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…”
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“They have an older- style meter, which uses RTS, to supply their heating, electricity and hot water. They were contacted by Scottish Power last August to inform them that they were eligible for a smart meter. They diligently booked their appointment, but it was cancelled by the engineers at the last minute, as it was decided that their meter would not be compatible for replacement. They tried again; another appointment was booked, and there was another cancellation. Then, there was absolute radio silence, with no updates and no solutions, which led to my office becoming involved. An appointment to replace the couple’s meter has now been set for June—which is really close to the switch-off date—but, understandably, they are very worried about whether that will finally resolve the situation, given the complexities that so many have faced.”
“I thank Beatrice Wishart for bringing this important and urgent debate to the chamber, and I fully support her motion. The RTS switch-off is of great concern to people across the UK, but the impact is particularly acute for those in rural communities, such as in my Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley constituency, where many homes are off the mains gas grid and there remain many socially rented homes with electric heating tied to this antiquated technology. As Scotland has nearly 135,000 RTS meters, we are set to be the hardest hit by the change by population share. We know from the briefing that was provided by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations that it is very concerned for its tenants, who are disproportionately impacted. I will share with members the experience of one couple who contacted me.”
“We are almost tripling our capital funding for offshore wind to £150 million in 2025-26. The expansion of offshore wind represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will create thousands of high-quality jobs and increase the supply of clean electricity to the whole of Scotland and beyond. The associated jobs will drive growth, foster innovation and generate wealth. Over time, the amount of electricity that we produce should bring down the cost of electricity for households. That is why we are also targeting funding for colleges to teach people the skills that are required by establishing an offshore wind skills programme, which will help to create region- specific training hubs for offshore wind skills, including in Ms Whitham’s constituency.”
“Can the cabinet secretary outline what steps the Scottish Government is taking to support investment in renewables, particularly through the 2025-26 Scottish budget? How is that investment expected to help to grow and develop that vital sector across Scotland, especially given how well placed we are as a nation to harness our renewables potential? Gillian Martin: Elena Whitham mentioned the Scottish budget. We are investing up to £500 million over five years to support market certainty, to create a highly productive and competitive offshore wind economy, and to support thousands of jobs while embedding innovation and boosting skills. Our investment is expected to leverage additional private investment of £1.5 billion in the infrastructure and manufacturing facilities that are critical to growing the offshore wind sector.”
“I hear constantly that this is the most powerful devolved Parliament in the world, but the Quebec province that I used to live in has more powers than this place does. We in Scotland are not afterthoughts. Scotland has a voice, and today we must use ours here to amplify it. 16:02”
“For our young people in particular, the loss of the Erasmus programme and the barriers to cultural and educational exchange are a wound that must be healed. We owe them better—we owe them the world. I will be absolutely clear: it is not only the content of the UK Government’s approach that is unacceptable but the manner of that approach. The fact that the UK Government has not shared any draft summit text with the Scottish Government or any of the other devolved Administrations is an insult to the principles of devolution and democracy. It treats the Parliament and, by extension, the people whom we represent as afterthoughts. We have unique issues surrounding depopulation and skills in Scotland. We should have the same powers over migration visas that a Canadian province has.”
“Today, we must call on the UK Government to pursue a bold veterinary and food and drink agreement that can remove burdens from our farmers and producers, restore some measures of frictionless trade and bring immediate benefits to both sides of the channel. We must collectively call for closer energy and climate co-operation. We are in a climate and biodiversity emergency. Scotland is rich in renewable energy potential, and the climate crisis knows no borders. By aligning with EU standards and collaborating on innovation, research and resilience, we can deliver a greener and fairer future for us all. We must call for greater freedom of movement, because people are not commodities. Our ability to live, work, study and love across Europe enriched our society and expanded our horizons.”
“It is time—indeed, it is past time—for the UK Government to drop its red lines. If it will not revisit its decision for the sake of principle, I ask it to do so for the sake of people: for the small business in Ayrshire that used to export cheese to France with ease but now faces paperwork delays and lost markets; for the nurse from Spain who used to work in our national health service but no longer feels welcome; and for the young person in Cumnock or Catrine who dreamed of studying or working in Europe but now faces borders, both literal and bureaucratic. At the upcoming UK-EU summit, the UK Government has a rare opportunity—a chance to turn the page and to begin to rebuild trust and co- operation. I welcome all of that. However, that process must start with ambition.”
