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 12 of 12.
“I apologise for, potentially, having to leave the debate early because of a committee commitment. I welcome the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. I will reflect on our pre-budget scrutiny, including our evidence session with the cabinet secretary last week. I begin by observing that this is a very disappointing budget for our rural businesses and communities. Based on independent analysis by the Scottish Parliament information centre, the rural affairs and islands portfolio is the only portfolio that has seen a decrease in its resource budget from the previous year—a fall in real terms of 2.1 per cent.”
“Emma Harper: There is so much that could be said, but, in closing, I note that Labour members are again talking down our NHS and that their colleagues in Westminster are working to constrain it, while this Government continues to support our NHS to meet the demands of 2025. 16:17”
“The Scottish Government has increased Scotland’s medical undergraduate intake from 848 in 2015-16 to 1,417 in 2023-24, which is a 67 per cent increase in the number of available medical school places at Scottish universities. Indeed, this SNP Government conceived of and implemented the Scottish graduate entry medicine programme—ScotGEM—to train the next generation of rural GPs, including across Dumfries and Galloway. I welcome updates regarding ScotGEM’s progress. Finlay Carson: Will Emma Harper take an intervention? The Deputy Presiding Officer: The member is about to conclude.”
“The Labour motion makes reference to healthcare graduates not being employed in our NHS. That is simply not correct. The Scottish Government continues to support health boards to ensure that graduates can secure jobs in NHS roles and it works with boards to ensure that they are maximising the opportunities for newly qualified nurses to find employment. Under this Government, the number of qualified nurses and midwives has increased by 16.1 per cent, and the Government’s nursing and midwifery task force is working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop actions that will build a sustainable, attractive and respected workforce.”
“Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish Care, has called it “the straw that breaks the camel’s back.” The Labour chancellor’s national insurance hike, which other members have mentioned, could impact public services in Scotland to the tune of £700 million and is likely to cost the social care sector in Scotland more than £84 million. That issue is clearly more pressing than any discussion about the medium-term and long-term improvement of our social care system; it is an immediate threat to our social care system in Scotland. The UK Government must cover the cost in full—no ifs, no buts—if Scotland’s healthcare sector is to survive that catastrophic decision by Labour. Just like the UK Government has done to our farmers, our social care sector is now being shafted, too.”
“The Scottish Government continues to address the challenges that are faced in our healthcare system, but it is constrained at every step by UK Governments of whatever colour. The impact of the UK Labour Government’s increase in employer national insurance contributions is expected to be “catastrophic” for Scotland’s social care sector. That change was brought about without any understanding of how the care sector currently works, without any consultation with stakeholders and without modelling the impact of the change.”
“Will Emma Harper take an intervention? Emma Harper: No—I am sorry. There is £1.3 billion for mental health services, which more than doubles direct investment since 2020-21. There is an additional £139 million in capital spending power to progress the Belford hospital, Monklands hospital and Edinburgh eye pavilion projects. The SNP Government spent £200 million to build a new hospital in NHS Dumfries and Galloway: the Dumfries and Galloway royal infirmary. There has been sustained record funding to address the public health challenges of drugs and alcohol, including the commitment to provide an additional £250 million over this parliamentary session. Those commitments are welcome and they demonstrate how the Scottish Government is working to address the challenges in our health service.”
“Will the member take an intervention? Tim Eagle: Absolutely. Finlay Carson: Would the member agree that the SNP is all about the politics of grievance? That is portrayed in no better way than by our colleague Emma Harper bizarrely calling for powers over agricultural funding to return to the UK Government, when it is firmly in the Scottish Government’s hands to deliver a fair settlement. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I can give you the time back, Mr Eagle. Tim Eagle: We were all totally shocked by that news release yesterday. So, the SNP wants to give powers back to London; that is very interesting. However, I will move on to consider our fishermen. Fishermen were restricted by the common fisheries policy and were often squeezed out of domestic fishing grounds by vessels from within the EU, which had near-unfettered access to our waters—”
“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the UK Government, Ofcom and the telecoms industry as a whole. Last year, I answered an oral question from Ariane Burgess on the subject, in which she raised issues in relation to Arran, Skye and other parts of the Highlands and Islands. Although the telecoms industry has made the decision to replace the traditional landline telephone service with a digital service by the start of 2027, there will be no change to the statutory responsibilities that apply to telecommunications providers. I wrote in detail to Ms Burgess, and I am more than happy to write to Mr Carson on that point.”
