Emma Harper
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and its investment through the whole family support third sector delivery fund. Will the cabinet secretary say more about how the delivery model will work alongside existing local partnerships?”
“Given the challenges that Christine Grahame outlined and the Scottish Government’s commitment to a just transition, how can the Government support investment in biofuels and anaerobic digestion to reduce reliance on heating oil and provide greener, more secure energy for rural industries such as those in Dumfries and Galloway and the Bord…”
“That is why there is so much emphasis placed in the action plan on whole family support. It is about giving support to families where and when they need it and delivering it in a way that is right for communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Emma Harper on how we can take that forward in the south of Scotland and elsewhere.”
“However, the barriers are not only physical, but also cultural: we heard consistent evidence of negative attitudes from boys, girls being sidelined in physical education and playgrounds being dominated by boys’ activities.”
“As a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, I had the privilege of contributing to our inquiry on female participation in sport and physical activity. What we heard was clear. Although the benefits of sport are universal, access to those benefits is not.”
“Her work has never been about making short-term headlines; it has been about achieving long-term change founded on compassion and justice. During this parliamentary session, Christine introduced her member’s bill, the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which strengthened protections for animals and built on years of advocacy on issues such…”
The complete record
Every one of 631 lines we hold for Emma Harper, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 13.
“Deputy Presiding Officer, I wish you and other members a happy new year, and I welcome everyone back following recess. I thank the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association for its briefing and for its work with me on many occasions ahead of the debate; its expertise has been invaluable. I am pleased to lead this members’ business debate, which recognises the significant contribution that anaerobic digestion and biogas can make to Scotland’s transition to net zero. Agriculture plays a huge role in my South Scotland region, as 48 per cent of Scotland’s dairy herd is in the south-west, so there is potential for AD to make a big difference in communities across the south and throughout rural Scotland—it could be transformational for those communities.”
“Does the cabinet secretary believe that, with the publication of the independent advisers’ report, there should now be an end to the matter so that the cabinet secretary and Parliament can move on and concentrate on implementing the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025? Angela Constance: I very much hope that. In response to Ms Harper’s question, I stress to Parliament, that, even among all of this, I have never for a minute been distracted from the day- to-day job or the work that needs to be done to implement the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025.”
“Increasing pay as the pay award would do over the coming two years would involve a cumulative pay increase of 35 per cent to resident doctors, which is substantial progress in getting to pay restoration. I reiterate to Emma Harper, as I did to Sandesh Gulhane, that industrial action will bring no benefit to anyone, least of all our patients. NHS boards are planning for strike action and seeking to ensure that any disruption is minimal, but strike action will lead to some appointments being cancelled, as staff have to protect acute and urgent care. I ask the BMA, as I have repeatedly done, to reconsider, so that we can collectively continue to improve our patients’ experience.”
“I welcome the fact that resident doctors’ pay in Scotland will have increased by 35 per cent by 2027 under the current pay offer. I thank everyone who works in our health service for everything that they do, and especially for everything that they did in the recent festive period. Does the cabinet secretary agree that industrial action will probably not be the best way to benefit anyone? How could such action impact on patient care and working conditions for other NHS staff? Neil Gray: I thank Emma Harper for putting on record the pay offer that has been on the table for some time, which confirms the fact that the Government has respected the 2023 pay deal when it comes to the making of substantial progress on pay restoration.”
“However, it is still an issue in South Scotland, as fishing in the south-west contributes a massive amount to the local economy and to the few jobs that we have. We need to impress on the UK Government that the policy must be changed. It is a policy choice and it harms all our communities across Scotland, including those in Dumfries and Galloway. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Jim Fairlie to respond to the debate. 14:37”
“Alasdair Allan: Does the member agree that some of what we have heard from members in previous speeches has been truly extraordinary in its attempts to blame Scotland for having its money taken away? It is also truly extraordinary to describe the Scottish Government seeking to distribute money to fishing communities as the Scottish Government trying get its hands on that money. Emma Harper: Absolutely. The twisting of the information is just a distraction from what is happening: the money is going predominantly to English fishermen when most of the quota is landed in Scotland. A total of 9,000 tonnes is landed annually at South Scotland ports. That might be a small amount in comparison with some of the big ports, and I absolutely agree with Karen Adam when she describes how the allocation is going to impact the north-east.”