“Our creative industries, health system and universities have all been harmed by the red lines of past and present UK Governments—red lines that have become shackles. The refusal to even entertain access to the single market, the rejection of the customs union and the ideological opposition to freedom of movement were not inevitable choices; they were political choices that were made without the meaningful involvement of Scotland’s people or our Parliament. That continues to happen, and my colleague Emma Roddick highlighted how our Labour colleagues are just not able to challenge that. When UK ministers speak of social care workers as being “unskilled”, it makes my hackles rise. Being a patient, caring, kind, compassionate and dedicated care worker takes great skill, and we should all do well to remember that.”
“It was about standing shoulder to shoulder with our neighbours to face the challenges of our age: climate change, social inequality, global health crises and conflict. At a time when we see war once again raging in Europe, we should be doing everything in our power to reignite that solidarity. We will not do that by tinkering about the edges, and I do not believe that it should be contingent on access to our fishing waters. Brexit has not delivered the sunlit uplands that we were promised—far from it. It has delivered uncertainty for our businesses, anxiety for our young people and barriers for our farmers, our fishers and the food and drink sector, which is one of Scotland’s greatest economic assets.”
“To my deep shame, and it should be to all our deep shame, we now find ourselves in an island of strangers and a Farage- esque, inward-looking, little Britain nightmare. I find it deeply frustrating and very distasteful that, as economic migrants to Canada, when I was six, my family were known as expats, as if we were something exceptional, which I think had a lot to do with the colour of our skin. I do not for one moment believe that the people of Scotland truly want us to accept that there is no way back for us to become part of the EU—not just to rebuild what we had but to rediscover who we are. They do not recognise the politics of Westminster any more. The EU was never just about trade or tariffs. It was about solidarity and shared values.”
“I speak today not just as a member of the Scottish Parliament and an unapologetic European but as someone who knows deeply and personally the cost of disconnection— disconnection from community and kin, from opportunity, from progress and from partnership. That is the true cost that Scotland is paying as a result of Brexit—a Brexit that we did not collectively vote for, that was imposed on us and that continues to inflict damage on our communities and economy. At one point, not that long ago, the Parliament agreed—let me be clear: it was a deeply held belief for most members across the chamber—that the best relationship that Scotland and, indeed, the entire UK could have with the European Union was to be a full member.”
“I believe that those conversations and access to alternatives are absolutely fundamental. I strongly support the need for the effective partnership working that Elena Whitham refers to across all relevant sectors, whether that be health or education, to optimise the outcomes of secure care placements and, as I said, to ensure access to appropriate alternatives. It is an area that we are considering as part of that work, and I will be more than happy to provide a further update on that as it continues.”
“I once supported young people with experience of secure care, and I understand just how vital early access to support is. Children in secure care often require multiple services, such as mental health support, education and vocational training, among others. Will the minister outline how the Scottish Government will work to foster greater collaboration between health services, local authorities, education providers and, importantly, the third sector to ensure that the wider support needs of these young people are met with a person-centred approach? Natalie Don-Innes: Absolutely. Again, that needs to be considered in our response to “Reimagining Secure Care” and in our prioritisation of a preventative approach. As I said in my previous statement, I do not necessarily always agree that secure care is the appropriate place for a child.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what further action it can take in the current parliamentary session to tackle abuse against women and girls. (S6O-04652)”
“Offering 40 per cent relief to mainland hospitality premises that are liable for the basic property rate ensures that the vast majority of hospitality premises on the mainland will be able to benefit and will continue to offer a platform for gigs. Historic Environment Scotland 4.”
“Support for emerging Scottish talent is key to a thriving music industry. Can the cabinet secretary say more about how the Scottish Government is supporting grass-roots music venues to ensure that up-and-coming artists have a platform to perform on? I fondly remember, way back in the 1990s, watching Biffy Clyro play in the teeny, tiny, tottie-wee Kay Park tavern in Kilmarnock. Such platforms are essential to a thriving sector. Angus Robertson: The Scottish Government understands the pressures that many businesses continue to experience. Although substantial financial pressures persist, the budget this year means that more than 90 per cent of hospitality premises are liable for the basic property rate.”
