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.”
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“Patients in Stranraer wait weeks for an appointment, if they can get one at all. When people cannot access primary care, conditions worsen and hospitals come under greater pressure. Ambulance response times in the Rhins are longer than the national average, not just because of geography but because crews are stretched to breaking point. It is hard to recruit paramedics locally, and those who join the service face impossible workloads. At Galloway community hospital, diagnostic and treatment capacity is limited, and the birthing suite has gone, so some mothers now have to travel to Dumfries to give birth, fearing that their babies might arrive in the car. That is not progress; it is neglect.”
“I thank all members from across the chamber who supported the motion. I will be clear: rural Scotland, including areas such as Stranraer and the Rhins in Dumfries and Galloway, has been let down, not by geography but by Government choices. Those choices have stripped away vital health and care services without ensuring that replacements were ready, and they have left families facing a worsening healthcare crisis. For years, I have warned that the greatest threat to rural healthcare is not distance but a chronic failure to recruit and retain the workforce that is needed to deliver care. That failure lies squarely at the door of the Scottish National Party Government. What is happening in Wigtownshire? General practitioner shortages are critical—just recently, the Mull of Galloway practice handed in its notice.”
“It is so secret that we published a paper on it called, “Our marine sector in an independent Scotland”. They might all like to read it. I actually cannot put it better than Emma Harper did: as an independent country, we will be in the room and have a seat at the table, because one thing is for sure—we cannot trust any UK Government to act on our behalf. Scotland’s seafood is world class and our fishers understand better than anyone the need to safeguard our seas for future generations. This Government will continue to work in partnership with the industry to navigate current challenges, seize the opportunities and deliver a thriving, sustainable and modern fishing sector.”
“We are currently exploring how the draft plan could respond to some of the issues that were raised in the consultation on the planning position statement that we published, including requests from some stakeholders for marine spatial planning and the potential implications for existing users. I expect to receive advice from officials on that soon, and potentially on the feasibility of having marine spatial planning in the draft national marine plan. That advice will also set out options for taking forward a spatial approach. Of course, we would be in the next parliamentary session before any of the content of the draft plan would be considered. The Tories have been going in really hard on the point of independence this afternoon, as if this Government’s position is a secret that we have been holding.”
“For example, £2.7 million has been awarded to the independent observers programme, which provides data on fish stocks, and £8.4 million is being used to support Seafood Scotland’s UK and export market programme. Ariane Burgess raised a number of critical points, which I hope to touch on. One point was in relation to spatial planning, which is mentioned in her amendment. As members across the chamber might be aware, the Government has been working on national marine plan 2. The clear expectation is for the plan to be used to implement the Government’s priorities for the use of space, to support the growth of the marine economy and the protection of the marine environment, and to help to reduce conflict that arises from the competition for space.”
“Our analysis shows that, of the applications that have been submitted to the marine fund Scotland to date from projects or individuals based in Shetland, about 70 per cent were awarded grant funding. My fisheries officials were in Shetland a couple of weeks ago and heard first hand from the fishing community some of the concerns that have been expressed by Beatrice Wishart in the chamber today and I know that officials are continuing to discuss certain aspects of the fund with local fishing representatives. It is also important to recognise that significant amounts of the marine funding that we distribute are awarded to projects that benefit the whole of Scotland.”
“Our only forum of engagement has not met for about six months and that is not for lack of trying on the Scottish Government’s part. I appreciate that Carol Mochan took an intervention on this point, but, in response to her suggestion that it is just generally hard to get in touch and to get time with the UK Government, I would say that, quite frankly, it should not be. It just shows the complete lack of respect and the complete disregard that the UK Government has for our country generally, let alone for the Scottish Government. There are other contributions that I want to touch on; I have a lot to get through. On Beatrice Wishart’s amendment, I absolutely understand the importance of fishing—economically, socially and culturally—to the Shetland Islands.”
“The UK Government has not provided an adequate rationale for that change to the funding model; the approach that the UK Government has taken is also not in the spirit of the fisheries framework memorandum of understanding, which states that “fisheries policy authorities will work together on the division and allocation of subsidies and grants in the UK”. The decision on the fishing and coastal growth fund allocation has been done to us and not with us. Rhoda Grant also talked about negotiations. Negotiations involve discussions—discussions between two parties, or potentially more—but it is hard for any negotiations to take place when the other party simply does not come to the table and simply does not respond.”
