Finlay Carson
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“Forestry does not operate to a political timescale but works over decades, yet as a consequence of uncertainty about funding and direction, fewer trees are being planted and there is less confidence across the sector. The decision to cut the forestry grant scheme by 40 per cent has had consequences.”
“That is not climate leadership; it is climate displacement, which involves exporting our emissions while importing food from elsewhere, often with higher carbon costs. Jim Fairlie: I am not quite sure what the member is talking about with regard to declining production in this country.”
“In responding to the climate change plan, witnesses warned that the right balance has not yet been struck between short-term emissions and long- term sustainable restoration.”
“We all recognise the reality and impacts of climate change. Emissions must fall, Scotland must improve climate resilience and we must protect our natural environment, so we support an affordable transition to net zero.”
“Our third Scottish national adaptation plan is our blueprint to build resilience to climate change in a way that is fair and equitable but which can also potentially save millions of pounds by preventing damage. Collaboration is at its heart, including collaboration with local government.”
“The problem is, we know that action needs to be taken but the Government keeps kicking the hard decisions into the long grass. There is no certainty, and there is a reducing budget. The same credibility gap that we have just heard from the minister’s response exists when it comes to technology and implementation.”
The complete record
Every one of 599 lines we hold for Finlay Carson, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 12.
“Shameful deflection. The Presiding Officer: Sorry, Mr Carson? Can we allow the next party leader to ask a question? Thank you. Hyperscale Data Centres 3.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was not able to log in. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you. Your vote is recorded.”
“North Sea oil and gas supports tens of thousands of skilled jobs, underpins our energy security and provides a domestic supply with a higher environmental standard than any imports. Turning our backs on that resource prematurely will not reduce global demand but will simply mean importing more energy—often, with a higher carbon footprint— while exporting jobs and weakening our economy. That is not a just transition.”
“We must take a more honest and balanced approach to our natural environment. Land management matters. Prevention matters. Those who work in our countryside, such as farmers, gamekeepers, land managers and rural businesses, play a vital role, but, too often, they feel ignored in decision making or—worse— treated with suspicion. Policies that are imposed without proper engagement risk undermining the very outcomes that they seek to achieve. A just transition takes people with it rather than leaving them behind. Nowhere is the need for honesty clearer than in energy policy. A managed transition to net zero must recognise the continuing role of oil and gas. That is not just a political point but an economic and practical reality.”
“The problem is, we know that action needs to be taken but the Government keeps kicking the hard decisions into the long grass. There is no certainty, and there is a reducing budget. The same credibility gap that we have just heard from the minister’s response exists when it comes to technology and implementation. The climate change plan talked about new machinery, alternative fuels and rapid technological change, but we heard clear evidence about the cost barriers involved, whether those are in respect of low-emission equipment or emerging technologies that are simply not viable or available at scale. The Government cannot mandate its way past affordability, or build a credible plan on the assumptions that technology will arrive on time, on budget and at scale, without proper support.”
“That is not climate leadership; it is climate displacement, which involves exporting our emissions while importing food from elsewhere, often with higher carbon costs. Jim Fairlie: I am not quite sure what the member is talking about with regard to declining production in this country. We are still producing plenty of food in this country. He also said that there has not been certainty, but there is a guarantee of certainty between now and 2030, and work is ongoing to ensure that we continue with direct payments. Where does the member think that there is not certainty? The industry, which we have just heard from for two days at the Royal Highland Show, is telling us that it is very comfortable with the Scottish Government’s direction of travel. Finlay Carson: The minister must have been speaking to different farmers.”
“They manage the land, support biodiversity and produce the food that underpins our national resilience, but they cannot deliver change if policy is unclear and support is uncertain. There is a growing perception that active farming is being sidelined. Jim Fairlie: Will the member give way? Finlay Carson: I need to make progress. The rural support plan was meant to provide that clarity. Instead, it has raised further questions. Funding pressures, reduced capital support and a lack of long-term certainty have left many in the sector unsure about what comes next, and that matters not just for climate policy but for food security. We must be honest—we cannot rely on declining domestic production and increasing imports to make our emissions figures look better on paper.”
