Gillian Martin
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Mark Ruskell: I hear what the cabinet secretary says about her engagement with industry, but it is communities that are facing a deluge of applications for data centres. There are people here today from Fife and across Scotland who are raising their concerns. Answers are needed, cabinet secretary.”
“The Scottish Government has not undertaken a wholly national assessment of the remit that the member specifically outlines on data centres. However, we are currently engaging with industry and partner agencies to better understand the cumulative impacts of data centre developments on the environment.”
“The Scottish Government’s wildfires strategic action plan sets out a partnership approach to preventing, preparing for and responding to wildfires.”
“Although the Scottish Government is not currently undertaking a formal national assessment, we are working with partners to assess the impact of AI data centres and to look at whether current planning conditions are appropriate.”
“David Green: The response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local land management to the severe wildfires that were experienced in the Highlands last year was exceptional, and I put on record my thanks to them.”
“Following on from the good work that was done on the wildfires strategy in the previous parliamentary session by Jim Fairlie and by Siobhian Brown, the former Minister for Victims and Community Safety, a great deal of work is being done on prevention.”
The complete record
Every one of 614 lines we hold for Gillian Martin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 13.
“Amendment 17 disagreed to. Section 46—Interpretation of this Act Amendment 18 not moved. Section 48—Regulation-making Powers The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 6 is on expiry. Amendment 19, in the name of Mark Griffin, is grouped with amendment 22. Michael Marra: I am sorry that the Government’s enthusiasm for the amendments in this group does not quite match my own. I rise to speak in support of Mark Griffin’s amendments in this group. They were lodged and debated at stage 2, but we did not press Parliament to vote on them at that stage, in order to allow further engagement with the Government on the issue. The principle behind the amendments remains straightforward.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was not able to connect this time. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Martin. I will make sure that that is recorded. For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) 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) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) 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) 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) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) 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) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) 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) 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) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) 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) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 46, Against 67, Abstentions 0.”
“The UK Government’s delayed response to the crisis only underlines that we need real change to make our energy wealth work for us. The only change that will work for Scotland is independence.”
“Alasdair Allan: I welcome the Scottish Government’s work to support households and families across Scotland with the cost of living, in stark contrast, it would seem, to the inaction of the UK Labour Government. Does the cabinet secretary recognise that, for many island households in places such as Uist, soaring heating costs are now being compounded by other problems, such as the present unavailability of petrol, and that all that is yet more evidence of why Scotland should have control over our energy policy? Gillian Martin: I agree with all the points that Dr Allan makes. Our island and rural communities already face significant challenges, which have been disproportionately impacted by developing global events.”
“Does the cabinet secretary also agree that that cannot be the end of any action taken by the UK Government, given that energy policy is reserved? Gillian Martin: I absolutely agree with Alasdair Allan on all the points that he has made. Developing global events only reinforce the need to put in place robust and effective consumer protections and financial assistance for users of all fuel types that will be affected. I call on the UK Government to keep its promise and to urgently introduce regulation of the sector. There is obviously an awful lot more that the UK Government can do in this space. We do not know how long the conflict will last, so the UK Government needs to keep a watching eye on the support that it provides.”
“We again call on the UK Government to take its responsibility for energy pricing seriously and to take further actions to support those households. In an energy-rich nation, no one should struggle to pay their bills. Our schemes already deliver average savings of £300 annually, and we will keep further support under review. Alasdair Allan: In my constituency, more than 86 per cent of homes are off the gas grid, and some 46 per cent are heated with oil. Given that critics have warned that Keir Starmer’s support package works out at around £33 per affected household—as the cabinet secretary also mentioned—does the cabinet secretary agree that that will be little consolation for the thousands of people whose fuel prices have doubled overnight?”
“The United Kingdom Government has been painfully slow to act on the matter, given that heating oil prices had already doubled before its intervention yesterday. We have been pressing for action, but the support that was announced yesterday equates to only around £33 per household using oil heating. That simply does not go far enough. Given the urgency of this problem, the Scottish Government will supplement the £4.6 million that we have been allocated with a further £5.4 million, more than doubling the level of support that is available. With that, we will launch a £10 million Scottish emergency oil heating scheme from 1 April. The scheme will be delivered through Advice Direct Scotland, and low-income households that are reliant on oil will be eligible. Further details will be announced as soon as practicable.”
