Maree Todd
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Is the minister willing to consider a cross-Government approach with local authorities, because the piece-by-piece approach of the 32 local authorities currently is not working?”
“Local authorities, which manage the majority of burial grounds in Scotland, must also comply with the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty, which requires them to have regard to religious needs when delivering services, including bereavement services.”
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of ensuring that burial provision reflects the diverse religious and cultural needs of all communities.”
“Many local authorities charge a lower fee for residents, partly to recognise their indirect contributions to the provision and upkeep of burial grounds through the council tax system. Mr Linden has identified a challenging area for his constituents.”
“CAMHS is a specialist service for children and young people who have acute mental health needs, and referrals are based on clinical judgment. Although referrals are sometimes not accepted, that does not mean that support is not available.”
“We want people to be able to access thrombectomy treatment across Scotland, no matter where they live. That is why, in our election manifesto, we committed to providing a further £25 million, on top of the more than £51 million that we have already invested, to deliver a 24/7 thrombectomy service with national coverage.”
The complete record
Every one of 508 lines we hold for Maree Todd, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 11.
“Marie McNair: I recently met one of my constituents to discuss her concerns about underage vaping. We both agree that vapes should be stored like cigarettes, with no colourful marking or flavours available, to make them much less appealing. I am aware of the cross- governmental work on the issue. Will the minister give a progress update on that and touch on what more can be done to ensure that vapes are not available to those who are underage? Maree Todd: I share the concerns of Marie McNair’s constituent, and I am taking decisive action to tackle underage vaping and to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. The cross-Government Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 was granted royal assent on 29 April. The act contains powers to regulate product features, packaging, ingredients and flavouring for vapes.”
“The Scottish Government is taking action to tackle vaping among young people. In our first 100 days in government, we will consult on the retail display of vapes in order to remove the appeal and visibility of vapes to young people. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, offences on the free distribution and nominal pricing of vapes will come into force on 29 October this year. From 1 June 2027, a comprehensive ban on advertising vapes will come into force, which will reduce young people’s exposure to vape adverts. We are taking forward substance use education work in our schools through curriculum for excellence. Young people learn about a variety of substances, including vapes, and information is available through the Young Scot, Parent Club and NHS Inform websites.”
“The Deputy First Minister officially launched the summer of sport programme on Monday 25 May at Pollok United football club. It was a glorious, sunny day that was full of energy, with young people being inspired not just by the activities that were on offer but by a visit from Scotland and Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon. The event captured exactly what the programme is about—inspiration, opportunity and inclusion— because this will be a landmark summer for”
“That is why sport and physical activity play such a central role in our population health framework and our wider ambition to reduce health inequalities across Scotland. Introducing young people to regular, enjoyable physical activity at an early stage significantly increases the likelihood that they will remain active throughout their lives. It is during those formative years that we nurture physical confidence, develop fundamental skills and foster a lifelong appreciation for movement. That is why we announced significant additional investment of £20 million in the 2026-27 budget to deliver a nationwide summer of sport programme, which is designed to make this a truly transformational summer for children and young people across Scotland.”
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. I am pleased to open the debate on Scotland’s summer of sport. It is my first debate since being reappointed as minister for sport. This is the first time that I have spoken in the chamber since being re-elected, so I thank the people of the Highlands and Islands for electing me. I wish the very best of luck to my successor, David Green, in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. Many members will be aware that I have had the privilege of serving in the role of sports minister since 2021. During that time, I have seen at close hand the profound and positive difference that sport and physical activity can make to people’s lives across Scotland. Sport improves physical and mental health, strengthens communities, boosts resilience and confidence, enriches lives and opens doors to new opportunities.”
“I, Maree Todd, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. Tha mise Maree Todd, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse gum bi mi dìleas agus fìor umhail do A Mhòrachd An Rìgh Teàrlach, a oighreachan agus a thànaistean, a rèir an lagh.”
“Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Public Protection)”
“I finish by acknowledging the thousands of volunteers, coaches, parents, teachers and community leaders across Scotland who dedicate their time, energy and passion to supporting others. Without them, people would not benefit from all that sport provides. I again thank Brian Whittle for lodging the motion and for providing me with this opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can experience the life- changing benefits of sport and physical activity. That commitment is demonstrated by the £40 million of increased investment that was announced in this year’s budget. When we invest in sport, we invest in health, in wellbeing, in community and in Scotland’s future. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business.”