“In responding to the climate change plan, witnesses warned that the right balance has not yet been struck between short-term emissions and long- term sustainable restoration. Jim Fairlie: Given the points that the member has made about peatland restoration, does he welcome the fact that we have exceeded the peatland restoration targets for this year? Finlay Carson: Yes, but the minister maybe missed my point. Beyond a laser focus on restoration we must consider the wider implications, where the gains can be made and whether we are doing enough. That view came from the peatland restoration experts. Within agriculture, farmers and crofters need clarity and certainty so that they can plan for the future. Let me be clear that farmers and crofters are not obstacles to climate action but are essential to it.”
“Forestry does not operate to a political timescale but works over decades, yet as a consequence of uncertainty about funding and direction, fewer trees are being planted and there is less confidence across the sector. The decision to cut the forestry grant scheme by 40 per cent has had consequences. Scottish Forestry figures show that fewer than 8,500 hectares of new woodland were created in 2024-25, which was short of the reduced 10,000 hectare goal and far short of the 18,000 hectares in the climate change plan. We see the same thing in peatland restoration. The ambition is welcome, but questions remain about whether delivery matches the scale that is required. The committee heard concerns about the narrow, carbon-driven approach in which there is a laser focus on the most degraded sites while wider peatland conditions are overlooked.”
“The previous session’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee heard it clearly from stakeholders, who spoke of a gap between ambition and the reality and warned that delivery has been too slow and that confidence across the sector has been eroded. Regarding the target, Professor Dave Reay told the committee: “Without a rural support plan, actual policies or a budget in place, it is really hard to see how that will be delivered.”— [Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 14 January 2026; c 38.] That sums up the problem perfectly. We have ambition without delivery, and we see that gap in sector after sector. We see it in forestry, where woodland creation is now falling short of even the reduced targets, following significant cuts in the support scheme.”
“Public confidence depends on credible targets, achievable plans and honesty about trade-offs, yet that is missing. Gillian Martin: I have said a few times now, both in the chamber and in the meetings that I have been having with colleagues, that I want to work with members as much as possible. What policy in the Conservative manifesto would have brought emissions down? What policy in it can we work together on? Finlay Carson: If the cabinet secretary listens when I get to the end of my speech, she will hear some of the suggestions that we included in our manifesto. Such criticism is coming not just from the Conservative benches.”
“We all recognise the reality and impacts of climate change. Emissions must fall, Scotland must improve climate resilience and we must protect our natural environment, so we support an affordable transition to net zero. However, if this Parliament is serious about climate change, this Government must be serious about delivery, because a target never planted a tree, a press release never restored a peatland and a slogan never protected a rural job. Rural communities need certainty and not more delay, and that is the problem. Ambitious targets are set, then missed and revised, and confidence is lost. Our amendment recognises Scotland’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2045, but it also recognises what ministers too often avoid: that meeting that target will require major changes across the economy.”
“We have invested more than £75 million in the nature restoration fund for a huge amount of diverse projects, supporting the planting of 300,000 trees and protecting 216km of habitat. The nature restoration fund is not just restoring Scotland’s nature; it is also strengthening the economy. It is supporting projects that create jobs, develop skills and attract additional private investment. More than £7 million has so far been leveraged in match funding from the private sector.”
“I saw at first hand how they are working together to boost the number of trees in Fife and improve access to high-quality, vibrant green spaces that produce thriving, resilient places for people as well as nature, mitigate flooding and give families places to carry out leisure activities. Those groups also plant community gardens to provide food and often turn derelict wasteland into beautiful, safe spaces that make areas more pleasant to live in and bring people together. We are also committed to working with the Scottish outdoor recreation alliance and others to develop a Scottish paths fund and produce new guidance for access authorities on how to fulfil their responsibilities.”
“We know that climate regulates nature, and nature regulates climate— they are inseparable and symbiotic. Today, I announced new funding of nearly £1 million for the Forth, Clyde, Fife and Lothians climate forests. That will not only contribute to our woodland creation targets—which Mr Carson was exercised about—but provide green spaces, flood resilience and opportunities for our people, particularly in urban environments, where we need to improve neighbourhoods and give children, in particular, access to nature. The funding will also help us to reach our plans to increase woodland cover to 23 per cent by 2040. Yesterday, I visited Duloch Park and Calais Muir Woods, which are part of the Fife climate forests, where I met local partners and community groups.”