“UK ministers have ignored repeated requests to allocate fisheries funding using a fair and appropriate distribution method that adequately reflects the relative scale of the fishing industry in Scotland. As part of the recent spending review, the Treasury took the decision to baseline the existing fisheries funding arrangement with the devolved Administrations, meaning that we only receive Barnett consequentials on any subsequent changes to funding. The decision to move away from an approach that was based on the size and importance of the industry and to move to the Barnett formula was taken by the UK Government. That was separate to our engagement on the fund.”
“While we were members of the EU, Scotland received 46 per cent of the UK’s EU fisheries funding, reflecting the size and importance of our industry. Since Brexit, the fisheries funding allocation to the Scottish Government has taken into account the size of Scotland’s industry. Therefore, it is simply not accurate to say that that funding must be devolved via the Barnett formula. In our engagement with the UK Government, ahead of its announcement on the fishing and coastal growth fund, we made clear on numerous occasions our expectations that we would maintain an arrangement outside the Barnett formula that recognised the relative size and importance of fishing industries across the UK and that Scotland should receive at least 46 per cent of that fund.”
“That is the message that we are trying to get across today from the 600 people who were at my public meeting. Mairi Gougeon: Again, I completely appreciate the concerns that Tim Eagle and his colleagues have raised today. My concern is that I do not want to prejudice any procedures or processes that would take place as a result of the proposal— Douglas Ross: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Mairi Gougeon: No, I will not take any more interventions—thank you. I turn to Rhoda Grant. I normally have a lot of sympathy with and agree with what she says, but, unfortunately, I do not today, as I find myself in complete and utter disbelief at some of the statements that have been made by Labour. The Scottish Government has had long-standing devolved responsibility for fisheries.”
“However, I emphasise that, as I understand it, these are the very early stages of the project. My officials are having regular meetings with the fishing industry and Crown Estate Scotland, and I will be closely monitoring progress on the matter. Tim Eagle: I thank the cabinet secretary for that. This is difficult, is it not? If we comment early, people will say that we are too early; if we comment later—once an application has been submitted—we will be too late, because there is a live application. Therefore, will the cabinet secretary join me and my colleagues in sending the clear message that the proposed location is the wrong location? Maybe there is a right location out there for these proposals, but the one that is proposed is absolutely the wrong one.”
“Tim Eagle’s amendment highlights the proposed Moray Firth FLOW-Park, which is a really important matter in his region. First and foremost, I absolutely acknowledge the public concerns that have been raised about the proposals. No applications or assessments in relation to the construction of the project have yet been submitted to Scottish ministers, but any specific proposal that could be taken forward would be subject to the relevant required regulatory processes, which would include a formal public consultation. The marine directorate licensing division is considering the regulatory requirements for activities involved in the storage and construction of turbines in the sea, and it will provide clarity and guidance to all interested parties as soon as possible.”
“As ever, we have covered a wide range of topics, which speaks to the complexity and diversity of our fishing industry and the wider marine sector but also to the sheer impact of the industry on constituencies across Scotland. I heard really passionate contributions from Beatrice Wishart, Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan and others, and I will speak about some of the contributions and reflect on the amendments to the motion. First, I agree with much of what Tim Eagle said and much of what Finlay Carson said in his interventions. I emphasise the importance of our sector, and I am glad that there is overall agreement with the sentiment of the motion and what we have tried to put forward today in seeking a fairer funding settlement for Scotland and for our fisheries and coastal communities in particular.”
“I thank members across the chamber for their speeches and interventions, because the range of views that has been expressed reflects the importance of Scotland’s fishing industry, not only to our economy but to our coastal communities and way of life. Ultimately, the debate reminds us that fisheries negotiations are not just about quotas and numbers; they are about livelihoods, food, sustainability and Scotland’s role as a responsible steward of our marine resources. Throughout the negotiations, we will continue to take principled robust positions, based on the best available scientific information and taking other factors into account. I look forward to continuing discussions with coastal state partners in the coming weeks, and I will report back to the Parliament on the conclusion of those negotiations in due course.”
“I therefore urge everyone across parties to send a united message: stand up for Scotland’s fishermen, demand a fair share of funding, commit to policies that protect jobs and communities, and maintain our ability to harvest healthy, sustainable seafood for generations to come. Fishing is part of Scotland’s identity—past, present and future. It is about fairness and vision— The Deputy Presiding Officer: You must conclude, Mr Carson. Finlay Carson: It is vital that the industry survives. It has done so for centuries and it can continue to do so if we give it the support that it needs. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Mairi Gougeon to wind up the debate. 17:04 Mairi Gougeon: Thank you. As ever, there is a lot to cover, and I will try to get through as many of the issues that have been raised as possible.”