“[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: I ask those who are joining us to do so quietly. Gillian Martin: Mr Lumsden is demonstrating once again that his preferred method of political engagement is personal attacks that have scant regard to fact instead of what the vast majority of people would like to hear from a spokesperson on energy and climate action, which is ideas on how we can improve the energy security of our nation, create jobs and opportunities for our citizens and play our part in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. That is what I do day in, day out. National Health Service (Decision Making and Accountability) 7.”
“The cabinet secretary is trying to silence community groups that are against the monster pylons, battery storage and subsidies— [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Mr Lumsden. Douglas Lumsden: —that are ruining much of rural Scotland. The Government has stopped email submissions to the energy consents unit because there are too many objections— something that the cabinet secretary did not seem to understand. It has also stopped people seeing the objections before the submission deadline has closed and has resorted to mudslinging to try to silence communities. Those communities’ voices will never be silenced. The community groups concerned have lost all confidence in Gillian Martin, so will she apologise and reverse the changes to the ECU that are making it harder for communities to be involved in the process?”
“I welcome the opportunity once again to correct the inappropriate and wilfully misleading claims by Conservative MSPs about my interview in a national newspaper, in which I was referring to the anti-net zero rhetoric that has been weaponised by Reform UK, which said that it would dismantle the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero at United Kingdom Government level. That rhetoric uses the legitimate concerns of communities, which I fully understand, to put at risk our energy security; to divide and dilute our fight against climate change; and to damage the economic opportunities for Scotland that come with investment in climate action. It is essential that communities feel able to engage with us on the planning and consenting of energy projects. Douglas Lumsden: It is clear what is going on here.”
“Amendment 38 agreed to. Amendment 189 not moved. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We will have a brief suspension. 21:20 Meeting suspended. 21:25 On resuming—”
“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) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (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) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) 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) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) 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) 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) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) 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) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) 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) 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) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Abstentions Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 111, Against 9, Abstentions 3.”
“Amendment 188 agreed to. Section 11—Cancellation of declarations Amendment 38 moved—[Bob Doris]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 38 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“On a point of order, Deputy Presiding Officer. My app is not connecting. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Martin. Your vote will be recorded. For Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (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) 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) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Abstentions Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 84, Against 40, Abstentions 1.”
“Sarah Boyack: I will mention solar power in my speech, but will the cabinet secretary have a solar plan that fits into the final climate change plan? Gillian Martin: The solar vision has been worked on in Scotland, and we will see what energy mix is available. We are looking at all the generators of electricity. A couple of things have to work to make it attractive for people to change their heating systems. More projects need to be able to get on to the national grid. The critical build-out and improvement of the grid system is mentioned by industry time and again. The other issue is bringing down the cost for households. At the moment, electricity is about five times the cost of gas, which is a significant factor in people not decarbonising, particularly in a cost of living crisis.”
“Despite those advances, we must recognise that our Parliament does not possess all the powers necessary to deliver the action that we need. We are, regrettably, still relying on Westminster in some critical areas. When taking evidence on the draft plan, committees have heard repeatedly about the most important issue that the UK Government must act on, which is reducing the price of electricity. That has come through in most of the evidence. There are not many things in this area of work that are a silver bullet, but if there is one, it would be bringing down the cost of electricity. For heat pumps to make our homes warmer, for fuel poverty to disappear and for our transport systems to work for everyone, we need cheaper electricity.”
“That is supported by the removal of peak fares on ScotRail, the freeze on rail fares and our £2 bus fare cap pilot, which has now been launched in Shetland and the Western Isles. Those changes mean better air quality, with positive impacts on preventing or stopping the exacerbation of lung health conditions. Those will all support reduced pressure on the health service and saving for public finances. That is an area of work that we are doing in Government, with academic partners, to better identify some of the co-benefits associated with health and what that could mean for future health spend and savings. That is all evidence that, in Scotland, emissions reductions, economic and social benefits and economic growth go hand in hand.”
