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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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2,355,091
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1999–2026
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Showing 60 of 2,355,091 contributions. Latest 30 days: 148. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 14 May 2026.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Everyone has now voted. Once again, I ask scrutineers and candidates to please go to the back of the chamber. The votes will be counted for the final time.In the final round of voting to elect a second Deputy Presiding Officer, the number of votes that were cast for each candi...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Ballot papers up the back. Please vote now.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
I declare that the election for the second Deputy Presiding Officer is now open. The voting procedures are the same as before.Members voted by secret ballot.The Presiding Officer:Voting in this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers,...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Voting for this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is now closed. I invite scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the count. Again, candidates may also observe the count.Colleagues, you will be delighted to know that we have a result. In this round o...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Okay, folks, you know the drill. Ballot papers are at the back of the chamber.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Good afternoon, everyone. I am glad that you are all with us once more. This will be the last voting session of the afternoon, you will be glad to know—before you can all depart the scene.I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer, and ...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is now resumed. I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominees and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to t...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Okay, folks. I have just been given some instructions about what will happen next. However, before that, I want to thank every member who has participated in this voting process. My belated congratulations to them if I have not already spoken to them about winning their own el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the third round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In this round of voting in the el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in this round of the Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the counting of votes. Again, candidates may also observe the count.In the second round of voting in the election of the Presiding Officer, the ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the first round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I now invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In the first round of voting ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
As previously announced, I have received four valid nominations. In alphabetical order, the nominees are: Kenneth Gibson, Clare Haughey, Liam McArthur and Stuart McMillan.The election shall proceed in accordance with rule 11.9 of standing orders. If no member receives an overa...
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone) Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is resumed. I have received four valid nominations for the position of Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominations and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to the chamb...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I wish to inform members that nominations for the position of Presiding Officer will open at 12.30 pm. Nomination forms can be collected from the parliamentary business team, which is situated in T1.03. Completed nomination forms should be returned to the parliamentary busines...
Kate Campbell (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Kate Rosa Campbell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Stephen Gethins (Dundee City East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stephen Patrick Gethins, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jenny Young (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenny Young, 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 God.
David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Herd Torrance, 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 God.
Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Maree Todd, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Maree Todd, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse gum bi mi d...
Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alison Thewliss, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Alison Thewliss, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse g...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul John Sweeney, 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 God.
Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Collette Stevenson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline Stafford (Bathgate) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I pledge my allegiance to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Pauline Stafford, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Shirley-Anne Somerville (Dunfermline) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Shirley-Anne Somerville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
David Smith (West Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Haydn Smith, 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 God.
Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alyn Edward Smith, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Lorna Slater (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Lorna Jane Slater, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Simpson (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Mark Simpson, 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 God.
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Graham Simpson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kim Schmulian (Glasgow) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kim Schmulian, 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 God.
Katherine Sangster (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Katherine Blackstock Sangster, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In my heart, my allegiance is to the people of Scotland.I, Mark Ruskell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Angela Ross (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Angela Ross, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Emma Roddick (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation under protest in order to sit in this Parliament, where my allegiance will be to the people of Inverness and Nairn.I, Emma Roddick, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King...
Willie Rennie (Fife North East) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, William Cowan Rennie, 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 God.
Kirsten Oswald (Eastwood) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kirsten Frances Oswald, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kate Nevens (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation to the sovereign people of Scotland and pledge that, in all my actions, the interests of the Scottish people shall be paramount over and above those of the monarchy.I, Kate Nevens, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be fait...
Laura Moodie (South Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My affirmation is to the sovereign people of Scotland, whose interests I will always serve before those of the monarchy.I, Laura Moodie, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs...
Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I believe that the people of this country should be citizens, not subjects, and my first allegiance is to them.I, Carol Ann Mochan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and ...
Laura Mitchell (Moray) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Laura Mitchell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.I, Laura Mitchell, gie my depone, solemnly and sincerely, aat I wull be faithful and...
Jenni Minto (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenni Minto, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jack Middleton (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I declare that my first loyalty will always be to the people of Scotland.I, Jack Middleton, 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 God.
Colm Merrick (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Colm Merrick, 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 God.
Lloyd Melville (Angus South) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Lloyd Alexander Melville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Pauline Mary McNeill, 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 God.
Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Marie Alexandra McNair, 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 God.
Stuart McMillan (Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stuart McMillan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Paul McLennan (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul Stewart McLennan, 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 God.
Ivan McKee (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Ivan McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Cara McKee (West Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Cara McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Helen McDade (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Helen McDade, 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 God.
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Liam Scott McArthur, 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 God.
Màiri McAllan (Clydesdale) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Màiri Louise McAllan, 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 God.
Duncan Massey (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Duncan Massey, 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 God.
Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Gillian Anne Martin, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Michael Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Michael Marra, 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 God.
Q Manivannan (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make the affirmation for the people of Scotland and their care, my bonnie, bonnie home.I, Q Manivannan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In order to represent my constituents and serve the common good and the people of Scotland, I, Ben Macpherson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according...
Donald MacKinnon (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Donald MacKinnon, 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 God.Tha mise Dòmhnall MacFhionghain, a’ mionnachadh gum bi mi dìleas agus fìor umhail do A Mhòrachd An Rìgh Teàrla...
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 12 August 2020

12 Aug 2020 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Return to School
Swinney, John SNP Perthshire North Watch on SPTV

I think that parents in general want their children back at school, because they understand and can see the significant benefits to their children and young people of being at school. However, there will be parents who have anxieties and worries about the process. It is therefore critical that the measures that are included in the guidance are properly applied in all school settings, so that parents can be assured.

