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 4 of 11.
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. Thank you, Presiding Officer, and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this very interesting debate on the vital role that grass-roots football clubs such as Edinburgh South play in supporting and strengthening Scotland’s communities. We covered many of the same themes during George Adam’s recent debate about the hugely positive impact that St Mirren has on its local community. What is evident, though, is that grass- roots clubs are just as important as professional clubs. There are more than 2,500 clubs spread across the country, all providing opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity and be part of something that supports their mental and social health. Those community clubs do far more than simply develop players; they develop people.”
“US Trade Tariffs (Support for Scottish Businesses) 8.”
“Maree Todd: The member will be aware that the investment that the Scottish Government makes in sport is funnelled through sportscotland, which is our national sporting organisation, and it works closely with the governing bodies for each individual sport to ensure that athletes are supported on the elite pathways. This has been a really successful programme, and that is why Scotland punches above its weight in sport. We are a sporting nation and we are very successful. In the next week or so—I know that these two teams are close to the member’s heart—we will see the Scottish men’s cricket team going to the world cup in India and our curlers going to the winter Olympics. We have a system for investing in sport in Scotland. We have a system that is inspiring and encouraging young athletes, and we are successful at sport in Scotland.”
“The additional £40 million that has been announced in the Scottish budget will enable Scottish governing bodies to better support athletes across sporting pathways. Liz Smith: That is all very good stuff, but last month I received representations from three different constituents whose daughters have been selected to represent Scotland in volleyball and hockey. They told me that there is no dedicated funding available to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and competition expenses. That has also been a recent issue with women’s cricket. Does the minister agree that this is an unacceptable situation for those who are selected to represent their country? Will some of the budget uplift that she mentioned go towards addressing that situation?”
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. Thank you, Presiding Officer. We are looking forward to a spectacular summer of sport, with the men’s football world cup finals and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games. No doubt there will be outstanding performances from Scottish athletes across many sports, demonstrating the strength of Scotland’s performance system and further inspiring young people. I note that sportscotland, working with Scottish governing bodies, provides athlete personal awards and specialist performance services from the sportscotland institute of sport. In addition, the winning students 100 programme offers financial support and academic flexibility for student athletes.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect to the voting system. I would have voted yes. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. Your vote will be recorded.”
“Amendment 42 disagreed to. Amendment 43 moved—[Stephen Kerr]. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 43 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. Members should cast their votes now. The vote is closed.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Apologies—I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. We will ensure that that is recorded. For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) 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) 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) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (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) 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) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) 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) 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) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Jackie Dunbar] Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 46, Against 73, Abstentions 0.”
“Many people are involved in the sport every week, and I am committed to continuing to work with the Scottish Football Association on supporting and growing that level of participation. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I think that it is entirely appropriate that we finish the debate with the swapping of shirts. On that note, I close the debate and this meeting of Parliament. Meeting closed at 18:42. Correction Ivan McKee has identified errors in his contribution and provided the following corrections.”
“On the question of behaviour, we have a consultation out at the moment on football banning orders, so I ask anyone who is listening to let us know their views by 23 February. I thank Douglas Ross for highlighting the issue around officials. Many people loathe them rather than love them, but without officials, the game would not happen. I thank Christine Grahame for highlighting the women’s game. To Davy Russell, I say, if I can be so bold, that I could happily give a new home to that wee shrunk jersey that he has. Davy Russell: It is vintage. Maree Todd: I think he is offering me a vintage shirt, Deputy Presiding Officer. I thank George Adam for bringing this debate to the chamber today. It is only right that we recognise the many and varied positive impacts of football on communities right across Scotland.”
“However, as I said, we are always content to hear from the football authorities about the evidence- based approach that they are currently piloting within the law, which is a helpful thing to do. Ross Greer mentioned pricing. It is worth noting that Hibs had an absolute sell-out at the weekend after selling £5 tickets for their premier league game. I will get back to Michael Marra in writing on the issue of stadiums, because there is quite a lot to update him on. On his point about walking football, I can say that I love it—I have tried it and I think it is excellent. I note that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has a great collaborative project with Walking Football Scotland, and I will certainly consider Mr Marra’s suggestion of including the activity in the summer of sport.”