“I support Dr Allan’s motion. I want to highlight the impact that the UK Government’s choice of allocation for the UK EU coastal growth fund has had on our smaller inshore fishing communities in the south-west of Scotland. My colleagues Alasdair Allan and Kenneth Gibson outlined really well the Barnett formula percentages and how, with the allocation of the £360 million, a huge amount is going to English fishermen while the Scottish fishermen are landing most of the quota. In the south-west of Scotland alone, there are about 400 jobs directly involved in landings and fishing, to say nothing of the jobs in the supply chains behind that and in the local food and drink sector.”
“There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business, to allow members on front benches to change. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1”
“As the cabinet secretary has touched on, the largest contributor to rising construction costs is the Tories’ botched Brexit. Douglas Lumsden: What nonsense. Emma Harper: Will the cabinet secretary expand on the impact that Brexit, which is now backed by Labour, is continuing to have on the construction industry? Màiri McAllan: Douglas Lumsden shouted “nonsense” as Emma Harper asked her question, but the people who do business in Scotland do not think that what she said was nonsense. Brexit has had a profoundly damaging impact on Scotland and continues to harm the United Kingdom economy. Trade barriers are projected to reduce Scotland’s gross domestic product by at least £4 billion in the long term, and that is, of course, being felt in construction. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes portfolio questions.”
“Michelle Thomson mentioned cross-portfolio working. Repopulation is really important, including for Dumfries and Galloway. Will the Government maintain its commitment to that work after May 2026? Mairi Gougeon: It is not for me to commit a future Government to the policies that could be introduced, but this Government absolutely recognises the importance of the work that we are progressing at a ministerial level through the population task force. We have undertaken a number of projects, as I outlined in my response to Michelle Thomson. We want to keep the momentum going. We will evaluate what has worked and what has not, so that we can continue to tackle those problems. Public Access Rights 3.”
“Thirdly, we need community inclusion. Councils, transport providers, retailers and public services can take simple steps to adopt aphasia-friendly practices, such as using slower speech in announcements and displaying appropriate written signage. A wee bit of patience can transform lives. Finally, we must listen to lived experience. People with aphasia know best what helps, which can involve everything from adaptive therapy sessions to everyday social events. They should be at the heart of policy conversations. Let me leave members with this: aphasia is not rare. It is common, disabling and deeply isolating. However, with education, training, support and inclusion, we can give voices back to those who are silenced by aphasia. 18:24”
“We must share aphasia facts, such as the fact that the condition affects up to a third of stroke survivors and that society often misjudges those experiencing aphasia. We need public education campaigns during stroke and dementia awareness weeks. We can promote the use of simple communication tools, which include picture boards, written cues and supportive care packs, such as those offered by the Stroke Association. Secondly, we must support speech and language services. Organisations such as the Aphasia Alliance, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Dyscover provide essential therapy and specialist aphasia support and run community groups. Funding those services must be a priority, particularly in rural and island communities where provision is uneven, including Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of the south-west of Scotland.”
“A research report that was published by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland describes the devastation that is felt by people who are not able to communicate, which leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness and to mental health issues. We can and should do better. Thankfully, inspiring initiatives are emerging here and across the UK. Last June’s rocking aphasia campaign saw painted pebbles left in public places, with each stone holding a story, urging finders to learn more, speak slower and listen with intent. Similarly, City St George’s, University of London collaborated with Aphasia Re-Connect to use music in storytelling concerts, underscoring how much remains behind the silence. What can we do in Scotland? First, we must raise awareness.”
“In my work, over many years, I have looked after many people with aphasia and I have witnessed not only the challenges that are faced by the person who is affected but challenges to my ability to interpret and provide the best care. Without visible signs, many people with aphasia are dismissed as confused or even drunk, as Rona Mackay has stated. However, all that they need is for us to have patience and take a wee bit of time to understand them. The consequences of aphasia can be profound and include isolation, loss of confidence, difficulty in work and relationships and mental health challenges. After my close friend Mike—who we sadly lost a couple of years ago—had a severe stroke, he was left without speech. We could see how frustrated he was, because he knew what he wanted to say, but he could not get the words out.”
“Given that a third of stroke survivors have aphasia, there could be as many as 128 new cases in Dumfries and Galloway annually. That means that, across the country, thousands are entering a world of sudden silence. Nationally, an estimated 350,000 people in the United Kingdom live with aphasia: nearly two- thirds of stroke survivors, which is more than those who are affected by Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. However, nine out of 10 people have never heard of the condition, which is exactly why we are here today, so it is worth having this debate. I have heard of aphasia, because I have been a registered nurse since 1988.”
