Alison Johnstone
No Party Affiliation · Scotland
“We will use the same voting procedure as before. Members voted by secret ballot. The Presiding Officer: Voting in this round of the Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the counting of votes. Again, candidates may also observe the count.”
“I now invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.”
“The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is resumed. I have received four valid nominations for the position of Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominations and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to the chamber.”
“Ballot papers should be marked with an X before being folded and then placed in one of the ballot boxes provided at the rear of the chamber. At the end of each voting period, I shall invite any scrutineers that have been nominated by each candidate to monitor the counting of votes at the back of the chamber, which is where clerks will emp…”
“Members should remain in their seats until I invite them to collect their ballot paper from clerks at the back of the chamber. Members with surnames beginning with the letters A to F should collect their ballot papers from the desk on my left at the back of the chamber—the clerks there have their hands up.”
“15:29 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before. Members voted by secret ballot. The Presiding Officer: Voting in the third round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed.”
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“I welcome the suggestions of practical ways in which we can help to protect that important species and improve our biodiversity. As I said, we were not able to support the introduction of section 33B at stage 2, due to some procedural and technical concerns, but Mark Ruskell and I have collaborated since December to address those issues and amend section 33B, meaning that the provision is now better aligned with the purpose, role and established conventions of the building standards system in Scotland.”
“I call the cabinet secretary, Gillian Martin, to speak to amendment 45 and other amendments in the group. Gillian Martin: I will begin by talking about amendment 141, in the name of Mark Ruskell. I fully support his intention to help address the decline in swift numbers and I am pleased to be able to support that amendment. It was good to hear that so many people have been convinced of the need to do that. We had a slight disagreement about some technical issues at stage 2 and I am glad that we have been able to iron those out. That iconic species was once a common sight across Scotland, particularly in our urban areas, but, as Mark Ruskell mentioned, swifts are now under threat and have declined by more than 60 per cent since 1995, which has led to them being on the red list of birds about which there is a conservation concern.”
“Amendment 22, in the name of Beatrice Wishart, is grouped with amendments 23, 63, 46, 47, 24, 64 to 67, 25 to 27 and 68 to 70.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, Scottish Parliament bill 59A—the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes if there is a division. The period of voting for the division will be 30 seconds. Members who wish to speak in the debate on an amendment should press their request-to-speak button or enter RTS in the chat function as soon as an amendment is called. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments. Section 1—Targets for improving biodiversity The Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on targets for improving biodiversity.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, during stage 3 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, debate on groups of amendments shall, subject to Rule 9.8.4A, be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated, those time limits being calculated from when the stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when a meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress: Groups 1 to 3: 1 hour 25 minutes Groups 4 to 5: 2 hours 55 minutes Groups 6 to 8: 5 hours Groups 9 to 11: 7 hours 15 minutes Groups 12 to 15: 8 hours 50 minutes Groups 16 to 19: 9 hours 50 minutes—[Graeme Dey] 14:27”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20557, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a timetable for stage 3 consideration of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. Any member who wishes to speak should press their request-to-speak button now.”
“Topical Question Time 14:03 Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Independent Audit) 1.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20568, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to the business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for— (a) Tuesday 27 January 2026— delete 9.00 pm Decision Time and insert 10.00 pm Decision Time (b) Wednesday 28 January 2026— after followed by Motion on Legislative Consent: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill – UK Legislation insert followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delete 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business and insert 9.30 pm Decision Time (c) Thursday 29 January 2026— delete 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills and insert 2.15 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.15 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills after followed by Stage 1 Debate: Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill insert followed by Scottish Government Debate: Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (Fruit and Vegetables) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] delete 5.00 pm Decision Time and insert 5.25 pm Decision Time.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to.”
“We hope that the people who heard our speech on remembrance evening, and everyone here today, will play their part in educating future generations, to safeguard the memory of the Holocaust, prevent such actions from ever being repeated and stand up to antisemitism and hate wherever and whenever we see it. Thank you so much to the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP and the Scottish Parliament for inviting us here today to share our experience and reflections. [Applause.] The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Emily. Thank you, Julian. Business Motion 14:03”
“We stood at a site of the Holocaust, saw victims’ personal belongings, baby items, clothes and human hair that was inhumanely taken, sparking a feeling that cannot be replicated in a classroom via a textbook. That is why, on our return, it was important for us to share our project at our school’s remembrance evening, speaking in front of parents and senior students. It was important to us that we spoke about Jewish life before the war and specifically about the individuals behind the statistics, as that is what needs to be remembered. Both Emily and I believe that it is our responsibility as ambassadors to support and guide younger pupils.”
