole lives were impacted. Believe me—total burnout and withdrawal from life for more than a year is horrendous. Demand has risen sharply, not just for CAHMS but for adult services as well.”
“Through our £10 million investment in the new CVD enhanced service agreement, we are encouraging innovative ways through which general practices can engage with individuals who might be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.”
“The latest figures, which were published yesterday, show that a record 149 people in my health board area of NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been waiting more than a year to see a cardiologist. Will the minister reassure me and the around 13,000 people who are living with cardiovascular disease in my constituency that CVD will remain a priority for the Scottish Government, with a dedicated resource to support the improvement of cardiology services? Jenni Minto: I agree that we must focus on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. That remains a priority for the Scottish Government, which is why we have designed a service that focuses on proactive case finding of cardiovascular disease issues.”
“As regards our coastline, the Scottish marine wildlife watching code provides further recommendations and advice on responsible wildlife watching. Fisheries 3.”
“What more can the Scottish Government do to reinforce the message that people who visit beaches, such as those in my Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency, must act responsibly and must not interfere or inappropriately interact with wild animals when they encounter them in and around our seas? Our beaches are very busy. I think that the issue must be tackled early, and in the school setting. Jim Fairlie: Whether folk are visiting beaches, forests, local parks or any other outdoor space, we expect them to act safely and responsibly when they encounter wildlife. The Scottish outdoor access code sets out useful guidance on minimising disturbance to wildlife. We ask everyone to familiarise themselves with the steps that they should take to enjoy the outdoors appropriately.”
“That is an approach that we should champion and support at every turn, including by ensuring that the forum is resourced appropriately. I would like to hear the minister say a wee few words about that in his response later. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Tim Eagle. 17:35”
“That will not just be a benefit for nature and the natural carbon cycle; it will accelerate and build over time as soils and habitats restore themselves under reduced pressure from browsing animals, with deer being a prominent part of that. However, it is crucial that we remain mindful of the need to protect, if not increase, deer-related jobs in rural communities through the period of change ahead. Whether they are focused on traditional sporting or conservation interests or both, the skill and the dedication of deer managers of all backgrounds are essential to delivering the changes that we need across the country. By bringing those key professionals together, the Common Ground Forum is reducing the conflict affecting working lives and is supporting deerstalkers to co-develop their own solutions to the challenges ahead.”
“The shared messaging has focused on shared interests in developing Scotland’s venison market—I think that members across the chamber all agree that we need to develop that market; the ways in which new regulatory powers are introduced; and the funding models that will be essential to delivering Government strategy for climate and nature. Currently, the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill looks to the deer sector to make changes to deer management to enhance biodiversity and store carbon through peatland and native woodland restoration. It is in everyone’s interest to maintain workable relationships across the deer sector so that management can function effectively in our upland landscapes.”
“I am glad to say that there have been real signs of progress at a policy and advocacy level, with work undertaken by Scottish Environment LINK, the Association of Deer Management Groups, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association and Scottish Venison in discussing changes to deer policy with ministers and members of the two relevant parliamentary committees. That joint advocacy was based on discussions that were held by the Common Ground Forum on difficult subjects—it is important to think about those difficult subjects—such as the changes that were proposed at that time to the close season for female deer.”
“A recent independent evaluation of the process, which was undertaken for a PhD by Callum Leavey-Wilson, has provided a candid report on progress to date and highlighted where relationships might still need to be addressed a wee bit. I first became aware of the forum when Tim Eagle, who I see is in the chamber, sponsored a lunchtime event in the Parliament last year; I must say that I came away from that event enthused and dismayed in equal measure. I was blown away by the approach that was being undertaken, but dismayed that there were not more MSPs in attendance. However, those of us who were there assured the forum’s members that we valued the work that they were undertaking, and that we were keen to find ways to engage further to hear their take on proposed legislative changes affecting deer management.”
“So far, 148 individuals and 42 organisations have signed up to the common ground accord, which sets out principles for respectful and constructive dialogue. That is a key factor in the forum’s success. Capacity building has also been a key strand of the forum’s work, and 27 change makers have been trained in understanding conflict and how to manage it. Deer management group chairs have also gathered twice to discuss handling conflict in their role, with further day-long gatherings scheduled. That approach has been transformative, and we can see real signs of progress at policy and advocacy level, with stakeholders who hold different perspectives and objectives coming together to develop and propose joint messages and solutions on shared interests such as venison, deer welfare and funding models.”
“It is not about being an arbitrator—it is more about being a facilitator and helping the group to find their common denominators, thereby creating a collegiate voice that can be amplified. That is hugely important in dealing with complex legislation and consultations, and it enables the group to present to ministers and committees a common purpose and ask. More than 250 stalkers from different backgrounds across Scotland have directly engaged with the process to discuss the future of deer management, and to make their voices heard in Parliament to help shape the future. Through a series of workshops and events, the forum has engaged with more than 500 people from across the deer sector and related community and land management interests.”
“The forum’s focus is now on embedding its approach to bring about more positive relationships for the long term—a process which will, it is hoped, make the forum obsolete in three to five years’ time. Those who are involved have seen how the forum can contribute to a vision of a greener, healthier and economically vibrant future for deer management. The forum takes no side in the debate about deer and avoids attempting to assess disputes from above or outside. Instead, the sole focus is on enabling the stakeholders themselves to own and transform their relationships with others, so as to build self- sustaining solutions. That is key to how such forums operate effectively.”
