Kate Forbes
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“We are committed to securing a just transition for Grangemouth. We have provided more than £12 million in funding to support the creation of up to 279 jobs. We are also committed to supporting workers who have been made redundant as a result of commercial decisions at Grangemouth.”
“The unions, especially Unite the Union, have been constructive throughout and have put the needs of their members before anything else. What role has our Government played to create a future for the workers who have been abandoned and discarded by the United Kingdom Labour Government?”
“It has worked with us to establish the Grangemouth jobs prioritisation scheme, which ensures that redundant workers are prioritised for new opportunities arising at Grangemouth as a result of the Grangemouth just transition fund.”
“Kate Forbes: I agree that attracting a varied and diverse range of investors who are able to meet the needs of companies across all projects and stages is vital. We have seen huge growth in start- ups, and now the focus needs to turn to scale-ups.”
“High streets are going to be hammered again by inaction on business rates that, in many cases, are doubling or trebling. Has the Government done any analysis of the impact of those increases on business closures and vacancy rates, and what they will do to the streets? Should the Government not look again at pausing the process?”
“Oliver Mundell: I associate myself with comments from colleagues across the chamber about the Deputy First Minister. I am concerned that the Scottish National Party- led Dumfries and Galloway Council is undoing all that hard work by continuing with its obsession with wasting £70 million of taxpayers’ money on the deeply unpopular Whitesan…”
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“However, businesses throughout Scotland consistently raise concerns about a fragmented funding landscape, overly complex procurement processes and the sheer number of agencies that they are expected to navigate—more than 300 in total. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that business support must be simplified and streamlined to ensure that entrepreneurs are better supported to make their ambitions a reality? Kate Forbes: The very principle that underpins Maurice Golden’s question is what prompted Mark Logan to design the blueprint that we have been putting into place over the past few years. For example, the compound annual growth rate of key European start-up economies shows that the approach taken to streamlining is working.”
“Recent Tech Nation data shows that Scotland’s start-up economy is booming, with our 19 per cent growth rate among the fastest in Europe. Our ambition is to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies. That is backed by a record £30 million of investment this year, including a £2.9 million proof-of-concept fund translating research discoveries into commercial propositions. We also continue to support Techscaler, which is among Europe’s best start-up incubators, and one of this Government’s finest achievements. Maurice Golden: The NatWest accelerator programme has already supported more than 10,000 new businesses, created 12,000 jobs and driven £700 million-worth of investment, which should be celebrated.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Stephen Kerr to close on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives. 15:53”
“The Government has been quite good at helping people into work, but the question remains of how we keep people in work and break down the data, because this is not a homogenous group, especially after Covid, when a lot of people left the job market and have not returned for various reasons. I am keen to work on that issue on a cross-party basis. As we look ahead to the Labour budget in November, which is being introduced at the last possible point because Labour has hedged itself in and has a crisis of confidence, the prospect for Scotland is either to wait and see what we will be given for another year, or for us to say that we have had enough of this. We have all the comparative advantages of other small, independent, advanced economies. We can be just as wealthy as them, but only as an independent country.”
“Murdo Fraser: I reassure the Deputy First Minister that we are entirely serious about looking at the Fiscal Commission’s warnings about public finances. However, in 2023, the Scottish Government promised that it would reduce the size of the public sector workforce in Scotland. How is that going? Kate Forbes: That cues me up nicely to talk about workforce. I thought that Roz McCall gave an absolutely brilliant speech—I hope that that does not ruin her credibility. She talked about the serious issue of economic inactivity, which we can all get behind. During the past few months in particular, I have convened a lot of work between employers, public and private employers and the third sector to look at how we resolve this.”
“The impact of Covid, combined with stubbornly high inflation and the catastrophe of the Truss budget, has been felt in real terms by households across the country, and it has also had an impact on public finances. Although today’s debate is obviously just a bit of fun for some—the Tories—I am with Jamie Greene, because we need to take our public finances seriously. As we approach the next budget, the parties’ approaches to that budget will be on display. The Parliament has always been very quick to call for more spending and very slow to identify how to find it. I am old enough to remember when the Conservatives’ form of opposition to welfare support, when it was first being devolved, was to tell us to be more generous. Now they have very much changed their tune. I want to touch on economic inactivity.”