“I am the minister responsible for drugs and alcohol policy as well as sport. Each year, we lose 1,200 people—far too many—to deaths that are directly related to alcohol. The public health advice would be to narrow access, not to increase access. I am always keen to listen to discussions about the constructive evidence-based approach that our football authorities are taking, but the issue is challenging. George Adam: I take the minister’s point but, at the end of the day, in my speech, I was not talking about excessive drinking; I was talking about friends having a couple of drinks before the game and having a chat. The issue is not about excessive drinking in any shape or form. Maree Todd: I absolutely understand that, but the member will understand the challenges around that in terms of sending a mixed message.”
“We want to support the unique reach of football and football clubs in Scottish society in order to positively impact physical and mental health and to improve the wellbeing of our communities. In yesterday’s budget, we announced £2 million for football to support those outcomes as part of a summer of sport package. I know that time is running on but, before I finish, I want to pick up on a couple of points that were raised in the debate. George Adam mentioned the issue of alcohol at football matches. We are always open to discussions with football authorities, but there are no plans at this time to remove the existing general restrictions on alcohol at football matches. Members will be aware of the concerns around public order, which were mentioned by John Mason, but there are also public health concerns.”
“In May 2025, we invested £5.5 million in the programme, with the aim of expanding delivery to all local authority areas in Scotland and supporting up to 5,000 children and their families who are most at risk of living in poverty. During yesterday’s budget, we announced that we will maintain that £5.5 million investment for next year. That recognises the success of the programme. Furthermore, we are investing an additional £2.5 million to deliver a wider after- school activities offer for primary school children, improving outcomes for children and supporting parents around the school day and helping them to sustain employment. Those are just two examples of the way in which football clubs are supporting their communities.”
“The programme provides activities that wrap around the school day, which therefore offers parents and carers the opportunity to access and sustain work, training and education, enabling them to improve their household income and helping to reduce poverty. It also provides children with great opportunities to take part in activities around the school day and in the holidays, improving their confidence, their health and their fitness, and—crucially—getting them off their devices and supporting their educational outcomes. The initiative has been funded by the Scottish Government since October 2023. Initially, it supported 25 clubs and trusts to deliver before- school, after-school and holiday clubs to more than 2,500 primary school children from low- income families.”
“Christine Grahame: Does the minister agree that, when we have such difficulty prising young people away from their electronic devices, it is great that hundreds of young people—girls and boys—are taking part in training sessions and competing at the weekends, as that is doing a great service to their mental wellbeing as well as their physical wellbeing? Maree Todd: Absolutely, and that is what the extra time programme is about. It supports Scotland’s most deprived communities and is targeted at primary school children who are most at risk of living in poverty. It also contributes to our national mission to end child poverty and will help to reduce inequalities in access to activities for families living in poverty.”
“That was a community initiative by the St Johnstone Community Trust, in partnership with the SPFL Trust. Such things will have been happening all over the country. The intention of such events is to combat loneliness for isolated older people during Christmas by delivering hampers, hosting festive lunches and providing companionship, often with surprise visits from players—indeed, at the lunch that I attended in December, the team manager, Simo Valakari, came along to speak to those attending. It was a wonderful experience. The Scottish Government is also working in partnership with the Scottish FA to deliver before- school, after-school and holiday clubs through our very successful extra time programme. I have met the people in St Mirren who deliver that programme.”
“The main motivation for our clubs is evident: they want to serve and better their local community and use the power of football to positively impact on the lives of many. The unique reach of football and, from the Scottish Government’s point of view, its ability to deliver across multiple Scottish Government portfolios, offers a platform to improve, influence and develop Scottish society and impact on a wide range of key thematic areas, both on and off the pitch. Scottish football has a track record of delivering on Scottish Government national and local outcomes through projects and programmes that are often delivered by the SPFL clubs’ community trusts and foundations, supported by the SPFL Trust. Just before Christmas, I was delighted to be invited by St Johnstone FC to attend its festive friends Christmas lunch at McDiarmid Park.”