“I am happy to support and speak to the motion, and I congratulate Rona Mackay on securing this debate on aphasia, which is a hidden communication disorder that affects many lives in Scotland, as Rona Mackay highlighted well in her opening speech. I, too, welcome everyone to the gallery. Aphasia arises when the language centres of the brain are damaged, most commonly due to stroke but also through brain injury or neurological disease. It impacts a person’s ability to speak, understand, read or write and text, yet it leaves intelligence intact, which leads to misunderstanding and stigma. In Scotland, the incidence of aphasia following someone’s first stroke varies across regions and affects approximately 54 people per 100,000 each year in NHS Borders.”
“I represent communities that are served by both the A75 and the A77, so I welcome the cabinet secretary’s announcement that work will progress to adjust speed limits for HGVs on single and dual carriageways. I have raised that issue previously with transport ministers. Will the cabinet secretary outline an indicative timescale for that work? Does she anticipate any changes being implemented on the trunk roads? Fiona Hyslop: Emma Harper has previously pursued the issue, particularly regarding the frustrations that speed limits can cause on the A75 and the A77, including in relation to ferry traffic. Other members have also made such representations. Work is progressing on the necessary legislative steps to increase HGV speed limits, and that increase is expected to be implemented following the next Scottish Parliament election.”
“What this Government is doing is focusing on the people’s priorities. We are tackling the issues in the national health service, and we are delivering for the people of Scotland. The Presiding Officer: We move to constituency and general supplementary questions. Baird”
“Emma Harper: Can the First Minister advise how the Scottish National Party Government is working to deliver our health service in Scotland, continue to drive down waiting times, and invest in a well-funded and well-supported NHS for those who need it? The First Minister: The first thing to say is that we put in place record financial settlements for the national health service, which the Labour Party could not bring itself to vote for. We have also put in place the investment to make sure that we are increasing GP numbers and that operations are performing at levels that we have not seen since January 2020, before the pandemic. We have also seen an increase in the number of diagnostic tests performed, and, as I have just repeated to Jackie Baillie, long waits of more than a year have been down for five months in a row.”
“The evidence is clear that Scotland’s NHS is turning a corner, with downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators. To suggest otherwise does a huge disservice to our fantastic NHS staff. I suggest that Jackie Baillie and her colleagues think twice about the impact of their scaremongering about our health and social care system in Scotland and the effect that that is having on the wider population—and perhaps also reflect on the dismal record of their colleagues in Wales and England before turning to our record. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Ms Harper’s question.”
“I accept that there is a need to invest in the A9. There is a need to invest in junctions and a need to invest in parts of the A9 that are currently dualled but where there have still been accidents. However, that needs to be investment in what works, and it needs to drive down the casualty rate. I want a national transport strategy that is reasonable, sensible and evidence based and that starts to push some Government funding towards projects that will work—ones that will improve safety, keep us connected and, ultimately, get us to a better place as a nation. 16:49”
“Let us consider the costs of projects that have being named in the debate—£3.7 billion for the A9 from Perth to Inverness, up to £5 billion for the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen, £64 million for the A77, and £50 million for the A75. That £9 billion of spending on four major road-building projects in Scotland is an exorbitant amount. It is the equivalent of 200 years of the Scottish Government’s budget for all road safety interventions on all roads. Jamie Greene talked about a moral imperative. There is absolutely a moral imperative to invest in all roads in Scotland. Over the summer, very sadly, I attended a fatal road traffic accident on the A85. Wherever such deaths occur, there are too many. We need to be cutting casualties and making our roads safer—and I am referring to all roads. There is a need to invest here.”
“We need to get serious about investment in climate adaptation, because a lot of our roads are simply going to crumble away as we start to go beyond 1.5°. We are seeing more extreme weather events, and the Rest and Be Thankful is a classic example of what can happen. We need to get real about the economic impact and the cost of road-building programmes. I am seeing an increasing proportion of Government revenue going on servicing the private finance initiative and other models that were used to procure roads in the first place. We do not want to get to a situation where the entire transport budget is eaten up by more and more projects that become harder and harder to maintain and build. There is no magic money tree here. I go back to the exchange that I had with Finlay Carson.”
