David Torrance
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“That brings me to Square Go Films, which is another brilliant example that comes from Fife. Square Go Films is a Kirkcaldy-based production company whose team has built a reputation through independent feature making, podcasting and a lively, community-driven presence in Scottish film culture.”
“In 2025 and 2026, the studio’s work was recognised by Rondo Hatton classic horror awards, which included special recognition for its contribution to independent horror. The Hex story is about as local as it gets.”
“With the B-team, a community-facing initiative around independent horror and direct-to-audience filmmaking, a production house, a training ground and a community built around classic cinema venues, Hex Studios has gained recognition for reviving Amicus Productions.”
“I thank Alyn Smith for securing this debate. The motion recognises something that is truly worth celebrating—Scotland’s screen sector is growing and it is doing so in places that we might not expect, such as Kirkcaldy and across Fife, where creative ambition, technical skill and local pride have been turned into real films, real jobs and…”
“Its founding team includes Lawrie Brewster and Sarah Daly, and the project was described at the time as not just a production space but a grass-roots movement with real creative intent. Hex’s story is a reminder that success in film, as in so many other areas of life, often begins with courage.”
“The motion recognises that Scotland’s screen sector is a living network of people and places, from national institutions such as Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland, to local offices and studios in Fife and individual makers with a vision and the determination to pursue it.”
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“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work carried out by the retail crime task force. (S7O-00073)”
“The motion recognises that Scotland’s screen sector is a living network of people and places, from national institutions such as Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland, to local offices and studios in Fife and individual makers with a vision and the determination to pursue it. Let us recognise and celebrate the film-makers and all those working behind the scenes who are helping to put Scotland firmly on the map. From the writers and directors to the crews, technicians, designers and the countless others whose work often goes unseen, it is their talent and determination that bring the stories of life and help to showcase Scotland to the world. 18:17”
“That brings me to Square Go Films, which is another brilliant example that comes from Fife. Square Go Films is a Kirkcaldy-based production company whose team has built a reputation through independent feature making, podcasting and a lively, community-driven presence in Scottish film culture. It is probably best known for “Dick Dynamite: 1944”. The team is well known in the Scottish indie scene. Would you believe it, Square Go took Fife to Cannes in 2025. It attended the Cannes festival, meeting sales distribution companies and promoting the company’s work. Last month, the team was back again, wearing kilts and turning heads on the red carpet. They met distributors and held talks with US-based Epic Pictures Group about the next instalment of the “Dick Dynamite” film series. I am sure that great things lie ahead for Square Go.”
“With the B-team, a community-facing initiative around independent horror and direct-to-audience filmmaking, a production house, a training ground and a community built around classic cinema venues, Hex Studios has gained recognition for reviving Amicus Productions. Scotland’s screen economy is about not only income and production but home-grown companies and ambitions, and about creating a place where ideas can be developed. Skilled people can stay here and the value can be retained here. That is exactly why investment in studio capacity and screen skills is so important. We should never concentrate on attracting the next big production from elsewhere; we must focus on ensuring that Scotland—including places such as Kirkcaldy—is the place where the next generation of screen businesses can grow.”
“In 2025 and 2026, the studio’s work was recognised by Rondo Hatton classic horror awards, which included special recognition for its contribution to independent horror. The Hex story is about as local as it gets. Lawrie Brewster has written about being brought up in Kirkcaldy and the influence of the town and the surrounding Fife communities on his imagination, and about how a working-class background did not prevent him from building a creative career. That is key, because the screen sector should never feel like it belongs only to the biggest cities or the biggest budgets. Fife has shown that imagination can come from anywhere and that local stories can travel to far-flung audiences. Then there is the British Horror Studio, which is an umbrella project that began with Hex Studios and Amicus Productions.”
“Its founding team includes Lawrie Brewster and Sarah Daly, and the project was described at the time as not just a production space but a grass-roots movement with real creative intent. Hex’s story is a reminder that success in film, as in so many other areas of life, often begins with courage. Its break-out feature, “Lord of Tears”, premiered at the Bram Stoker international film festival in 2013 and won the audience award, establishing Lawrie Brewster and Hex as a distinctive Scottish voice in modern indie horror. The film and the studio that followed helped to put Fife on the map in that genre of filmmaking, with the work continuing to attract attention from the wider horror community.”
“I thank Alyn Smith for securing this debate. The motion recognises something that is truly worth celebrating—Scotland’s screen sector is growing and it is doing so in places that we might not expect, such as Kirkcaldy and across Fife, where creative ambition, technical skill and local pride have been turned into real films, real jobs and real opportunities. Let us take Hex Studios as an example. Hex Media was formed in 2013 and officially established a dedicated studio division in late 2017. It is a dedicated horror studio based in a church, with green-screen facilities, sound recording space, and special effects and workshop capacity. It has a clear purpose to develop and produce horror and fantasy content, nurture emerging voices and provide a home for original storytelling.”