“Daniel Johnson: I very much appreciate those comments, but will Kate Forbes not reflect that we did not hear any of that in any of the preceding speeches from those on the SNP benches? They were all doom and gloom too, were they not? Kate Forbes: I have not singled anyone out. The funny thing is that I think Daniel Johnson has tried to drive a wedge in an area where I hoped that all of the Parliament—those from all parties— could join together to commend. There is no doubt that the cost of living remains extremely tough for people. I think that it was Katy Clark who talked about that—I ask members to forgive me if it was somebody else. Flatlining wages across the UK, which have not grown in line with inflation since 2008, have been really tough for people.”
“As I have said in probably every economy speech since I came into my role, I live in hope that, aside from the politics, the parties in the chamber can join together to commend our brilliant businesses, ingenious entrepreneurs and very talented workers. It is tough out there, and people have covered some of the reasons why, but—my word—Scotland’s businesses are doing a brilliant job, whether they are in tech, manufacturing, life sciences or the food and drink sector. There is such a contrast between the doom and gloom that often characterises the Parliament’s discussions about the economy and the optimism and hope of our businesses and our industries. As Kevin Stewart said, we are certainly not “too wee” or “too stupid”. Our businesses and our workers prove that.”
“Back in June, KPMG’s chief economist said: “Scotland’s economy is well placed to strengthen in the months ahead, and if conditions improve as we expect, could give it a modest edge over the UK as a whole in 2026.” A few weeks after that, Scottish businesses, supported by Scottish Enterprise, delivered their highest-ever level of planned international exports—an unprecedented £2.46 billion during the year to March, which was up by 20 per cent on the figure for the financial year 2023-24. In fact, the current price value of goods exports increased by 15 per cent from the pre-pandemic period while the rest of the UK experienced an increase of about 6 per cent.”
“I am ever the optimist, so I will start with a few areas that I hope the Parliament can unite to commend. In the past few weeks, a fascinating report from NatWest has confirmed that Scotland had one of the highest rates of start-ups in the UK in the first few months of this year. That is a testament to our investment in the infrastructure that supports start- ups and to the brilliant entrepreneurs. A few weeks before that, our labour market statistics were some of the best in the UK.”
“She will have seen my comments yesterday on the need for a very urgent replacement of that fiscal regime and on certainly not having to wait until 2030. Lastly, the member talked about some of the wider opportunities that are emerging through project willow and how we unlock the National Wealth Fund commitment to funding. That is a particular priority at the moment. We know that some of those opportunities are far advanced. In fact, that was the nature of my conversation with Michael Shanks yesterday—looking at how we progress that to secure the funding and get the opportunities in place. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes portfolio questions on the Deputy First Minister’s responsibilities, economy and Gaelic. Finance and Local Government Working-age Economic Inactivity 1.”
“Kate Forbes: Michelle Thomson has raised a number of important issues, and I will start with the wider cluster. We are very conscious of the challenges faced by the wider chemicals business. I meet the chief executive of Ineos O&P Europe (UK) monthly to provide the business with an opportunity to update me on how global market pressures in the wider energy landscape are impacting on operations at Grangemouth. I am also engaging directly with the UK Government on those matters—indeed, I raise them at most of my meetings with the Secretary of State for Scotland—and I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to make some progress on the issue. The member mentioned the energy profits levy.”
“Michelle Thomson: The cabinet secretary has alluded to concerns that are increasingly being raised about contagion as a result of the impact of UK Government policies on the energy sector. My immediate concerns are the vital chemical cluster around Grangemouth, but I am also concerned about the throughput of the Forties pipeline and, therefore, ultimate viability. It is also clear that the energy profit levy is biting investment hard, and I find it staggering that there is no sign of the promised £200 million—paltry though that may be—from the UK Government. I know that discussions have been had, but is the cabinet secretary any clearer on whether the UK Government plans to follow through on the promises that have been made and, consequently, on timescales?”
“I have regular engagements with various UK Government ministers, not least yesterday, when I met the energy minister Michael Shanks to discuss Grangemouth in particular. The Grangemouth investment task force and Grangemouth future industry board continue to be fruitful vehicles for collaboration between the energy secretary and United Kingdom ministers. In May, I asked the Secretary of State for Business and Trade for a meeting to discuss wider issues in the Grangemouth cluster to jointly secure the future of Ineos Olefins & Polymers Europe (UK) at Grangemouth. The Minister of State for Industry responded to me on 29 August, and I very much look forward to having that discussion in due course.”