“The economic opportunities of the transition to a green economy are already here for us to see, and their number is growing. However, the climate action that is set out in our draft plan also, crucially, brings substantial wider benefits for individuals and our communities. The convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee helpfully explained some of the health benefits that are associated with climate action. We have an opportunity to widen out what is in the final plan to explain more of them. Increased physical activity from the move to active travel will obviously benefit people’s health and wellbeing, as will cleaner air from the switch to electric vehicles and more attractive sustainable public transport.”
“The PwC green jobs barometer shows that the number of green jobs continues to grow at a faster rate in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. An Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit report shows that Scotland’s net zero economy has grown by more than 21 per cent since 2022— again, that is faster than in any other part of the United Kingdom. That is a source of great encouragement, and it should be a source of great encouragement to everyone who is involved in the climate change plan and who cares about the positive benefits that are included in it with regard to economic growth. Data that was recently published by the Office for National Statistics shows that Scotland had the largest percentage increase in turnover across our low-carbon and renewable energy sectors compared with anywhere else in the UK.”
“The plan will proactively increase the nation’s climate resilience and reduce our dependence on international markets, which is as important now as it ever has been. The plan will also be reactive and agile to technological changes, new UK Governments, international policy moves and market shifts. The Scottish Government believes deeply in a positive vision of the future and, at its heart, the draft plan sets out a future in which we are less exposed to fluctuations, particularly in imported fossil fuel prices, and instead benefit from more efficient green technologies, which bring with them many opportunities for skilled, low-carbon jobs across the country and a healthier environment for our people to live in. Those jobs are not just speculative. Study after study shows that there is already an impact in Scotland and that it is growing.”
“I remind colleagues that the first job of Scotland’s climate change plan is to set out a credible pathway that will deliver on each of our first three carbon budgets and support net zero by 2045. The Committee for Climate Change said that we are on an “achievable” pathway. Important to me is the Just Transition Commission’s description of the plan as a “real step forward”. We have tried very hard to weave just transition throughout every element of the plan. I am confident that Scotland is on a credible, ambitious and achievable pathway to meet our carbon budgets and, at the same time, grow our economy and capture the benefits of climate action. It is estimated that the direct financial benefits of the plan will amount to £42.3 billion between 2026 and 2040.”
“I also put on record my thanks to everyone who has responded to the public consultation and who has taken part in public engagement events across the country. Almost 2,000 people have taken part in more than 100 events. I am particularly grateful to our partner organisations— trusted voices in their communities—which have delivered those events. Although that engagement took place across the country, it focused on the north-east, the Forth Valley and Grangemouth and the greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Those are all areas with historical connections to fossil fuel industries. The Government is determined to ensure that our communities do not suffer the same fate as former industrial communities did as a result of Thatcher’s unjust transition in the 1980s.”
“I am pleased to speak in this important debate on the Scottish Government’s draft climate change plan, the policies and proposals that it includes, the opportunities that it brings for the people of Scotland and the vision for our country’s future that it embodies. I thank members and all the committees for their contributions to the draft plan. I have met members from across the Parliament during the past few months, and I appreciate the pace at which the committees acted in scrutinising the draft plan. I put on record my thanks to my policy team and the policy teams of my Cabinet colleagues— particularly those in transport, housing and rural affairs—who have so much to add to the draft climate change plan, and who are working hard to respond to all of the committee reports and their recommendations.”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security (Up- rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.—[Graeme Dey] The Presiding Officer: The question on the motions will be put at decision time. Decision Time 17:18”
“That the Parliament agrees that the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Care Home Services (Visits to and by Care Home Residents) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Community Care (Personal Care and Nursing Care) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Early Removal of Prisoners from the United Kingdom (Amendment of Specified Time Periods) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Social Security Up- rating (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“Ultimately, the SSI will enable offshore wind to grow at the scale that is needed if we are to meet Scotland’s net zero targets and deliver those economic opportunities, while supporting long- term benefits for marine biodiversity. The Presiding Officer: The question on the motion will be put at decision time. The next item of business is consideration of eight Parliamentary Bureau motions. I ask the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, to move motions S6M-20973 to S6M-20980, on approval of SSIs. Motions moved, That the Parliament agrees that the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Budget (Scotland) Act 2025 Amendment Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“A corresponding instrument has been introduced by the UK Government for offshore waters. The two instruments have been designed to align closely, and the Scottish guidance will be applied across inshore and offshore areas to support a consistent, joined-up approach. We are aware that the co-existence issues for other marine users need careful planning and consideration. However, strategic compensation offers significant opportunities for new positive investment in the marine environment. We believe that the challenges can be addressed, and I was pleased that the majority of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee recognised that.”