“I believe that lack of learning causes lack of understanding. Through the project, we were fortunate to learn from the individual stories of victims and survivors, and that is something that will always stay with me. One such story is that of Holocaust survivor Janine Webber BEM. During her testimony, Janine shared that she had to live in a hole in the ground to ensure her safety. She was there for a year, with little to no room to move and no daylight. Janine’s story really resonated with me. I felt so emotional—I could not fathom the fear that she must have felt. Her bravery and determination were admirable, especially as she was only nine years old. Julian Staniszewski (Holocaust Educational Trust): By taking part in the project, we have had a different experience to most who learn about the Holocaust.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leaders are Emily Stephen and Julian Staniszewski, who are Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors. Emily Stephen (Holocaust Educational Trust): My name is Emily Stephen and this is Julian Staniszewski, and we are ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust. Last November, we took part in the trust’s lessons from Auschwitz project as students from Alva academy in Clackmannanshire. As part of the project, we heard from Holocaust survivor Janine Webber BEM, took part in a one-day visit to former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz- Birkenau, and, on our return, shared what we learned with our school and community. Learning about the Holocaust is important to me, because it is a piece of history that should never be forgotten.”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20414, in the name of Sarah Boyack, on the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill at stage 1, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 16:53 Meeting suspended. 16:57 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: Before we move to the vote, Craig Hoy has a point of order.”
“I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 11.2.4 of standing orders, that decision time be brought forward to now. I invite the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans to move the motion. Motion moved, That, under Rule 11.2.4, Decision Time be brought forward to 4.53 pm.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Decision Time 16:53”
“The Presiding Officer: Mr Ross, you have not yet made it clear what your point of order is. You will have one further opportunity and then you will resume your seat—one, brief, further opportunity. Douglas Ross: I am grateful, Presiding Officer. All I am seeking now is clarity. Given your statement on Tuesday that there would be further opportunities this week that have not materialised, how will you view the same question being submitted next week, so that we can finally get answers from ministers? The Presiding Officer: I am simply not going to discuss what questions may be put next week. We will continue with our business. Motion without Notice 16:52”
“The Presiding Officer: No, Mr Ross, I ask you to sit down and to remember that, only yesterday, I asked you to reflect on your actions. Well—I am going to call matters to a halt here in relation to this and suggest that, perhaps, you take a little more time to reflect. I do not feel that you have had that opportunity adequately yet. We now move on to the next item of business— Douglas Ross: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer: Mr Ross, we have heard enough for now and we are carrying on. Douglas Ross: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer: We are carrying on with our business. Mr Ross, you can either leave this here— Douglas Ross: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Is my point of order being refused?”
“Even the intention to do so being confirmed in advance does not mean that the request-to-speak button is not required to be pressed. Obviously, the chair at the time will be considering a variety of factors in relation to who they are able to call, not least of which is the length of the session. I point the member to the fact that an opportunity is not the same as a guarantee. Where there are opportunities, the chair will always strive—I will always strive—to include as many members as possible. However, I cannot guarantee, Mr Ross, that it will always be possible to prioritise your question in any one week over that of any other member. We will move on at this point, Mr Ross. Further to that point of order— Douglas Ross: On a point of order, Presiding Officer.”
“The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Ross. Douglas Ross: —and this is an issue that must be addressed by this Parliament, so when will we be able to do so? The Presiding Officer: Thank you very much. I am not wholly clear that we ever got to what the point of order was, Mr Ross. You have had considerable time to put your point. I appreciate that the member considers that it is an urgent matter. The member will also understand and appreciate that the chair is required to be fair to all members in the chamber. Today, and throughout this week, I have selected many matters that other members also consider to be urgent and pressing. The member will also note that pressing the request-to-speak button does not guarantee that they will be called.”
“Douglas Ross: First of all, I am asking whether you were correct in what you said on Tuesday, which was that there would be other opportunities to raise the matter this week, when those opportunities have now been missed— The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Ross— Douglas Ross: —and why— The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Ross. Douglas Ross: If I can finish— The Presiding Officer: I am still not clear that you are addressing a particular procedure. Douglas Ross: The procedure is this: did you incorrectly state to Parliament that there would be opportunities this week that have now not materialised, and why have we sat as a Parliament for many hours over three days and not a single minister has been able to answer a single question, because no one has been able to put questions on such an important issue?”
