Rona Mackay
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Màiri McAllan: I express the Government’s sympathy with those who are wrestling with dramatically increased oil prices, which will have come as a very unwelcome shock to households.”
“Our islands cost crisis emergency fund will continue into the 2026-27 financial year, with an additional £1 million allocation. This year, we have also invested a further £5.5 million in the Scottish welfare fund, which provides vital support in difficult times. Rona Mackay: I thank the cabinet secretary for that welcome response.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking through its fuel poverty programmes to support low-income rural and off- grid households that are unable to heat their homes due to the recent increase in heating oil prices.”
“I was pleased to see that the Scottish Prison Service has piloted non-pain-inducing control and restraint techniques that reduce the risk of injury to staff and prisoners. Can the First Minister assure me that the pilot approach will be rolled out across the prison estate, with staff being given the appropriate training?”
“The other two that I want to mention are the much-missed Christina McKelvie and Jeane Freeman. What a privilege to have known and worked with those freedom fighters. They fought for equality, fairness and, of course, independence. What a legacy they leave. I know that they will always be in our hearts.”
“I am pleased to speak in today’s important debate for many reasons. First, I want to acknowledge the legendary Christine Grahame and her passionate dedication to the cause of animal welfare. There are not many people we can call a legend, but I think that Christine qualifies.”
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“Dr Sher points out that alcohol affects everyone in different ways and that what might simply have an impact on one person could be devastating to another. It is a bit like Russian roulette: will that one drink be the one that affects your baby? Back in the day, the message to pregnant women of my generation was, “Limit your alcohol intake—the odd glass of wine won’t do any harm as long as you’re sensible.” Dr Sher’s message is that the only way to avoid giving your baby FASD is to drink no alcohol at all. He also highlighted the fact that a large number of children who go through the children’s hearings system—I am a former panel member—may well have been affected by FASD. Support for families who are affected by FASD, and early diagnosis, can transform the prospects of young people who are affected.”
“We must, therefore, identify solutions and take meaningful actions, and not just perennially identify and analyse problems. Clinicians must be trained properly on the diagnosis of FASD and ways to assist those who are affected by it. A public awareness campaign is necessary to highlight the dangers of alcohol to expectant parents and those who are planning to conceive. Of course, alcohol producers must play a part in that initiative, with clear messages on their merchandise about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. They absolutely have a public responsibility to do that. Inconsistent messaging on alcohol products is concerning, with around a quarter of women in the United Kingdom reportedly unaware of the current health advice.”
“Dr Sher is a renowned international expert on FASD, a former deputy director of the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland and a founding partner of Scotland’s coalition for healthier pregnancies, better lives. In my opinion—at the great risk of embarrassing him—Dr Sher has done more to educate people and raise awareness of the condition than anyone on the planet. He believes that the primary prevention of FASD, along with efforts to diagnose and assist those who are harmed by FASD, should become equal priorities throughout Scotland. The savings on the prevention side would easily more than cover the endless costs of failing to prevent FASD. A Canadian study reported that analysis indicated additional costs of $1.4 million—that is more than £1 million—to public bodies for each person with FASD.”
“The Scottish Government estimated that in 2019, at least 172,000 children, young people and adults had FASD. Of equal weight to prevention are early diagnosis and support for people with FASD, which are crucial to avoid a range of issues that are commonly encountered such as mental health problems, unemployment, disrupted school experiences, imprisonment and in-patient psychiatric care. Care-experienced people and homeless people are disproportionately affected. However, as with all conditions, the severity of symptoms varies. Some people are moderately affected and are able to live relatively normal lives with support and recognition of their condition. At this point, I will introduce Dr Jonathan Sher to the debate.”
“It is thought that around 4 per cent of the population are affected, and each person with FASD is affected differently, often requiring lifelong support and education in post-school settings to optimise their life experience. FASD is a family of complex conditions arising from exposure to alcohol at any stage of pregnancy. It affects the child’s physical and mental health and capacity to learn, which continues into adulthood and is the most common, but unrecognised, neurodevelopmental condition in Scotland. It has been estimated that between 3 and 5 per cent of Scotland’s young people are living with FASD, but a recent study in the west of Scotland found that as many as 40 per cent of babies showed signs of exposure to alcohol in their second trimester, suggesting a higher prevalence than was previously thought to be the case.”