“Across Scotland, people of all ages use sport to manage stress, build self-esteem and stay connected. Walking groups, community football, swimming, running clubs and dance classes all help people to maintain wellbeing and social connection. Just last week I visited Hollandbush Golf Club for the launch of the Golf in Society programme, which is making a profound difference to mental health and wellbeing for people facing challenges later in life. By combining gentle physical activity with meaningful social interaction, the programme shows how inclusive, community-based sport can enhance quality of life for older people and their carers. Across all ages and backgrounds, sport remains a powerful force that strengthens communities and improves lives.”
“In Mr Whittle’s constituency, investment has supported improvements at Annan rugby club and Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, and it has enabled the creation of a new hub for the Stranraer Water Sports Association. Those projects highlight our commitment to expanding access to high-quality facilities and encouraging active, healthy communities. From a preventative standpoint, we recognise the evidence that even modest increases in activity levels can help prevent illness, reduce pressure on health services and contribute to healthier, longer lives. That is why our physical activity for health framework takes a whole-systems approach to embedding movement in everyday life. Equally important is the positive impact of physical activity on mental health.”
“Their achievements will inspire young people across Scotland to get involved, leading to healthier and more active communities. That sense of inspiration is also reflected through Scottish women and girls in sport week, which is always a highlight of my year. Meeting so many inspirational women and girls has reinforced the importance of creating safe, supportive and inclusive environments, where they feel confident to take part without fear of judgment. Increasing rates of participation has been a priority for the Government, and access to facilities and community clubs is central to achieving it. Since 2007, sportscotland has invested more than £214 million in improving sports facilities nationwide.”
“If I could digress just for a second, I do not think that the Scottish Parliament rugby team inspired a nation, but, my goodness, there are not many places where I might be found on the same team as Brian Whittle, Jamie Halcro Johnston and Fin Carson. Sport has the power to bring together people with very—very—differing views, and we are all the better for having had those opportunities. We have seen how Scotland has been uplifted by the men’s national football team successfully qualifying for the football world cup, and we will all be behind them this summer. They are not the only ones. The Scottish women’s cricket team has qualified for the very first time for the women’s T20 world cup this summer. Our Scottish women’s hockey team has qualified for the hockey world cup for the first time since 2002. I wish them all the very best.”
“Children form ideas about what is achievable based on what they see around them. If young people see someone of their gender, ethnicity, body type or ability represented in sport, it can become a catalyst for aspiration, confidence and participation. Our belief in the importance of sport and physical activity for children and young people is demonstrated by the £20 million investment in this year’s summer of sport programme. That will provide inclusive opportunities for children and young people to get active and stay active, and to improve their lives, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to participation and on addressing poverty‑related inequality. As we look forward to our exciting summer of sport, we know that it has the power to unite people and inspire the nation.”
“The programme operates across every local authority and provides accessible opportunities before, during and after school. In my time as minister, I have had the privilege of visiting active school programmes and meeting recipients of Sport Scotland’s school sports awards. I have been consistently impressed by the incredible teachers and coaches who create such opportunities, as well as by the young people who so clearly and confidently articulate how sport has enriched their lives. In 2023, I recall visiting St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic primary school to present it with a gold award. The local cricket club was working alongside the school’s active schools programme, helping to engage pupils in a way that reflected the interests and heritage of the local south Asian community.”
“I later visited the street 45 programme in Edinburgh, which supports women who have experienced significant challenges in their lives. In both places, I met participants whose journeys were nothing short of inspirational and who spoke openly about how sport had supported them through homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and social isolation. For many people, sport provides purpose, structure and belonging. When young people experience regular and enjoyable physical activity early in life, they are much more likely to stay active in adulthood. Physical literacy, confidence and the simple joy of movement are all built in childhood. That is why our delivery of the commitment in this parliamentary session to make the active schools programme free to all pupils was crucial.”