“They are organisations that are deeply rooted in their community and that help to support players, coaches, volunteers and parents. We have heard about many of them this evening. They play a fundamental role in our society, and they have a far greater ability to connect communities than other statutory and non-statutory organisations. George Adam rightly talked about the role that St Mirren plays in the community. The breadth and diversity of the communities that these clubs serve are considerable, and many operate in areas of significant deprivation. That became crystal clear during the Covid pandemic, when many of those organisations quickly pivoted from delivering football sessions to kids to delivering food parcels and providing hope for many in their local communities.”
“Football is the country’s number 1 sport. There are more than 2,500 clubs spread across the country, and there are currently more than 150,000 registered players, with a further 50,000 coaches and volunteers. If we also include the number of recreational participants, parents, fans and influencers in the local community, the Scottish FA estimates that football clubs impact more than 900,000 people every week in Scotland. That is phenomenal. The sport holds a central place in Scotland’s cultural landscape. Annually, there are attendances of more than 6.8 million at matches involving Scottish professional football teams and international matches. In addition, the Scottish Premiership attracts the highest average weekly attendance per head of population in Europe. Scotland has some of the best community football clubs in Europe.”
“Many who know me know that I am Glasgow by marriage, and the Todds have had a very long association and love affair with that club, so I will be in trouble if I do not mention it in this debate. George Adam: As your husband’s family have been Queen’s Park fans for so long, he will be aware that the beautiful game—that is, the passing game—came from Queen’s Park Football Club. People talk about football coming home. It is clear that, in Scotland, Queen’s Park created the game—albeit not the professional game—that we currently know. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Always speak through the chair. Maree Todd: Absolutely. I would not be a true Todd if I was not completely aware that, when we talk about football coming home, we mean home to Queen’s Park. The network of football clubs across Scotland is absolutely incredible.”
“Tapadh leibh, Oifigeir Riaghlaidh. I thank everyone who has contributed to what has been a really positive debate. As was very evident during the debate that Keith Brown led in December following the draw for the world cup group stages, football clearly means a lot to a great many people in the Parliament and across the country. St Mirren clearly means a lot to George Adam, and it is wonderful to see a fan-owned club not only thriving on the park—I congratulate St Mirren on its fantastic victory in the league cup final in December—but playing such a huge role in the local community off the park. However, after the intervention of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, I feel obliged to pitch in for Queen’s Park Football Club. Queen’s Park, of course, also play in black and white.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would have voted yes, too. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Todd. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
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“When Scotland walks out in North America next summer, the team will carry not just a football dream but the hopes of a nation that is ready to write a new chapter in its history. This qualification is not the end—it is the beginning. It is a chance to inspire, invest and unite. I wish Steve Clarke and his squad the very best of luck. Scotland is back, and the world will take notice. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 18:47. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“I want to take a moment to recognise that this is also a really exciting moment in time for women’s football in Scotland, not least the Hibs women, who are bringing to light the Hibees in this chamber. On 28 November, the four home nations submitted a bid to host the FIFA women’s world cup in 2035. This would be a transformational opportunity for women’s and girls’ football, driven by passionate fans, strong media reach and innovative digital engagement. It would ensure not just a successful tournament but growth and reinvestment in the women’s game. What an incentive it is for those young players who are starting their football journey to dream about playing in that tournament in front of a home crowd. It is therefore a very exciting time to be a Scotland fan.”
“Scotland’s image as a warm, vibrant nation was amplified globally. That is soft power at its finest—football as a bridge between cultures. The world cup represents an opportunity to put Scotland on the centre stage and make those connections on the global stage. We will look to make the most of those opportunities. Our US-based colleagues are already turning their minds to planning and engagement, so that we can maximise the economic, tourism, trade, investment and diplomatic opportunities that come with participating in the finals. Needless to say, I love Keith Brown’s idea for the world’s oldest football to be piped on to the centre stage in the opening ceremony, and I am sure that the Scottish Government will do everything that we can to make that happen.”