“The industry is not standing still. It is modern, efficient and globally recognised. It wants to transition to a more sustainable practice. It wants to invest in low-impact gear. It wants to work with Governments to protect marine habitats. However, that transition requires support, not punitive measures; funding, not token gestures; compensation when appropriate, as Tim Eagle mentioned; and trust, not constant suspicion. On the proposed Moray Firth FLOW-Park, I will be crystal clear: that development poses a serious threat to local communities and the fishing industry. We cannot allow renewable energy ambition to come at the expense of renewable food production. Scotland needs both, and that balance must be struck.”
“That means securing the best possible fishing opportunities through annual negotiations and international agreements, a moratorium on further offshore wind consent until the impacts on fishing are fully assessed and compensated, and investment in science and research, because our seas are changing and decisions must be based on robust data and a practical, workable catching policy that supports sustainability without strangling the sector. Let us be clear: food security matters. Polling shows that 86 per cent of the public agrees that food production from Scotland’s seas is as important as energy production. Fishing delivers renewable, healthy protein, with far lower emissions than most other forms of food production. Fishing is part of Scotland’s greener future, but only if we get the policy framework right.”
“Those pressures are real, and they are compounded by a narrative that is too often peddled by the likes of the Green Party, which paints fishermen as environmental villains. That is wrong. Scotland’s fishermen are not the problem but a part of the solution. They are eager to embrace sustainability, to invest in low-impact gear and to support science-led management. However, they need Government to work with them, not against them. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has been clear: we need certainty, stability and space to operate.”
“Labour’s so-called reset with Europe is another Labour disaster. Instead of restoring leverage through annual negotiations after 2026, Labour has locked Scotland into a 12-year extension of EU access to our waters until 2038. That means no further quota gains, no flexibility and no ability to rebalance opportunities in favour of our fleet. The Labour Government treats fishing as a bargaining chip in wider trade and security talks. Scotland’s interests are sacrificed. That is yet another Labour sell-out, and it will have a lasting consequence for our coastal communities, just as if we were forced back into the CFP. Despite Douglas Ross’s efforts, we heard from the SNP not one good reason to go back in.”
“There is market uncertainty, rising fuel costs, regulatory complexity and unjustified delays in Scottish Government marine planning policy. It is a bit like developing agricultural policy: delay makes it harder for businesses to plan and invest. I agree with Beatrice Wishart that uncertainty and doubt around stock assessments are the direct result of the SNP Government’s decade- long underfunding of science, under which the once-leading organisation that was Marine Scotland and is now the marine directorate has declined beyond recognition. There is a lack of trust and a lack of direction. Science needs to be, and should be, behind every demand for tough decisions; at the moment, it is not. We have had disastrous international negotiations, as raised by Tim Eagle, which, too often, have left Scotland short-changed on quota opportunities.”
“Finlay Carson: I would have thought that the Labour minister for Scotland would have ensured that Scotland got a fair deal; however, that is sadly lacking. Funding is just part of the story. Our fishing industry is under pressure from every direction. There is spatial squeeze, as raised by Tim Eagle and others, from offshore wind developments and marine conservation zones that are often imposed without proper consultation or compensation. There is no doubt that the SNP puts “turbines over trawlers”, in the words of Douglas Lumsden. Spatial squeeze is the likely result of the policy from Ariane Burgess and her extreme Green Party Bute house agreement on HPMAs, bringing in arbitrary limits on fishing without any scientific basis. The Green plan would mean fish for the rich, not fish for all.”
“Not only is that unfair— even Rhoda Grant believes that it is unfair—it is damaging, because it undermines confidence in investment and the resilience of our coastal communities. Under the previous arrangements, Scotland received 46 per cent of the fishing funding. That was proportionate and fair. The current settlement is neither. Rhoda Grant: I am sure that Finlay Carson understands the Barnett formula and how funds are devolved to Scotland. Would he and his party not have ensured that the formula was right before asking for the funds to be devolved? A UK-wide fund would have meant that Scottish fishers would have had an equal chance at getting funding. Instead, the Scottish Government wanted the funds devolved before it knew the mechanism by which they would be devolved.”
