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.”
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“Although we know that the most challenging part of the journey lies ahead, I am confident that, with Scotland’s talent for innovation and skills, and the strengths of our people, we have what it takes to deliver. Parliament can no longer sit on its hands. Since the previous climate change plan, we have seen parties in the chamber oppose even modest proposals for the sake of opposition when today’s citizens, as well as future generations, need us to back those aims with action and take responsibility. I hope that Parliament will engage constructively with the draft plan. Delivering the plan will take more than Scottish Government action alone. The United Kingdom Government must do more to support Scotland by, crucially, reducing the price of electricity, which will unlock so many critical climate actions and improve people’s lives.”
“This Government’s commitment to reaching net zero fairly remains unwavering. Responding to the climate emergency is both one of the most important challenges of our time and, done right, one of our country’s greatest economic opportunities, with benefits for everyone. I am proud of the progress that Scotland has already made in reducing our carbon emissions and unlocking new low-carbon economic opportunities. Others might try to present economic growth and emissions reduction as opposing aims, but we have shown that they go hand in hand. We are now more than halfway to net zero and, in the same period, we have grown our economy by more than 67 per cent.”
“A point that came out of the speeches by Christine Grahame and Willie Rennie—in fact, it came out of everyone’s speeches, from Alexander Burnett to Audrey Nicoll—is that we cannot take the health of our rivers for granted, because the health of our communities very often depends on it. We can see the effects of climate change in water scarcity or in high levels of flooding in winter—indeed, Willie Rennie made that point, too—so we have to do everything that we can to protect and cherish rivers all the more. I thank Audrey Nicoll for bringing this debate to the Parliament. 13:30 Meeting suspended. 14:00 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Social Justice and Housing”
“Gillian Martin: Certainly, and that gives me the opportunity to mention that Glasgow City Council and its partners, have been shortlisted for a 2025 nature of Scotland award in the nature and climate action category, in recognition of the innovative work that the council has been doing to tackle flooding while boosting biodiversity through nature-based solutions. That also involves canals, of which Glasgow has many. By anchoring the health of our rivers, streams, lochs and wetlands in our biodiversity strategy and delivery plan, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling the biodiversity crisis and protecting our magnificent rivers, species and habitats that the strategy and delivery plan support.”
“A lot is happening in and around the Clyde—and Mr Sweeney might know that my parents are from Clydebank. The Clyde looks in a lot better shape now than it did in the 1970s. Paul Sweeney: I certainly agree that the river has improved substantially. We now see much more wildlife, particularly on the upper Clyde, than one would have done half a century ago, given how poisoned it was with the effects of a century of heavy industry. The petitioners I referred to in my speech were seeking for the role of the Clyde mission partnership board to evolve, purely to consider economic development projects around the city region and the wider issue of the integration of environmental protection. Perhaps the cabinet secretary could consider that opportunity with the city region.”
“I was very interested in what Christine Grahame had to say about the tributaries coming into the Tweed, and I know of some particularly impressive work that has been done through the River Peffery catchment restoration programme near Dingwall. Some members mentioned the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and the statutory targets. We will have plenty of time to talk about what we do in that regard over the coming months; the targets are challenging but achievable, and they will be developed using expert advice with significant stakeholder engagement. I do encourage volunteers involved in river trusts to get involved in the scrutiny of that bill. I will take on board Paul Sweeney’s comments about integrating river management with plans.”
“At this point, I want to mention the Scottish invasive species initiative, which is a groundbreaking partnership led by NatureScot to tackle the problem alongside rivers. It covers a third of Scotland’s total area, and phase 2, in 2023, was awarded more than £2 million under the nature restoration fund. I am pleased that so many people have mentioned the importance of that fund and the work that is being done on our rivers. The fund is a key lever in delivering our biodiversity strategy; it has funded numerous projects from the remeandering of rivers to the creation and restoration of ponds and wetlands, which enhance biodiversity.”