“Thousands of Scottish fans will be inspired to travel to north America, showcasing our nation and culture on a global stage. Euro 2024 will be remembered for many things, although, from our point of view, perhaps not for the actual football. Above all, it will be remembered for the fans and, among them, one group stood out—the tartan army. Scotland might not have lifted the trophy, but, my goodness, we conquered German hearts and won those of the world. From Munich to Cologne to Stuttgart, the Scots brought joy, humour and music. German newspapers piled on the praise. One of them wrote, “Dear Scots: We love you”, and even the German police thanked the fans for creating a special atmosphere. The impact goes beyond the tournament. VisitScotland reported an 83 per cent surge in German traffic to its website during Euro 2024.”
“I am very glad to hear of Neil Bibby’s commitment to doubling the sport budget, and I look forward to Labour demanding extra investment in sport during the budget negotiations and, crucially, voting for it this year. Thousands of Scottish fans will also be inspired. Neil Bibby: I very clearly asked the minister whether she would provide clarity on whether the Scottish Government would meet its promise to double the sports budget in this session of Parliament. The sports budget was £50 million in 2021 and it is still around £50 million. Will the Scottish Government meet the promised target? Maree Todd: That is certainly still our ambition, Mr Bibby, but, as I said, it would be much appreciated if Labour would, this year, engage in the negotiations and, crucially, vote for any extra investment that is forthcoming.”
“We love football and have done so for a very long time. We know that the economic and social impacts of participating in the finals can be significant. Scotland’s qualification secures multimillion-pound payments from FIFA—funds that can transform grass-roots development and youth academies. Crucially, qualification inspires the next generation. Young players now see a pathway to the biggest stage, fuelling participation and ambition. We also need to harness the excitement and anticipation around the world cup to encourage people to get out and be active and play sports with their friends or meet new friends. We know that engaging in regular physical activity is one of the best things that we can do to maintain and improve our physical and mental health, and moments such as this can inspire people to do that.”
“I am sure that many fans who watched that game also considered it to be one of the greatest nights of their lives. Across Scotland, pubs, homes and streets erupted in celebration. This is more than football. It is a unifying force for the nation. It is about mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren all sharing a moment that binds us together. Keith Brown reminded us that Scotland is home to the oldest football in the world and that our passion for the game in Scotland was taken to South America, where Brazil and Argentina also caught the bug. Scotland and England played the first officially recognised international football match. Scotland invented the modern game, and we wrote the rules down. Therefore, it is no wonder that our nation is so excited about our qualification.”
“The match times are not ideal for those of us watching here in Scotland, but I am confident that we will manage. The emotional and personal impact that football can have cannot be overstated. In fact, I have been thinking back to five-year-old me, who was pretty invested in Ally’s army and fully expected us to lift the cup in 1978. The way in which we qualified this year will live for ever in Scottish folklore. In the space of a few days, we went from losing in Greece and facing a potentially difficult play-off route, to that dramatic 4-2 win—over a really good Denmark team—sealed with two fantastic stoppage-time goals. Andy Robertson called it “one of the greatest nights of my life”, and dedicated the achievement to his late team- mate Diogo Jota.”
“Of course, the women made it in 2019 and, as in all things, I commend the men for following our lead. Since 1998, which was the last time that the men’s national team graced the world’s biggest stage, football has evolved. Nations have risen and fallen, but Scotland’s dream has endured. Our qualification ends a 28-year drought and marks a historic comeback for the tartan army. It is a reminder that perseverance pays off and that the spirit of Scottish football is as strong as ever. I am sure that everyone was glued to their screens on Friday night, perhaps for a little longer than we anticipated, watching the draw. When we finally got to it, we were, once again, drawn to face Brazil and Morocco, with an opening match against Haiti in Boston.”