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh—thank you, Presiding Officer. I thank Mr Whittle for bringing this important motion to the chamber and all members for their contributions this morning. I have had the great privilege of serving as the minister for sport since May 2021, and I have witnessed at first hand the powerful positive influence that sport and physical activity have across Scotland. They improve physical and mental health, strengthen communities, boost resilience and confidence, enrich lives and open doors to new opportunities. Sport is unquestionably a force for good, with the power to change lives. One of my earliest visits as sport minister was to Street Soccer Scotland’s change centre in Dundee, which demonstrates the life-changing impact that sport can have.”
“Amendment 28 agreed to. Amendment 27 moved—[Jim Fairlie]—and agreed to. Schedule 2—Minor and consequential amendments Amendments 29 to 33 moved—[Jim Fairlie]— and agreed to. The Presiding Officer: That ends consideration of amendments. As members know, I am required, under standing orders, to decide whether, in my view, any provision of a bill relates to a protected subject matter—that is, whether it modifies the electoral system and franchise of Scottish parliamentary elections. In the case of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill, no provision of the bill relates to a protected subject matter. Therefore, the bill does not require a supermajority to be passed at stage 3. Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (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) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine 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) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) 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) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (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) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 82, Against 28, Abstentions 0.”
“Taken together, the provisions create a proportionate and evidence-based framework for monitoring how the court’s expanded jurisdiction is operating and for informing any future development. I invite members to support amendment 27. The Presiding Officer: I call Ariane Burgess to wind up and to press or withdraw amendment 28. Ariane Burgess: I have nothing further to add. I press amendment 28. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 28 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“A key element involves ensuring that the judicial, operational and user experience is fully reflected in the process, and the framework provides that insight to be drawn on as part of each review. That will help to identify whether any refinements are needed to support the effective operation of the court. In line with the policy intention that the court’s remit may develop over time, ministers must also assess whether any further areas of environmental law may be suitable for transfer into the court’s jurisdiction. Following a review or assessment, a report must be prepared and laid before the Parliament, setting out the findings and whether any legislative changes are proposed.”
“Amendment 27 provides a statutory mechanism to review the effect of the merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. Importantly, before any review is carried out, there is a safeguard with regard to judicial independence, with a requirement to consult the Lord President. That will ensure that the judiciary’s perspective is properly considered as the work is undertaken. Amendment 27 requires the Scottish ministers to review each new area of jurisdiction three years after it comes into force. I believe that that provides the right amount of time for the changes to bed in and for evidence to emerge about how the new arrangements are working.”
“I agree that, as access rights matters transfer to the merged Scottish Land Court, it is essential that the supporting guidance properly reflects the new arrangements. The Government would, of course, update the section 27 guidance as part of implementing those changes. However, I recognise that amendment 28 will ensure that the update happens in advance of the new jurisdiction taking effect, allowing those who use the system to be ready for the change. For that reason, the Scottish Government is happy to support amendment 28. At stage 2, Ariane Burgess and Tim Eagle brought forward proposals seeking a review mechanism. I appreciate the points that they raised, and amendment 27 responds directly to those concerns by including a clear and structured review duty in the bill.”
“Amendment 28 will help to ensure a smooth and well‑understood transition. In relation to the other amendment in the group—amendment 27, in the name of Jim Fairlie—it is prudent of the Scottish Government to commit to a review of how the merged Land Court is getting on. I am especially pleased that the amendment will require ministers to assess whether further areas of environmental law might be suitable for transfer to the Land Court and to communicate that assessment to the Parliament. I believe that amendment 27 will make a clear case for what I called for at stage 2: that we should enable the Land Court to become an environmental court. I move amendment 28. Jim Fairlie: I thank Ariane Burgess for lodging and explaining amendment 28.”
“Ariane Burgess: The merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland is welcome. It will bring greater clarity and consistency to how land‑related matters are handled. As part of the changes, matters concerning access rights will transfer from the sheriff courts to the merged court. Amendment 28 will support that transition. It will ensure that, before the transfer of jurisdiction, guidance issued under section 27 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 will be updated to reflect the Scottish Land Court’s new role. Although I accept that the Government would naturally update that guidance in due course, I feel that it is important to place a clear legal requirement on ministers to do so. Local authorities and others who rely on the guidance need certainty that it will be revised at the right time.”