“I recently met representatives of the River Dee Trust to discuss some of its suggestions for protecting salmon in that area, and I was also very interested to hear what Emma Harper had to say in her speech about what the Galloway Fisheries Trust has been doing. In fact, I want to note the importance of river trusts throughout the country and of the incredible work that volunteers do, particularly in tackling invasive non-native species. Giant hogweed is a real threat to our riverbanks; it is nasty stuff, and it is particularly difficult to handle. It seeds at an alarming rate; in fact, it is almost a Sisyphean task to deal with it, and I commend the work done by river trusts in keeping giant hogweed and other species down.”
“I hope that members will forgive me for mentioning that one of my most treasured recent memories of my late sister is of our swimming in the frankly perishing River Dee at Cambus o’ May two years ago. The water was not 23° on that summer day, I can tell you. Indeed, I also want to mention wild swimming and how Scotland has become the destination for that activity, with people from across the UK coming to swim in our rivers. Swimming, wild or otherwise, is one of the best things to do in Scotland, and people are coming here for that new and trendy pastime. The fact is that Scotland’s rivers are respected and loved by people from well beyond our borders. I have heard today about the on-going threats to our river environments and the species that depend on them. The freshwater pearl mussel has been mentioned, as has the Dee salmon.”
“Thousands of jobs in rural communities are directly dependent on the food, drink, tourism and recreation industries that our rivers sustain, so any problems with the rivers will have massive knock-on effects. I am very alive to Willie Rennie’s discussion of water scarcity, its impact on yields and the additional stress that it put on farmers, who, basically, were told that they could not take any water from rivers over certain periods. Rivers on the east coast, in particular, were at very low levels until recently. The case for biodiversity is beyond dispute. Rivers and their flood plains support the highly diverse habitats and ecosystems of otters, salmon, dippers and damselflies. Humans thrive in rivers, too.”
“What a great debate this has been about Scotland’s rivers, and I thank Audrey Nicoll for it. I always like such debates, in which people champion things in their constituencies and regions, and I agree whole- heartedly with Christine Grahame and Willie Rennie about rivers being part of our identity and where we live. Members will forgive me if I squeeze in some mentions of rivers in my constituency; I know that I am not really supposed to speak in terms of my constituency, but I cannot talk about rivers without occasionally mentioning the Ythan and the Don. I am in no doubt that members recognise the vital importance of protecting Scotland’s rivers and streams. The Tay, the Forth, the Spey, the Dee, the Don, the Ythan, the Eden and the Tweed have all been mentioned, and they support the nation’s economy.”
“Contractors and geotechnical specialists remain on site daily, with regular meetings taking place between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as part of the process. The Presiding Officer: That concludes general question time. Before we move to the next item of business, I invite members to join me in welcoming to the gallery Kenneth G Forslund, First Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, and Julia Kronlid, Second Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament. [Applause.] Remembrance Sunday 12:00”
“I have an update meeting next week with the chief officer responsible and the local ward councillors. Given that the situation is not common, the most pressing concern for people in the area is whether the emissions that they are experiencing are safe. Can the Scottish Government provide any further assurances that the treatment of such coal spoil fires does not impact on the health of residents? Does the cabinet secretary believe that there is scope for public education to prevent such fires from occurring in the future? Gillian Martin: As I said in my first answer, those involved are doing everything to suppress the smoke. Additional sand continues to be used effectively to suppress smoke and smouldering. Thermal imaging and temperature mapping confirm that the smouldering remains contained.”
“My officials have been in touch with North Lanarkshire Council and have been updated on the progress that has been made towards safely resolving the underground smouldering at the site in Coatbridge. Work has been led by specialist environmental engineers, in close co-ordination with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Air quality monitoring is carried out daily. The latest monitoring results show that air quality levels remain well within safe limits, and independent analysis confirms no exceedances of health-based thresholds. Residents in the immediate area have received regular updates via letter, the council website and social media. Fulton MacGregor: I thank North Lanarkshire Council and highlight its work in this fairly unusual and rare situation. It has been very proactive.”
“I was about to say that I am looking forward to reading Douglas Lumsden’s submission to the consultation but, after that diatribe, I do not know whether I am. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us not be shouting at one another. School Swimming Provision 7.”