“When we talk about fairness and support, we must remember that every fisherman who goes to sea deserves to come home safe every single time. Along with that, we must tackle the mounting pressures that threaten the very future of their livelihoods. I turn to the motion. The UK Labour Government, which we already know does not understand farming, given its hated family farm tax, has now clearly shown that it does not understand fishing, with the decision to allocate Scotland just £28 million from a £360 million fishing and coastal growth fund—a mere 7.8 per cent. We heard about that from Alasdair Allan and, indeed, from members of all parties except Labour. Scotland accounts for more than 60 per cent of landings, 63 per cent of UK waters and the majority of seafood exports, but that allocation ignores all those realities.”
“I want to speak not only about figures and funding allocations, but about the people behind Scotland’s fishing industry, a healthy selection of whom we welcome to the gallery today. This has never been a debate that should divide us politically. Traditionally, it has united us, because at its heart are the men and women who go to sea, risking their lives in one of the most dangerous working environments on earth. They face unprecedented seas, brutal weather and the constant reality that one mistake could cost them everything. Fishing is not simply about numbers on a balance sheet; it is about fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who leave home knowing that safety is never guaranteed. They do that not for themselves alone, but to put food on our tables and to sustain the communities that depend on them.”
“Many pelagic processing jobs could be at risk and impacts could be felt throughout the sector if appropriate action is not taken. It is for that reason that I am urgently looking at what, if any, other measures I can take as cabinet secretary to support the onshore processing sector. These are significant challenges for our pelagic and demersal sector, but, with the enormously constructive input from fishing representatives and my committed team of negotiators—”
“Now is the time to make real progress on mackerel shares and to stop the unilateral actions and subsequent overfishing. Regardless of any actions that we can successfully deliver, we will still be in unprecedented territory for setting a TAC for 2026 that is well below anything that we have seen on advice sheets since at least 1987. The impact will be felt across the sector, but by none more than our onshore processors. Between 2020 and 2023, mackerel accounted for around one third of the total tonnage and one quarter of the total landed value that was landed into Scotland by the Scottish fleet. In 2023, the four major mackerel processing businesses in Scotland employed more than 300 people in production and operations alone.”
“Northern shelf cod is also an important species for the onshore sector; it makes up more than 5 per cent of the total landed value for Kinlochbervie, Peterhead, Scrabster and Shetland. Advocating for an alternative to the headline advice that should still deliver an improvement in biomass and a sufficient quota for the North Sea and west of Scotland is a sensible and precautionary approach; it is one of our top priorities. For our pelagic sector and, in particular, the mackerel fishery, my officials are exploring a significant package of measures that, again, focus on delivering a positive impact on stock biomass as well as on real progress towards a more comprehensive sharing agreement between partners, which has, sadly, been lacking and, inevitably, has been a contributing factor to the headline advice.”
“It is my view that the priority in those negotiations must be the immediate implementation of spatial management measures that restrict potential catches of the southern stock. We already have significant measures in place in Scottish waters, and we will urgently review them to see what improvements, if any, can be made. The Scottish Government’s economic analysis shows that a 50 per cent reduction in northern shelf cod quota could result in an estimated reduction in landed value to Scottish fishers of between £19 million and £21.5 million. Included in that analysis are 303 Scottish vessels, of which 35 saw northern shelf cod worth an average of 25 per cent of their total landed value per vessel. If historical fishing patterns continue, it is estimated that 40 per cent of those vessels are expected not to make a profit next year.”
“Negotiations on 2026 fishing opportunities are already well under way, and I am in regular contact with our negotiators as they work to represent and promote Scottish interests. I wish to spend a bit of time outlining my objectives for mackerel and cod. North Sea cod is not collapsing, but if we do not proceed with equal attention to biomass recovery and TAC constraints across a number of stocks found in the same fishery, we will be risking the viability of Scottish white-fish vessels. The ICES advice shows a stark picture of the health of the southern sub-stock, and that is primarily what is driving down the levels in the overall advice. ICES is attempting to manage the whole northern shelf stock based on the depleted state of the southern stock.”
“The ICES advice is challenging for a number of our key stocks this year, not least the iconic stocks of cod and mackerel. Many factors might be contributing to that, such as natural mortality, climate impacts and low recruitment across the north-east Atlantic. Our stocks are jointly managed with the fishing nations around us, with total allowable catches agreed annually, varying from year to year based on the science. Change is not unusual, but it is the scale of it that makes it feel different on many levels this year. Fish stocks are oblivious to lines on maps, and it is crucial that the UK works with its coastal state partners to find joint solutions that ensure the sustainability of both our fish stocks and our catching and processing sectors.”