“The Scottish ministers will publish guidance on how to apply the legislation and the hierarchy, and it will review both regularly to ensure that the framework remains robust— Douglas Lumsden: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Gillian Martin: I would like to respond to Mr Lumsden’s remarks. The Scottish ministers will publish guidance on how to apply the legislation and the hierarchy, and it will review both regularly to ensure that the framework remains robust, transparent and responsive to new evidence. We have committed to working collaboratively with our key stakeholders on the development of the guidance. By doing so, we will ensure that the guidance is fit for purpose and grounded in scientific and industry expertise. The SSI applies to Scotland’s inshore region.”
“That creates a significant constraint for offshore wind development and puts Scotland’s climate and energy security ambitions at risk. The SSI that is before us is designed to introduce a more flexible approach to such compensation, but with strong safeguards. The core habitats regulations assessments remain in place, new environmental safeguards will be put in place and projects that could have adverse effects must still secure robust compensatory measures. The SSI will enable compensatory measures that support the wider UK marine protected area network, not just the impacted feature. Additional safeguards include the establishment of a compensation hierarchy that will prioritise like-for- like measures, as well as enabling wider alternatives, when they are appropriate and offer enhanced ecological benefits.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to the draft Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which have a critical role to play in supporting Scotland’s net zero ambitions and the Scottish economy. The regulations have been developed under powers that are set out in the Energy Act 2023, which was introduced by the previous United Kingdom Conservative Government to support delivery of offshore wind across the UK. Under the current habitats regulations, projects that affect protected sites must secure compensatory measures that are targeted specifically at the impacted habitat or species. In practice, only a limited range of measures can be evidenced to that standard.”
“On the ways in which constituents can get in touch about energy developments, as I said in my previous answers, we are trying to make it easier for people to get in touch and put forward their views. Training is available on that. I have mentioned the work of the planning hub and the new powers that are available to us through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. We are doing all that we can, but developers are best placed to engage with communities, as they should be respecting the views of communities when they put their plans forward.”
“Will she support a moratorium until honesty is restored in the consenting process and the Scottish National Party’s overdue energy strategy reflects that? Gillian Martin: This is the second time that a Conservative MSP has made misleading comments about my article in The National this week, in which I was responding to the anti-net zero rhetoric that has been weaponised. Indeed, I was referring to Reform UK, which said that it would dismantle the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Frankly, it is desperate for the Tories to misrepresent my words and claim that they refer to constituents who have legitimate concerns about the siting of developments, which I completely and utterly understand.”
“The Scottish Government notes the opinion of the Court of Session, which was delivered on 17 February. It would not be appropriate to comment further, as it is a live case and could be subject to further legal proceedings. Alexander Burnett: I note my entry in the members’ register of interests regarding renewables. It has not been a good week for the cabinet secretary, who has called people who do not want their communities destroyed by pylons “far right” and has deliberately misled constituents by trying to blame Westminster when she has confirmed in writing to me that the final decision lies with the Scottish Government. Will the cabinet secretary confirm that it is misleading for developers to exclude grid connection details and associated infrastructure when making applications?”
“The national planning hub has provided additional grant funding to Planning Aid Scotland for training on renewable energy community engagement and place-based planning.”