“It is my pleasure to bring this important debate on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, known as FASD, to the chamber again, and I thank members from across the chamber for supporting my motion. I look forward to hearing everyone’s contributions, because we need to talk about the issue and, crucially, raise awareness of the condition, which is a significant public health matter in Scotland and globally. FASD is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure, but—this is why we must raise awareness— it is entirely preventable. I say at the outset that I have no wish to blame or shame women: this is a plea to clinicians and to those in power—yes, politicians—that we must bring this underdiagnosed and devastating condition into mainstream public awareness.”
“A collaborative approach between NatureScot, local authorities, business improvement districts and wider community groups is needed, while other local forums will take place in order to include organisations that are not represented on the day. There will be a national awareness campaign to encourage people not to feed gulls, because that is central, too. There was agreement on the development of area-based management and a commitment from NatureScot to provide funding to enable local actions to be progressed.”
“Minister, you have previously said that the summit allowed for the sharing of practical solutions, learning from real-world examples and identifying “gaps in current policies to develop a co-ordinated approach.” Can you share some of the learning and solutions that were discussed and identified as a result of the summit? I have a problem with gulls in my constituency at certain times of the year. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Always through the chair. Jim Fairlie: The discussions were around the use of alternatives such as netting, spikes, predator eyes, food waste management and hawking. It was recognised that each location’s circumstances are unique, albeit that there are some common themes. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and multiple tools and techniques will be required in order to get a resolution.”
“That is not a point of order, but your comments are on the record. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business. Urgent Question 15:00 “Supporting Transgender Pupils In Schools” (Consultation)”
“Every major indicator—start-up rates, investment of risk capital, the size of later-stage investment deals, and external investment—is growing rapidly, often bucking UK-wide and global trends. In other words, it is working. I sincerely hope that members across the chamber can find it within themselves to back something that works. The Presiding Officer: That concludes the ministerial statement. Stephen Kerr: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Since I mentioned whistleblowing in the chamber, I should be transparent by making it clear that my entry in the register of members’ interests states that I am a director of WhistleblowersUK, a not-for-profit organisation that was set up to advocate for a more positive environment for whistleblowers and whistleblowing. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Mr Kerr.”
“Recent figures confirm that Scotland is by far the fastest-growing start-up economy in the UK and is fast becoming Europe’s leading start-up nation. That success comes despite a challenging fiscal environment in which Labour’s tax on jobs is harming growth and Brexit is limiting access to talent across the country. Can the Deputy First Minister say any more about Scottish Government’s policy choices and how we can build on that momentum? Kate Forbes: The member is right to talk about some of the global headwinds and the challenges that we are encountering right now, which give us all the more reason to support and back the initiatives that are having an impact. The outlook for Techscaler, even after three years, demonstrates that the strategy is working.”
“We are also working with the Home Office to tackle the sources of misinformation and disinformation that perpetuate the harmful narratives. I take this opportunity to make a point about the human condition. While none of us is perfect, unfortunately, and some people go into criminality, we must not divide or target people or blame entire communities for the actions of a few. Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1”
“As the minister has said, in recent months we have witnessed a deeply concerning rise in levels of divisive anti-migration rhetoric across the UK, largely driven by misinformation. The spread of that rhetoric is isolating, and it stigmatises vulnerable people who have come here in search of safety. What assurances can the minister provide that Scotland continues to be a welcoming nation for asylum seekers, and can she outline how the Scottish Government is working to counter that dreadful misinformation? Kaukab Stewart: We are working with our partners, including the Scottish Refugee Council, local authorities and third sector partners, to challenge what is an increasingly stigmatising narrative and to find ways for communities to come together in respectful dialogue and shared understanding.”
“STV has this morning announced plans to cut 60 jobs, which is 10 per cent of its workforce, and regional news programming across Scotland. That follows the news that the Daily Record publisher, Reach plc, plans to cut more than 300 jobs. Does the First Minister agree that local news journalism plays a more vital role than ever in our democracy? Will he outline what steps the Scottish Government is taking to protect journalism jobs?”
