Liam McArthur
Scottish Liberal Democrats · Scotland
“I associate myself very much with the comments and requests of Kristopher Leask. This weekend sees the second Water Sound bluegrass festival take place in Burray, in my Orkney constituency. I therefore ask the cabinet secretary to offer congratulations to the organisers, Pete and Gail McAndrew, for getting the festival up and running.”
“I think that he said that it is taking place this weekend, in which case I hope that the weather holds up, as that could add something very special to a bluegrass festival.”
“I, too, thank the cabinet secretary for early sight of her statement, which obviously comes on the back of eye-watering rises in business rates earlier this year.”
“I have a constituent who, for the past nine years, has desperately sought treatment for swelling on his legs and groin that has progressively worsened and is now profoundly incapacitating. Having sought treatment in Scotland, it is clear that that is not available.”
“Jenny Gilruth: The Liberal Democrats engaged with us throughout the budget process last year and they were able to extract a number of things from the Government. I hope that other Opposition parties will learn from their good behaviour.”
“There are strengths in the current system but I accept that there are inherent challenges in relation to the issues presented by revaluation, for example, and the wider challenges that businesses are facing.”
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“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic importance of festivals to local communities. (S6O-04743)”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament understands that prostitution is recognised by the Scottish Government as a form of violence against women; considers that, despite the Scottish Government’s commitment to deterring demand for prostitution, it is currently legal to perpetrate this form of violence against women in Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands region; further considers that Scotland is an attractive destination for sex traffickers due to pimping websites and paying for sex being legal; notes the findings of the report, International Insights: How Scotland can learn from international efforts to combat commercial sexual exploitation, which was published by the survivor-led campaign, A Model For Scotland; further notes the support for its conclusion that outlawing pimping websites and paying for sex, and decriminalising victims, is critical to reducing the demand that drives commercial sexual exploitation; understands that the right has been secured to introduce the proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill; believes that the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls recommends that states adopt the prostitution law reforms advocated by the campaign, A Model For Scotland, and contained in the proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to outlaw pimping websites and paying for sex, and to decriminalise and support victims of sexual exploitation.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17004, in the name of Rhoda Grant, on combating commercial sexual exploitation. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17733, in the name of Jackson Carlaw, on behalf of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, on “A blueprint for participation—embedding deliberative democracy in the work of the Scottish Parliament”. Members who wish to participate in the debate should press their request-to-speak buttons. I call Jackson Carlaw to speak to and move the motion. 14:50”
“Not least, he has mentioned our involvement in the skills passport, the aim of which is to be a free-to-use tool, which addresses his point about the need to ensure accessibility. The Scottish Government has previously provided £3.7 million of funding from the just transition fund to support industry-led development of an energy skills passport—as the member is right to mention. We will continue to work with the UK Government and industry to develop that.”
“I thank the minister for early sight of his statement, which pointed to a number of areas where action and direction from the UK Government are required— and that is not unreasonable, not least in relation to the decision on the Acorn project. However, he will be aware of the action and direction that are needed from the Scottish Government as well. In that context, and in relation to the offshore energy skills passport, the project needs to be industry led, but there are concerns around the exorbitant retraining costs. What steps is the minister taking to engage with the sector to ensure that the funding that is available is directed to where it is most needed? Alasdair Allan: The member is right to point to the areas that are within our responsibility, which we take seriously.”