“People will continue to make choices like the one made by my mum. She deserved better and we deserve better. Let us vote for this bill at stage 1 to continue the conversation. 16:40”
“She woke up very briefly on the morning she passed away, when she was not sedated quickly enough. None of us will ever forget the terror on her face when she realised that she was not dead after being unconscious for three days. My mum deserved to be able to plan a compassionate death, surrounded by her family, not one that she had to conduct in secret, with us finding out only when a caring nurse explained what she had been enduring prior to lapsing into unconsciousness. She was really clever and she hid all the water that she was not drinking, putting tissues in the cup so that we did not know. No one should be forced to starve themselves, travel overseas or use other traumatic methods to end their life when dealing with a terminal diagnosis. Voting today to keep the status quo is an act that is not without consequence.”
“I think that she knew that we were not ready to let her go, and she wanted to protect us from her decision. However, her mind was made up in her usual headstrong manner, and she had the agreement of her medical team that she could choose to die that way. It is currently the only way in which the medical establishment will allow a death when you have a terminal illness. I cannot even fathom the internal conflict that she must have experienced as she was consumed first by hunger and then by the urgent need to drink. It took two weeks for her to starve to death. She went from feeding a virtual army at Christmas time, seemingly hale and hearty, to being dead and weighing next to nothing on 23 March 2014. Make no mistake, she was vulnerable. Terminally ill folk are among our most vulnerable and our weakest people under current laws.”
“My mum was told that she had terminal stage 4 lung cancer in February 2014 and she was dead five short weeks later. As an aside, I note that she was really angry that she never got to vote in the independence referendum. I had not even processed the fact that she was ill by the time we were ordering her wicker casket. She was only 58. She had so much to live for, yet her final decision on this earth was to starve herself in order to hasten her inevitable death. We had three weeks while they tried radiation to shrink the tumours that were robbing her of oxygen, to no avail. Every single moment was spent just trying to breathe—trying to get enough air into her diseased lungs to allay her all-encompassing terror. It was awful. My mum did not tell us what she was doing.”
“She was honoured in death by having the boys from Biffy Clyro at her funeral. She was funny, sarcastic, passionate and complicated. Her name was Irene, but behind her back we sometimes called her “irate” or “I scream”. She made the best damn food you could ever eat. She spent too many nights in the company of Mr Smirnoff with her beloved menthol cigarettes, while reading a literal library’s worth of books. She was a tigress when it came to fighting for what was right. From my teenage years, I was under no illusion about the fact that she believed that we all deserve the right to leave this world with compassion and dignity should we find ourselves dealing with a terminal illness. She was emphatic that she did not ever want to suffer, and she believed that no one should be denied the choice of an assisted death.”
“I am also speaking on behalf of my family in what I feel is the final act that I can carry out on behalf of my late mum, Irene McLeod. A five-minute speech does not feel long enough to do her justice, nor does it feel long enough for me to say all that I want to say as a humanist about bodily autonomy and choice. I respectfully ask my colleagues to refrain from intervening on me during this speech, which feels so personal and so important. I am not sure that I will get through it all without some tears. My mum was all sorts of awesome. She was a teenage mum. She devoted her life to her kids, her husband, her friends and her family, and to social justice. She loved music and swore blind that Bon Scott was the best AC/DC singer and that Van Halen ceased to exist when David Lee Roth left the band.”
“As a member of the committee that scrutinised the bill at stage 1, I put on record my thanks to my colleagues for their diligence, to the clerks and SPICe for their immense support, and to all who contributed via our call for views and through our evidence sessions. There are passionate views on the subject of assisted dying, and I believe that our report reflected that while demonstrating committee scrutiny at its best. I also thank Liam McArthur for introducing the bill and for the way in which he has conducted himself. I am speaking in the debate as an individual MSP, but I am also representing the majority of my constituents, who support in principle a terminally ill, mentally competent individual’s right to choose an assisted death.”
“I am thinking of the fire service, the home guard, which Elena Whitham touched on, those who worked so hard in our shipyards, the munitions factories, and, of course, the land army. They are great examples of that contribution.”
“It is a compliment to the sense of purpose that they returned with and, as I said, to their camaraderie that they placed such importance on maintaining their connection for decades afterwards. I want to focus briefly on some of the elements of the second world war that are all too often overlooked. We all recognise that the role of the merchant navy has often been overlooked when we reflect on the second world war. Members of the merchant navy showed incredible bravery and resilience in transporting vital supplies through the Arctic convoys to mainland Europe and beyond, despite the threat of U-boat attacks. It would also be utterly remiss of us not to note the many other civilian contributions to the war effort.”