“Those are the kinds of things that we need to address. I urge the Scottish Government to front load the key issues in that piece of work, including common grazings and crofting tenancies. The three-year time limit for getting that work under way is reasonable. I hear Rhoda Grant’s points about wanting the review to happen sooner, but I take on board the Government’s points about needing to get deep into the work and unravel a whole lot of issues. I am therefore not minded to support Rhoda Grant’s amendment 26A. Amendment 26A, by agreement, withdrawn. Amendment 26 agreed to. After section 39 The Presiding Officer: Group 9 is entitled “Land Court: reviews and guidance”. Amendment 28, in the name of Ariane Burgess, is grouped with amendment 27.”
“With that reassurance, I will not seek to press amendment 26A. The Presiding Officer: I ask Ms Grant to move the amendment at this point—we will come back to it. Rhoda Grant: Okay—I move amendment 26A. The Presiding Officer: Thank you. I call Ariane Burgess. Ariane Burgess: I express my thanks to the minister for taking on board the amendments that Tim Eagle and I lodged at stage 2 and amalgamating them into amendment 26 at this stage. It is vital that the next Government and session 7’s cohort of MSPs take a deep look at the present crofting legislation, at how we can tackle the big issues facing the crofting community and at how the existing body of legislation can be streamlined and simplified. In fact, I have just been having a chat with my colleague Gillian Mackay about an anomaly in Brora.”
“The provision that is in amendment 26 is for the review to begin up to three years after royal assent, but that is a backstop. The review will start within that three- year period and, if we return to government, I hope that we would start it within two years. We must get it right and allow the bill that is currently before us to bed in in order to allow people to see how it will work, and then we can work out what we will do going forward. We give that commitment. I hope that the bill demonstrates that we take crofting seriously and that we want to make sure that we provide a firm future for crofting in Scotland by making sure that we get it right in the first place. Rhoda Grant: I agree that it must be got right, because part of this bill is about putting right some of the wrongs that happened before.”
“However, we all know that there are huge gaps in the bill, which is about administration rather than the future policy that will surround crofting. He acknowledged that there is agreement across industry stakeholders and most political parties that crofting needs new law and needs to be modified at pace. This bill was promised not in this parliamentary session but in the previous one, and we waited until the end of this parliamentary session for it to be introduced. However, it will not really make any changes to policy. Therefore, I seek to change the reporting period to 12 months— Jim Fairlie: Will the member take an intervention? Rhoda Grant: Yes. Jim Fairlie: I hear the point that Rhoda Grant is making. However, she should bear in mind that there have been four years of on-going work on the bill from when work on it first started.”
“Rhoda Grant’s amendment 26A would require the review to start within 12 months of royal assent. I worry that that could prove to be too soon after the extensive changes that will be made by this bill. I ask Rhoda Grant to support my amendment 26 and not to press amendment 26A. That will allow the bill that is before us to bed in so that we can then do a proper review in order to know exactly where we stand and where we are trying to go. I move amendment 26. Rhoda Grant: My concern is that amendment 26 will require a report after three years, which would limit any practical chance of introducing new crofting legislation in the next session. I heard what the minister said about allowing the bill to bed in.”
“It was agreed that crofting reform is not just about crofting but about keeping the population in the crofting areas and providing a sanctuary for language and people on the land. When the review is to be carried out on the legislation, of which there are numerous acts—too numerous to mention—will it first detail what the aims of crofting should be for the future? If we do not set out those aims, we will not be able to protect crofting and ensure that it thrives for many years to come. Jim Fairlie: I am glad that Edward Mountain put that on the record. He is right: crofting is about people, culture, history and what the future of Scotland looks like. For me, any review of crofting must take all those things in the round and make sure that we deliver what the people of Scotland and the crofting communities want.”