“Before the cabinet secretary jets off on her latest taxpayer-funded jaunt to sell Scotland’s countryside to the highest bidder—[Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Mr Lumsden. Douglas Lumsden: Will the cabinet secretary explain to her constituents in Aberdeenshire East why local democracy is being ignored and energy projects are being decided by central belt, eco- zealot bureaucrats who are not answerable to local residents? [Interruption.] Gillian Martin: Well—what to say to that? Decisions about energy consents are made by local authorities if they fall under the threshold and by the Scottish Government if they are over the threshold. Regulations are put in place to determine the processes that are followed, and those processes are regulated by the United Kingdom Government.”
“The Scottish Government will consult on increasing the current threshold of 50MW for applications for onshore electricity-generating stations to be considered by local authorities. We will also consult on our new regulatory powers over Electricity Act 1989 applications through the United Kingdom Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Those new powers will enable changes to be made to address many of the concerns raised by local communities and to provide earlier, more structured engagement opportunities and better alignment with local planning procedures. Douglas Lumsden: Decisions such as those about the 500MW battery storage plant at Rothienorman should be taken by local planning authorities.”
“Alongside other parts of the UK economy, the offshore energy sector must be treated fairly to unlock investment and ensure that workers are at the heart of a just transition by protecting their jobs for as long as possible. That is why we will continue to call on the UK Government to bring forward at the budget a stable and long-term fiscal regime that will replace the EPL and deliver much-needed business and investor certainty for the”
“Kevin Stewart: Data from the UK Offshore Energies Association and Scottish Renewables shows that £40 billion of investment could be unlocked if the energy profits levy were to be replaced. That would deliver £137 billion of gross value added to the UK economy and safeguard 160,000 jobs, building on the 47,000 jobs and £15.5 billion of output that are already supported by Scotland’s renewable energy industry and the supply chain. What is the Scottish Government continuing to do to persuade the UK Government to abolish the energy profits levy in its forthcoming budget and replace it with a successor regime that focuses on protecting and growing energy jobs? Gillian Martin: The data that Kevin Stewart has cited is from a range of industry bodies, and it emphasises what I said in response to his first question.”
“I have had multiple discussions with my UK Government counterparts on that issue, and I have also written directly to the minister on it. As introduced by the Conservative Government, the energy profits levy was always supposed to be a temporary measure, and we must see the earliest possible end date for it, or a complete reform of it, as it is now affecting investment and jobs in the north-east, including in the low-carbon energy sector and the energy supply chain. The fiscal regime for offshore oil and gas is reserved to the UK Government, but I will continue to raise those concerns with the UK Government and call upon it to bring forward at the budget a stable and long-term fiscal regime to replace the EPL and deliver business and investor certainty for the North Sea.”
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“The crisis that we face is great, but it is not insurmountable if the large economies of the world give just a small fraction of their money to assist those in greatest need. It is an investment not only in their future, but in ours. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, cabinet secretary. That concludes the debate, and I close this meeting of the Parliament. Meeting closed at 19:42. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“It has never been more important for us to stand in solidarity with global south countries, and we remain steadfast in our commitment that loss and damage funding should be provided in the form of grants, not loans. I very much agree with Sarah Boyack on that point. We are committed to equitable and fair climate finance and to exploring innovative sources, to ensure that the needs of the global south are met. If we do not do that, the world as a whole will suffer. That is not virtue signalling or whatever it was that Douglas Lumsden called it, and it is not just a moral imperative. It is a global sustainability issue. The campaign is called cancel debt, choose hope, and I absolutely agree.”
“He listened to their stories and heard how climate change can impact every part of people’s lives and the deep injustice at the heart of climate change. Tackling non-economic loss and damage is a key part of addressing those injustices. From the Bay of Bengal to the Pacific Islands to sub- Saharan Africa, we are supporting communities to address the impacts of climate change that cannot be easily quantified, such as the loss of biodiversity and culture and the mental health impact of losing one’s home time and again. Community-led projects are putting women, young people and indigenous peoples at the heart of decision making. They are being empowered and funded to build back better after heart-wrenching devastation.”
“It is a moral imperative, but I agree with Jamie Hepburn that it is also of great importance for global stability. However, we should also acknowledge that that amount of money falls far below what is needed to address the scale of the issue. I have to be honest: the COP in Azerbaijan last year was my first, and I felt quite dismayed. Eventually pledges were made, but I wonder how many of those pledges have resulted in money going to developing countries. It is a sad indictment of the large economies that they feel able to pledge money but do not actually deliver it. As many members have mentioned, in the past month, the First Minister visited Malawi and Zambia, where he met communities that are living at the front line of climate change—communities that are facing alternating drought and flooding from tropical storms and cyclones.”