“It covers a wide geographical area in Scotland, from Dumfries and Galloway through Ayrshire to central and Fife, and it has pockets of licence area right across central Scotland. It has had to deal with the challenge of 1,000 faults, so it has made remarkable progress. Nonetheless, I very much appreciate—because I have constituency experience of this—that, if you are one of the remaining 2,500 properties without power, that progress will be of small comfort, bearing in mind the fact that we are now several days into the impacts. Telecommunications are of fundamental importance. Mr Carson will be aware that the issue of telecommunications, including the security and resilience of the networks, is reserved to the UK Government.”
“With regard to the issues that Mr Carson raises in relation to utilities, I am acutely conscious that Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is working very hard in the Kintyre area. There are particular challenges in Dunoon, from Balure to Clachan villages and south of Tarbert and, of course, in our island communities, whether that is Gigha or Islay. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport was particularly focused on the resumption of ferry services. Those might not be running completely without disruption, but the resumption of ferry services was very much a necessity because of the needs of our island communities. I appreciate Mr Carson’s thanks to SP Energy Networks, which has had particular challenges.”
“Those rural communities are in desperate need of immediate assistance. Will the Government commit to prioritising the restoration of mobile phone and telephone services and to providing additional resources to support our most vulnerable citizens to build more resilient and inclusive communities, given that violent and frequent storms are inevitable in the future? Angela Constance: I thank Mr Carson for his questions. I emphasise the fact that the whole purpose of having resilience structures and of our focus on recovery is to focus on the most populated areas but not just the central belt. I assure him that, in the six ministerial SGoRR meetings that took place over the weekend, we had substantial and in-depth discussions about the challenges that our rural communities face.”
“One of the most critical issues has been the disruption to digital and mobile phone services. In many rural areas, the storm crippled telecommunications, leaving residents isolated and unable to communicate with emergency services or loved ones. The inadequacies and failings of the new digital voice service need to be urgently reviewed. The storm has highlighted the urgent need for investment in more resilient telecommunications infrastructure to ensure that our communities remain connected, even in the face of severe weather events. The storm has disproportionately affected vulnerable people in rural areas, with reports of elderly residents and those with disabilities being left cold in homes without electricity or support. Indeed, the lack of power has also had an impact on farms and people with private water supplies.”
“We have gone from more than 200,000 households being without electricity at the peak of the problem to fewer than 1,000 today, and I know that engineers are pushing hard to get as many households as possible, if not all of them, back on the grid today. That is a fantastic effort from engineers from across the UK, who are working in very challenging conditions. Much of the storm’s impact, which equates to 100 days of damage in less than three days, was in my constituency and across Dumfries and Galloway, where more than 51,000 homes were without power. I thank the local authority, the police, other emergency services and groups of volunteer resilience workers—such as Hazel Smith and her team in Whithorn—for their amazing work to ensure the safety of everyone in the most badly affected areas.”
“I thank the cabinet secretary for advance sight of her statement. I put on record that our sympathy is with those who have lost a loved one or have been injured as a result of the storm. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: I apologise, Mr Carson, but could you wait a moment until that phone has stopped ringing? Do continue. Finlay Carson: Storm Éowyn has left a profound impact on our communities, particularly in rural areas, which merited little or no mention in the Government’s statement. Sadly, that is what we in rural areas have come to expect. The storm caused unprecedented damage and left thousands of people without power, water and essential services. I thank Scottish Power Energy Networks for the support that it has given me and colleagues across the chamber in helping the most vulnerable in our communities.”
“This afternoon, we have heard comments from members right across the chamber about the importance of this place getting legislation right and making sure that it is robust. That is the reason why many members did not vote for the amendments. We want to get it right: it is not about not agreeing with the principles in general. Colin Smyth: I believe that we have missed an opportunity today, because we could and should have acted. In particular—[Interruption.] I do not know whether Edward Mountain is seeking to intervene, but I appreciate that some Conservative members are against a ban.”