“It is only now, at a time when PTSD is far better recognised, that we can perhaps reflect that the impact of the second world war on those who served was felt way into the future. In doing that, our admiration for the resilience of that generation is surely only enhanced. My grandfather, Major James McIntosh, formed the 5th and 7th Gordon Highlanders old comrades association when he returned to civilian life. His commitment to and passion for the task of maintaining the connection with the men he served with was something to behold. Behind that and the amazing camaraderie of the members, there was the deep sadness of loss, reflected in the fact that the 5th and 7th battalions of the Gordons were merged due to the losses that each had suffered during the war—there were so few of them left that they could not maintain two battalions.”
“Much is rightly made of the impact of the pandemic on young people, but often the most elderly in our communities were the most isolated. The wartime generation pointed the way for us when it came to being resilient in the face of that challenge. On the subject of showing resilience and coping with adversity, it would be remiss of us all not to reflect on the legacy issues of war, which have been carried for years by those who witnessed combat horrors and atrocities during the second world war. Combatants returned in their hundreds of thousands to their civilian lives after the second world war, and many carried some quite awful, unimaginable memories with them. Post-traumatic stress disorder was barely acknowledged back then, and our understanding of its impact was negligible.”
“Does he agree that once young people learn the history, as has been the experience of my children and now my grandchildren, they will have an awakened appreciation of the value of freedom, the price of freedom and what it takes to stay free? Graeme Dey: I agree with that. I note the contribution to keeping tradition and history alive of the poppy bud, which travels Scotland under the guidance of Poppyscotland. It certainly brings to life, particularly for young children, what actually happened, which is incredibly important. The resilience that I talked about a moment ago during that time came to the fore once more during the pandemic, when those who were young children back in the early 1940s coped, as they did, with the social isolation that was required for society to respond to Covid-19.”
“The people of Clydebank showed incredible bravery and commitment in rebuilding their community and their lives under such terrible circumstances. In the face of devastation, they pulled together and worked continuously for three days to rescue trapped victims and minimise losses. Paul O’Kane was right to remind us of the sacrifice of Clydebank. Stephen Kerr: I am grateful to the minister for giving way, because he is making a very impressive speech. Does he agree that today’s anniversary, and nearly all the contributions in the debate, highlight the importance of history and the teaching of history, and that we, as a Parliament, should commit to continuing the teaching of the subject of the second world war in our schools?”
“We should never forget the suffering of families who were left behind at home, facing the future uncertain of what would become of their loved ones, or the sad cases of those who did not come home. Suffering never truly ended for widows, friends and other family members, as the First Minister eloquently reminded us. Nor should we forget those who lost their lives or homes during bombing attacks, such as the 1,200 people who were killed during the Clydebank blitz, which left only seven properties undamaged of the 12,000 or so in the town at the time. More than 35,000 people were left homeless, and many families were devastated by loss and injury. It was the worst destruction and civilian loss of life in Scotland in the entire second world war.”
“It is important that we recognise people such as my grandfather, who, due to being in a reserved occupation as a dairyman, was part of the home guard, and my gran, who fibbed about her age and left the Calton in Glasgow to come down to Ayrshire with the land army, and who received a medal in recognition of her service only in 2008. Does the minister agree that it is important that we remember them? Graeme Dey: I intend to come to that issue at the end of my contribution. It is important that, when we reflect on the countless sacrifices made during the conflict, we do not overlook the contributions made by civilians here and elsewhere or the broader impact that the war had on them.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle any racism in Scotland’s housing and homelessness systems. (S6O-04634)”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the measures that it is taking to support households to reduce emissions and energy costs. (S6O-04602)”
“We need that knowledge to be as well understood and widely known as breast self- examination is for women—that is something that is hammered home to us at a very early age. We need young men to be leaving education with an understanding of why it is important that they give themselves a check. Today, we have heard a positive message for men, overall. Testicular cancer is rare in Scotland and it is also easy to diagnose and treat. However, that is the case only if we get the right message out there and get men to talk, take responsibility for their health and get on the phone to their GP if they need to. They must just forget about the embarrassment. There are prosthetics and all sorts of things out there. Men do not need to worry about having one ball—they can have two at the end of this anyway. 17:41”
“He wants all other men to set aside their blushes and encourage each other to check themselves. That just might save someone’s life. Cahonas Scotland has launched a new campaign called “Check Your Balls for LIFE” to mark testicular cancer awareness month. LIFE stands for lumps, irregularities, firmness and enlargement. The good news is that most of those symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is important for men who encounter them to keep calm and contact their GP to double check. I am eager to hear from the minister about what steps the Scottish Government has taken or could take to spread awareness and educate men further about testicular cancer and how to check for it, especially young men, as we know that most cases of testicular cancer affect those aged 15 to 45.”