“I thank everyone who has contributed to a lovely debate. It clearly means a lot to members in the chamber and people across the country. It is estimated that 900,000 people a week engage with football in Scotland, which is not bad for a nation of 5.5 million people. The Scottish premiership’s 18.5 attendees per 1,000 people at last season’s matches was the greatest attendance in Europe, by a country mile. In fact, it was 70 per cent higher than the next highest attendance in football. Football holds a special place in the nation’s hearts. This evening, we have recognised the historic significance of the achievement of Steve Clarke and his squad. A whole generation has grown up without seeing Scotland’s men participating in the world cup finals, while wishing we were there.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: I apologise to those I was unable to call. That concludes portfolio questions on health and social care. Oil and Gas”
“Maree Todd: The Scottish Government recognises the incredible impact and reach of sports organisations and community clubs such as Pollok United. I know that, when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care met the club last month, he was incredibly impressed by the work that it does. We will continue to work alongside it to support the communities that it serves. We provide the Scottish Football Association with £1.3 million annually via sportscotland to support grassroots football. Additionally, in partnership with the SFA, we are investing £5.5 million in the extra time programme, which supports up to 5,000 children and families through breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs. That improves children’s health and wellbeing while enabling parents to work, thus tackling poverty right at its roots.”
“Humza Yousaf: I thank the minister for that comprehensive response and I hope that she will also join me in congratulating the efforts of Pollok United, which offers an outstanding range of community services, including the extra time programme, which was mentioned by the minister, parent and toddler groups and groups for older people, in addition to its multiple football sessions for young people in my constituency. At the heart of its efforts is its desire to make its community thrive and be a place that is prosperous and inclusive for all. What concrete action is being taken to support Pollok United and similar sporting organisations to maintain and expand their vital community efforts, particularly in challenging financial circumstances?”
“Eradicating child poverty in Scotland is a national mission and is this Government’s top priority, with ministerial collaboration across portfolios to identify and implement effective measures such as the Scottish child payment. We know that sport can change lives, creating meaningful and hugely positive opportunities for children who are affected by poverty. The benefit that it delivers can improve children’s and young people’s health and their educational and social outcomes. Through Government and sportscotland-funded initiatives such as active schools, the sport facility funds, the active play development project and the extra time programme, we improve opportunities for children to be active, ensuring that sport continues to contribute to our efforts to tackle child poverty and promote inclusion across Scotland.”
“The information is not publicly available yet, so there are no findings to share at this time. However, I recognise the member’s long-standing interest in this issue on behalf of her constituents and I will ask the Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur, to ensure that he shares the findings with her and with Parliament more broadly when they are available.”
“Michelle Thomson: As the minister will be aware from my correspondence and our discussion, the rising pressures and demands are acute and are having an impact on many individuals in my Falkirk East constituency. The Scottish Government’s director of mental health wrote to all health boards to seek clarification of what assessment and support they have in place, because of the diversity across different areas and because the local protocols are different, too. Have there been any findings from that letter, and is the minister able to give us any further information in that respect? Maree Todd: I confirm that we have now received responses from all of the health boards, and we are considering the findings in more detail and what next steps should be taken.”
“The Scottish Government welcomes the report of the Royal College of Psychiatrists on meeting the needs of autistic people and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Scotland. I agree with the royal college that the demand for neurodevelopmental assessment and support now exceeds what Scotland’s current mental health infrastructure can deliver and that a different response is needed. We are taking time to consider its report fully, including whether a stepped care model could be considered for neurodevelopmental assessment. We are also driving forward our improvement work, including the establishment of our children and young people’s neurodevelopmental task force and our on-going work with the national autism implementation team, or NAIT.”
“Access to healthcare is not just a service—it is a fundamental right. However, the Scottish Human Rights Commission has shown that rural communities still face systemic barriers. That is why our reforms put human rights at the heart of health policy by embedding the PANEL principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment and legality, and aligning with the forthcoming human rights bill to guarantee fairness for every citizen, wherever they live. We will continue to expand diagnostic and treatment capacity at Galloway hospital and other hubs.”