“Our third Scottish national adaptation plan is our blueprint to build resilience to climate change in a way that is fair and equitable but which can also potentially save millions of pounds by preventing damage. Collaboration is at its heart, including collaboration with local government. As I have said, our climate change plan is accelerating the rollout of EV chargers. We have delivered nearly £4 million of grant funding to 120 organisations specifically to support the installation of 250 charge points in rural and island locations. We have introduced the rural and island infrastructure fund and have more than doubled it to £10 million to enable the expansion of that infrastructure. The bridge between climate mitigation and adaptation is also built by the restoration of our natural environment.”
“I do not think that characterising what I have been saying as “a broken record” is conducive to the collaborative relationship that I want to have with the Conservative members, particularly given that there are so many new members who perhaps are not with the agenda on this issue and do not see the benefits of it. I was talking about adaptation. Professor Graeme Roy of the Scottish Fiscal Commission has said that “not responding to the challenge of climate change ... will be far more expensive and damaging to the public finances than investing in net zero ... it is simply not an option.” That is the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s position.”
“Unfortunately, this sounds like the usual broken record, with the Scottish Government cherry-picking statistics. If everything is so good, why has the Climate Change Committee suggested that we should plant 18,000 hectares of trees, whereas the Scottish Government has reduced its goal to 10,000 hectares? Perhaps the cabinet secretary could update the chamber on how many hectares of trees were planted in 2024- 25. Gillian Martin: I would be happy to give Finlay Carson that molecular detail after this debate. I am not cherry-picking particular aspects but instead going through some of the areas in which there has been a great deal of progress. I am also outlining where we need to go further.”
“I apologise for my late arrival in the chamber. To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with stakeholders to support the maintenance of banking services in rural areas. (S7O-00101)”
“To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made towards delivering a fully operational 24/7 thrombectomy service with national coverage, including how the service will reach rural Scotland. (S7O-00078)”
“We will build on that and ensure that individuals like Sir Tom and others in our business community—the innovators, investors and entrepreneurs—know that they have a Government that is on their side and working with them to ensure that there is economic growth for Scotland in”
“With your good grace, I am more than happy to do so. Craig Hoy: Before the cabinet secretary closes, I ask him to respond to Sir Tom Hunter, who said: “The current state of our nation does not reflect our potential. I have never heard so much disquiet amongst business leaders paying yet more and more tax with poorer and poorer outcomes.” Is that the kind of Scotland that Stephen Flynn wants to build on? Stephen Flynn: Fortunately for Mr Hoy, I was in the company of Tom Hunter recently. I heard him state that the meeting that he had with the First Minister—I think that it was the First Minister’s first meeting on returning to office—was “incredibly productive”.”
“So, too, will be unlocking investment and championing the industries of the future, whether those are in AI, quantum or other areas. It is about making sure that we expand Scotland’s global reach, and we will build on the work that we have done on that up to now. It is about being brave in reforming the system, whether that is the planning system or the regulatory framework that sits behind it. I like to think that we can get common cause and consensus in that regard. We have to be—we must be—the Parliament that delivers economic growth for Scotland, because far too many of our people do not know what that feels like. They do not know what that lived experience means to them, their families and their communities. Craig Hoy rose— Stephen Flynn: Mr Hoy is tempting me to allow him in, Presiding Officer.”
“None of us should be wary of talking about the benefit of profit, for the very reasons that Mr Rennie outlined. That money is hard earned by small and medium-sized enterprises, and, more often than not, it is reinvested back into their local communities. The point about work goes to the heart of the point that I tried to make in my opening remarks about productivity and the need to skill up our workforce—our young people, our people who are out of work and our people who want to change jobs—so that they can contribute in a fashion that delivers for all of us collectively. I look forward to working with Mr Rennie in that regard. Boosting productivity will be crucial to what we seek to do to grow Scotland’s economy.”
“It was also set at a contracts for difference price of £95 per megawatt hour, which is much higher than market prices, and with a 20- year contract. Stephen Flynn: I am not sure that there was a question in there, but I think that Mr Massey misunderstands the concept of a strike price and a wholesale market price, and how that operates in terms of the end user. I am very surprised that a member for the north-east does not understand that supply chains operate right across Scotland and across the energy sector, both in oil and gas and in the renewables space. I am sure that, over the months and years to come, he will learn that. Willie Rennie made a couple of important points in respect of profit and work, which Daniel Johnson also emphasised.”