“The next item of business is a statement by Ivan McKee on responding to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the public sector across Scotland. The minister will take questions at the end of his statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 15:56”
“The next item of business is a statement by Neil Gray on NHS Grampian. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of his statement. Therefore, there should be no interventions or interruptions. 15:27”
“Thank you for that point of order, Mr Smyth. The Presiding Officer has made clear her expectations on what good practice looks like, as regards the Government keeping Parliament informed about statements. I note that the cabinet secretary will have heard what you said. She might wish to reflect on that when she responds to members’ questions in due course. I will take some time to reflect on whether I, or the Presiding Officer, can add anything to what I have just said. However, I welcome the fact that the point of order is now on the record. We now come to the statement by Mairi Gougeon on the Galloway and Ayrshire national park proposal. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so there should be no interventions or interruptions. 14:56”
“Good afternoon, colleagues. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time. On this occasion, the portfolio is social justice. I make the usual request that members who wish to ask a supplementary press their request-to-speak buttons during the relevant question. Question 1 has not been lodged. Transgender People (Support) 2.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide in Srebrenica in which 8,372 innocent civilians were murdered by Bosnian Serb forces; remembers the victims who suffered violence, torture and brutality in what it believes to be the single largest act of ethnic cleansing in Europe since the Second World War; understands that 54 individuals have been prosecuted to date for their role in the massacre but considers that many more were involved in creating the culture and environment, which led to the genocide in Srebrenica, through their use of hate speech, oppression, discrimination and propaganda against the Bosnian Muslim population; praises the work of Mothers of Srebrenica, which, it understands, engaged in protests and other acts of public defiance to demand that the mass graves be found and the victims identified; believes that, to date, more than 7,000 of the reported missing from Srebrenica have been accounted for and buried in marked graves; commends the work of Beyond Srebrenica, whose efforts through its programme, Lessons of Srebrenica, challenge hate and intolerance using the lessons learned from the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, ensuring that they are better understood and prevented in the future; considers that genocide, recognised as an international crime usually carried out during war, is complex to stop and notes the belief that all world leaders must pledge to eradicate it, but that individuals can challenge hate and intolerance, which it considers are the root causes of many conflicts, and reflects on the atrocities of the Srebrenica genocide 30 years on.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17419, in the name of Michelle Thomson, on 30 years on from the Bosnian genocide in Srebrenica. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament understands that over 900,000 adults in Scotland live with age-related hearing loss; believes that uncorrected hearing loss can have a significant impact on people, notably social isolation, mental ill health and a heightened risk of developing dementia; understands that demand for hearing care services is increasing across the country, including in Ayrshire, as a result of changing demographics; notes that the number of over 60s in Scotland is projected to increase by 50% by 2033, and that South Ayrshire is the fastest ageing local authority area; notes the view that additional capacity in NHS services is needed to ensure that people presenting with hearing loss can access quality and timely care; considers that independent providers of audiology services have the skills, IT connectivity and capacity to meet the increased demand; notes the Scottish Government’s commitment to bolster community audiology provision and put community audiology services on a par with the country’s free community eye care services, and further notes the view that there is an opportunity to improve dramatically access to hearing care services by replicating this model.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16452, in the name of Sharon Dowey, on improving access to hearing care for Scotland’s ageing population. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17670, in the name of Alex Cole- Hamilton, on addressing the inadequate provision for neurodevelopmental conditions. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I advise members that there is very little time in hand. 16:00”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17669, in the name of Willie Rennie, on a new plan for Scotland’s teaching workforce. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons now or as soon as possible. I advise members that there is very little time in hand. 14:50”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio question time. The first portfolio is rural affairs, land reform and islands. I advise members that there is a lot of interest in supplementary questions. I will try to get in as many as possible, but questions and responses will need to be brief. Muirburn Licensing 1.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament recognises the recent Nature of Scotland Award for Innovation to the Common Ground Forum for its work addressing challenging conflicts and relationships in the deer management sector; welcomes that the forum has brought together stakeholders, including land managers and conservationists, to build consensus and common understanding; notes what it sees as the importance of effective deer management, both in achieving nature restoration and the viability of rural businesses in many parts of the country, including in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, and notes the view that all sides of the deer sector should continue to embed the Common Ground Forum’s approach. 17:28”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-16194, in the name of Elena Whitham, on the Common Ground Forum on deer. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I invite those members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Elena Whitham.”
“There are four questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that amendment S6M-17648.3, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, which seeks to amend motion S6M-17648, in the name of Gillian Martin, on growing community-owned energy in Scotland, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:13 Meeting suspended. 17:17 On resuming— The Deputy Presiding Officer: We come to the division on amendment S6M-17648.3, in the name of Douglas Lumsden, which seeks to amend motion S6M-17648, in the name of Gillian Martin, on growing community-owned energy in Scotland. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17648, in the name of Gillian Martin, on growing community-owned energy in Scotland. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons. I note that a number of members who had indicated that they wished to speak in the debate are not in the chamber, which is more than disappointing. 14:20”
“As cabinet secretary, I have had the privilege of visiting many schools across the country, and I am always really impressed by the young people whom I meet. Although I do not deny the challenges that we face with relationships and behaviour, particularly post-Covid, I have always been clear that we should not demonise our young people, who need our support.”
“Please always speak through the chair. Bill Kidd: Sorry, Presiding Officer. Jenny Gilruth: I agree with the member’s point. I thank our young people, who have had an extremely challenging few years due to their education being disrupted by the pandemic, which has had an impact on our schools. As Mr Dey said in response to a previous question, we need to remember that, just like adults, the vast majority of our young people behave well and are a credit to their schools and society, so they should not be tarnished due to the behaviour of a minority. That is confirmed by our behaviour in Scottish schools research, which found that most staff said that children were well behaved “most or all” of the time.”
