John Mason
Independent · Scotland
“I noted press coverage just yesterday of the vacancy level for both primary and secondary teachers in the Highland Council area, yet I get complaints from young teachers that they cannot get a job in Glasgow.”
“I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for securing the debate and other members for their kind words. Many people in Scotland’s urban areas and central belt still care deeply for our remote, rural and island communities.”
“[Laughter.] I was proved correct during Covid, when it was treated as part of the mainland. I can understand the desire to have causeways, bridges or tunnels linking islands to each other or to the mainland. That makes access to a range of services much easier, from shopping to medical services, weddings and funerals.”
“Land mass should be a factor, too. This is my last speech in Parliament, so I thank all those who make this Parliament work, including fellow MSPs—and especially those who are leaving. We are much smaller than Westminster, and that is a big advantage in my opinion.”
“In my opinion, that should be a higher priority than dualling the A9. I do not often agree with Scottish Land & Estates, but I agree with some of the key points in its briefing for the debate. Tackling depopulation in rural areas has to be a top priority; and as it says, “if rural Scotland does not thrive, Scotland does not thrive”.”
“That has clearly got me into trouble at times, but it has certainly been a huge privilege to serve here. I conclude by thanking you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and your two colleagues.”
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“that arise between them.” Regardless of the number of national outcomes, it is clear to the committee that it is important how they interlink, particularly considering the potential trade-offs when using the national outcomes to shape policy and spending decisions. During evidence taking, we heard that care should be taken to ensure that actions to progress one outcome do not unintentionally impact adversely on another outcome. We have therefore asked the Scottish Government to set out in its implementation plan how the complexities and potential trade-offs will be managed. The committee also seeks clarification on how the proposed new definitions of each national outcome will be used in ministerial decision making.”
“Does Kenneth Gibson accept that there is a risk that, if the name of the NPF were changed, it might be even more confusing and its profile might be lowered? Kenneth Gibson: One could argue that changing the NPF’s name would boost its profile, because there would be heightened discussion on the issues that we are discussing this afternoon. The Scottish Government has proposed increasing the number of national outcomes from 11 to 13, with revisions made to all but the national outcome that relates to culture. There is a balance to be struck when deciding how many national outcomes to take forward. As witnesses told us, too few national outcomes could result in the framework becoming “too high level to focus decision-making”, whereas too many could lead to “increased complexity in managing the conflicts of interest ...”