“Amendment 180 disagreed to. Amendments 181 to 191 not moved. Section 24—Private residential tenancies: duty to consider delay to eviction The Deputy Presiding Officer: Group 10 is on dealing with evictions. Amendment 79, in the name of Meghan Gallacher, is grouped with amendments 80, 192, 283, 81, 193, 82, 194, 83, 84, 195, 85, 86, 196, 8, 198, 198A, 197, 197A, 7, 44, 284, 284A, 394 to 397, 285 to 287, 37, 288, 289, 266, 265, 50, 378 and 25.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) 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) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 31, Against 73, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 179 disagreed to. Amendment 180 moved—[Edward Mountain]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 180 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. Sarah Boyack: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I tried to vote. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Boyack. Your vote will be recorded.”
“For Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Alba) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) 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) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 32, Against 71, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 6 disagreed to. Amendment 179 moved—[Edward Mountain]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 179 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“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 Mackay. Your vote will be recorded. For Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (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) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] 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) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 6, Against 97, Abstentions 0.”
“NHS Highland’s funding for 2025-26 will support delivery of commitments such as providing direct access to front-door frailty services at its acute site, improving community capacity and fully delivering the 2025-26 discharge without delay programme principles in all in-patient sites, ensuring timely discharge planning, the full use of multidisciplinary teams and the expansion of hospital at home services.”
“I am proud that the Scottish Government’s 2025-26 budget, which Labour and the Tories did not vote for, provides increased investment of £133 million from 2024-25 for NHS Highland. How has that additional funding been, and how will it continue to be, used to support our island communities, such as the Isle of Skye? Neil Gray: In 2025-26, all boards received increased investment in their baseline funding, with NHS Highland receiving more than £940 million. As has been set out, that represented increased investment of £133 million from 2024- 25, including additional funding to provide for prior pay deals, as well as a range of funding to support vital front-line services.”
“In the light of the Supreme Court’s judgment, the Scottish Government will maintain its respect for the courts and move forward with implementation. Renewed and updated guidance from the EHRC will be key in ensuring legislative compliance. The trans and non-binary communities will always be a valued part of our society. Non-binary people and trans men and women are our friends, our neighbours, our work colleagues and members of our family. The very least that they deserve is our respect. 17:49”
“The pursuit of equality for women, trans people and non- binary people remains our collective responsibility, and the judge confirmed that the outcome of the case must not be seen as a victory for those on either side of the debate. We are dealing with people’s lives, and the Scottish Government is fully committed to protecting everyone’s rights and building a fairer Scotland for all. The Supreme Court has confirmed that the Scottish Government followed the guidance of the EHRC at all times. Indeed, we carried out work on guidance for gender representation on public boards in good faith by following the relevant EHRC guidance. Due process was followed and the Scottish Government won both cases in the inner and outer houses of the Court of Session.”
“No one deserves to have their personal lives made the subject of political debate, which inevitably leads to malicious social media interactions and publicity. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to be the parent of a trans child or the sibling of a trans man or woman in the current climate. The Government has made it clear that it will comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment, because we must act within the law at all times. Work has begun to ensure that policies, practices, procedures and guidance are compatible with the judgment of the Supreme Court. It is important to reiterate that the judgment is not a licence for division and hostility.”
“The subject of this debate has become divisive and controversial, and the legal proceedings that are under way impact what can be said in the chamber. Respectful debate among people with differing opinions should always be possible. Everyone should be able to speak freely, and I hope that differing views come from a good place. My colleague Michelle Thomson and I have always had differing views on this issue, but that does not mean that I respect her less, and I hope that the feeling is mutual. My view is that there is no hierarchy on equality and that discussion in the Parliament must be mindful of the rights of everyone, including the LGBT community. The current debate, and the debate that has led up to it over many months, has been incredibly stressful and upsetting for trans people and their friends and family.”
“Therefore, unfortunately, on this occasion, we are unable to support the Government. 16:13”
“What we need today is not warm words but the kind of real action that will improve the experiences of victims and witnesses in the system. Our view is that giving them access to information and to independent legal advice and representation and enabling their voices to be heard in the system are probably the most powerful steps that could be taken. We welcome the very narrow provisions on independent legal representation in relation to access to medical records, but we believe that far more needs to be done. The bill was far too large. The committee attempted to give equal scrutiny to the different parts of the bill, but, inevitably, much of the scrutiny focused on proposals that have now been removed from the bill, and too many parts of the bill received little or no scrutiny or were added late.”