“I, David Herd Torrance, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me”
“More Homes Scotland (Affordable Housing and Homelessness) 6.”
“Màiri McAllan: At the end of my last answer, I noted the record funding that the Scottish Government is making available next year and in the coming four years for affordable homes. I do not want to see any underspends given that commitment. It is the responsibility of councils such as Fife Council to make the best and most effective use of their own housing resources, particularly when they have declared a housing emergency. I assure David Torrance that there will not be any underspend of the £39 million that the Scottish Government’s affordable homes supply programme is providing for Fife in 2025-26. In response to the question about the tenants in West Wemyss, I assure David Torrance that I continue to be briefed on the issue by Fife Council, and I am ready and poised to provide support when it is requested.”
“The Government has confirmed a record sum for our affordable homes supply programme for next year and over the coming four years, and that increased funding and certainty will help to deliver the affordable homes that Scotland needs. David Torrance: Given the sustained pressure on social housing waiting lists in the Kirkcaldy constituency, will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government can ensure that local authorities make full and effective use of the resources that are available to them, particularly in the light of Fife Council’s £9 million housing underspend in 2025, at a time when families in communities such as West Wemyss—who were recently served eviction notices by Torah Capital Limited—are desperate for affordable and secure homes?”
“To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in light of reports of increasing pressure on social housing waiting lists in the Kirkcaldy constituency, including how it plans to support local authorities and housing associations to expand the availability of affordable homes in the area. (S6O-05713) The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan): I regularly meet Fife Council, and we discuss the local housing emergency, affordable housing supply, temporary accommodation and homelessness pressures. One of the most impactful ways to reduce the pressure on waiting lists is to deliver more affordable homes. In the Kirkcaldy constituency area, 308 affordable homes have been completed in this parliamentary session, and further affordable homes are on the way.”
“I recognise the dedication of those who contributed to the report and who shared their knowledge and insight. Their work is a valuable contribution to Parliament, and this debate is an opportunity to affirm our shared commitment to adoptive families and adopted children across Scotland. I give my best wishes to the minister. Whatever her future holds, I wish her good luck. 19:19”
“Community-based support networks are a meaningful complement to formal services and they strengthen resilience across adoptive communities. Collaboration is a strength that will be central to progress in this area. Engagement with adoptive families, adopted people, practitioners and local authorities creates a pathway to shared understanding. Policy with professional knowledge and lived experience at its core is a source of strength. The partnership approach supports services that are responsive and effective. Adoption should bring stability, belonging and opportunity. Families across Scotland are providing loving homes and nurturing futures. A national strategy for adoption support is an opportunity to strengthen that work and ensure that services are consistent, accessible and informed by experience.”
“Specialist knowledge of trauma and attachment is a valuable element of effective support, and continued access to that expertise is beneficial for families throughout the life of a child. We must ensure that such specialist support is available to those who need it. Recommendations in the report provide a clear path forward: a national adoption practice model is a foundation for consistent standards; mandatory data collection is a tool for accountability; improved professional training is a pathway for better understanding; and minimum standards for preparation and support are elements that promote quality and trust throughout the system. Peer support is another important feature of effective adoptive services. Connections between families who share life experiences are a valuable source of reassurance and practical guidance.”
“Many children are placed for adoption at a young age, and their vulnerabilities often become more visible during adolescence and transition into adulthood. Those stages of life are periods of growth and change, and they are times when professional support is especially valuable. At present, support is often delivered by specialist adoption teams in the early years following placement and responsibility then moves to general children and family services. However, families benefit from services that are accessible and responsive at early stages of need. Trauma- informed services, respite care and intensive family support are practical resources that strengthen family relationships and support stability in the home throughout a child’s development.”
“That pattern creates different journeys for families, and a national framework is therefore an important step towards consistency. Consistency would be a great source of confidence for families, and it is also a foundation for long-term stability. The report also highlights the importance of reliable data. Creating a shared definition of adoption, disruption and breakdown is a practical starting point for the standardisation of data. Collecting such data is a viable tool for planning services and measuring outcomes. When information is clear and consistent, policy decisions are stronger and support systems are more responsive. One of the central messages of the report is that adoption and support are an on-going process.”