“He might not want to embrace the fact that, ultimately, when we produce energy, as Scotland will do, we need to get it from A to B and deliver it to that market. However, in using the terms that he is using, he does himself and the renewables sector a complete disservice. I have found myself in agreement with Mr Rennie on far too many occasions since I came to the Parliament, although perhaps not in regard to the glitz that he inferred that we bring to the debate. Duncan Massey: [Made a request to intervene.] Stephen Flynn: Och, it is Nigel Farage’s man— on you go. Duncan Massey: Will the cabinet secretary highlight that, in allocation round 7, which was the most recent funding round, the furthest north project was offshore of Berwick? That is obviously not going to help the people of the north-east of Scotland.”
“Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Stephen Flynn: I am very surprised that a Conservative member is about to try to defend Duncan Massey. Finlay Carson: I do not think that that is the case—the cabinet secretary has misjudged me. What is his view on the thousands of rural constituents who see their rural landscapes being industrialised and being dumping grounds for some of these renewables? What does he say to those communities? Stephen Flynn: I completely reject Finlay Carson’s assertion in respect of a dumping ground. If he had been in the chamber earlier, he would have heard me speak positively and hopefully about the benefit of farming, fishing and agriculture to Scotland’s economy, both now and in the future.”
“At the same time, we see worrying signals elsewhere. Last week, in England, Ed Miliband expressed support for policies to reduce herd numbers without a matching reduction in meat and dairy consumption, and that will simply lead to cheap imports with a higher carbon footprint. Therefore, given the importance of the beef and sheep sectors to rural Scotland, will the cabinet secretary now give a clear and unequivocal commitment that the Government will introduce policies that actively protect and sustain our national herd and flock, rather than continue with a position in which there are no safeguards in place and a real risk of further decline towards a critical mass cliff edge? Will she set out detailed proposals so that farmers—”
“I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement. I welcome her to her post, and I look forward to once again working with her on her extensive portfolio. The agriculture budget has faced year-on-year cuts under this Scottish National Party Government. However, in the cabinet secretary’s statement, there is a clear expectation that agriculture will continue to reduce emissions and that land use will come under increasing scrutiny, while, notably, there is no clarity on the future direction of livestock policy. The Scottish Government’s “Rural Support Plan 2026-2031”, which was published at the end of the previous parliamentary session with minimal opportunity for scrutiny, indicated that there will be a shift in funding away from active farming towards environmental schemes during this parliamentary session.”
“Six general practitioner walk-in centres are open already. GP numbers are going up, and, in tandem, we are delivering on the historic deal, reached with GPs last year, to invest £531 million in primary care. That will further boost the recruitment of GPs. Supporting people closer to home is only part of the story. We also need to act earlier to prevent ill health wherever possible. We are focused on the wider factors that shape people’s health. For example, in October last year we took the important step of bringing in legislation to limit the promotion of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt.”
“Angela Constance: I very much appreciate Finlay Carson’s contribution, and I assure him that what he touches on is an important issue for every minister—for me, Maree Todd and Alison Thewliss—as we work to renew and reform the NHS. I will be happy to ensure that Finlay Carson is briefed about the work of the task force, which has a focus on the workforce—where it is, how it works and how we will support it in the future. At its core, the work of the task force concerns how women and their babies are looked after. As I said to the Liberal Democrats, I will return to the chamber next week to make a full statement on a range of issues that impact on maternity services. In particular, I have been made very aware, by my colleague Maree Todd, of the challenges that rural parts of our country face, whether in Stranraer or in Caithness.”
“I join other members in thanking NHS staff, including maternity services across rural communities, particularly in Galloway, where they are under pressure. If reform and renewal are to mean anything to families, the cabinet secretary must ensure that there is real progress at pace. In January, the Government said that Stranraer would be among the first rural areas targeted by the new maternity and neonatal task force, yet women in Wigtownshire have seen no change and there are still no planned births at Galloway community hospital, which results too often in a 70-mile dash to Dumfries. What has changed for families in Galloway since Stranraer was defined as a priority? When does the Government expect to report on and provide clarity on maternity services, particularly in Stranraer?”
“I, Finlay Hamilton Carson, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me”
“Members will be aware that it is snowing in some parts of Scotland, so heating is incredibly important. Has the Government assessed the scale of hardship among off-grid households, including many in my Galloway and West Dumfries constituency, who do not qualify for means-tested benefits? Will the Government consider a broader scheme that reflects the circumstances of those households? When is it likely that the money will be in people’s accounts? Jim Fairlie: The scheme will be open from 1 April, but, as I said to Rachael Hamilton, some details are still to be worked out. Finlay Carson’s point is absolutely valid. We need to get the situation under control so that the people of Scotland have access to what we have—we have a massive fuel supply, but we still have to pay the highest prices. Food and Drink Processing Scheme Scotland 4.”