“That collaboration is always important, and never more so than when we are facing difficult challenges and choices. In my time as fisheries minister, I have seen the resilience that the fishing industry has displayed in the face of unprecedented challenges and during recent periods of upheaval and uncertainty. Our industry is facing a very challenging year ahead. There is no getting away from the challenging advice that applies across the north-east Atlantic. Substantial cuts are proposed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea—ICES—for a range of species, which, if enacted, will have far- reaching social and economic impacts on our fishermen and processors. I have already expressed those concerns to ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.”
“Why has the Scottish Government defunded the marine directorate, which limits its ability to do the data collection that is required and prevents it from focusing on future fisheries such as the cockle fishery on the Solway? Mairi Gougeon: There are a few points there on which I have been engaging with Finlay Carson. He will be aware that there was an increase in the science budget of the marine directorate—if that is what he is referring to— earlier this year. We have reflected many times on the partnership work that is needed to deliver effective fisheries and marine management. Our collaborative approach has worked well for the development of fisheries management measures for offshore marine protected areas—MPAs— where we have taken a balanced and pragmatic approach.”
“That demonstrates that we are looking to ensure better equity both in the provision of healthcare and in who we expect to travel where.”
“How will he ensure that, in practice, the new planning structures to optimise capacity address the distinct needs of rural and remote communities, rather than resources being focused on urban centres, where economies of scale are achieved? Neil Gray: Finlay Carson is absolutely right. In my discussions with colleagues on moving to a subnational planning structure for planned care activity, for instance, I have been explicit that I expect there to be support for rural and island communities to ensure that they are treated equitably. I do not expect our system to move forward with transportation happening in only one direction. NHS Highland’s national treatment centre is evidence of people travelling from the central belt to a Highland resource.”
“Presiding Officer, like you, the cabinet secretary is understandably proud of his Orkney roots—he often mentions that when he explains how he understands rural issues—so you can understand my surprise and disappointment that the national planning priorities make no explicit mention of rural health challenges. Across health and social care in Dumfries and Galloway, there is a combined funding gap of £58 million. Given that and the unique pressures in areas such as Dumfries and Galloway, including workforce shortages, long travel times and limited access to specialist care, how will the cabinet secretary ensure that rural communities are not disadvantaged?”
“We must ensure that communication is inclusive, through British Sign Language and other accessible formats, because those who have Tourette’s often have co-occurring conditions. Crucially, we must work with organisations such as Tourette Scotland to develop a national plan. That means increasing funding for support, better integration across education, health and social care and a public awareness campaign that reaches every corner of Scotland. Let us honour the work of John Davidson, Lewis Capaldi and the many families who have fought for recognition, and ensure that every child with Tourette syndrome is supported to their full potential. 13:07”
“He faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, through resilience and optimism, he transformed his life and became one of Scotland’s leading voices for Tourette awareness. His new book, “I Swear: My Life with Tourette’s”, has been turned into a feature film, as we have heard, and shines a light on the lived experience of those with Tourette syndrome and how it challenges stigma and misconception. I know that Rachael Hamilton attended the cinema in Gala to see it; everybody was laughing and crying, and it received a huge round of applause at the end. We must do more. We must have national guidance and consistent training for teachers and school staff. We need Tourette-specific content in our additional support for learning framework and mental health strategies.”
“If he was looking for an answer, he only had to listen as the crowd helped him to finish the song. That moment was powerful, not just for him but for everyone living with Tourette syndrome. Capaldi chose to go public to prevent speculation, such as people thinking that he was on drugs before shows. Before his diagnosis, he feared that he had “some horrible degenerative disease”. Since then, he has undergone treatment and learned coping strategies. Importantly, he has become an advocate, inspiring thousands and highlighting the condition that affects nearly 300,000 people in the UK. Similarly, we have just heard the remarkable story of John Davidson MBE from Galashiels. Many will remember the 1989 documentary, “John’s Not Mad”. John was just 10 when his tics first appeared. He was misunderstood, bullied and even hospitalised.”
“That is not just a failure of policy but a failure of compassion. Bravery can take many forms. It is not always about physical endurance. Sometimes it is about confronting and overcoming a mental condition. Performing live before tens of thousands of music fans at Glastonbury takes incredible courage at the best of times, but when someone takes to the stage months after revealing that they have Tourette syndrome takes that courage to a completely new level. Step forward, Scots singing sensation, Lewis Capaldi. He admitted publicly that stress and anxiety can worsen the tics that are now a constant part of his life, albeit he is learning to manage them. Few will forget watching him during his 2023 gig, when he stood alone on stage, unable to sing the words to his classic song, “Someone You Loved”.”