“That would absolutely stall the transition to EVs, and it would blow a hole in the Government’s climate plan. The cost of electricity is clearly a political issue, including in relation to the roll-out of heat pumps and the general electrification of our entire society, but it is a critical issue that we need to get right. Members mentioned all sorts of projects during the debate, and many projects are mentioned in the motion and the amendments. However, I am disappointed that not a single member has mentioned the A83. All the projects that have been discussed are partly about safety, and they are also about making the roads faster, but people in Argyll are completely and utterly cut off when the Rest and Be Thankful is closed.”
“To answer Jamie Halcro Johnston’s question, I do not know whether that represents a wider approach from the Treasury on demand management. However, if it does, it is starting at the wrong end. It should be starting with sport utility vehicles—SUVs—and not EVs. The Treasury’s assumption is that driving an EV is low cost. It is low cost, but only if people are able to charge their EVs at home and get access to a low-cost tariff. When I charge my EV at home, I am paying about 8.5p per kilowatt hour at night, which means that my mileage costs are about 2p a mile. However, if I go to a public charger such as those provided by Perth and Kinross Council, I am paying 55p per kilowatt hour. We cannot get into a situation where the cost of EV use starts to creep up above the cost of petrol and diesel.”
“I would like us to support our HGV drivers and their human right to dignity. They need facilities in which to take a break, have a shower and use the loo. The men and women who keep our shops, hospitals, supermarkets, chemists, factories, farms and everything else stocked 365 days a year deserve nothing less. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We come to the closing speeches. 16:44 Mark Ruskell: I will start on a note of consensus and refer to the points that Emma Harper has just made. I do not think any member in the chamber would disagree about the need for investment that she set out. I have not yet heard a single member speak in favour of the Westminster Government’s proposed punitive tax on EVs. It singles those vehicles out and discriminates against them.”
“However, trunk roads have no such regulation and no such facilities, except where private operators have set them up of their own volition. I wrote to Transport Scotland asking whether there were plans for some provision of rest facilities along the A75, either as part of the Crocketford and Springholm project or somewhere else on the route. I was disappointed to hear recently that the answer to whether it would pursue that at this time was no. I ask the cabinet secretary to perhaps nudge her officials in Transport Scotland into thinking again and to look to Europe and at some of the incredible facilities that it has for its road hauliers. Today is 10 December, which is human rights day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.”
“None of us would accept being told that there were no toilets in the building where we work, yet, while Scotland lags behind with the rest areas that are provided, that is, in essence, what many HGV drivers are being told. The second strategic transport projects review specifically noted that investing in lorry parks and rest facilities for drivers would “significantly improve working conditions for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers”, and that “Improvements to facilities would, therefore, also help support the Scottish economy and its growth” by supporting and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of key supply chains. Motorways have service stations that operate privately but are regulated and controlled by Government and that provide a basic level of facilities for all drivers, free of charge.”
“I welcome the cabinet secretary’s amendment highlighting the need for improvements to rest stops for freight drivers, which Sue Webber’s motion also mentions. I want to focus the remainder of my time on rest stops. I recently met the Road Haulage Association. One of the main items that came out of our discussions was the need for better facilities for HGV drivers. HGV drivers are the hidden heroes and heroines of our economy, which we saw especially during the Covid lockdown. The entire logistics system that keeps almost everything in our society supplied and stocked can only function with them working safely and efficiently, so the working conditions that they operate under are hugely important. Unfortunately, the level of provision that is currently in place on our trunk roads does not match that level of importance.”
“Investment has been made of more than £100 million on improvements along the two roads since the SNP came to power, along with more than £300 million on maintenance, but that is still not enough. Finlay Carson: Will Emma Harper give way? Emma Harper: I will not take an intervention. I usually do, but I have only four minutes— apologies. Like everyone in Dumfries and Galloway, I want to see more investment, and the quicker the better. It does not help that successive UK Governments have squeezed and squeezed Scotland’s capital spending budget in the name of the economic disaster that is austerity. We need continued investment in transport in the south- west, as the cabinet secretary rightly noted in her amendment. I welcome the cabinet secretary’s work with the south-west Scotland transport alliance and the A77 action group.”
“I welcome the cabinet secretary’s amendment and the much-needed detail that it provides. Her amendment and the motion mention the A77 and the A75—two roads in the south-west of Scotland that need major investment. Mr Carson has highlighted well the number of lives lost and families affected. The A77 connects Scotland’s central belt to Ireland via the port of Cairnryan and is economically vital to Scotland. I want to highlight the good work that is under way by Transport Scotland on the Crocketford and Springholm bypass design development, which, when complete, will mean that every settlement along almost 100 miles of the A75 will have been bypassed. The A77 Maybole bypass was completed three years ago and has been improving travel since it opened.”