“Access to healthcare is not just a service, it is a fundamental right. Douglas Ross: Does the minister think that it is right that patients in NHS Grampian—and perhaps elsewhere; I am unsure—cannot get an angiogram over the weekend, despite being told that they need it, because the Scottish Government will not pay for it? Does the minister defend her Government refusing to pay for angiograms over the weekend in NHS Grampian? Maree Todd: I am certainly more than happy for colleagues—it would probably be the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care—to look into that issue and get back to Douglas Ross. I recognise the need to access angiograms promptly, and there is certainly a need for prompt diagnosis and access to path labs. I know that we have made progress on access to good healthcare for myocardial infarction.”
“Alongside the population health framework, it prioritises improving access to treatment, shifting the balance of care closer to people’s homes and ensuring that resources deliver the greatest impact. A key part of that is the new subnational planning approach, which brings decisions closer to regions to reflect local priorities and integrate health and social care. That will deliver consistent core services nationwide so that everyone receives high-quality care, flexibility for remote and rural needs, and fair resource allocation that accounts for geography, workforce and transport, not just population size. Those approaches already embed equity of access as a core principle. Our recent direction letter asks health boards to demonstrate how remote and rural services are protected.”
“Home births that are supported by a midwife are available, and there has been a step forward in the increasing of local services, such as scanning and antenatal care, which reduces the need for long journeys during pregnancy. That is welcome progress. We are also implementing our best start recommendations on the continuity of carers, community hubs and the greater use of Near Me for remoter consultation. It is unfair to characterise that as no progress. When families must travel for specialist or neonatal paediatric care, our young patients family fund helps to cover food, travel and accommodation costs. Looking ahead, the service renewal framework sets out a long-term reform agenda. One major change is improving access to services and treatments in the community, including planning for the unique needs of rural and island communities.”
“In all those areas, boards have increased local services. Finlay Carson: I appreciate that the minister and her colleagues have met groups across rural Scotland, but nothing has changed. There is still no maternity birthing suite in Stranraer, despite independent professionals suggesting that a midwife-led birthing suite is the way forward. That has to do with the lack of midwives. There is a desire to have births as close to home as possible, but your Government is simply not delivering that. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair. Maree Todd: I recognise the challenges that the local health board is facing with recruitment for midwifery.”
“On maternity services, we expect all NHS boards to deliver care as close to home as possible, while ensuring safety for mother and baby. On 29 October, we launched the Scottish maternity and neonatal task force, which is chaired by the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health. Its role is to provide national leadership, set the scope for a comprehensive review and act on lessons from Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s inspections. Crucially, it will examine rural provision, including in Caithness in my constituency, and in Stranraer. I know that that is important for rural communities. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care met service leaders and local groups in Stranraer last month, and my colleague Jenny Minto, the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, visited Caithness in July.”
“In addition, we have announced the largest-ever investment in GP services—£531 million over three years—to stabilise practices and strengthen access in rural areas. Our GP action plan includes measures to strengthen recruitment and retention in rural and island areas, such as through the rural fellowship, reviewing the golden hello scheme to ensure the right incentives for harder-to-fill posts, and refreshing the GP retain and sustain scheme, which opened to new entrants in August 2025. We have expanded multidisciplinary teams in general practice. More than 5,000 whole-time equivalent staff were working in services such as physiotherapy, pharmacy and phlebotomy as at March 2025. We are also working with boards in areas such as Borders and Shetland to model the best practice for those teams.”
“I thank Finlay Carson for bringing this important debate to the chamber, and I thank all members for their contributions. I wish to respond specifically to a number of contributions towards the end of my speech. I will also try to pick up on some of the issues as I go. As the chamber is aware, I represent a rural area: Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. The motion rightly highlights the challenges faced by rural communities, including those in Stranraer, Wigtownshire and across Dumfries and Galloway, in accessing timely and high-quality healthcare. The 2025-26 budget commits a record £21.7 billion to health and social care, including £139 million for rural infrastructure. That funding will improve primary care access, expand diagnostics at Galloway community hospital and boost GP recruitment and retention.”
“We will continue to work with people with lived experience, third sector partners and education providers to improve the lives of people with Tourette syndrome across Scotland. 13:24 Meeting suspended. 14:00 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Education and Skills”