“Children who are adopted can often carry the effects of early adversity, trauma, abuse or neglect. Their experiences are part of their early lives, and their needs develop as they grow. Support is therefore an essential element of stability. The evidence presented in the report shows that many adoptive families are managing complex circumstances. As mentioned by my colleagues Fulton MacGregor and Roz McCall, the Adoption UK barometer indicates that “78% of adoptive families in Scotland face significant challenges, with 40% reporting severe difficulties”. Behind those figures are families who are providing care, security and opportunity for children who require constant support. Adoptive families across Scotland share many common experiences. Access to support is often shaped by local structures and available resources, rather than needs.”
“I begin by thanking Fulton MacGregor for bringing this important discussion on adoption support in Scotland to the chamber. This debate is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of adoptive families and to consider how our national system continues to grow and improve. I also wish to recognise the work of the cross-party group on social work, which authored the report. Its engagement with adoptive families, adopted people and practitioners is a foundation for discussion. The report provides a clear account of the current position of adoption support across Scotland and offers a practical framework for the future. Adoption is a lifelong journey. It is a commitment that begins with a placement and continues throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood.”
“I am sure that we all share deep concern regarding the on- going situation in West Wemyss and Denbeath. Can the cabinet secretary advise what engagement she and her officials have had with Fife Council to offer support and monitor any further developments? Màiri McAllan: I thank David Torrance for the question and for the time that he and those in his office took to meet me and explain some of the background and the available options as he saw them. As I said to Claire Baker, I am in discussions with Fife Council. I am aware that it is considering options such as acquisition to support the tenants who are affected. It has committed to keep me updated on any developments, and our respective officials continue to engage. The Deputy Presiding Officer : Question 7 has been withdrawn. Social Homes (Retrofitting) 8.”
“Jeremy Balfour: If the Parliament is to serve the people effectively, it must reflect the people effectively. As the motion in my name says, it is the job of political parties, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government to drive progress. I hope that that will be taken up by whoever is elected in May. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I gave Mr Balfour some latitude, but I advise members that we are starting again at 2 and that the security personnel must be allowed time to come in and clear the chamber. We move to the open debate, with back-bench speeches of up to four minutes. I intend to ensure that members comply with that. 13:01”
“I have found from every individual working here a willingness to be helpful, kind and open to suggestions. If disabled people are worried about being elected, they need not be, because the Parliament, from the chief executive down, has done more than I could have ever hoped to make it that way from my first day. This might be my last long speech before the election. Like all members, I do not know how the electorate will vote come May. However, a simple message needs to be picked up after May by whoever is elected: nothing for us without us. The Parliament cannot make decisions on what is best for disabled people if disabled people are not here. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Balfour, you will need to bring your remarks to a close.”
“There are also questions about how accessible buildings are. All political parties need to address such issues. We have made progress. The access to elected office fund has been put into legislation and will be implemented for Scottish Parliament and local elections. I hope that the United Kingdom Government will consider the scheme for Westminster elections as well. The fund allows disabled people to have the help and resources that make an even playing field. The administration of that scheme has been helpful. I and other members of the Parliament have benefited from it. One fear that people have about standing and being elected is what the Parliament will be like. From my experience of working in many different roles over the years, the Scottish Parliament is one of the best places to work for disabled people.”
“Does Jeremy Balfour agree that the parties could emphasise the list system in the Scottish Parliament as a great way for disabled people to get higher up the party system, and that it is a great way for parties to give them priority? Jeremy Balfour: That debate needs to happen. Interestingly, other Commonwealth countries have been even more radical on that. Some of the east African countries have disabled-only lists, so a candidate has to have a disability to be on such a list. It is competitive among different individuals, but that is one model. South Africa, for example, has gone much more down the route of getting political parties to have more disabled candidates. There are questions such as whether delivering leaflets is essential for party members to be seen as possible candidates.”
“That is a positive endorsement of the workforce and facilities, and it represents an important step towards greater sustainability off the back of the work that we have done to ensure good governance.”
“As the Deputy First Minister set out, Ferguson Marine has seen welcome improvements in governance and reporting, and, alongside today’s significant announcement, it is essential that that trend continues. Will the Deputy First Minister let us know what steps the Scottish Government is taking to ensure good planning, cost control and delivery on site, and will she set out how oversight and governance arrangements have been strengthened by senior leadership at the yard? Kate Forbes: All those points are absolutely critical. We recognise that there have been reputational challenges in the past, but the yard is demonstrating its wider industrial capability. It has successfully delivered a pilot project for BAE Systems as part of the type 26 frigate programme, and it has secured further contracts from BAE, supporting skilled jobs at the yard.”