“The legacy of Burns can be seen everywhere, from our village bowling club Burns supper to the work of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, which is vital in ensuring that Burns’s legacy continues to thrive. Those efforts not only safeguard the poet’s former home but create opportunities for future generations to be inspired by Burns. As we celebrate Burns, so, too, do we celebrate our social, cultural and economic landscape, so let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving and promoting his legacy for generations to come. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I require members to stick to their allocated speaking times if at all possible. 17:51”
“I will not repeat what we have already heard about the Big Burns Supper. I will say only that my five-year-old daughter, Rowan, has also been practising her Burns and will perform at Twynholm primary at some point next week. With regard to the economic impact of Burns, I highlight once again the work of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, as its efforts to develop new income streams and create a world-class visitor destination contribute to the local economy. The trust’s innovative projects, such as the auld acquaintance cottage and Minecraft Ellisland, attract visitors and generate revenue. Of course, Burns’s contributions to Scottish culture are immeasurable. His use of the Scots language and his celebration of Scottish culture have made him a symbol of national pride, and his songs and poems are integral to Scottish identity.”
“The “Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne” project at Ellisland farm, where Burns penned that iconic song, exemplifies our nation’s commitment to preserving his legacy. The initiative aims to restore and adapt the historic site, thereby ensuring that future generations can experience the landscape that inspired Burns. The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, which we have heard about tonight—I, too, welcome members of the trust to the public gallery—has been preserving and promoting Burns’s heritage, including through immersive visitor experiences. It runs artistic residencies and educational programmes, and it brings Burns’s values into the 21st century. The creation of a centre for song at Ellisland, housing original manuscripts and artefacts, highlights Burns’s rich musical legacy, which will inspire future generations.”
“He was a champion of the common man, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people. His works, such as “To a Mouse” and “A Man’s a Man for A’ That”, reflect his empathy for the common folk and his advocacy for social equality. He was an advocate for social justice, often addressing themes of social justice and human rights. His progressive views on issues such as gender equality and social reform were ahead of his time and continue to inspire social movements today. On the 25th, people around the world will celebrate Burns night with traditional Scottish food, music and poetry. Those events not only honour Burns’s legacy but foster a sense of community and cultural continuity. At such events, and at other significant life events, we will sing, as we have heard tonight, “Auld Lang Syne”.”
“His influence transcends time, touching our social fabric, cultural heritage and economic landscape in countless ways. Burns has so much more to give us than just a great excuse for a night out—or two—with family, friends and colleagues to enjoy our national dish of haggis and our national drink of whisky, at a time of year that is often referred to as ram-a- dram. I am looking forward to the Presiding Officer’s Burns supper tonight, where members of Scotland’s consular corps from around the globe will enjoy Burns’s verse and song. On Friday, I will join my long-time friend Graham Bell, the chairman of Castle Douglas Burns club—of which I have been a member for 41 years; I was chairman at one time—when we celebrate our 95th supper. Burns has left a profound social legacy that extends far beyond his literary contributions.”
“Deputy Presiding Officer, “A whiskin beard about her mou, Her nose and chin they threaten ither: Sic a wife as Willie had, I wad na gie a button for her.” Do not worry, Deputy Presiding Officer—I am referring not to any member in the chamber but to Willie Wassle’s wife. At least twice a week, I am reminded of my favourite Burns poem when I pass the Linkumdoddie road end on my way to and from the Parliament. I live a stone’s throw from where Robert Burns penned “Scots Wha Hae” in Gatehouse of Fleet and the Selkirk grace in Kirkcudbright, so I am delighted to congratulate Oliver Mundell on securing this timely debate, which presents us with the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Robert Burns as Scotland’s national bard.”