“Our climate justice approach recognises the role that developed countries such as Scotland have played, historically, in causing climate change. Maggie Chapman said that the current situation is “rooted in equality”, and I absolutely agree. As Jamie Hepburn mentioned, we also acknowledge our moral responsibility to address the loss and damage caused by the impacts of climate change. As I have said, COP26 was a real moment in time. The Scottish Government became the first global north Government to commit £2 million of funding to deal with loss and damage, but what has that funding done? It has allowed whole communities and individuals to build back after devastation. In some places, it might not even be just one moment of devastation; some communities might have had to rebuild schools, homes and farms multiple times.”
“The most vulnerable people in those communities, especially women and children— those who are already marginalised—are the ones who suffer the most. To those people who care only about what happens within the borders of the country that they represent, I say that it is false to say that none of this has an impact on them. We could see whole nationalities being displaced. That would become a catastrophic situation globally, not only for those communities and nationalities that could no longer remain in their homelands, but for the global north, which would have to deal with the impact of that. I urge people to think about that. We must all be global citizens. We cannot afford to see countries disappearing—I am thinking of places such as Vanuatu—and whole populations having to move.”
“The devastating scenes that we saw in Cuba and Jamaica are a stark reminder that climate change disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable communities—those that are the least resilient. We recognise that, as well as being the most impacted, those communities have done the least to cause the problem. Indeed, many members have made the same point. Are we going to preside over people being displaced from their homes? Are we going to turn our backs on people who have never benefited from the industries and lifestyles that have caused that devastation? I agree with Nicola Sturgeon, Sarah Boyack and Maggie Chapman on that point. We must not turn our backs, and we must encourage other economies to take the same approach.”
“I would like to say that it has caused a domino effect in many other countries and economies, and that they have realised that they should give grants rather than loans and provide loss and damage funds. Unfortunately, it has not quite happened that way. I continue to call for other economies—larger economies than ours—to stump up some cash rather than just make pledges, if I can put it that way. I might be more articulate in my choice of words when I am in Belém, but, in effect, that is what it comes down to. The impacts of climate change are clear to see, not just around the globe in places such as the global south, but at home, too. Just last week, we saw the impacts of hurricane Melissa, which left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean.”
“I thank Nicola Sturgeon for lodging her timely motion. It has been a great pleasure to hear her talk about issues that, as a former First Minister, she has led on in the past. Indeed, she championed and was the first mover on loss and damage. I am sure that she knows this, but everywhere I go in my role as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, whether it be to conferences such as climate action week in New York or last year’s COP in Azerbaijan—and I expect this to be the case at next week’s conference in Belém, too—the legacy of what she achieved at COP26, especially in relation to loss and damage, is mentioned again and again, because we were the leaders on that.”
“On the basis of the undertakings that were provided to me by the UK Government about our future working relationship and the limited scope of the amendment, I ask that Parliament approves the motion for legislative consent in relation to the aforementioned clause in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. I move, That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 11 March 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to a new clause on wind generation stations that may affect seismic array systems, inserted after clause 28, so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. 16:27”
“The Scottish and UK Governments intend to consult jointly on the new policy approach proposals as soon as possible, with the aim of publishing the consultation by the end of 2025. That consultation will seek views from a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, public bodies and the onshore wind industry, so that all voices can be heard. In seeking the Parliament’s consent for the motion, I make it clear that the amendment does not represent a precedent for other parts of the Scottish planning system, which remain wholly devolved and within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. I have written to the UK Government ministers to make that point clear.”
“I have considered the scope of the amendment and, although it has an impact on our planning and consenting responsibilities, it is very focused and specific, and only in respect of that small geographic area. I am therefore content that the amendment is required to unlock progress with developing the new policy approach. The UK Government has emphasised to me its commitment to working collaboratively to finalise the regulations, which will include setting a seismic impact limit on developments and confirming the geographical scope of the policy, which is expected to remain as 50km from the array. The UK Government has committed to entering into a memorandum of understanding on the ways of working and how Scottish ministers will be engaged in the process of developing the regulations.”