I know from the range of material that I have seen from around the education community in Scotland that there has been significant investment of time and energy in advising parents about the arrangements that will be put in place, and that must be maintained by schools for a sustained period.

In the same item of business

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame) SNP
Before we get on to business, I remind members of that thing called social distancing, because it appears that we have not been too good at it at some points...
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (John Swinney) SNP
The day our children start school for the first time is a moment that every parent remembers. However, I am aware that, in some parts of the country, althoug...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
I intend to allow about 40 minutes for questions on the cabinet secretary’s statement. That sounds like a lot, but 21 members want to ask questions, so the u...
Jamie Greene (West Scotland) (Con) Con
I, too, pay tribute to those who have worked relentlessly to keep schools open during the lockdown and to get them reopened, reacting quickly to policy shift...
John Swinney SNP
The first of Jamie Greene’s three questions is on school safety. That is a fundamental question. The issue of physical distancing has been considered at leng...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
There are two members who appear to want to ask questions, but who have not pressed their request-to-speak buttons. If you do not press them, I will not call...
Iain Gray (East Lothian) (Lab) Lab
This is a welcome day, as schools return. I want to pay tribute to teachers, school staff and council officials who have worked so hard to make it happen. Of...
John Swinney SNP
I wish Mr Gray’s grandchildren well as they start school, and I am sure that it has been a very exciting day. I hope that they got some sleep last night, whi...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
I hope that we can now move on a little more swiftly with questions and answers.
Ross Greer (West Scotland) (Green) Green
I thank the cabinet secretary for the advance sight of his statement. I have two brief questions. The enhanced surveillance testing programme is welcome, but...
John Swinney SNP
On Ross Greer’s first question, the enhanced surveillance programme is taking time for us to build up. Our experience throughout the pandemic is that we have...
Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (LD) LD
Following Iain Gray’s question about extra staff, I want to know how long it will be before all the extra staff are on the ground. People need security, so w...
John Swinney SNP
Those detailed recruitment issues are for local government. The Scottish Government does not employ teachers; we allocate resources. We have reached an agree...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
I have been a bit easy on multiple questions from members but, unfortunately, that means that the cabinet secretary has to take longer to answer. That eats i...
Clare Adamson (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) SNP
I want to ask the cabinet secretary about wellbeing, which he mentioned in his opening statement. These are unprecedented times, before which there was alre...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
There were a couple of questions in there. Perhaps we will get to having just one question, at some point.
John Swinney SNP
A number of schools have existing relationships with organisations that support the wellbeing of their staff. At Monifieth high school this morning, I heard ...
Jamie Halcro Johnston (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con
I am sure that we all hope that blended learning, even restricted to localised clusters, will not be necessary. However, in the event that it is necessary, i...
John Swinney SNP
I have tried to make it clear to Jamie Halcro Johnston that the Government cannot distribute laptops to individual pupils: that is for local authorities and ...
David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP
Will the cabinet secretary confirm that, despite the specifics of the advice to schools, the overall guiding principles for pupils, teachers and parents are ...
John Swinney SNP
It is important that the guidance be put in place and that it is followed assiduously at local level to ensure safe reopening of schools. We have to make sur...
Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Lab
I welcome the additional mitigation measures for teachers and other school staff. I have been contacted by a parent who is concerned about face coverings. S...
John Swinney SNP
We have had specialist advice from the expert advisory group on that issue, and the position that is set out in the guidance reflects that advice. That said,...
Richard Lyle (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) SNP
I welcome the cabinet secretary’s announcement today regarding testing if required or requested. In the chamber, exactly seven weeks ago on 24 June, I asked...
John Swinney SNP
I think that parents in general want their children back at school, because they understand and can see the significant benefits to their children and young ...
Daniel Johnson (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Lab
Last night, I hosted a Zoom call with local parent councils. Although they welcome the reopening of schools, their question is this: if circumstances arise i...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
I thought that we were getting single questions, but there we go.
John Swinney SNP
If a school has two positive cases in a 14-day period, that will be defined as an outbreak. In the event of there being any positive cases in a school, the s...
Fulton MacGregor (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) SNP
I ask this question as a father of a kid who went into primary 2 today. I thank his school and North Lanarkshire Council for all that they have done to make ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
Mr MacGregor, I understand, but please ask a question.