“I move amendment S6M-16171.1, to leave out from “opposes” to end and insert: “agrees that the fastest and more secure way to deliver lower energy bills, create future energy jobs in Scotland and deliver energy security is to move to clean power; welcomes the UK Government’s mission to establish a net zero electricity system by 2030; acknowledges that this will require the development of new energy infrastructure; considers it crucial that communities close to energy generation benefit from that infrastructure; welcomes, therefore, the creation of GB Energy and the commitment that it will support communities to take a stake in local renewable energy projects through the Local Power Plan, and calls on the UK and Scottish governments to work together to support the development of renewable energy supply chains in Scotland to create long-term, sustainable jobs as part of the energy transition.” 16:18”
“Benefits could also include local jobs, local homes and local ownership. The work that Community Energy Scotland and Energy4All are doing is vital and will have real benefits for communities. It is great to hear that the digital offshore skills passport is being launched, which communities and trade unions have been campaigning for for years, and that there is support for investment in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen for new jobs for workers. Labour is doing that work with Great British Energy, and we are making progress. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude. Sarah Boyack: We need to develop more of a consensus, not just in the chamber but by working with local communities, so that we deliver community benefits, renewable energy, supply chains and jobs across Scotland.”
“Making sure that we have a grid that works is a key issue—not just to keep the lights on in our homes and businesses, but because security of supply is more essential than ever. We need to make sure that that is not just rhetoric, because we know that demand for electricity will only grow. We need alternatives, but we did not get any from the Conservatives today. We need practical solutions. Are no upgrades at all being proposed? I sincerely hope that that is not what is being implied, because all types of renewables developments were mentioned. We need pumped hydro storage, we need battery storage and we need a joined-up approach and solutions, and the grid is part of that. Community ownership has not come out in the debate at all. It is crucial, because giving communities benefits could lower people’s bills.”
“There have been circumstances recently in which communities, local authorities, the reporter and a public inquiry have objected but the Scottish Government has overturned all those objections. Do we want to find ourselves in that situation? Sarah Boyack: The whole point of consulting people earlier is so that their views are heard much earlier and can shape proposals. We have examples of housing developments to which communities and local authorities have objected, and which have then gone to the reporter and the Scottish Government has approved them. That is the planning system: it is about making sure that people are properly involved, which does not happen at the moment.”
“Finlay Carson: In nobody’s mind is 90 miles “close to home”. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude. Finlay Carson: Once again, I urge the cabinet secretary to consider an urgent review of the matter. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Neither of the last two speeches has been within four minutes. We will need to do better, otherwise members who want to speak in the debate will be deprived of the opportunity to do so. I call Douglas Ross. You have up to four minutes, Mr Ross. 17:19”
“As well as overruling mothers-to-be, who wanted the birthing suite at the Galloway community hospital to reopen, and instead forcing them to make that journey to Dumfries, the IJB ignored the findings of an independent review that was carried out by health experts from Ayrshire, which recommended that local maternity facilities be reopened. All of that flies in the face of the advice of Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenny Minto and, indeed, that of Maree Todd, who visited Stranraer and who wrote to me last October, stating: “The Scottish Government expects all NHS Boards to provide maternity services that are delivered as close to home as practicable, and to offer a full range of birth place options within their region.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to conclude.”
“It is little wonder that Dr Baird and Dr White insist that, without appropriate action, the system falls way below any minimum standard that could be regarded as fair or reasonable. They insist that the integration joint board’s review was not independent in its structure or conclusions. Data has often been ineptly handled to mislead politicians. Indeed, the board’s record on implementation of such reviews affecting Wigtownshire, including on the future of our four cottage hospitals, is dismal, to say the least.”
“NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s integration joint board carried out a review to examine the current system, which has failed women and families for the past six years and has led to many distressing stories of roadside deliveries and dashes to the maternity hospital in Dumfries. Women in labour are simply being told to bypass their local community hospital’s accident and emergency department and, with no access to a local midwife out of hours, are forced to travel up to 90 miles along the A75. It should be pointed out that Stranraer is in many ways deprived. There, 40 per cent of people lack access to personal transport— never mind public transport—so we can add that to the equation in getting to Dumfries, which might involve waiting for an ambulance.”
“Access to healthcare remains a significant challenge where long waiting times and limited availability of services are barriers to the care that residents need. That is not only a violation of their rights, but a threat to their health and wellbeing. As in other rural and remote communities, there is a serious crisis in midwifery, particularly in Wigtownshire, which I have raised on countless previous occasions in the chamber. According to two former GPs—Dr Gordon Baird and Dr Rod White, to whom I am indebted for their forthright opinions and advice—the current maternity arrangements fall well below any minimum standard.”