“Only by fixing social care can we fix our NHS, protect our communities and ensure that people in Scotland get the dignity and support that they deserve. 15:21”
“The Scottish Liberal Democrats are the party of care: we introduced free personal care for older people, forced the ill-fated centralisation of social care out of this year’s budget and created a new pipeline of care workers into Scotland’s colleges. For unpaid carers, who too often are overlooked, it was our party that secured the right of family carers to earn more from this year on and that passed the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 into law, which gave new rights to 2.4 million carers to help them to better balance work and caring responsibilities. We need to value the care workforce. We need to make care a profession of choice again and pay workers a living wage that they will find attractive. That is the fastest and simplest way to attract new staff and to stop existing workers leaving the profession entirely.”
“That is four lost years, when the gaps in home care were glaring, costs were soaring and homes were closing month after month. The UK Labour Government has not covered itself in glory, either. It has hammered care providers with a hike in employer national insurance contributions, which has made recruitment and retention all the harder. Jackie Baillie: Will the member take an intervention? Alex Cole-Hamilton: I am afraid that I must make progress. I am in my final minute. The care crisis is interrupting the flow of the whole NHS. As I said, it is one of the biggest reasons why A and E departments cannot move patients on into the wider hospital. When social care fails, the NHS fails. How do we solve that? Ultimately, Scotland needs a change of Government next May.”
“That includes 56 in Glasgow, 46 in Fife, 43 in Edinburgh, 36 in South Lanarkshire and 24 in the Highlands—that means that the care offer in the Highlands has been decimated. Behind those numbers are uprooted residents and families panicking about where their loved ones will go and how they will travel the distance required to see them. Many of those care homes were forced to close because they simply were no longer financially viable, and some had to close because they could not recruit staff. The sector is under impossible strain, and care providers feel that they are on their own. It is clear to see why. The SNP wasted four years and £30 million of taxpayers’ money chasing a bureaucratic takeover of social care that it eventually abandoned. That money could have paid the annual salary of 1,200 care workers. It makes people want to cry.”
“Will Alex Cole-Hamilton take an intervention? Alex Cole-Hamilton: I am afraid that I have a lot to get through. It has been revealed that, notwithstanding the people I have just talked about, more than 11,000 people are currently waiting on social care assessments and care-at-home packages. Those figures are a stark reminder of just how badly things have been allowed to drift. Make no mistake—bad policy choices are driving the crisis. The funding gap that health and social care partnerships face is widening, and the care workforce—the very people who hold the entire system together—is still not properly valued and not paid enough. Research that my party conducted found that 476 care homes for older people have either collapsed or been sold off since 2015.”
“To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reported protests outside a primary school in Glasgow, what support it is offering to Police Scotland, local authorities and other agencies to ensure the safety and security of those using adult education services. (S6O-05237)”
“Glasgow 2026 has held a series of workshops to develop its “story of change” legacy and impact plan, bringing together participants and organisations from across Glasgow and Scotland to discuss how communities can benefit from the games and how Glasgow can celebrate the games and the festival that I expect to be held in the city, surrounding the games. The aim is to create a lasting legacy and impact for Glasgow far beyond the games.”
“It is vital that the games are more than a one-off event and that they create a long-term legacy for communities across the country. We all know that sport and physical activity are great for health and wellbeing. Will the cabinet secretary speak to what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that legacy for Scotland? Neil Gray: I could not agree more with Emma Harper. I mentioned a few examples of that in my statement, and, as I have said, I am pleased that the first phase of work has been completed on Scotstoun stadium to build the new athletics track for the games. That track will be an asset for the city, giving people in Glasgow access to another first-rate international-grade sports facility for years to come.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to the National Timber Group entering administration. (S6T-02782)”
“That is why we fund the national autism advice line with our multiyear £2.5 million autistic adult support fund, which provides support for autistic adults and their families. Housing to 2040 Strategy (Social Housing) 4.”