“However, my wife, Jackie, who is a councillor in Dumfries and Galloway, told me that, when Tourette Scotland delivered training in a local school, only a handful of staff turned up. The following statistics suggest that such training should perhaps be mandatory. Recent data suggests that around 1 per cent of children and adolescents globally are affected by Tourette syndrome. In Scotland, that translates to thousands of pupils, many of whom also live with co-occurring conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and obsessive- compulsive disorder. However, according to Audit Scotland, more than 284,000 pupils—40 per cent of our school population—require additional support for learning. Despite that, funding and training remain inconsistent and, in many cases, inadequate.”
“I thank Sarah Boyack for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I am aware of her long-standing support for and commitment to Tourette Scotland, and I am delighted to make a contribution on the subject. For decades, Tourette Scotland has been a lifeline for many, providing support, advocacy and education for individuals and families who are affected by Tourette syndrome across our country. From peer support groups to school training sessions, its work is tireless and transformative. Despite those efforts, we know that many children and young people with Tourette syndrome still face significant barriers, particularly in education. My eldest son, Hugh, suffered from a facial tic. I know that, at the time—from his mid-teens up to his late teens—it was very distressing for him.”
“It is very important that plans that are included in the infrastructure delivery pipeline can be delivered with the capital budget that is available. We are all watching carefully to see what the chancellor will outline at the end of the month, because that will heavily inform the budget that my colleague Shona Robison can present and the infrastructure and transport plans that my colleague Fiona Hyslop can support. Glasgow Airport (Rail Link) 3.”
“I am sure that the Deputy First Minister is very aware of my decade-long lobbying and campaigning for much-needed investment in the A75 and A77, which, sadly, has been lacking from the Scottish National Party. However, given the importance of all forms of connectivity to economic regeneration, I want to highlight the railway line into Stranraer and the moves to develop the waterfront. I have been working with various parties for the past nine years to upgrade the railway station. What consideration is the Scottish Government giving to improving rail links to Stranraer, and how might that support wider efforts to revitalise the south-west? Kate Forbes: I mentioned in my previous answer that the Scottish Government intends to publish a new infrastructure delivery plan alongside the budget.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of any reductions in police officer numbers since 2020 on rural communities. (S6O-05133)”
“I wonder whether that can be corrected for the record, if I am right. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Perhaps the minister could contact all members to clarify the position. There will be a short pause before we move on to the next item of business. UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1”
“Jim Fairlie: We did not invite people from all over the country to attend; we invited people who had the expertise and the understanding of how we will manage wildfires and build wildfire resilience across the country. That does not mean to say that the issues in Galloway are not as important as the issues in Dava. It means that every part of Scotland must be resilient. We must ensure that we have provisions in place, which is why we are doing the work that we are, and we will deliver that next year. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the statement. Fergus Ewing: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The minister repeatedly said that the stakeholder meeting with MSPs will take place later this week. In my diary, I have it down as taking place on Tuesday of next week.”
“Given the strange emphasis on the Cairngorms national park in the grant funding scheme, will similar financial support be extended to rural businesses in Galloway that are affected by wildfires? Jim Fairlie: I think that Finlay Carson has pointed out, as have other members, that the wildfire danger that we face is not just in Galloway or in the islands—it stretches from one end of Scotland to the other. Therefore, we are taking a national approach. We did not invite every area of Scotland to the wildfire summit, because— Finlay Carson: Dumfries and Galloway were not even represented. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Carson, please let the minister respond to the question.”
“The wildfire in Galloway forest park scorched approximately 6,500 hectares, or approximately 25 square miles. The fact that it accounted for nearly a quarter of all the land burned across the country made it one of the largest wildfires in the United Kingdom that year, yet there was no mention of representation from Dumfries and Galloway, Galloway forest park or south of Scotland stakeholders in any report from the summit. The minister stated that £1.6 million has already been invested in wildfire response, including PPE and all-terrain vehicles, and that other investment is being considered. Will the minister clarify whether any wildfire response investment has been made in Galloway and whether any future investment will be delivered in my constituency?”
“What urgent action will the First Minister take to stop such unacceptable delays? The Presiding Officer: Through the chair, please.”