“However, the member was right to refer to the funding that is available right now, which can be delivered in response to applications that are made. I could go into detail on the various projects that have already benefited from just transition funding, but I will simply say that I have been really impressed by what local partners have delivered with the funding that they have received.”
“We remain closely involved with each of the growth deals in order to understand what is affecting progress, particularly when it comes to infrastructure. The member also mentioned other schemes, such as the just transition fund. It has long been my view that growth deals established a different way of operating. That tripartite arrangement between the Scottish Government, the United Kingdom Government and local authorities has worked really well, and I think that it is a great model for the future. Calls have been made for a second phase of growth deals, and we are very happy to continue to engage with the other participants in the tripartite arrangement—the UK Government and local authorities—to look at how we can progress that.”
“There is scope to further extend the benefits of the growth deals in areas such as Moray by ensuring that any just transition funds are split fairly and by actively supporting other projects along the energy corridor between Aberdeen and the green freeport in Invergordon. Can the Government confirm that it is monitoring the effects of inflation and its impact on projects and that it will ensure that the just transition funding that impacts Moray, which has the potential to expand the projects in the area under the growth deal, is split fairly between the three council areas? Kate Forbes: The member raises a number of important issues that are high on my list of priorities. He mentioned the impact of inflation.”
“The substantial £242.5 million that we are investing in four growth deals across the Highlands and Islands will empower and enable regional partners to deliver a wide range of projects that are tailored to local needs and circumstances. Those projects, which have been chosen by local partners for their areas, will deliver infrastructure, housing, skills, transport and innovation to drive economic growth at local and regional level and secure lasting benefits. Tim Eagle: The growth deals are delivering jobs, infrastructure and certainty of investment, as was highlighted in the recent Economy and Fair Work Committee report. However, current levels of inflation remain an on-going concern.”
“Kate Forbes: It is certainly encouraging to see the output from the work that we have undertaken in the past few years to change our enterprise support from being quite generic to, instead, vastly improving the scale and quality of infrastructure that is tailored to high-growth founders. Scotland’s transformation into one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies is a testament to that ambition and to the resilience and innovation of our people and businesses. The 120 per cent growth in investment over just four years is not only impressive but a clear signal that our forward-thinking policies have delivered real results. That has involved working in partnership with several different organisations. It was kicked off by Scotland’s first chief entrepreneur, Mark Logan. Increased Taxation (Highlands and Islands) 5.”
“Elena Whitham: Does the Deputy First Minister agree that the report shows that Scotland is the fastest growing start-up economy in the UK and one of the fastest growing in Europe, with investment growing by 120 per cent in just over four years? Does she agree that that remarkable progress has been achieved by forward-thinking Scottish Government policies, in the face of Brexit damaging trade and labour markets and successive UK Governments failing to deliver the investment that Scotland needs? That is especially the case in rural communities such as mine, where all and any opportunities and such positive growth are very much welcome.”
“I am hugely encouraged by the NatWest’s “New Startup Index”, which shows Scotland’s strong performance in business formations. Scotland saw 17.9 per cent growth in new business incorporations compared with 2024, demonstrating significant momentum in the start- up economy. We are by far the fastest-growing start-up economy in the United Kingdom and one of the fastest growing in Europe. That growth is not accidental; it is thanks to sustained investment and focus by the Government and policy choices such as the Techscaler programme, alongside the ambition and hard work of Scotland’s innovators and entrepreneurs, who should be enormously proud of themselves.”
“In her meeting with businesses following Edinburgh’s festivals, did the Deputy First Minister highlight the benefits of investing in culture and corporate sponsorship of cultural events? Will she commit to further engagement to support private investment in our cultural and creative sectors? Kate Forbes: The short answer is yes—I commit to on-going engagement. Foysol Choudhury identified a number of different funding sources. The Scottish Government has provided funding to support the fringe this year, but at that round table, international leaders in particular commented on how much their Governments invest in supporting those from their nations who are performing at the fringe, highlighting that it is a global phenomenon. We are proud to continue to support it.”