“We are seriously struggling to recruit and retain staff across a wide spectrum of skills, from dentistry to midwifery to nursing and social care staff. The large number of unfilled vacancies places an even greater strain on an already under pressure NHS workforce. As we heard earlier in a members’ business debate that was brought to the chamber by Rhoda Grant, the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s 2024 report on the Highlands and Islands highlighted the pervasive issues of rooflessness, hunger and limited access to healthcare. Although the report’s findings are specific to the Highlands and Islands, they resonate deeply with us in Galloway. I am delighted that the commission will now look more closely at similar problems that are being experienced in my constituency.”
“I congratulate Tim Eagle on bringing this crucial topic to the chamber. Living in rural Scotland remains a massive challenge and it is certainly not getting any easier, thanks to the centralist approach that the SNP Government is taking. I was born and raised and, thankfully, still live in beautiful Galloway, so I know the many benefits of residing in a rural community, not least of which are the stunning scenery, the abundance of fresh air and—which is most important—being part of the strong bond that rural communities represent. However, the pros are rapidly being overtaken by the cons, especially when it comes to accessing health and social care, for starters. People are having to travel greater distances to access an ever-increasing range of services that are often taken for granted by people who live in towns and cities.”
“The Scottish Government must review and revise its policies to ensure the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all the residents of all of rural Scotland, not just the Highlands and Islands. It must not wait for the commission to look into the same issues in the south of Scotland. Across the chamber, we must strive to build a more just and equitable Scotland, where everybody’s individual rights are respected. 13:24”
“are the apparent failure to meet the most basic international obligations” and finds that “Another area of concern is the apparent regression or deterioration of rights”, which is being “exacerbated by decisions on budget reductions or indeed the complete elimination of previously existing services, without sufficient mitigating measures.” Across rural Scotland, we can draw valuable lessons from the spotlight project. By acknowledging the shared challenges, we can work together to find solutions that can benefit all. We commend the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s spotlight project for its critical insight, but our response must extend beyond recognition—we must commit to taking tangible actions on all the issues that it has identified.”
“In 1999, the editor of the BMJ reported that “Dumfries looks on Stranraer as a ‘wild west’ town that makes much too much fuss and won’t accept that it’s a rural backwater”. It seems to me that that attitude towards rural residents persists across rural areas, with health board managers often dismissing areas as out west—such as in my case—or as a problem. The situation is now worse than ever, with the main issues being maternity care, cancer, step-down care and cottage hospital facilities. Deprivation compounds the effects, too. The report identifies that “Some of the most critical issues ...”
“The Scottish Government must act on the report and review its current policies to address the deficiencies that have been identified. Dr Gordon Baird, who is a retired GP and an influential medical expert, commented to me on the SHRC’s findings of “inaccessible health care services that fail to meet minimum core obligations” and, more worryingly, of “a lack of a cohesive or coherent strategy to fulfil these obligations”, as well as “policies that should be adaptable to the specific needs of remote and rural areas”. In west Galloway, the main town of Stranraer is 75 miles west of the administrative hub of Dumfries and 85 miles south-west of Glasgow, which is where the closest tertiary medical centre is located.”
“The report highlights access to healthcare as another significant challenge. In Dumfries and Galloway, just as in the Highlands, there are long waiting times and limited availability of services, which are barriers to the care that our residents need. That is not only a violation of their rights but a threat to their health and wellbeing. We need increased investment in healthcare infrastructure to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, can access the medical care that they require. The report’s finding that “not a single human right” that was examined “meets all the conditions of adequacy under international law” is deeply concerning. That highlights the urgent need for policy reforms and renewed efforts to uphold and protect those fundamental rights.”
“In rural Galloway, we have seen the devastating effects of rooflessness on our communities, so it is imperative that we take concrete steps to provide safe and affordable housing for all our residents. Sadly, the current target for house building in rural Scotland is an arbitrary figure that does not address the unique challenges that we face, and that is another factor that drives depopulation. The issue of hunger is equally critical across Scotland. Given that we are a country that is rich in agricultural resources, it is unbelievable that food insecurity remains a reality for many. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder that we must do more to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable food. That is a matter not just of survival but of dignity and equality.”