“It has been the long-standing objective of the Scottish Government to resolve the barriers to development in the area of the array, and we have been working with the UK Government and the onshore wind industry to develop a new policy approach to the deployment of onshore wind in the area of the Eskdalemuir array. To be absolutely clear, any project that is considered under the new approach will continue to be subject to all relevant and applicable considerations under the Electricity Act 1989, national planning policy and Scottish planning legislation. The amendment would achieve something that we have been working towards for a long time.”
“I have written to the UK Government ministers to express my disappointment and concern about the way in which the UK Government has pressed ahead at the pace that it has done, which has not allowed for consideration of alternative approaches to safeguarding the array that respect and protect devolved responsibilities. I asked for a further amendment to be made to the clause during the third reading of the bill in the House of Lords to require Scottish ministers to provide consent to any secondary legislation, but that has not been implemented. I am disappointed with that outcome. As everyone knows, I want Governments to work together to achieve decarbonisation, but devolution must be respected if that is to be continued.”
“On 9 October, the Scottish Parliament approved the LCM for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, but the recent amendment to which I have referred was tabled at report stage in the House of Lords on 13 October, with the text of the amendment having been shared with the Scottish Government only on 1 October. That is why the parliamentary debate has been held with such little notice. The situation was outwith my control. I want to address up front the fact that the amendment would enable the secretary of state to make changes to planning law in Scotland, thereby encroaching on an area of devolved legislative competence. The new clause does not give the Scottish ministers any formal role in agreeing to the secondary legislation.”
“However, in 2018, that noise limit was breached. Since then, the MOD has objected to every planned new wind farm within that 50km zone. The new clause in the bill will establish primary powers to enable the secretary of state to make regulations at a later date that will bring forward a new policy approach to safeguarding the functioning of the array, which will allow the potential for further onshore wind development in that area while protecting a site of national security importance. I think that it would be helpful to provide some background to members on why we are seeking Parliament’s approval for the supplementary LCM at such short notice.”
“Today, we are seeking Parliament’s approval for a supplementary LCM on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that relates to an amendment that the UK Government tabled recently, which inserted a clause on wind generation stations that affect seismic array systems. In Scotland, we have the Eskdalemuir seismic array, which is a Ministry of Defence seismological monitoring station in the Dumfries and Galloway area that is maintained as part of the United Kingdom’s obligation under the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. Wind turbines can cause seismic vibrations or noise in the ground, which can impact the functioning of the array. Since 2005, the MOD has set a limit on how much vibration or noise is allowed within what is known as the 50km consultation zone. That is to safeguard the array and to ensure that it can function properly.”
“Those are transformative actions, but we need the legislative tools to match our ambition. The bill is the next critical step. It places a duty on ministers to set statutory nature restoration targets; it modernises the aims and powers of national park authorities; it reforms deer management; and it creates a bespoke power to update environmental impact assessments and habitats legislation, addressing a gap that was left by our exit from the”
“Turning to the legislation, I want to be clear that the bill is not a stand-alone measure. It builds on the biodiversity strategy that we published last year, which sets out a long-term vision to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore nature by 2045. That strategy is supported by six-yearly rolling delivery plans, including our commitment to protect 30 per cent of Scotland’s land and seas for nature by 2030, with the first suite of nature 30 sites already announced. It also includes expanding and enhancing nature networks, in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders, to deliver ecological, social and economic benefits, and supporting restoration through our £65 million nature restoration fund, which has funded nearly 800 projects since 2021.”
“At the same time, we are securing the foundations of our economy and wellbeing, including sectors such as farming, fishing and forestry, which are deeply dependent on the health of our ecosystems. In Scotland, natural capital supports £40.1 billion in economic output and more than 260,000 jobs, from tourism and recreation to food and drink. We know that many sectors depend directly on nature. Nature is not just an economic asset; it is a public health necessity, with access to nature improving mental and physical wellbeing. For example, studies show that children in deprived areas who spend just 60 minutes a day in nature have a 50 per cent lower risk of mental health issues than others. We now know just enough about biodiversity to understand that removing even small pieces of the puzzle can have unpredictable and cascading effects.”