“That includes the full impact of the many changes that the Crofting Commission is planning to make to its policy plan and its approach to enforcing regulatory duties. It is right that we allow up to three years for an incoming Government to decide its approach. However, I put on the record that, if my party remains in government, we will commence the review within two years of royal assent, well ahead of the three-year deadline, and we will seek to build on the engagement that we have carried out during this parliamentary session. I hope that that provides members with the reassurance that they need regarding my party’s on-going commitment to crofting reform. Edward Mountain: I remember that we started looking at the issue of crofting reform when I first came into the Parliament in 2016.”
“Therefore, we all, including stakeholders, need time to consider what crofting policy should be in the future. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders, crofters, landlords and everyone else who is involved in the sector. It is important to build consensus and to find solutions that will stand the test of time, and that is what we need to do. Establishing clear policy outcomes will take time and will be central to future wholesale reform. 17:30 The review will include the 1993 and 2010 acts, and it will also include this bill when it becomes an act. Therefore, requiring the review to be started within three years at the latest will allow this bill a period of time to bed in and for its full impact and effectiveness to be measured and assessed.”
“Amendment 57 disagreed to. After section 33 The Presiding Officer: Group 8 is on a review of crofting legislation. Amendment 26, in the name of the minister, is grouped with amendment 26A. Jim Fairlie: I agree with members across the chamber that future reform of crofting will be absolutely necessary. The past four years of stakeholder engagement and consultation have been incredibly informative. We now have a bill that has wide stakeholder input and buy-in. However, those discussions have also shown us that there is a diverse range of views within the crofting sector. That is why, following discussions with stakeholders and members from all parties, I propose that we carry out a review of crofting legislation. In order to assess the effectiveness of the legislation, we need to be clear about what it is that we want to deliver.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. I will ensure that that is recorded. For Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (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) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine 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) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) 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) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 25, Against 80, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 257 disagreed to. Amendment 53 moved—[Jackie Baillie] and agreed to. Amendment 258 moved—[Jackie Baillie] and agreed to. Section 23—Guidance The Deputy Presiding Officer: We come to group 19, on guidance. Amendment 259, in the name of Ross Greer, is grouped with amendments 54, 260, 261, 55, 262 to 264, 56 and 265 to 274. I point out that, if amendment 56 is agreed to, I cannot call amendment 265, due to pre-emption.”
“For Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) 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) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Abstentions Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 41, Against 70, Abstentions 8.”
“Amendment 256 disagreed to. Amendment 257 moved—[John Mason]. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 257 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. Your vote will be recorded. For Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Regan, Ash (Edinburgh Eastern) (Ind) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Gibson, Kenneth (Cunninghame North) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Abstentions Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) The Deputy Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 52, Against 62, Abstentions 4.”
“On a point of order, Deputy Presiding Officer. I would have voted no. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. Your vote will be recorded.”
“In closing, I repeat my thanks to the committee for its diligence in producing this considered and thoughtful report. I am pleased that it saw evidence from those who are directly affected, and that it visited establishments. It is clear from the tone of the report and from its recommendations that it strengthens our evidence base and drives work forward in this important area.”
“We have also made national mission funding available to develop residential rehabilitation services and the associated aftercare that allows access to residential rehabilitation immediately on release from prison. It is for individual prisoners to consider whether that is a path that they want to follow, but, if it is one that they choose, we will fund that pathway. As the national mission comes to an end, we remain committed to reducing harm and improving lives. We have been working closely with stakeholders, including people with lived and living experience, to develop a new alcohol and drugs strategy to follow the mission. The strategy will be published in the coming weeks, but I can say that our commitment in that area will be evident.”
“On recovery work, we are continuing to provide funding to the third sector to embed a person- centred, recovery-focused approach that benefits prisoners, families and staff. That continues into the transition and resettlement back into the community. Recovery initiatives are now in place across all prisons in Scotland, and I am pleased that the committee has recognised the importance of that work. The committee has also recognised the importance of harm-reduction measures. In naloxone, we have a treatment that can reverse the effects of opiate overdose. We have expanded access to all prisons, and we are funding the Scottish Drugs Forum to deliver peer-to-peer naloxone supply for prisoners in the estate.”