“We are always working with Edinburgh’s festivals to maximise economic opportunities and to complement the year-round efforts of each of these flagship cultural events. Alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, I convened a round table on Friday 22 August with business, data and diplomatic leaders, exploring how we can collectively maximise the fringe’s economic impact. With last month’s outstanding Edinburgh festival programmes in mind, I congratulate the artists, performing companies, production teams, supporting staff and everyone whose work makes Edinburgh’s festivals a global cultural highlight. Foysol Choudhury: We know how important our cultural and creative sectors are to the economy and how they can drive growth.”
“As we move to questions, I recognise that members have a tendency to pose multiple questions in their speaking slot, not all of which I might recall in my efforts to answer them. I would be happy to take an opportunity after the statement to go into more detail on the solutions that we are looking at and how we can collaborate to put them into practice. The Presiding Officer: The Deputy First Minister will now take questions on the issues that were raised in her statement. I intend to allow 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business.”
“It is important that we in the chamber put aside politics and work together during the 45-day consultation period in order to find practical solutions, hopefully well in advance of the end of that consultation period, to support the business and safeguard production of zero-emission buses in Falkirk and Larbert. We will need to collaborate across the chamber, with the UK Government and with procuring authorities to achieve success. That is where I think that there is an opportunity to find a solution. Members of the Parliament, particularly those who have constituency interests, will want to be kept up to date, so I undertake to update members as frequently as they wish.”
“On Monday and again yesterday, I spoke with the trade unions that represent ADL workers in Scotland—GMB and Unite the Union—in separate meetings. They impressed on me the positive engagement that they were having with ADL, and they emphasised the importance of having a pipeline of orders for Falkirk and Larbert as part of any solution. That is precisely why that is a solution that we are working through. I welcome the constructive approach of Unite the Union and GMB Scotland, and we share an absolute commitment to do all that we can to save those jobs. I will continue that dialogue every few days over the coming weeks.”
“The leadership of bus operators such as First, Stagecoach and Lothian Buses in committing to go to net zero by 2035 is to be commended. That represents a wholesale change in how the bus sector operates, creating challenges but also new opportunities. I recognise that ADL cannot stand still, and we want to support the company to innovate and bring forward new products that reflect changes in the sector. In this Government, we will continue to do all in our power to support Alexander Dennis and its highly skilled workers. Following the announcement, I updated local elected members. I spoke with Michael Matheson, who is a long-standing advocate for the company, and also to Brian Leishman MP, whose constructive approach I am grateful for.”
“I spoke with the Secretary of State for Scotland on 4 June, and we agreed to establish a cross- governmental working group to discuss options to stimulate demand and avert job losses. The second meeting of that working group was held on Monday this week, and the group will meet again at the beginning of next week. We recognise ADL’s historic leadership in championing the cause, including through its co- chairing of the industry advisory group on the automotive sector and the subsequent Scottish bus decarbonisation task force, which published its pathway to net zero in 2022. The pathway describes a shared approach between Government, operators, manufacturers and the finance and energy sectors to creating a net zero future for buses.”
“Over the past 10 years, Scottish Enterprise has awarded £30.5 million in research and development support to ADL, as a contribution towards £120 million of R and D spend by the company. Those grants have supported the development of ultra-low-emission and zero- emission technologies at ADL. Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland continue to provide on- going support to the company, both directly and through support for the adoption of zero-emission buses. I turn now to the Government’s response to ADL’s consultation. We will work in close collaboration with the company, the trade unions and the UK Government to find practical solutions. We will not play politics with this situation, and we will continue to explore every avenue to avoid job losses.”
“With our investment of more than £150 million, Scotland now has a higher proportion of zero-emission buses than any other part of the United Kingdom outside London. In 2024, 14 per cent of all buses in Scotland had zero emissions, compared with only 7.4 per cent in England. In addition to supporting operators to embrace zero-emission buses, we have also invested directly with Alexander Dennis. Scottish Enterprise has a strong 10-year-plus strategic partnership with Alexander Dennis and has supported the company with technology development, skills and cultural transformation over many years. I think that it was clear from the letter from Alexander Dennis just how much it values that on-going support.”
“The company’s own analysis suggests that “For every job in bus manufacturing, there is a multiplier of three to four jobs in the wider supply chain and support services.” A just transition requires that we retain the capacity to build low and zero-emission buses as a key part of the transition to a low carbon economy, to retain good, green jobs and skills. Buses connect communities all across Scotland, and travelling by bus is already one of the greenest transport choices that people can make. Transforming our bus networks from older diesel to zero emissions not only contributes to our emissions reduction targets but improves air quality and reduces harmful noise pollution. Our policy interventions to date have been designed to accelerate uptake of zero-emission buses in the Scottish market.”