“Gillian Martin: I would be very interested to get direct feedback on the specific issues that Sharon Dowey raised about individuals having difficulty with the portal, because, if there is a technical or accessibility issue with it, I imagine that that can be fixed. The portal, which is quite new, is there to make it easier for people to put forward their opinions—indeed, they can submit up to 20 pages of material. We have also made it easier for communities to participate in planning and consenting systems. In the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, the United Kingdom Government has afforded the Scottish ministers new powers to make regulations that mandate developers to engage with local communities and stakeholders at the pre- application stage for large-scale energy proposals.”
“Sharon Dowey: My inbox is flooded with emails from constituents raising concerns about the lack of transparency during the consultation process for energy projects, with little to no consideration given to the needs of local residents. That situation has only been exacerbated by the decision to remove the right to object to the energy consents unit by email. I am informed by constituents that there are several issues with the new portal, which is making it harder for elderly residents, in particular, to make their voices heard. Will the cabinet secretary commit to improving transparency in the consenting process, and will she guarantee that, in the future, energy projects will proceed only with the express consent of local communities?”
“The public have opportunities to raise concerns during the development of policies and plans that set national or local priorities for energy infrastructure and the natural environment. Our planning and consenting systems ensure that local communities can have their voices heard on potential developments. In addition, I have tasked officials with taking forward plans to establish a forum to hear directly from communities on issues that matter to them across the energy landscape. The Scottish Government is committed to protecting our natural environment and achieving our net zero targets through careful, balanced decision making.”
“Our support for Wave Energy Scotland is designed to give it the opportunity to transition to a more sustainable financial footing, and WES is putting plans in place and working with us on how to do that. It has not been defunded. I have agreed that the Scottish Government will provide it with business-as-usual funding for the next year, subject to its providing a credible plan, including provision for its payment obligations to the EuropeWave and Mocean Energy projects. That will give WES the opportunity to explore longer- term funding solutions while enabling the projects and programmes that it is currently supporting to continue.”
“Ash Regan: I do not think that we can credibly speak of a just transition while confidence in our existing oil and gas sector is eroded by policy uncertainty and while emerging technologies, including those that are supported by Wave Energy Scotland, are denied the stable investment and the time required for them to become established and scale up. Withdrawal of the funding might force WES to withdraw from EuropeWave, which would risk project collapse, legal exposure, financial penalties and reputational damage with European Union partners. Does the cabinet secretary accept that the decision to defund WES after 11 years threatens jobs, future investment and Scotland’s international reputation and competitive advantage in marine energy? Gillian Martin: I very much welcome Ash Regan’s new-found enthusiasm for renewable energy.”
“We are working closely with Wave Energy Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other partners to sustain operations in 2026-27 while alternative sources of future funding are identified. That will give WES the opportunity to explore longer-term funding solutions while enabling on-going project work to continue. The Scottish Government has invested more than £70 million in Wave Energy Scotland since 2014, which demonstrates a clear commitment to the marine energy sector. However, as the sector moves to its next phase, the main levers to enable the commercialisation of these emerging technologies lie with the United Kingdom Government, and I urge it to take immediate action to bring down the barriers to that commercialisation.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not connect to the app. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Martin. Your vote will be recorded. 15:00”
“I announced a pilot a couple of months ago that would place onshore renewables on public land that is up for repowering, giving those communities first choice on whether they want to bid for the projects. Jamie Greene raised a wider point about how, as ScotWind developments progress, we can ensure that the associated community benefits are delivered. At present, that is not rooted in individual communities and is not within their direct line of sight. That work is on-going. We want to ensure that, over time—I have mentioned the billions of pounds of revenue that are involved— Scotland as a whole benefits, with particular advantages flowing to communities, especially in relation to the just transition. The Presiding Officer: I ask for concise supplementaries, please.”