“Yes, that can often happen in the chamber, but please continue, Mr Ross. Douglas Ross: I am grateful for that, Presiding Officer. You have rejected three urgent questions, and you have not selected the question, despite having advance notice, at First Minister’s questions. We have now sat for many hours over— The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Ross. I will address the points that you have made. Douglas Ross: Could I finish my point of order, Presiding Officer? The Presiding Officer: Please finish briefly, Mr Ross. Douglas Ross: I appreciate the opportunity to at least finish my point of order. Given that we have sat for— The Presiding Officer: Please identify the relevant procedure that you have an issue with.”
“I ask members who have not been invited to speak to refrain from doing so. International Development Fund (Budget 2026-27) 5.”
“1) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that Rhoda Grant be appointed to replace Paul O’Kane as a member of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Bridges”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20487, in the name of Kenneth Gibson, on behalf of the Finance and Public Administration Committee, on the Scottish budget 2026-27, be agreed to. Motion agreed to, That the Parliament notes the pre-budget scrutiny undertaken by the Finance and Public Administration Committee, and other parliamentary committees. The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on three Parliamentary Bureau motions. No member objects, so the question is, that motions S6M-20499 and S6M-20500, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M-20501, on committee membership, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No.”
“I have regularly taken more topical questions than the slot might allow with ease, stretching that slot to the maximum; I have worked throughout this session to enable more members to put questions to the First Minister. I will continue to take those actions. In my role, I am responsible for balancing the interests of all 128 members across the chamber and for managing parliamentary time effectively, according to our standing orders. In doing so, I act impartially and take account of the interests of all members equally. I ask Mr Ross to reflect on the comments that he made. Decision Time 17:16”
“I wish to address issues that Mr Douglas Ross, MSP, raised in proceedings earlier. Notwithstanding Mr Ross’s disappointment at my decision regarding a question, standing orders require that all members in the Parliament respect the authority of the chair. Mr Ross’s discourteous comments fell short of that requirement, which is a discourtesy to the Parliament and to the chair. I have an unprecedented record of selecting urgent questions regularly and often, requiring Scottish ministers to account for their actions in the chamber. I always act to ensure that as many members as possible have opportunities to scrutinise the Scottish Government and raise matters that they think are important.”
“The next item of business is consideration of three Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-20499 and S6M-20500, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M- 20501, on committee membership. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 1) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that Rhoda Grant be appointed to replace Paul O’Kane as a member of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.— [Graeme Dey]. The Presiding Officer: The questions on the motions will be put at decision time. Presiding Officer’s Response 17:14”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20498, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a business programme. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees— (a) the following programme of business— Tuesday 27 January 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 9.00 pm Decision Time Wednesday 28 January 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business; Justice and Home Affairs followed by Scottish Labour Party Business followed by Motion on Legislative Consent: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill – UK Legislation followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.30 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 29 January 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Education and Skills followed by Stage 1 Debate: Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Tuesday 3 February 2026 2.00 pm Time for Reflection followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions followed by Stage 1 Debate: Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill followed by Committee Announcements followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Wednesday 4 February 2026 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Deputy First Minister Responsibilities, Economy and Gaelic; Finance and Local Government followed by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Business followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.10 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business Thursday 5 February 2026 11.40 am Parliamentary Bureau Motions 11.40 am General Questions 12.00 pm First Minister’s Questions followed by Members’ Business 2.00 pm Parliamentary Bureau Motions 2.00 pm Portfolio Questions: Climate Action and Energy, and Transport followed by Stage 1 Debate: Ecocide (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 1 Debate: Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill followed by Business Motions followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions 5.00 pm Decision Time (b) that, for the purposes of Portfolio Questions in the week beginning 26 January 2026, in rule 13.7.3, after the word “except” the words “to the extent to which the Presiding Officer considers that the questions are on the same or similar subject matter or” are inserted.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to.”