“Under those programmes, ADL has received £58 million of Scottish Government subsidy for vehicles. ADL and bus production are synonymous, with more than a century of manufacturing excellence and innovation growing from Walter Alexander’s original coach works in Falkirk. I am sure that, across the chamber, we all respect that proud history and recognise the continuing significance of the company in the local economy. However, this is not only a local issue. ADL draws on, and is supported by, a much larger and wider supply chain. In the past five years, Alexander Dennis has spent more than £1 billion with its 1,000 suppliers in all parts of the United Kingdom.”
“That is why we are working closely with the company to identify and secure a forward pipeline of demand for high-quality buses from Scottish and UK customers. Confidence in the demand pipeline is critical in both the short and longer term, and we recognise that a clear future pipeline of orders is the key to securing the future of bus manufacturing in Scotland. Although the Scottish Government is exploring all possible opportunities to ensure a healthy pipeline in Scotland, it is clear that the bus market in the rest of the United Kingdom is substantially larger. Since 2020, Alexander Dennis has secured orders for 361 zero-emission buses, more than any other single manufacturer, through Transport Scotland’s Scottish zero-emission bus challenge fund and its predecessor, the Scottish ultra-low- emission bus scheme.”
“The company believes that consolidation will ensure “financial sustainability and lower operating costs in the face of changing and challenging market dynamics.” Under current proposals, manufacturing in Falkirk would be discontinued and the site closed, while production at Larbert would be suspended on the completion of current contracts. The statutory consultation therefore places up to 400 roles at potential risk of redundancy—nearly one quarter of ADL’s entire workforce. We are determined to help the business find an alternative to that route and to find different ways to meet market challenges through investment and improved performance. A key part of that is the ability of ADL to secure future orders.”
“In recent weeks, the First Minister and I, in many cases with the support of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, have engaged extensively with Alexander Dennis and its parent company, NFI Group, to understand the issues and express our commitment to exploring every possible avenue. We first spoke with ADL about the specific proposals on 25 May, and I believe that the company informed the UK Government at the same time. Directors of Alexander Dennis were open about the challenges posed by international competition. They also spoke of the strength of potential demand over the coming years as bus operators across the UK pivot towards net zero. In response to market dynamics, ADL is proposing to consolidate its UK bus manufacturing operations into a single site.”
“This statement concerns the announcement that was made last week by Alexander Dennis Ltd—ADL—regarding a new strategy for its United Kingdom manufacturing operations. I want to be as open as possible in the statement and in subsequent follow-up conversations with members. I recognise that it is a hugely worrying time for the workforce at ADL, their families and the wider community in Falkirk and Larbert. I have shared with the unions that represent that workforce my commitment to leaving no stone unturned to secure a future for the company and the workforce. The company is a significant employer and supports a highly valuable supply chain. Our focus right now is on supporting the business as well as the communities around that business.”
“In recent years, we have supported major research and development projects in Rosyth, helped to secure hundreds of skilled jobs through training grants and enabled diversification into civilian and green technologies. The Government stands behind the contribution that the defence sector makes to our economy and our national security. We also hold principled positions on how limited devolved public money is used. We have worked constructively with companies, such as BAE Systems, with deep roots in Scotland and major contributions to make. Our clear and long-standing policy is that scarce devolved public funds should not be used to directly support the manufacture of munitions. We are targeting Scotland’s public support—”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion. I will try to cover quite a lot of ground in a limited time, but I will begin by stating plainly that Scotland’s defence sector is of strategic importance to our economy, our communities and our shared security, and that is uppermost in our minds these days. The sector supports more than 14,000 jobs, contributes £3.3 billion annually to our economy and plays a critical role in naval shipbuilding, aerospace and advanced technologies such as quantum and artificial intelligence. The innovation that is generated in those industries is vital not only for defence but for Scotland’s wider industrial base. That is why the Scottish Government, through our enterprise agencies, has provided more than £90 million in support to companies in the aerospace, defence, marine and space sectors since 2006.”