“For decades, different objectives for landholdings have created tensions, in particular—and acutely—between sporting and conservation interests. In many instances, unfortunately, that has resulted in broken relationships and conflict. However, I am pleased to say that the Common Ground Forum is tackling the issue head-on. Over those initial few days, while most of us felt that resolving the deer management conflict was a long shot, a wee germ of hope that it just might work started to be felt across the board. Confidence has visibly grown in the years since, with clear signs of progress among those who have engaged in the forum’s work as word about it has spread.”
“After tentative discussions, it grew and more parties become involved, and a total of 50 protagonists—sceptical, but curious—from all sides of the deer sector gathered together for a two-day event that was facilitated by civic mediators, the Centre for Good Relations. I welcome Abdul Rahim, one of the centre’s mediators, to the public gallery this evening. A wide range of stakeholders attended the event, including traditional deer managers, environmental non-governmental organisations from Scottish Environment LINK, forestry interests, community groups and academics, plus staff from NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland and the Scottish Government. Deer management in Scotland relies on collaboration between land managers across landscapes that are diverse and often expansive.”
“I thank colleagues from across the chamber who signed my motion, enabling us to debate and celebrate the award-winning work of the Common Ground Forum, which has been instrumental in giving a collective voice to the deer management sector. That innovative approach has effectively managed conflict and traditionally difficult relationships in order to bring together key stakeholders, including land managers, conservationists and practitioners, to build consensus, and common understanding and purpose, where possible, with the ultimate aim of promoting a more collaborative approach to upland deer management. Let me tell members— that has been no mean feat. The Common Ground Forum was born out of an approach that was made by the Association of Deer Management Groups to the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest in late 2020.”
“I ask those concerned to bear with the corporate body until we are able to do a full consultation. We aim to balance fairly and with justice and sensitivity the rights of all users of this”
“I know that the guidance will have been drawn together with a desire to comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling and with the best of intentions, but it has created a degree of segregation that we have not experienced under the Equality Act 2010. How does the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body intend to resolve a situation in which trans and non-binary people are reporting that they feel excluded from their nation’s Parliament? Christine Grahame: When I refer to complaining, that goes for complainers of all characteristics. There is nothing in the interim stance that will take away from the rights of anybody entering this Parliament. We await the full guidance from the ECHR on what can and cannot be done. This is simply the interim stance.”
“I will allow a few moments for members on the front benches to get organised for the next item of business. Committee Effectiveness Inquiry”
“Shirley-Anne Somerville: Elena Whitham gives me the opportunity to put on record my thanks to all those in the third sector who provide that type of support. As we work through this housing emergency, it is important to work together—the third sector is an important part of that. Elena Whitham also mentioned tackling the issue through housing supply and support. That talks to the work that we are doing around the prevention of homelessness, the provision of more homes and the better use of the homes that we have built. I give her the reassurance that I recognise the role of the third sector in providing those services and I thank the sector very much for the work that it does for some of the most vulnerable in our society, every day of the year. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the ministerial statement.”
“Homelessness is a terrible symptom of the housing emergency, which is actually a people emergency. People who have grown up in poverty, who have already experienced severe disadvantage and discrimination, are the most impacted. I have heard directly from women who have experienced violence in hotel accommodation, including sexual assault. That is trauma upon trauma. The lack of housing supply is directly causing people to be homeless. Given the seriousness of the situation, will the Scottish Government commit to doing everything that it can to foster innovation and to increase the resources available for both housing supply and support to sustain tenancies, while also supporting our third sector partners to play the huge role that they can play to deliver housing first?”
“The situation is especially urgent given the number of individuals with such meters who are already in poverty and are dealing with unrelenting fuel poverty. I hope that members in the chamber can unite today to send a clear message that the situation cannot be allowed to spiral any further. Action is urgently needed to protect our constituents and give them the peace of mind that they deserve. 18:14”
“I welcome the Acting Minister for Climate Action’s comment that “the Scottish Government is doing everything it can, within our limited devolved powers, to mitigate the impact.” Ultimately, however, this is a reserved issue, so the United Kingdom Government must take responsibility and control and step up to the plate to ensure that no one is negatively impacted by the change. I also agree with Beatrice Wishart that local resilience partnerships should be preparing themselves for what might happen come the shut- off. Households across the country are already struggling financially with the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty, so this really is the last thing that they need to be dealing with right now.”
“As we have heard today, stories like that are repeating themselves across the country, with members of the public doing their best to prepare themselves but experiencing constant pushback that is outwith their control. Suppliers and consumers are now facing a ticking time bomb ahead of an ever-nearing cut-off date. Unfortunately, I and many of the people from whom I have heard have no confidence that the change will go smoothly. Beatrice Wishart referred to the situation as a “shambles”, and it absolutely is. It is completely unacceptable, and the UK Government and Ofgem must take action immediately. The switch-off date needs to be postponed, or there needs to be an assurance that anyone who is financially impacted will receive full compensation.”
“For example, in some cases, engineers have arrived to discover that the existing set-up has too many cables for them to be able to complete the swap-out. That seems to be a common denominator in people’s experiences— there are too many cables in the old meters. If there is no fix, either the couple will have no electricity or hot water come the switch-off or they will be forced to pay a higher rate as the meter defaults to that rate without any applicable discounts. Conversely, as we heard from Ms Wishart, the heating might be stuck on, with no respite for the household from continual heat. Even if the couple are able to have their meter replaced, Scottish Power is unable to assure them that they will stay on their current tariff. That goes against Ofgem’s pledge that “no customer should be worse off” as a result of the change.”