“I congratulate Rhoda Grant on bringing this important debate to the chamber, and I join her and other rural MSPs in welcoming the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s spotlight report. Although the project’s findings are specific to the Highlands and Islands, they resonate deeply with us in Dumfries and Galloway. The report, which has been widely praised by community groups, charities and organisations, highlights the pervasive issues of rooflessness, hunger and limited access to healthcare—issues that we in Galloway are all too familiar with. With rooflessness and homelessness remaining a pressing concern, many individuals and families continue to struggle with inadequate housing. That impacts not only on their physical safety but on their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
“Will the First Minister set out what discussions the Scottish Government has had with its UK counterparts and NFU Scotland to ensure that everything is done to prevent the disease once again wreaking havoc in Scotland? I draw particular attention to concerns that the Republic of Ireland could become the back door through which the disease might return via our port in Cairnryan.”
“My constituency was one of the areas most severely hit in the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. My brother and I were directly affected because our farm was only a stone’s throw away from one of the first farms in Scotland that was affected, and it came under movement restrictions for months. The economic cost was not the only long-term legacy; emotional scars are still deeply felt across the rural communities that I represent. I vividly remember the heart-wrenching calls from friends and neighbours who had received the news that their beloved stock had to be destroyed. For weeks on end, the acrid smoke from the pyres invaded houses and touched every life, whether it was directly connected to our farming community or not.”
“To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to invest in front-line primary healthcare to support rural pharmacies. (S6O- 04180)”
“It is essential that the proposed new national outcomes address the challenges that are experienced by those who live and work in rural and island communities, to ensure that they play their part in delivering, and are able to enjoy living in, a sustainable and prosperous Scotland. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Collette Stevenson to speak on behalf of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee. 15:32”
“The committee recommended that further clarity is needed from the Scottish Government about how it intends to fully rural proof the proposed new national outcomes. A practical way in which that could be achieved is by establishing national indicators that monitor and measure how effectively the national outcomes are delivered in rural and island areas. In responding to our correspondence, the cabinet secretary committed to reflecting on the committee’s recommendations as work progresses on the proposed new national outcomes, to see whether more can be done to further the interests of rural communities. I welcome that, because it is important that we get it right, and I will welcome any update from the cabinet secretary in her response to my speech.”
“In evidence to us, stakeholders emphasised the need for people who live in rural communities to have easy access to a general practitioner, a dentist and reliable public transport. Such access was considered absolutely essential to the overall wellbeing and sustainability of those rural and island communities. Finally, we heard how certain rural sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, play a key role in implementing many of the national outcomes in their localities. That is particularly the case for national outcomes on communities, the environment and economic sustainability. As such, stakeholders raised concerns about the implications of cuts to the rural affairs portfolio in last year’s budget and called for that to be remedied as part of the upcoming budget cycle.”
“We saw the review of the national outcomes as an important opportunity for ensuring that Scotland’s public sector landscape can support rural and island communities and determine what further measures are necessary. I will talk about three specific issues that were highlighted to us. The first was digital connectivity and inclusivity. Stakeholders told us about the challenges that some people in rural areas face compared with more urban parts of the country when it comes to accessing good-quality digital connections, technology and training. We also heard how improvements in that area would be critical in overcoming the social isolation that is experienced by some people who live and work in more remote areas, and in strengthening community connectedness. The second issue was the provision of and access to public services.”
“As part of our pre-budget scrutiny, we also sought written evidence on whether last year’s budget allocations contributed to achieving the existing national outcomes and how, if necessary, budget allocations and the national outcomes could be better aligned. We concluded our scrutiny in September by taking evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. I also questioned the First Minister on the matter at the Conveners’ Group a week later. On behalf of the committee, I thank everybody who shared their views with us. Throughout our evidence gathering, we heard clearly that, across a variety of policy areas, people who live in rural Scotland have specific geographical challenges and opportunities that require specific and tailored policy responses from the Scottish Government.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and to set out our scrutiny of the proposed new national outcomes. Rural and island affairs relate to most of the 13 proposed national outcomes in one way or another. Therefore, the key focus of our work was to assess whether the proposed new national outcomes were sufficiently rural proofed and would serve the interests of communities across rural Scotland. The committee participated in the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s joint call for views on the proposed national outcomes before the summer, and it considered the responses to that consultation.”