“We have answered the challenges that were raised in stage 1: new investment has been provided; we have demonstrated that the bill is not symbolic; we have addressed key Gaelic education concerns; we have prioritised community activity; and we have agreed that ambitious targets are needed.”
“The bill introduces powers to designate areas of linguistic significance, or ALS. It is envisioned that Gaelic communities will be empowered through the designation process and that ALS will support practical steps such as delivery of services through the medium of Gaelic and improved provision of Gaelic education, which local authorities could prioritise. The bill includes a range of GME provisions, strengthens reporting and requires ministers to establish strategies and standards. Those are new provisions that will enable more progress. The bill will make a difference.”
“I believe that we have a bill that represents all interests in the chamber. We are aware of the most recent census results, which give us hope, optimism and challenge. As ever with Gaelic and Scots, there is much to do, and the bill gives us the means and the levers to make further progress. There are new provisions in the bill that will affect crucial areas of Gaelic and Scots development. In learning, steps will be taken to improve access to Gaelic-medium education and to improve resources for use in classrooms for Scots in education. In communities, provisions will be put in place to recognise and support areas with important connections to Gaelic and to support people who live and work in those areas. In the proposed strategy and standards, we will set out our priorities and the targets that we will aim for.”
“With Gaelic and Scots, we are always building on and adding to what others have done before. We must view the bill and other steps as an essential part of reversing the neglect of earlier times. This the first time that Scots has been included in legislation. In the past month, I have visited the planned fourth Gaelic school in Glasgow and the expanding Gaelic school in Inverness, and I have had discussions about where Gaelic can contribute to the economy in fragile areas. Those are signs of progress and, with the bill, we will ensure that progress continues. We have listened, and we have taken in community views. Discussions on the bill have featured across my meetings with community interests and with a range of Gaelic and Scots bodies. We have benefited from discussions with MSPs and we have welcomed proposals from MSPs.”
“Following is the simultaneous interpretation: This parliamentary process started with a commitment to bring forward a new Scottish Languages Bill. The clearly stated aim was to take further steps to create a secure future for Gaelic and Scots. We have made good progress with that commitment. We are aware that the bill is not just an administrative exercise; we want the steps that we take to have an impact on language use in homes, and to strengthen its use in the community and the workplace. The bill has gone through the stages of community discussions, formal consultation, policy development, and scrutiny and amendment by the Parliament. The bill has been strengthened at every stage by means of those discussions. The commitments behind the bill were clear and ambitious.”
“An lùib a’ bhile seo tha measgachadh de chumhaichean airson foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig, cumhaichean gus neartachadh mar a thèid aithris air poileasaidhean cànain, agus feadhainn a chuireas dleastanas air ministearan ro-innleachdan agus bun-inbhean a stèidheachadh. ’S iad seo cumhaichean ùra agus bidh iad ga dhèanamh nas comasaich tuilleadh adhartais a choisinn. Thig atharrachadh às a’ bhile seo. Tha sinn air freagairt na dùbhlain aig ìre 1. Chaidh barrachd airgead a thasgadh. Tha sinn air sealltainn nach e seo dìreach bile samhlachail. Chuir sinn aithne ri prìomh dhraghan a thaobh foghlam Gàidhlig. Tha sinn air prìomhachas a thoirt do ghnìomhan coimhearsnachd agus air aontachadh gu bheil feum air targaidean àrd-amasach.”
“Anns an ro- innleachd agus na bun-inbhean a tha am bile a’ cur air adhart bidh sinn a’ mìneachadh nam prìomhachasan againn agus na targaidean air am bi sinn ag amas. Tha am bile seo a’ toirt a-steach cumhachdan gus sgìrean cànain sònraichte a chomharrachadh. ’S e miann a’ bhile gur e am pròiseas comharrachaidh rud a bheir cumhachd do choimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus gum bi sgìrean cànain sònraichte a’ cur taic ri ceumannan practaigeach. Mar eisimpleir, a bhith a’ toirt seachad seirbheisean tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig agus solar nas fheàrr airson foghlam Gàidhlig ris am b’ urrainn ùghdarrasan ionadail dèiligeadh mar phrìomhachas.”