“They should not be left to wonder why multinational corporations can walk away from communities after decades of profit without facing meaningful scrutiny. The closure of Mossmorran is a moment of reckoning. It forces us to recognise the importance of building a resilient, home-grown industry base, and to reaffirm our commitment to the workers who have powered Scotland’s economy for generations. Their skills are valued and their contributions are recognised. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to closing speeches. 16:45”
“Their skills are exactly the skills that are required in Scotland’s growing low-carbon sectors, offshore wind, hydrogen production, carbon capture and advanced manufacturing. Those industries all need the expertise that Mossmorran workers have spent decades honing. Our transition to a greener, more resilient economy requires planning and investment, and for every level of Government to take responsibility. That includes the Scottish and UK Governments, which must do their bit. The people of Fife should not be left to bear the consequence of a policy decision that was made hundreds of miles away. They should not be left to navigate uncertainty while Westminster offers little more than sympathetic soundbites.”
“It talks about partnerships and levelling up, but when the workers of Fife need it, when families need certainty, when apprentices need reassurances and when communities need leadership, the UK Government refuses to put its money where its mouth is. Scotland deserves better than sympathetic press releases—it deserves a Government that shows up. The Scottish Government has shown up, not just today or in response to this crisis, but constantly over the years. It has invested in the transition to green industry, skills development, manufacturing innovation and the technologies that will define the next century. The workers of Mossmorran deserve to be part of that future.”
“Although UK ministers have spoken of collaboration and support, there has been no equivalent financial commitment, no dedicated transition plan and no meaningful engagement with the workforce beyond generic statements of concern. That is not good enough. Those workers need more than sympathetic language; they need leadership. Daniel Johnson: Will the member give way? David Torrance: No, thank you. The failure to match Scotland’s investment sends a troubled message about the priorities of UK-level energy policy and the UK’s willingness to support communities that are facing economic upheaval. Even the company pointed to the UK’s economic and policy environment as a factor in its decision. The UK Government talks a good game about supporting Scotland’s energy.”
“David Torrance: The member will find that ExxonMobil’s press statement blamed the UK Government for some of the uncertainty and for the plant’s closure. The Scottish Government has acted decisively. Within days of the announcement of the closure, the Scottish Government committed £9 million over three years, with £3 million being made available immediately to support workers to retrain for job transitions. That funding is urgently needed and targeted, and has been provided in recognition that industrial transition requires active intervention, not passive observation. In contrast, the UK Government’s response has been to give platitudes rather than take action.”
“Workers at Mossmorran did not fail, and Scotland did not fail. What failed was the wider policy environment that was created at the UK level. That is an environment that has left key industry sites uncertain and unable to plan for the long term. For years, Scotland’s energy-intensive industries warned that the UK’s approach to energy policy and industrial strategy was placing them at a disadvantage. The situation at Mossmorran is now one of the clearest examples of those warnings being realised. There are highly skilled engineers, technicians, apprentices and contractors there, whose expertise is vital to Scotland’s future. Claire Baker: Does Mr Torrance recognise that ExxonMobil is closing other plants across the globe? It is not just in Scotland. ExxonMobil took the decision to close the site as part of a strategy.”
“I put it on the record that I was formerly employed at Mossmorran, although that was many years ago. The closure of the Mossmorran ethylene plant marks a profound moment for Fife, for Scotland’s industrial heritage and for hundreds of workers whose livelihoods have been thrown into uncertainty. For more than four decades, Mossmorran has stood as a symbol of Scottish engineering excellence. It was opened in 1985 by Exxon Chemicals alongside Shell’s natural gas liquids plant and it represented the kind of skilled, high-value industrial work that Scotland has always excelled in. However, today, we are confronted with the consequences of a decision that was made far from the communities that it affects. On 18 November 2025, ExxonMobil announced its intentions to close the plant. On 3 February 2026, that closure became a reality.”
“We will work directly with victim support organisations to raise awareness of what the changes mean and to encourage those who are eligible to sign up to the victim notification scheme.”
“Although recorded crime has reduced by 38 per cent since 2006-07 under the Scottish National Party Government, the focus remains on supporting victims. What engagement has the Scottish Government had with support organisations on the changes to automatic release points? Angela Constance: Protecting victims and public safety remain absolute priorities for me and this Government. That is why, in addition to the targeted consultation on the changes, my officials and I personally met victim support organisations, including Victim Support Scotland and key delivery partners, to hear their views at first hand. My thanks go to all the organisations that responded to the consultation and offered a broad range of perspectives.”
“Amendment 2 disagreed to. Amendment 3 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 3 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 26, Against 91, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 1 agreed to. Amendment 2 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 2 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. David Torrance: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I still could not connect to the app. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Torrance. Your vote will be recorded.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not connect to the app. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Torrance. Your vote will be recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 99, Against 0, Abstentions 19.”