“We need policies that reflect rural realities, investment that matches rural needs and a Government that understands that fairness means ensuring that no part of Scotland is left behind. Resilience must not be mistaken for the ability to endure endless pressure. If we are serious about building a fairer, stronger Scotland, we must be serious about delivering for rural Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: John Mason is the final speaker in the open debate. 14:31”
“[Laughter.] The initiative could bring tens of millions of pounds into the local economy. Indeed, I thank her for all the work that she has done and for being a friend for 10 years. I remember Mairi from her first few days as a new parliamentarian. I wish her all the best in the future. Tourism is also a major issue in our region, and high streets in towns such as Stranraer, Dalbeattie and Newton Stewart are battling for survival. I realise that I am running out of time, Presiding Officer. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You have run out of time. Could you wind up, please. Finlay Carson: Rural Scotland does not need more recognition of the problem; it needs action.”
“I have stood with our farmers as they face rising costs, uncertainty and diminishing support. Those are not just businesses; they are the backbone of our communities, but this week’s rural support plan lets them down yet again by offering year-on-year reductions and asking them to deliver more. I have also raised the concerns of fishing communities, which are navigating rising costs, complex regulation and deep uncertainty while trying to sustain an industry that is central to our heritage. Bizarrely, some of those efforts on the scallop industry were actively and regrettably scuppered by Emma Harper, who had the chance to vote to make the industry more sustainable. I put on record my thanks to Mairi Gougeon for her support in developing a new boat-based cockle fishery in my constituency. I mean that from the cockles of my heart.”
“For too long, it has been neglected, with safety concerns, unreliable journey times and chronic underinvestment that hold the south-west back. The A77 faces similar issues. Warm words will not fix those routes—only investment will. Public transport cuts are another blow. When rural services disappear, communities are effectively cut off—young people from education and opportunities, older residents from independence and workers from employment. In 2026, it is indefensible that the flagship reaching 100 per cent—R100—programme has failed so many areas of rural Scotland, which still lack reliable digital connectivity. Without it, businesses cannot expand, people cannot work flexibly and communities cannot compete. Our rural economy is strong but under huge pressures.”
“It should not mean that a hospital appointment becomes an all-day journey, that expectant mothers face an 80- mile trip to the nearest maternity unit or that access to justice, education and essential services depends on how far someone can drive. However, that is exactly the reality for too many. Centralisation continues to hollow out rural life when a bank closes, when step-down beds vanish or when services are removed to distant hubs. It is not only an inconvenience but costs jobs, weakens high streets and leaves communities feeling forgotten. Connectivity—physical and digital—remains one of the defining challenges. I have led the campaign to dual the A75 because it is not only a regional road but a national economic artery that links Scotland and England to Northern Ireland and carries nearly £9 billion-worth of freight every year.”
“For almost a decade, I have stood in the chamber making the case for rural Scotland, campaigning for a moratorium on inappropriate wind farm developments, defending the local services that our cottage hospitals once provided, leading the call to dual the A75 and working through the cost of living crisis to secure support for rural households and businesses. Our remote, rural and island communities are central to Scotland’s economy, culture and identity, yet too often they are treated as an afterthought. Nowhere is that shown more starkly than in Galloway and West Dumfries, in a region that is shaped by long distances, dispersed populations and fragile infrastructure. However, distance must not mean disadvantage.”
“I pay tribute to my colleagues who will not return next session, particularly Oliver Mundell, who has spoken out so well for Dumfriesshire, John Mason and my dear friend Beatrice Wishart, whom I will miss dearly. We need to reflect on the hard work that she did with the cross-party group on brain tumours—what she has achieved in such a short time is remarkable. [Applause.] I also thank my friend and colleague Jamie Halcro Johnston for once again showing his passion for rural Scotland by bringing this debate to the chamber. Rural Scotland has been asked to do more with less, and that is simply not sustainable.”