“Therefore, I will repeat the symptoms, just to really hammer the message home. Men should be aware of a lump or swelling, heaviness and discomfort or pain. Like others who have spoken today, I encourage all men listening to this debate to head to the Cahonas Scotland website and sign up for its monthly self-check reminder, which will ensure that they get a text once a month to remind them to give themselves a quick examination, using the handy guide that can be found on the website. A quick check after a bath or shower is the best plan and is something that all men should work into their schedules. That is also the call of Capital Radio presenter Chris Stark, who, as Paul Sweeney just mentioned, recently announced that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but that, thankfully, it was caught early and he is now effectively cured.”
“It should not be that way, and that is why I applaud the efforts of Cahonas Scotland, which is working hard to raise awareness about testicular cancer and to encourage men to be aware of the symptoms and see their GP if they notice any changes. Its brilliant, stigma-busting “Check yer bawballs” Christmas campaign, which has been mentioned several times already, has been supported by famous figures such as Ayrshire’s footballer Billy Gilmour, who have helped to send the message that, once in a while, preferably monthly, men need to check their testicles. As we have heard today, if testicular cancer is detected early, there is a 95 per cent cure rate, and survival rates have risen every year since the 1970s. However, it can be detected early only if men know what to look out for and are proactive.”
“I thank my colleague Marie McNair for bringing this important debate to the chamber on a topic that many still find difficult to talk about. This might be a bit of a stereotype, but I think that it is one that definitely holds some truth: men are notorious for ignoring their own health. It is interesting to note that, today, we have a woman helping to get the conversation going in Parliament to mark testicular cancer awareness month. Many of us with men in our lives will be all too familiar with the battle of encouraging them to see their GP when they finally disclose to us that they have noticed a change that needs to be checked out. That can be about any part of the body but, when it comes to what is between their legs, the embarrassment factor is ramped up, meaning that changes are not discussed or explored in a timeous manner.”
“There has been heavy private investment there to ensure that low-carbon and “factory of the future” standards are met while the necessary diversification and evolution takes place in Scotland’s rapidly growing aerospace sector. Global aviation companies can see what Prestwick offers not only in manufacturing but in maintenance, overhaul and repair operations. We need to see that, too. There must be a rebalancing of the UK’s economy if Scotland’s extraordinary economic potential is to be met. I urge both Governments to put Ayrshire firmly on their maps and at the forefront of their minds. 15:31”
“Thank goodness for that, as it is home to more than half of Scotland’s aerospace workforce. In excess of 3,000 highly skilled employees are located in the cluster, and there is a pressing need for many more. The aerospace campus has long- established and strong links with academia, and some of the UK’s leading aerospace-related training courses are delivered close by. It is also important to recognise the role that Ayrshire College plays in supporting and developing that strategically important workforce. Those jobs are extremely well paid and, in turn, can help to stabilise local populations and stop outward migration. Both Governments must urgently realise the enormous potential for Ayrshire to become one of Europe’s leading centres of aerospace activity, in a location that is perfectly placed and strategically connected.”
“In my constituency, I have innovative go-getters such as the Emergency One Group in Cumnock, which is a world-leading provider of innovative firefighting technology solutions, with customers right around the globe. It was the creator of the first all-electric fire appliance, which is an absolute sight to behold. It continues to nurture and develop the local workforce, helping to keep folk local. Global wood panel expert Egger is massively expanding its operations in Auchinleck to include a lamination line, ensuring that the work stays local. Every time that I have an employment fair, there is a massive queue at its stall, because it has a much-sought-after apprenticeship scheme— which, again, nurtures local talent. As other members have mentioned, the Scottish Government stepped in to save Prestwick airport.”