“Every part of our natural environment plays a role in supporting the systems that we depend on, from the tiniest microbes to apex predators. That intricate web of life underpins the industries that sustain us, providing food, clean water, energy, shelter and even medicines. Protecting and restoring nature is not just about conservation; it is about doing what is right for the good of us all. Scotland’s natural environment is part of who we are. It sustains our communities, defines our place in the world and makes our communities resilient. By safeguarding it, we honour our responsibility to future generations and preserve the landscapes and the wildlife that make Scotland thrive.”
“There is no doubt that nature is at risk, and that threatens lives, habitats, the balance of our natural world and the sectors, communities and economies that rely on it. The nature and climate emergencies are deeply intertwined. Nature regulates our climate, and the climate impacts on nature. The natural environment brings huge benefits to our human health and wellbeing—for example, cleaning our air and water, storing harmful carbon, and reducing flooding. The World Economic Forum recently ranked biodiversity loss as the second- highest global risk over the next decade, just behind extreme weather. We cannot afford to treat nature as an optional extra. It is the foundation of our health, our economy and our life-support systems.”
“People often talk about how lucky we are to live in Scotland, and of course they are absolutely right—just look at our magnificent landscapes and coastlines, our lochs, glens and forests, and our iconic species such as the golden eagle and the Scottish wildcat. Beneath that beauty, however, lies a troubling truth: biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home. Across the world, 1 million species face extinction in the coming decades unless we act now. That is not just a distant issue happening elsewhere. It is happening on our doorstep, with one in nine species already threatened here in Scotland. Since 1994, monitored species have seen an average 15 per cent drop in numbers.”
“Although I look forward to hearing members’ views on how the bill can be improved and strengthened at stage 2, I hope that we can reaffirm that commitment today by supporting the general principles of the bill and recognising the urgency of the crisis that it seeks to address. Let me begin with a stark statistic. I invite everyone to think about what this really means. Last year, PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated that more than 55 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product is dependent on nature—that means that more than half the world’s economic activity relies on healthy ecosystems.”
“I am very pleased to open today’s debate on the general principles of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill. This Parliament has a long and proud record of championing nature, biodiversity and wildlife. I thank the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee for its comprehensive scrutiny of the bill, and everyone who gave evidence at stage 1. I also acknowledge the stakeholders whom we met in Government during the development of the bill, whose contributions have helped to shape our approach. I welcome the committee’s recommendation that Parliament supports the general principles of the bill.”
“Given the importance of transparency and decision making on major infrastructure projects, particularly when local democracy has been dismissed and the recommendations of an independent report overturned, will the cabinet secretary commit to publishing any briefing notes, correspondence or records relating to that meeting, so that the public can be assured that the ministerial code has been upheld? Gillian Martin: As with all matters relating to the ministerial code, I will take that away and get advice on what has and has not been published. However, I know that it is not appropriate for me to comment on any decisions on any particular application.”
“The Kendoon to Tongland 132kV reinforcement project has led to serious concerns among local communities, landowners and environmental stakeholders. It is vital that all ministerial engagements on matters that controversial are conducted transparently, in line with the Scottish ministerial code. With that in mind, reports suggest that a meeting may have taken place between Alasdair Allan, the then Acting Minister for Climate Action, and officials on 7 February 2025, yet no formal record has been published.”
“Members of the public can submit representations about onshore electricity infrastructure to Scottish ministers either virtually or by post. Applications for generating stations with a capacity of 50MW or less are made to local planning authorities, which have similar arrangements in place. Representations received by the Scottish Government are treated in the same manner, provided that they meet the requirements, as set out on our website. All material considerations raised in representations are carefully considered before any decision is reached. Submitting a representation remains the most effective means for local communities to provide their views on an application. Finlay Carson: I thank the cabinet secretary for that response. However, there is little confidence in the process.”
“Local engagement by the developer with stakeholders, including consideration of potential impacts on the fishing industry, is actively encouraged. Any specific proposal that is taken forward beyond the early stages will be subject to relevant required regulatory processes. Those processes require consultation with the public and relevant stakeholders, which of course includes the fishing sector, to assess the potential impacts, and they will all be taken into account.”