“The member’s party and the Conservative Party are not voting for the bill. Do you not think that, by not voting for it, you are letting down victims and witnesses? Despite all the good things that are in the bill, you are not prepared to vote for it. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Always speak through the chair. Katy Clark: The whole of my speech addresses the point that Rona Mackay is making. There are many proposals in the bill that we agree with. Indeed, many of them do not actually require legislation. For example, with regard to part 1, we strongly support the proposals for trauma-informed practice, but that should be happening already, and the Government needs to be driving that policy. We strongly support that approach, but we do not need the bill for that.”
“They felt that the proposal in the amendment would give them the chance to tell the court about the impact of the crime on them.”
“Would Sharon Dowey acknowledge that the amendment could have the effect of disempowering a victim? If they do not want the statement to be read out, they might be retraumatised. Is that not taking choice away from the victim? Sharon Dowey: I was going to come back to that point in answer to Jamie Greene. Where the amendment says that the statement is to be read by “the person who made the statement if that person requests to do so,” I was trying to make the point that they would not have to read it aloud in court, but, if they wanted to do that, they could. Throughout the committee’s evidence sessions, we heard from victims who said that they felt that they were a witness in their own case and that they did not get the chance to speak. They felt as if the key points of their case were not brought up in court, and they had no engagement.”
“They have seen Dalzell through different owners and difficult times. They remain committed to their local business. My officials and I will continue to work closely with them as the plans for the operational restart develop.”
“The minister mentioned the morale of the workforce at Dalzell. Can he provide any update regarding what steps the Scottish Government has been taking to support and communicate with the workforce and trade unions? Ivan McKee: As indicated, we have been in contact with the Community trade union. I met its general secretary, Roy Rickhuss, in the past few days. I also met representatives of the Dalzell workforce and heard from them that they were eager to return to work. People recognise that being on furlough for that length of time is not an entirely comfortable situation. We all agree that it is a priority for us to see the Dalzell plant up and running, and we recognise that it is an important strategic asset for Scotland. I thank the workers for their commitment to the business despite the challenges over the past 12 months.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what funding and timelines will support the new disability equality plan to ensure that its aims deliver real change for disabled people. (S6O- 04924)”
“As I alluded to earlier, we have published a national framework for schools to help to tackle sexual harassment and gender-based violence. We are also funding Time for Inclusive Education’s digital discourse initiative, to ensure that it remains free for schools to access. That is really important. Earlier this year, I was at Stonelaw high school for the launch of that initiative, and I talked to teachers and young people about their experiences of behaviour online. It is important that that new resource supports our teachers to challenge the online hate and disinformation that, as I mentioned earlier, is disproportionately impacting girls and female staff in our schools.”
“Violence against women and girls has no place in Scotland’s society, and the opportunity to establish that precedent in the classroom is an important step in tackling the issue. Will the cabinet secretary advise on the ways in which Scottish Government investment and guidance are contributing towards addressing gender-based violence in schools? Jenny Gilruth: The Government is absolutely clear that harassment or abuse in any form— whether that is in the workplace, in schools or in the home—is completely reprehensible and has to stop. The conduct and behaviour of perpetrators need to change if we are to end harassment and abuse. We have to tackle the underlying attitudes and inequalities that perpetuate such behaviour.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council to help meet any additional costs of providing social care services for an ageing population. (S6O-04879)”
“Can the cabinet secretary advise how tackling the housing emergency by ensuring that families have access to a home will work towards the Scottish Government’s core mission of eradicating child poverty? Màiri McAllan: I can point to a number of statistics and research methodologies, which will be available in time. In general, we all know that having a safe, warm and secure place to call home is absolutely fundamental to a life of dignity and opportunity and to the eradication of child poverty in Scotland. I hope that Rona Mackay will find that that commitment is clear throughout my statement.”
“However, we can, of course, not just stop with our legislation on domestic abuse. It is important that we introduce other measures, and that is what we are doing in the remainder of the current session. In only a few weeks’ time, we will debate the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is about implementing a trauma-informed justice system and supporting victims of sexual violence with, I hope, the implementation of the new sexual offences court.”