“It is vital that the rights of neurodivergent people and those with disabilities are respected, protected and championed. How will the Scottish Government always support those communities, particularly at polarising times, such as the one that we find ourselves in today? Kaukab Stewart: Respecting, protecting and championing the rights of disabled and neurodivergent people is not optional; it is fundamental to a fair and inclusive Scotland. The Scottish Government is committed to embedding equality at the heart of every policy, and our disability equality plan ensures that lived experience is embedded into every policy decision. We are working to ensure that all neurodivergent people receive the support that they need.”
“I recognise the accessibility challenges for many of our rural schools in coming to visit and experience our national Parliament. Last week, I met pupils from Castle Douglas high school and took them on a virtual tour using my Surface via a Teams meeting link and reversing my camera. Students from Castle Douglas even spoke to the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Does the corporate body member agree that virtual tours are a useful and innovative way to use technology to make this place and its people more accessible, especially to our remote and rural schools? Christine Grahame: I thank the member—that was not so much a question as giving me advice. I will take that advice. It is certainly good if one can do those things, and I might even try it myself. Protests (Policing) 3.”
“In wrapping up, I call on the Scottish Government to commit to a system that respects the science; that sets out distinct fishing zones that will enable both marine ecosystems and communities to thrive; that supports fishers, particularly those who use low-impact methods; that fairly distributes quota; and that puts community decision making at the heart of inshore regulation. If we can achieve that, as I believe we can, we can ensure that we have thriving seas and communities up and down Scotland’s coast. 16:51”
“As I pointed out to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, scientists are becoming extremely agitated about the fact that the gulf stream is increasingly likely to collapse during this century. That vital ocean current passes right through the abundant seas off our west coast. If we are to be prepared for such an event, mitigate the impact on coastal communities and be in a position to adapt, we must start ensuring that our seas are as healthy as they can be.”
“That way, the needs of all marine users can be met, and fishers, marine tourism businesses and other recreational users can be at sea in harmony. One potential way of turning that vision into a reality is by exploring the inshore fisheries and conservation authority model that is used in England, which brings different stakeholders together and gives them the power to set byelaws in their regions. Although that model is by no means perfect, I believe that it is a great starting point because it decentralises the system, which can only aid transparency. It also supports greater collaboration between groups that are often pitted against one another. All of that is especially crucial when we consider that Scotland will be at the forefront of the climate crisis.”
“It means allocating quota in a transparent way that adheres to the criteria and includes environmental, social and economic factors. It means subsidising those who operate responsibly and coming down hard on those who seek to exploit our seas no matter the cost. By having a long-term vision that everyone can align with, we can put wild-caught fish on a sustainable pathway for the future and create healthy and thriving communities. Sustainable seas create sustainable populations, which means that we can address the blight of depopulation that is hurting coastal communities across the Highlands and Islands. To really get those communities thriving, we must give them an active stake in the governance of inshore areas.”
“With such a system in place, is it any wonder that cod, which is one of our most iconic species, is on the brink? Should we be surprised that the number of vessels has fallen by 16 per cent since 2015, with jobs disappearing as a result? To reverse stock declines and restore jobs, we need to have a better way of doing things. The United Nations sustainable development goal 14— on life below water—sets the vision for sustainable fishing. That means having a marine directorate that is guided by science and that manages our seas with the long-term health of fish stocks and communities in mind. It means having clearly defined spaces so that we can have zones for habitat regeneration, others for low-impact fishing and places where bottom-towed gear can be used.”
“Equally important to that aim is having a regulatory system in place that protects stocks and supports a diverse fleet that forms the backbone of Scottish coastal communities for the long term. The key point that I want to get across today is that fishing is inseparable from the marine environment. Without solid foundations for healthy ecosystems above and below the waves, fisheries and those who rely on them cannot thrive. Unfortunately, at present, we do not have a solid foundation. We have a marine planning system that does not properly deal with fishing. Scientific research is being underfunded or even sidelined by economic interests. Quota is being gifted to a small number of very large operators, some of which land their catch abroad.”
“Emma Harper: I would like to hear Ariane Burgess’s thoughts on the fact that the average age of a fisher is 56, which is why I mentioned the need for investment in training. Ariane Burgess: I thank Emma Harper for that point. Having met a skipper of a Shetland vessel in his 50s who told me that he does not know who will take the vessel on after he retires, I find that very concerning. The UK Government’s decision to underfund Scotland’s fisheries is a shocking example of how our fishers are being exploited and mistreated by Westminster. However, we must acknowledge that the situation is not playing out in a vacuum. Getting the funding that Scotland is due is an important element if we are to have a sustainable marine future.”