“Places such as Shetland have some of the highest fuel poverty rates, yet they will be hosting ScotWind energy developments and have not seen a penny from the windfall. Will the Scottish Government commit to giving the communities that host Scotland’s renewables infrastructure their fair share of the revenues generated from it? Gillian Martin: We are doing a great deal of work at the moment on how we can ensure that we capitalise on the new powers that allow us to mandate community benefits for onshore renewables. We fund the community and renewable energy scheme, which enables communities to develop their own renewables projects as well as pursue repowering opportunities.”
“Jamie Greene: I do not think that people have a problem with the money going back into the Scottish budget, but the point being made—this is why Audit Scotland has clearly taken an interest— is that the money should go into the renewables sector. It should also go back into the communities that host the infrastructure. If the principle is, as we believe, that private companies that make money from generating renewable energy should give back to the communities, the same should be true of the Government, which has also made money from renewable energy. The reality is that communities are facing huge upheaval in order to host renewables infrastructure, and community benefit must be part of the social contract with them.”
“They include a range of projects that will deliver long‑term benefits for Scotland, helping us to tackle climate change, grow the economy, create jobs and drive forward reform. ScotWind funding for capital investment supports a range of projects that tackle climate change and support our net zero ambitions. Specific examples include supporting a just transition, including at Grangemouth, safeguarding its role as the leading industrial cluster; supporting our investment in the nature restoration fund, which has been at record levels for two years in a row; investing in interisland connectivity; investing in our heat and buildings programme; and supporting woodland creation and peatland restoration.”
“However, surely the £755 million in revenue that was raised through the auction—which many folk believe was massively undersold at the time—should have been focused on growing the economy, meeting our net zero ambitions and creating well‑paid jobs. The whole point of the ScotWind sell-off was to create a lasting legacy, not simply to use it as a short-term cash cow to fund public services. Given Audit Scotland’s current interest in how the money is being spent, I ask the Government: what exactly is the business money being spent on? Gillian Martin: We do not have the full scope of Audit Scotland’s audit of ScotWind. I will outline some of the areas in which we are investing ScotWind revenues through the budget, which the Liberal Democrats are supporting.”
“ScotWind reflects significant market ambition for offshore wind in Scottish waters, delivering more than £750 million in initial option fee revenues to the public purse. Over time, ScotWind could raise several billion pounds more in rental revenues when projects become operational. These revenues give us the flexibility to invest in long-term benefits for Scotland, helping to strengthen the limited financial levers that we have under the United Kingdom Government’s fiscal framework. The Scottish Government looks forward to engaging with Audit Scotland once the full scope of its report is confirmed. Jamie Greene: Scotland’s renewable sector is a huge economic opportunity, contributing more than £6 billion of gross value added to our economy annually.”
“I am pleased that the remaining restrictions on using tap water have now been lifted, which will ease a lot of the impact on businesses. However, I appreciate that some businesses will need additional advice. Where that is the case, I would encourage them to contact Scottish Water’s customer support team.”
“The incident has had a huge impact on the local community, including on the operation of care homes, dentists and hospitality businesses. Can the Scottish Government outline what support is available to businesses that have been impacted? Gillian Martin: Evelyn Tweed is absolutely right. Throughout the weekend, the residents of Killin have been impacted and have been unable to use water for the purposes for which it is there. I am very grateful to SEPA, Scottish Water and other public bodies for their very swift response to the pollution incident. However, while that has reduced the potential impacts, there have undoubtedly been challenges for the local community and businesses. Scottish Water worked to ensure that customers had the supplies and the support that they needed, including through door-to-door bottled water deliveries.”
“In relation to public health, Scottish Water and the health board have agreed that, as I said, all remaining restrictions on using tap water can be lifted as of this afternoon. The water is safe to drink. In line with drinking water regulations, Scottish Water will continue to check the drinking water in Killin to ensure that it meets the strict public health requirements that are in place. Once the immediate incident has been resolved, the drinking water quality regulator for Scotland will undertake an investigation into the incident, and its report will be published in due course. We will continue to work with SEPA and Scottish Water to support considerations and activities as appropriate. Evelyn Tweed: The local community has expressed its gratitude for Scottish Water’s swift response, and I put on record my thanks to Scottish Water.”