“It is with hope that I say that, as long as you, the leaders of this land, continue to uphold justice, you need not fear anything. You have every reason to hope for God’s aid, victory and blessing. May Scotland continue to be a beacon of dignity, fairness and hope, and may each of us carry forward this duty with humility, courage, sincerity and grace. Topical Question Time 14:04 Youth Work (Investment) 1.”
“Let this moment be a witness that within this heart of mine rests a prayer, a sincere hope and good wishes for all gathered here and for the nation that we share. May it flourish in justice, peace and goodness. We are one humanity, joined not only by proximity or law, but by shared values, common concerns and our yearning to live with meaning and purpose. The second concept is justice. My theology says: “Indeed, God commands you to uphold justice and excellence.” My theology teaches me this principle: that divine support—victory, protection and blessing—is granted to the just, regardless of their creed. That is what I believe. Justice is not the exclusive claim of one religion or community; it is the divine measure by which all communities are assessed.”
“As a black African Muslim, Gambian-born, London-raised and Saudi- educated Swedish national who calls Scotland home, I see in this land something that is profoundly hopeful: its breathtaking beauty, the warmth of its people and its courageous civic spirit that opens participation to all. Here in Scotland, I serve as an imam, yet I also work in film and television, and I have worked in the museum sector and in the creative industries. I have seen that one’s identity does not need to be boxed in. We all have the capacity to contribute meaningfully. From my Islamic tradition, two concepts speak clearly to this moment. The first is sincerity. The Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, said, “Ad-deenu an-naseehah,” which means “Religion is sincere counsel.” True faith calls us to be sincere in our advice, especially to those in leadership.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our leader today is Imam Dr Yahya Barry of the Shah Jalal mosque. Dr Yahya Barry (Shah Jalal Mosque): Deputy Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament and dear people of Scotland, we are living in a time of polarisation and division. Among the greatest risks that we face as a society are misinformation, disinformation and the loss of trust in one another. There is also fear—the fear of getting it wrong. However, our moral compass— our inner voice of right and wrong—remains as clear as it was in our childhood innocence. We were born into a world full of trials, but also full of potential—the potential to rise, to reconcile and to renew.”
“The next item of business is a debate on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee on the committee effectiveness inquiry. I invite members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons. I call Martin Whitfield to speak on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. 15:02”
“As the cabinet secretary has alluded to, in the recent budget—and thanks to the Scottish Liberal Democrats—additional funding was put in place to support the pathway towards procurement of new ferries. However, in the isles that rely on those lifeline routes there is growing frustration at the lack of a timetable for the replacement process to get under way. Will the cabinet secretary advise when the task force is next due to meet? Will she give an indication of the likely timeframe for that process? Fiona Hyslop: As I outlined, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government chairs that task force, and I am not a member of it. However, I will ask for the information that Mr McArthur requires to be relayed to him in written form. Parking and Road Safety (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park) 8.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament welcomes the return of the Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July 2025; recognises that the event, which will see over 50 tall ships and over 1,500 international crew arriving in the harbour in the Aberdeen Central constituency, sees the ships coming back to the Granite City for the first time in 28 years, and will be the largest fleet of the 2025 races; understands that there will be a plethora of entertainment for visitors and residents alike to partake in while the ships are berthed in Aberdeen, including public access to the ships themselves, parades, cultural events, open-air concerts, headlined by Deacon Blue, Kaiser Chiefs, Ministry of Sound Classical, Tide Lines and Callum Bowie, and much more; believes that this has the potential to be the biggest event in Aberdeen in a generation, with the opportunity to create a lasting legacy in the city, and hopes that it is a tremendous success that brings a lot of joy and excitement to all those who join in with the festivities.”
“The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17330, in the name of Kevin Stewart, on Aberdeen welcoming the tall ships races. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I call Jackie Dunbar to open the debate on behalf of Kevin Stewart.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament notes reports of the concerning rise of gambling addiction in Scotland, including in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency; believes that gambling can have adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society, such as loss of employment, debt and a deterioration of physical and mental health, and that this can lead to increased risk of suicide among individuals affected by problem gambling; understands that approximately 1% of the adult population in Scotland, around 55,000 people, is estimated to be experiencing severe gambling problems, with a further 3.8% at risk of developing gambling-related issues, according to the Scottish Health Survey 2020; further understands that gambling-related crime, often driven by financial desperation, poses a threat to public safety and community wellbeing, with GamCare’s annual statistics report suggesting that more than 50% of individuals seeking help for gambling addiction also reported committing criminal acts to fund gambling activities; considers gambling addiction to be a significant public health issue and notes the view that it requires sustained policy intervention; believes with concern that there is an unprecedented variety of gambling apps, websites, online games, lotteries and social media platforms; notes with further concern marketing campaigns that promote gambling, despite the reported myriad public health concerns, and commends organisations, such as GamCare and the John Hartson Foundation, for their commitment and dedication to reducing the harm of problem gambling.”