“Experiencing the hidden world of the Forth beneath the surface was nothing short of spectacular. It brought home, in a way that no briefing paper ever could, the richness of the life that depends on those meadows and the urgency of protecting them. In conclusion, as we look ahead to the elections in May, I encourage all MSPs, both those returning after the election and those who are elected for the first time, to take up the role of nature champion. It is much more than just a title: it is a commitment to understanding, advocating for and celebrating species and habitats that make Scotland unique. 17:45”
“Schools and community groups and local volunteers have become custodians of their own coastline, building skills and forging connections that will last long beyond the project’s timeline. I have had the privilege of joining that work myself on several occasions. One memorable morning, I found myself on a freezing cold beach with a group of volunteers, learning the fine art of injecting seagrass seeds into sediment, using the dispenser injection seeding technique. I now pass the restoration site every morning on the train into Parliament, peering out of the window like a proud and slightly overinvested gardener checking whether his seedlings have sprouted. Another highlight for me was joining a guided snorkelling session with restoration Forth, the Ecology Centre and WWF Scotland.”
“Restoration Forth, which was launched in 2022, is a community-driven effort to restore seagrass meadows and European flat oysters in the Firth of Forth. Delivered by a coalition including Project Seagrass, WWF Scotland, the Ecology Centre, NatureScot and others, it has already achieved remarkable progress. To date, more than 210,000 seagrass seeds have been planted across the Forth. Volunteers and project partners have also transplanted 880 seagrass cores, with additional trials showing expansion of up to 500 per cent in some of the monitored sites. It is great to see that more than 3,000 people are taking part in events, workshops, seed processing sessions and restoration activities.”
“For me, what began as a title soon became a genuine interest and fascination. Seagrass meadows are ecological powerhouses. They provide essential habitats for countless species, helping us to move towards our national target of halting biodiversity loss by 2030. They shelter rare species such as native oysters; stabilise the sea floor; improve water quality; and play a significant role in carbon capture, storing carbon at rates that exceed many well-known land habitats. Their contribution to a healthier coastal ecosystem is profound, and their loss would be felt far beyond the shoreline. Yet, despite their importance, seagrass meadows have suffered a dramatic historical loss. Across the UK, up to 92 per cent have disappeared over the past century. That is why the work of the restoration Forth programme is vital.”
“I thank John Mason for securing the debate. It is a pleasure to speak today on an initiative that has quietly transformed the way in which Parliament engages with Scotland’s natural world. As someone who has proudly taken on the mantle of seagrass champion, I can attest to the power of the nature champions initiative in helping to grow our understanding of the natural heritage that we are all entrusted to protect. When I was first approached to become seagrass champion, I did not fully appreciate the scale of its significance or the complexity of the ecosystem that it supports. Scotland is home to two true species: eelgrass and dwarf eelgrass, and together they form underwater meadows that are among the most remarkable and most threatened habitats in our marine environment.”
“Amendment 18 disagreed to. Amendment 19 moved—[Murdo Fraser]—and agreed to. Amendment 7 not moved. Amendment 20 moved—[Daniel Johnson]—and agreed to. Amendment 21 moved—[Lorna Slater]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 21 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“For Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 5, Against 96, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 16 agreed to. Section 3—Review and revision of statement Amendment 4 not moved. Section 5—Community wealth building action plan The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Richard Leonard to move or not move amendment 5. Richard Leonard: In light of the minister’s comments, I will not move amendment 5. Amendments 5 and 6 not moved. Amendment 17 moved—[Paul Sweeney]—and agreed to. Amendment 18 moved—[Lorna Slater]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 18 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. David Torrance: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I still cannot connect my app. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Torrance. Your vote will be recorded.”
“On a point of order, Deputy Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Torrance. Your vote will be recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 93, Against 7, Abstentions 0.”
“We will be replacing diesel trains in Fife with battery electric trains, which will provide greener and cleaner services and will improve the punctuality and, importantly, the reliability of ScotRail services in”
“Can the cabinet secretary remind members how train services in Fife, and between Fife and Edinburgh, have been improved, thanks to actions and investment by the Scottish National Party? Fiona Hyslop: The most obvious improvement is the Levenmouth rail link, which represented a £116 million spend that reopened that service after decades, with new stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge, which are connected by two trains an hour. I referred to the £342 million investment that will deliver an electrification programme for Fife. Just the other week, I inspected the works on the Haymarket to Dalmeny line. I know that they have caused disruption for people and that that disruption will continue until such time as the line is electrified.”