“Recently, the Ayrshire growth deal, with more than £250 million of public money investment promised, signalled to the region that all three local authorities and both Governments were committed to waking the giant from its slumber. The deal is also expected to secure a further £300 million of private sector investment for the area. Covid has played a role in stalling some of the projects, and we have seen the vision being redeveloped over the past couple of years. It is crucial that we pull out all the stops so that Ayrshire can realise its potential and we bring a halt to the depopulation that always accompanies deindustrialisation.”
“Westminster has repeatedly failed to equitably spread opportunities for investment, employment and prosperity across the United Kingdom, and the UK Government must urgently develop a collaborative industrial strategy for the whole of the UK and recognise all that Scotland has to offer. Many here today will speak about Grangemouth and project willow, or the north-east and Acorn. I will spend the small amount of time that I have left speaking about the sleeping giant that is Ayrshire, where my Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency is. Ayrshire has long been recognised the world over for producing the very best engineers, who have innovated and pushed the envelope—my own father being one of them. However, sadly, due to the economic downturn in 1980, he took his family and his skills to Canada.”
“Support in the UK for business cannot stop at the border. There is no denying that Scotland has the potential to lead in high-growth industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing, net zero industries, life sciences, innovation and artificial intelligence. On the world stage, it is recognised that there can be no better investment than an investment in Scottish innovation, because we have the talent, skills and resources in abundance to be a major player in the energy transition and secure a prosperous and sustainable future. However, it is abundantly clear that we need co- operation between all spheres of government in the UK to realise the potential that we have in spades.”
“Regardless of political persuasion, all of us in this place recognise the huge potential in Scotland and see that we often punch above our weight when it comes to innovation and securing inward investment. A record number of foreign direct investment projects were secured in 2023 in Scotland, the only part of the UK to see growth for five consecutive years, taking it to its highest level in a decade. Scotland is the top destination in the UK, outside London, for foreign direct investment, according to EY’s latest attractiveness survey. Scotland’s economy grew by 67 per cent in real terms between 1990 and 2022, at the same time as we cut our greenhouse gas emissions in half, which shows that tackling climate change and growing a thriving green economy go hand in hand. Scotland is open for business.”
“My thoughts are also with the workers and the wider Grangemouth community today. It would be remiss of me, as a Canadian citizen, not to use this opportunity to congratulate Mark Carney on becoming Canada’s new Prime Minister last night, on a platform that was defined by one simple but effective statement: “Canada strong”. In the face of hugely turbulent economic times, with the threat of a tariff war between the United States and Canada dominating over the past few months, that message united the majority of Canadians who—to quote a much-loved and much-used Canadian hockey term—put their elbows up to defend and promote team Canada. We must do the same here today.”
“What happens when Scottish children grow up seeing fewer characters who sound like them, in streets that look like theirs? This is not just about nostalgia; it is about representation, employment and respect. The BBC’s decision also smacks of snobbery and classism, which we must call out. It says, “Let us support London’s east end but not Glasgow’s Shieldinch.” I urge the BBC and its decision makers to reconsider that choice. If “River City” is struggling, they should support it, revamp it and reinvest in it, not erase it. When we cut off the stories of a nation, we cut off its voice. In doing so, we risk dimming the light of Scottish culture at its source. Let us not allow that to happen. The BBC must think again. 12:58”
“The show employs a huge range of professionals—not just actors and writers, but camera crews, set designers, costume departments, make-up artists and countless others who are often invisible to the audience. It offers consistent employment in an industry where work is often unpredictable. Its filming, which is based in Dumbarton, helps to support local businesses, fosters creative talent and provides a pipeline for young Scots entering the media industry. Cancelling the show risks creating a cultural vacuum and an economic one, too. We talk about levelling up and decentralising opportunity, but how can we do that if we are cutting off the very platforms that nurture regional talent? What happens when aspiring Scottish writers see fewer avenues to tell their stories? What happens when actors must leave Scotland to find work?”
“Unlike shows set in London or Manchester, “River City” is not filtered through a distant lens; it is authentically Scottish. It showcases our accents, idioms, social issues and humour, all within the familiar setting of fictional Shieldinch. It reflects Scotland as we see it, and not as others imagine us to be. Cancelling “River City” sends worrying messages that regional voices do not matter, that Scottish stories do not sell and that, unless we are based in the media hubs of London, our voices are disposable. “River City” is not just a cultural icon; it is a crucial pillar of Scotland’s creative economy, and offers a pathway and a scaffolding for talent and creativity.”