“The final item of business this evening is a members’ business debate on motion S6M- 17172, in the name of Clare Adamson, on the harm of gambling addiction. The debate will be concluded without any questions being put. I invite members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-17598, in the name of Mairi Gougeon, on empowering Scotland’s island communities. I encourage members who wish to participate in the debate to press their request-to- speak buttons now or as soon as possible. 15:17”
“The cabinet secretary will now take questions on the issues that were raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business. Members wishing to ask a question should press their request-to-speak button.”
“Motion debated, That the Parliament is concerned that the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), used by energy suppliers for some electricity meters, particularly in island and rural areas, to control heating and hot water systems, is set to end on 30 June 2025, with tens of thousands of customers across Scotland reportedly expected to be impacted as they are yet to have their RTS meter exchanged; understands that, in areas such as the Highlands and Islands region and other parts of rural Scotland, many households are still waiting for a meter exchange and that, as of the end of April 2025, Shetland still had 4,490 meters to be exchanged ahead of the deadline; further understands that energy companies are not replacing meters at the pace required before the deadline; considers that large areas of Scotland face technical issues with connecting smart meters and a lack of engineers; notes the view that functioning heating and hot water systems are fundamental to an adequate standard of living and that changes to metering technology should not leave households, particularly those in island and rural communities, financially worse off than they are on their current tariff, or facing the possibility of losing heating and hot water after the switch-off of the RTS signal; further notes the calls on local resilience partnerships to ready themselves for the potential adverse outcomes of the RTS switch-off, which may include thousands of homes being left without heating and hot water, and notes the calls to plug the gaps in smart meter coverage to ensure that rural areas are not disadvantaged due to their poor connectivity.”
“The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-17484, in the name of Beatrice Wishart, on the radio teleswitch service switch-off. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I encourage members who wish to participate to press their request-to-speak buttons now or as soon as possible, and I call Beatrice Wishart to open the debate.”
“I will get back to members on the specific point in relation to amendment 42. I ask members to support the motion in my name and to agree to the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate on the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. Motion Without Notice 17:57”
“It would be useful if she could put on the record her intention of how to deal with that, because there is a consequential lead-on from those amendments. Siobhian Brown: I thank Paul O’Kane for his question and for reminding me to get to that point, because I might have missed it. There are consequences to amendment 42 not being agreed to. There will be no right of appeal to the Court of Session for sole solicitors or a sole solicitor business against a direction given by the Law Society of Scotland under proposed section 46A(4)(b) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980, which would have been inserted by section 86B(3). Contrast that with the right of appeal for a legal business regarding a direction under new section 46A(4) of the 1980 act. Obviously, this has just happened, so I will have to take time to reflect.”
“Members have the opportunity today to vote on a bill that will reshape how legal services are delivered for, and experienced by, professionals and consumers alike. Our goal is clear: a legal services system that works for everyone. I therefore ask members to support the motion in my name and to pass the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. Paul O’Kane: I am aware that the minister is in her peroration, but I am keen to get some clarity on the issue of amendments that we debated, particularly those around safeguarding. She knows the significant issue that the Law Society of Scotland pointed to and which I raised in relation to matters such as conveyancing and there not being sufficient time to be able to finalise a house sale. Obviously, the Parliament agreed to amendments 34 and 38 but disagreed to amendment 42.”
“It is disappointing that the Scottish Conservatives do not appear to have a clear understanding of the history of all the work that has gone into the bill or of the asks of consumers or the legal profession. That is very sad. I will reflect on a few other contributions. The lead committee recognised the differing views of the legal profession and consumer groups on the question of regulatory reform, as well as the fact that there is broad support for the improvements that will be introduced by the bill. As members will note, I have sought to work in a collaborative way with members and stakeholders, considering their concerns and making concessions where I consider that it is sensible. I believe that the bill provides balance and delivers key priorities to stakeholders.”
“Over the course of today’s debate we have heard a range of important contributions from members on this critical piece of proposed legislation, and I will take a moment to reflect on some of them. First, I thank Scottish Labour, the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Lib Dems for all their engagement and for backing the bill today. I have to say, however, that I am really disappointed in the Scottish Conservatives for not supporting the bill at stage 3, and I am confused by their stance. I think that consumer groups would be extremely concerned by Tess White stating that the independent regulator should be regulated by the head of the judiciary, the Lord President. For clarity, I note that Esther Roberton sought accountability outwith the judiciary.”