“I hope that we will see further revisions in the future. In the meantime, I hope that councils will not see the levy as a means of making up for SNP cuts and will consider carefully the negative impact that such levies have on local economies. Every week, hospitality businesses are going to the wall due to rising costs, exacerbated by the current rates revaluation. The visitor levy should not sound the death knell of the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector. Scottish Conservatives will support the bill, but a lot more needs to be done to support our tourism sector. 16:13”
“As we heard from my colleague Tim Eagle during last week’s discussion on amendments at stage 3, City of Edinburgh Council has granted no exemption for travel from other parts of the country. Indeed, there is no incentive for it to do so, because the charges impact not on Edinburgh residents but on residents from other parts of Scotland, such as the Highlands and Islands. There is nothing that people from the Highlands and Islands or their councils can do about that. We should have had a more generous and extensive national exemption scheme to deal with such unfairness, and we should have considered whether low-cost affordable accommodation, such as in camping and caravan sites, should have been exempted. The legislation that is likely to be passed today will not be the last word on the visitor levy.”
“In October last year, David Weston of the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association said: “We’re in a ridiculous and unacceptable situation … where hotels and B&Bs are forced to either break the law on the visitor levy or break the laws on price marking and price quoting, because they’re literally in the position where systems can’t do it.” In May 2025, 78 representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry co-signed a letter to the Scottish Government demanding that such problems be sorted out. We have the bill before us, which is welcome, but there are significant problems with the visitor levy, which we highlighted in our amendments at stages 2 and 3. Councils still have the power to charge it to people travelling within Scotland to stay overnight for medical appointments.”
“For example, Marc Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance has said that a flat fee “would be much more transparent and easier to display to the guest”. Fiona Campbell of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers has said: “it is regrettable that … challenges were not addressed earlier and that the legislation was not … fit for purpose from the outset.” The second problem identified, which the bill seeks to correct, is that booking platforms were not able to properly charge the visitor levy for guests staying more than five nights, so businesses had to process manual refunds for those staying for such periods.”
“Even with that biased wording pointing in one direction, people realise that there are downsides to a visitor levy. The bill that is before us makes a number of significant changes. It allows councils flexibility to introduce a flat fee—or tiered flat fee—visitor levy, rather than a percentage. When the original legislation was before us in 2024, we submitted amendments on having a flat fee, but the SNP and the Greens voted against them and Labour abstained. I am pleased that, following substantial pressure here in the Parliament and from the industry, the Government has finally accepted its error and the legislation will give councils greater flexibility. It is just a pity that the Government did not do that in the first place. That change has been welcomed by industry representatives.”
“To go back to the member’s previous point, other regions in Scotland need to recognise that, in rural communities and local authority areas such as Dumfries and Galloway, officers are promoting the idea of a visitor levy because they want the cash. They are not carrying out unbiased surveys—those surveys are directed at councillors to get them to agree to introduce a visitor levy. Murdo Fraser: I agree with that point from my friend Mr Carson—he is absolutely right. As he will have done, I have seen surveys that start by asking people, “How would you like to see this money spent in your community?” It is interesting, however, that, in so many consultations, even against that backdrop, people are coming back with a negative response.”
“The Presiding Officer: That concludes the ministerial statement. There will be a brief pause before we move on to the next item of business. Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3”
“Rural communities across Galloway and rural Scotland are facing a surge of unwanted onshore wind farm and renewable proposals, industrialising our rural landscape. The SNP Government continues to leave them without clarity, protection or a voice. They want to know when the Scottish Government will finally publish its energy strategy and just transition plan. Quite simply, the question is: when will it be published? Gillian Martin: It will be critical that our energy strategy is set out when we have clarity around the strategic spatial energy plan review and the Supreme Court rulings, the outcome of which we are waiting for. Every Government is looking to that as they put out their strategies for the next five years—never mind the next 15 years, as this climate change plan has a route map to.”
“After travelling thousands of miles and visiting dozens of countries, Vicky captained the Great Britain women’s bandy team in the gold medal match at the world championships in Sweden on Saturday. For anyone who is wondering, bandy is the fastest ball game and a wonderful sport that blends ice hockey, field hockey and sheer chaos. Her team did us proud, losing out on the gold medal only in the last few minutes. The motion states clearly that sport should be available to everyone, everywhere, regardless of circumstance—whether in the south of Scotland or the rest of the country. When we invest in sport, we invest in healthier people, stronger communities and a more cohesive and confident Scotland. 10:35”