“Mar às àbhaist, le Gàidhlig agus Albais, tha an t-uamhas obrach romhainn agus tha am bile seo a’ toirt dhuinn an comas agus na dòighean anns an tèid adhartas a bharrachd a choisinn. Tha cumhaichean ùra sa bhile seo aig a bheil buaidh air àitichean a tha riatanach ri leasachadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais. A thaobh ionnsachadh, chaidh ceumannan a leantainn gus cothrom nas fheàrr a thoirt do dhaoine air foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig agus gus goireasan foghlaim a leasachadh do dh’Albais san t-seòmar- sgoile. A thaobh coimhearsnachd, thèid cumhaichean a chur an sàs gus comharrachadh is taic a thoirt do sgìrean aig a bheil ceanglaichean cudromach don Ghàidhlig agus gus taic a thoirt dhaibhsan a tha a’ fuireach is ag obair sna sgìrean seo.”
“Chìthear comharran adhartais agus, leis a’ bhile seo, nì sinn cinnteach gun lean an t-adhartas sin. Tha sinn air èisteachd. Tha sinn air gabhail ri beachdan bhon choimhearsnachd. Tha deasbadan mun bhile seo air nochdadh thairis air na coinneamhan agam le luchd-ùidhe coimhearsnachd agus le measgachadh de bhuidhnean Gàidhlig agus Albais. Tha sinn air buannachd fhaighinn bho bhith a’ còmhradh ri Buill-Phàrlamaid agus air fàilte a chuir ri molaidhean nam Ball-Pàrlamaid. Rim bheachd-sa, tha bile pàrlamaid againn a tha a' riochdachadh luchd-ùidhe an t-seòmair seo uile gu lèir. Tha sinn mothachail de thoraidhean a’ chunntais-shluaigh mu dheireadh. ’S iad seo adhbhar airson dòchais, misneachd agus dùbhlain.”
“Tha am bile air a bhith air a neartachadh aig gach ìre air sgàth nan deasbadan seo. ’S e geallaidhean soilleir agus àrd-amasach a bha air cùlaibh a’ bhile seo. Le bhith ag obair às leth Gàidhlig agus Albais tha sinn an-còmhnaidh a’ togail air agus a’ cur ris na gnìomhan a chaidh a chur an sàs le daoine romhainn. Feumar a bhith ag aithneachadh a’ bhile seo agus ceumannan eile mar phàirt riatanach den oidhirp a bhith a’ càradh a’ chroin a dh’fhulaing na cànain ann an linntean nas tràithe. ’S e seo a’ chiad uair a chaidh Albais a chomharrachadh ann an reachdas. Sa mhìos mu dheireadh tha mi air tadhal air a’ cheathramh sgoil Ghàidhlig a tha san amharc do Ghlaschu agus an sgoil Ghàidhlig a tha a’ sìor fhàs ann an Inbhir Nis. Tha mi air a bhith an sàs ann an còmhraidhean mun thaic a bheir Gàidhlig don eaconamaidh ann an sgìrean cugallach.”
“’S ann tro ghealladh Bile nan Cànan Albannach ùr a thoirt air adhart a thòisich am pròiseas pàrlamaid seo. Chaidh a chuir an cèill gu follaiseach gur e ar n-amas a bhith a’ leantainn nan ceumannan leis an dèigheadh àm ri teachd nas tèarainte a chruthachadh do Ghàidhlig agus Albais. Tha sinn air deagh adhartas a choisinn a dh’ionnsaigh a’ gheallaidh sin. Tha sinn fìor mhothachail nach e seo eacarsaich a shuathas a-mhàin ri riaghladh nan cànan—tha sinn airson ceumannan a ghabhail a bheir buaidh air cleachdadh nan cànan ann an dachaighean, a bhios gan neartachadh sa choimhearsnachd agus san àite-obrach. Chaidh am bile seo a dheasbad aig iomadach ìre eadar-dhealaichte. Nam measg, na h-ìrean deasbad coimhearsnachd; co-chomhairle fhoirmeil; leasachadh poileasaidh; agus an sgrùdadh is atharrachadh a rinn a’ Phàrlamaid seo.”
“I heard what the Deputy First Minister said about Bòrd na Gàidhlig development officers, but my amendment 23 seeks to ensure that somebody from the grass roots will be in designated areas to help to build and sustain the community. As we know, much has been said about whether the bill will achieve the difference that is needed in Gaelic-speaking communities across Scotland. To ensure that the Gaelic language survives, communities must be provided with support on the ground, so I still think that amendment 23 is really important. I press amendment 13.”