“I have received no such request at this time. Any member may, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer, make a personal statement to a meeting of the Parliament. Any member who wishes to do so would notify the Presiding Officer of their desire. If the Presiding Officer were to decide that a personal statement may be made, the Parliamentary Bureau would be notified and would include notice of the statement in any business programme. A personal statement would not generally be debated. Certainly, whoever is in the chair as Presiding Officer would consider any such request. Business Motion 17:14”
“There are two questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20484, in the name of Ben Macpherson, on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As it is on a motion to pass the bill, the question must be decided by division. I ask members—who have been voting all afternoon—to refresh their screens. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“The next item of business is consideration of Parliamentary Bureau motion S6M-20496, on committee meeting times. I ask Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move the motion. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, under Rule 12.3.3B of Standing Orders, the Economy and Fair Work Committee can meet, if necessary, at the same time as a meeting of the Parliament during Members’ Business on Wednesday 21 January 2026.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. Decision Time 21:05”
“The whole point of us, as a Parliament, is to hold the executive to account and, to be frank, to keep a check on what it is putting in a bill. I understand the point that Paul O’Kane makes about the difference between policy and putting things in law, or trying to legislate for policy. However, I am afraid that not putting such basic things in the bill leaves the door wide open for the maximum amount of flexibility, which we do not necessarily want to see when there are certain aspects of the bill that we know are unsatisfactory. I will, therefore, press my amendment 39 and move my other amendments in the group. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 39 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“Perhaps, after the debate, he will take me aside and tutor me on that—in fact, I see that he is indicating that he may write to me. I do not know what the 2010 act has to do with my amendment 41. I get that it relates to the issues that Pam Duncan-Glancy raised about disability, but I am talking about the unemployed and people who are seeking a career change midway through their working life. I am talking about people who are in danger of labour market exclusion. I genuinely worry that, in the new set- up, consideration of those groups of people will be very low down on the agenda. Paul O’Kane suggested to me that I have a low level of trust in Government. Guess what? Yes, I do: I really do not trust Government.”
“There are roles, positions and opportunities for training out there that would give people the leg-up in life that they need, but they are not being taken because of the way in which we have chosen to organise apprenticeships. When Miles Briggs gets up to speak shortly about the apprenticeship levy funding, I do not know whether he plans to make comparisons with other countries, including England and Germany, but we must learn from those countries about how they are making apprenticeships really matter for the people who undertake them. It is not just young people—again, Daniel Johnson highlighted that point in his intervention on the minister, and I completely agree with it. 17:15 I really do not understand the minister’s reference, in response to my intervention, to the Equality Act 2010.”
“I know that a pile of people with a pile of expertise and understanding will go from one Scottish Government body to another, but I am concerned about the tight financial frameworks in which the Scottish Funding Council has been operating for some time. We have had well- rehearsed arguments in the chamber about the state of Scotland’s universities and their financial precariousness. We have had long debates about Scottish colleges and the 20 per cent reduction in funding that has occurred just within the sixth session of this Parliament. My concern is about putting apprenticeships into that context. We know that there is unmet demand for apprentices. Thousands of apprenticeship roles are being unfilled as a result of the current system.”
“I call Stephen Kerr to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 39. Stephen Kerr: The minister and I know each other quite well, so he knows how important it is for me personally—and, I hope, for all of us—that, when we pass legislation in this Parliament, we do so not on a performative basis but with some change or outcome in mind. That outcome should be a betterment, not a worsening. That is the motivation behind my amendments. Daniel Johnson’s intervention was timely and pertinent. I am concerned about what the bill does, because it is basically a bureaucratic shift from Skills Development Scotland to the Scottish Funding Council.”
“Amendment 10, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendment 74.”
“The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members fshould have the bill as amended at stage 2—that is, Scottish Parliament bill 57A—the marshalled list and the groupings of amendments. The division bell will sound and proceedings will be suspended for around five minutes if there is a division. The period of voting for the division will be 30 seconds. Members who wish to speak in the debate on an amendment should press their request-to-speak button or enter RTS in the chat function as soon as an amendment is called. Members should now refer to the marshalled list of amendments. Before section 1 The Presiding Officer: Group 1 is on a national funding strategy.”
“Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees that, during stage 3 of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, debate on groups of amendments shall, subject to Rule 9.8.4A, be brought to a conclusion by the time limits indicated, those time limits being calculated from when the stage begins and excluding any periods when other business is under consideration or when a meeting of the Parliament is suspended or otherwise not in progress: Groups 1 to 3: 1 hour Groups 4 to 7: 1 hour 45 minutes Groups 8 and 9: 3 hours Groups 10 to 12: 4 hours 10 minutes Groups 13 to 15: 5 hours 25 minutes.—[Graeme Dey] Motion agreed to. Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 14:39”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20486, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, setting out a timetable for stage 3 consideration of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.”