“The vast number of charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 are being prosecuted, with more than 90 per cent proceeding to court. Does the cabinet secretary believe that such changes to our laws and culture will empower women to speak out and to have the confidence to go to the police, courts and support services? Angela Constance: One important part of the equally safe strategy is to continue our work to empower victims to come forward to report crimes. When a crime has occurred, it is essential that people have the confidence and support to come forward. What we have seen with the 2018 act, which is often described as gold-standard and world- leading legislation, is that crimes recorded under that piece of legislation have increased by 26 per cent.”
“We have prioritised additional investment of £29 million in the 2025-26 budget to support the ASN workforce. We have provided local authorities with £16 million per annum to ensure that all pupils aged 10 and above have access to counselling services. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills is bringing together a cross- party round table with local government to discuss supporting ASN in our schools.”
“It is important that children and young people receive all the support that they need at an early stage to thrive in an educational setting, particularly when those children and young people have neurodivergent and mental health issues. Will the minister set out the importance of education and health services working together, and outline how the Government is investing in additional support for learning for those young people? Tom Arthur: We all want children and young people to receive the support that they need to reach their full learning potential. Education authorities should identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils, and they can ask health boards to support that. Spending on additional support for learning reached a record high of more than £1 billion in 2023-24.”
“The UK Government’s disability benefit reforms will reduce the block grant adjustment funding that we can expect to receive for social security benefits in 2029-30 by £440 million. The Scottish Government will not let disabled people down or cast them aside, and we will not cut Scotland’s adult disability payment.”
“The UK Government’s decision to cut disability benefits is completely wrong-headed. It is simply unacceptable to try to balance the books on the backs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. What assessment has been made of the impact that that decision will have on Scotland’s public finances? What steps will the SNP Scottish Government take to protect disabled people from those Westminster cuts? Shona Robison: The Department for Work and Pensions’s own impact assessment highlights that, by 2029-30, 3.2 million families will lose out as a result of those reforms. Ninety-six per cent of those families include a disabled person. The proposed changes will push a further 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty by 2029-30.”
“I welcome the First Minister’s statement, and I thank the Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, for the work and passion that she has put into fulfilling the legacy of our dear colleague Christina McKelvie. I also thank all the organisations and people involved. Does the First Minister agree that those in the Gypsy Traveller community should be involved at every step of the way in progressing their futures and that their voices must be heard as a priority in light of the terrible injustices that they have historically endured? The First Minister: It is absolutely vital that the community is involved at every step of the way in that endeavour. The failures of the past happened because people were not listened to and not respected. They must be listened to and respected in the future, and that is what the Government will deliver.”
“I suggest that those expert voices are listened to.”
“Ensuring that Scotland operates a trauma- informed justice system must be a priority to improve the experience of victims. Does the minister agree that establishing a sexual offences court through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill is crucial in reaching that objective? Siobhian Brown: I completely agree. Without a stand-alone court that embeds specialist approaches to the management of cases, our efforts to embed a trauma-informed system for victims of sexual violence in the justice system would be at risk. As the member knows, the Criminal Justice Committee has heard from senior members of the judiciary, the Lord Advocate, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Rape Crisis Scotland and Victim Support Scotland, who all gave the view that the sexual offences court has the potential to be transformative.”
“We call on the UK Government to provide additional borrowing powers, to enable us to plan and execute our very important investments.”
“Will the cabinet secretary advise whether revised fiscal rules from the UK Government would help borrowing for capital investment? Ivan McKee: It is important that we have the ability to take forward capital investment. The rules that the UK Government has in place can make that a challenge. There have been fluctuations in capital budgets over a number of years, which have involved reductions then reinstatements. That has been problematic for our ability to predict and understand how we can adequately support the programme of investment that we rightly take forward on behalf of the people of Scotland. It is important that we have stability when it comes to capital budgets and that we are able to plan adequately and securely into the future. The lack of borrowing powers for the Scottish Government makes that difficult.”
“I understand that there is a need for interim leadership, as members will well understand, but the long-term plan that I spoke about in response to Mr Rennie must be put in place as soon as possible. I very much welcome the appointment of Professor Nigel Seaton as interim principal and Ian Mair as interim chair of court before the elections for the permanent chair are run over the summer. Although the leadership is ultimately a matter for the university, I reflect that, whatever process is used to address the leadership gap, it should look to appoint effective leaders and to restore confidence in the court and the executive team. The Scottish Funding Council has been supporting the university, including through convening support from leaders elsewhere in the university sector.”