“As the Scottish Prison Service’s alcohol and drug strategy outlines, we need to treat substance use as a public health issue and ensure that the care that is provided in prison is, at the very minimum, equivalent to the care that is provided in the community. We are driving improvement work for prison healthcare through a target operating model that includes improvements in actions for alcohol and drug services. The Public Health Scotland-based MAT implementation support team is also continuing to work to deliver a programme of support for justice and custodial settings. The standards reinforce a rights-based approach to the treatment that people should expect, regardless of the circumstances that they are in or where they are.”
“That provided us with the opportunity to make the committee aware of some of the great work that has been carried out by the Scottish Prison Service and health staff to support those with drug or alcohol use issues, and I am pleased that the committee recognises those efforts. As I told the committee, although the number of people in prison who lose their lives from drug misuse is relatively small, two fifths of those in prison self-reported problematic drug use prior to imprisonment. Many of the contributions have recognised the scale of alcohol-related need in prison. I am grateful for the briefing that came from SHAAP, and I look forward to meeting it to discuss the issues further before Parliament dissolves. Prison should be somewhere where those issues are dealt with sensitively and effectively.”
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. I thank all committee members for their contributions to the debate. Drug and alcohol use in prison is a public health challenge as well as a justice challenge, and it is pleasing to hear so many members reflect that in their speeches. It is clear that members have given a lot of considered thought to the issue. In the main, the recommendations in the committee’s report continue to take us in the direction in which we are travelling. There are others, though, that will require an incoming Administration to take them forward. As the cabinet secretary said, we both welcomed the opportunity to provide evidence to the committee last September.”
“I therefore propose that we add the topic to next Monday’s agenda for the round-table event on enhancing Scottish football, which I chair and on which Gillian Mackay sits, so that we can have a full and open discussion. Let us support our clubs but also champion the supporters, who are the lifeblood of Scottish football. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 19:27. Correction Ivan McKee has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction.”
“Football in this country has always thrived because of full stands, local identities and the roar of passionate communities. I am passionate about football—indeed, about sport—being accessible to everyone, where communities gather, where young supporters fall in love with the sport and, ideally, where no one feels that they are being priced out. Football belongs to the people—the families who save up for season tickets and the kids who dream in club colours. Protecting accessibility is not just good economics but essential to the soul of the Scottish game. It has been interesting and helpful to hear the views of members on this important issue. However, we also need fan groups and football authorities to contribute to what is an important debate.”
“Gillian Mackay: It is important to recognise that one club in the top flight is already implementing £25 tickets for away fans. Falkirk has been doing that for a while, and its stadium is absolutely jumping every week. There is a balance of affordability to be struck, but the question is also whether clubs can afford not to do it. Maree Todd: I absolutely agree that a creative response is at the heart of the issue, as Gillian Mackay and George Adam have said. Clubs need to look at what they can manage. It is a delicate question of keeping tickets affordable but also keeping clubs alive. The answer to the question of whether football ticket prices in Scotland are becoming too expensive for ordinary supporters is, clearly, not a simple yes or no.”
“At Everton, season ticket prices range from £640 to £900, and at Bournemouth this season, adult season tickets cost between £423 and £1,164, so although away ticket prices are capped in the Premier League, home fans pay a premium. Football is substantially cheaper in Scotland than in England, but I absolutely appreciate that cheaper is not necessarily the same as affordable, and affordability is at the heart of the matter. Supporters’ groups have been vocal on the issue, and I have sympathy with the twenty’s plenty campaign. However, clubs have their own challenges. Operating costs have surged—from energy bills to stadium maintenance to the cost of improving squads. Simply lowering prices is not always economically sustainable for SPFL clubs.”
“In the English Premier League, which is the richest league in the world and does not rely on gate receipts to anywhere near the same extent as the leagues in Scotland, there has been a price cap of £30 for away fans since the 2016-17 season, and Premier League clubs have agreed another extension through the 2026-27 season. However, that cap is only for that league—it does not apply to the tiers below in the English Football League, where away ticket prices vary significantly and can exceed £40 for higher-demand games. Interestingly, the cap does not apply for cup games, either, which would be equivalent to the ones that Ms Mackay mentioned. It is also important to note that there is no price cap for home fans in the English Premier League. The cost of adult season tickets at Arsenal, for example, ranges from £900 to more than £2,000.”