“Thank you, Mr Ross, and I appreciate advance notice of your intention to raise the matter. I am not minded today to accept a motion without notice. I think that my determination to ensure that all members have an opportunity to scrutinise the Government fully and regularly, whether that be through urgent questions or the selection of other questions, is very clear to the Parliament. I remind Mr Ross of the other opportunities that exist, and which are available to him this week. Business Motion 14:38”
“Please answer in relation to the substantive question. Neil Gray: The issue at hand regarding the hospital’s inquiry is not an issue of procedure, and there are clear rules around ministerial comment or ministers seeking to undermine or in any way influence a public inquiry. I hope that Mr Kerr understands that. However, in general, I note that Mr Kerr and I have corresponded on the matter regularly. I have set out very clearly my expectation of the national health service’s culture, speak-up culture and attention to patient safety to ensure that, when people—whether they are staff, patients or anyone else—come forward with concerns or complaints, they are treated seriously, the concerns or complaints are dealt with timeously and effectively and patient safety always comes first. United States Tariffs 2.”
“The next item of business is consideration of business motion S6M-20495, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on changes to business. Any member who wishes to speak to the motion should press their request-to-speak button now. Motion moved, That the Parliament agrees to the following revisions to the programme of business for— (a) Tuesday 20 January 2026— delete 9.00 pm Decision Time followed by Members’ Business and insert 9.05 pm Decision Time (b) Thursday 22 January 2026— after 5.00 pm Decision Time insert followed by Members’ Business—[Graeme Dey]. 14:05”
“Together—as Scots, as a woodland of good will across the glens of the world and as voices in the parliament of humanity—wherever our branches stretch and thistles intertwine, that patch of earth is stronger, wiser and more peaceful. Leaving a bothy cleaner than when it was found is more than etiquette; it is dùthchas—respect for the soul of our heritage. So, with all our shine, let us be mindful stewards of our gift of time, for auld lang syne. The Presiding Officer: Thank you. Business Motion 14:05”
“After his passing, Coretta Scott King lived those words—walking forward in faith, carrying the dream through loss. We need one another to rise, to nurture the lilac heather that graces each of our souls. At the gem of Ellisland farm, near Dumfries, Robert Burns composed the classic “Auld Lang Syne”. However, let us also remember Jean Armour Burns, who was steadfast and encouraging. A simple “well done” from Jean was a cup of kindness and validation that carried Rabbie onward. Embrace the stanza of seasons. Carry your silver and gold—the sheen of your innate worth— and the purpose that calls each of us through the firth and onward to the call of the sea.”
“As Michael Lloyd, the silversmith behind the extraordinary mace before us, said, “Things that are made with passion and love are special”, and so are you—full of lustre. Like the shining mace of silver, banded with gold, the human soul is, after all, delicate and deserving of the polish of tenderness. Ecclesiastes tells us: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Seasons cross fields of thorns. A pilgrimage to growth carries us through moors of skelping wind and rain, but that journey is never—never—walked alone. Along the way, we rediscover the resilient magic within us: the rowan tree-like spirit. “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” said Dr Martin Luther King Jr, whose birthday we honour this week.”
“Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our time for reflection leader is Ian Houston, GlobalScot, writer and trustee at the Robert Burns Ellisland farm and museum. Ian Houston: Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament, staff, family and friends, sometimes we find ourselves at the firth, where rivers meet the sea, standing at a threshold beneath the starry skies. I hope that each person listening, wherever they may be, hears this today: you matter and are of profound worth. You glisten like the River Clyde on a crisp winter morning, shimmer like the spring dew upon the Shenandoah valley, hold the elegance of a San Francisco fog in summer and glow with the hues of a Highland forest in autumn—luminous in every place.”
“There are three questions to be put as a result of today’s business. The first question is, that motion S6M-20390, in the name of Richard Lochhead, on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, be agreed to. As it is a motion to pass a bill, the question must be decided by division. There will be a short suspension to allow members to access the digital voting system. 17:14 Meeting suspended. 17:16 On resuming— The Presiding Officer: We come to the vote on motion S6M-20390, in the name of Richard Lochhead, on the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill at stage 3. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 11.2.4 of standing orders, that decision time be brought forward to now. I invite the Minister for Parliamentary Business to move such a motion.”
“The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-20373, in the name of Martin Whitfield, on behalf of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, on standing order rule changes—lodging deadlines for public bills. 17:09”
“Presiding Officer, can you outline how members can ensure the accuracy of our output, both inside and outside the chamber? Will Mr Sarwar take this opportunity to put his full apology to Claire Fleming on the parliamentary record? The Presiding Officer: As I indicated, that is not a matter for the chair, but, of course, members should strive to be accurate always. The next item of business is a members’ business debate, and there will now be a short suspension to allow those leaving the public gallery and the chamber to do so. 12:51 Meeting suspended. 12:52 On resuming— Scottish Fire and Rescue Service”