“The bill empowers the Lord President, bringing much- needed oversight, while ensuring that the legal profession in Scotland continues to uphold the high standards that it is known for. I acknowledge that the bill is not the end of the journey but rather the beginning of an on-going process of refinement and improvement. We have created a foundation for a regulatory framework that can adapt to future changes, and it will be vital that we remain open to further improvement as the legal landscape evolves, including during the implementation of the eventual act by secondary legislation. I am confident that, with this bill, we are setting Scotland’s legal services on a path to greater fairness, accessibility and accountability for years to come.”
“The bill is a significant step forward in ensuring that Scotland’s legal services are accessible, accountable and of the highest quality. The changes that we are debating today are about not just regulatory frameworks or the legal process, but the people of Scotland—the people who rely on legal services and the professionals who serve them. We are crafting a legal services system that is robust and also flexible, transparent and equipped to meet the needs of a modern society. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to introduce changes that will enhance transparency for consumers, enhance access to justice and create a framework that fosters both public confidence and professional respect.”
“The bill before us today better reflects the needs of a diverse and rapidly evolving legal services sector, and it builds much-needed transparency, accountability and protections into a system that must work to safeguard the interests of consumers. For that reason, Scottish Liberal Democrats will be voting in favour of the bill at decision time shortly. The Presiding Officer: I call on the minister to wind up the debate. You have a very generous four minutes, minister. 17:52 Siobhian Brown: I will take a moment to reflect on the importance of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill and the hard work that has gone into bringing it to this point, which includes engagement with members across the Parliament. I thank everybody, including the many members who have spoken today, for all their engagement.”
“However, referring to an observation that I made at stage 1, it has felt like the introduction of the bill was rather rushed, which is surprising, given how long the issues have been under consideration. However, the work that has been done at stage 2 and at stage 3 today has left us in a much better place. The eventual legislation will take important steps to improve a system that for too long has failed to meet the needs of consumers or even many of those working in the sector—a system that was outdated and overly complex and, as we have heard, that repeatedly failed the public, many of whom found themselves in vulnerable positions when seeking recourse in the face of misconduct or wrongdoing.”
“The amendments that Tess White successfully progressed today in relation to the 10-year review will serve us well; likewise, the amendments to toughen up the approach to unregulated legal services are a valuable addition to the bill. The steps that have been taken on the basis of Paul O’Kane’s amendments to improve transparency are also very welcome, and I know that they have been welcomed by the Law Society of Scotland. They go some way to restoring public confidence in the accountability within the relevant systems. As the minister suggested, this process was embarked upon back around 2010. There has been considerable effort, through the amending phases, to address concerns.”
“One area that prompted particular opposition and concern at the time was the inclusion of what felt like arbitrary and overreaching ministerial intervention in our legal services. It was regrettable that that pretty fundamental tenet of the legislation was left to amendment at stage 2. I acknowledge the point that Paul O’Kane made, very reasonably, that the minister inherited the situation, and I think that she has done a power of good work in seeking to address the issues with the co-operation of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. The bill that we are dealing with today is a very changed beast from the one that confronted us at stage 1. I commend the committee for its efforts, and the scrutiny of the bill has clearly been a collaborative endeavour.”
“I was a member of the Justice Committee when Esther Roberton published her review, which highlighted the lack of transparency, clarity and simplicity in the landscape of legal services regulation. Although the bill stops short of one of the review’s key recommendations for an entirely independent regulatory body, it nonetheless goes some way towards improving the accessibility and reliability of legal services, and it points to the issue of access to justice that Maggie Chapman raised. The task faced by the minister and the committee was to find an appropriate compromise that does not diminish the principle of an independent and vigorous system of regulation but ensures that we do not tie the hands of regulators and practitioners in maintaining a system that is workable and flexible—and it was no small task.”
“I noted the concerns that were expressed by Paul O’Kane earlier about the amount of time for which we have been considering the bill and debating it this afternoon. I observe that it is but a blink of the eye compared with where we found ourselves at the same time last week. I join other members in thanking the committee and the minister for their work on this piece of legislation. I took part in the stage 1 debate, and it is fair to say that we have come a fair way since then. The bill introduces many welcome reforms that are long overdue. The Law Society of Scotland fairly highlights that the legislation will act to modernise and reform regulatory systems, some of which have been in place for four decades or more.”