Meeting of the Parliament 13 November 2025
I am delighted to respond to the debate on behalf of the Government as we discuss the support that is available to people with Tourette syndrome and the awareness of the condition. I thank all members who have spoken for their thoughtful contributions. In particular, I thank Sarah Boyack for this important and—as my colleague Christine Grahame said—milestone motion.
My colleagues have mentioned a number of their constituents. It is heartening to hear about some of the immense successes. For example, Tyler, despite having a challenging diagnosis and there being a lack of support available to him, has achieved huge success. It is inspiring and meaningful for people to hear about such stories. It is also great to be reminded of Lewis Capaldi, David Beckham and other high-profile people who have spoken about their diagnosis, because it is a diagnosis that is widely misunderstood.
The condition has been around for a very long time. Georges Gilles de la Tourette described it in 1885, but it took us until the 1960s and 1970s to understand the neurological processes that influence the condition, instead of seeing it simply as a behavioural condition. Our understanding has continued to grow ever since.
Sarah Boyack made a number of healthcare asks. There are barriers to achieving a Tourette’s diagnosis in Scotland, but the situation has significantly improved recently. There has been a 16 per cent increase in the number of neurology staff at all grades in NHS Scotland over the past 10 years, as well as a 47 per cent increase in the number of neurology consultants, so we are increasing capacity. We have also increased our capacity for imaging, which is part of the diagnosis process, by providing 13 mobile MRI and four mobile CT scanners to help people to get the diagnostic tests that they need. Some boards now deliver additional activity seven days a week, 12 hours a day, to reduce diagnostic waits.
As a junior health minister, I recognise the challenges in accessing treatment. I am keen that we pick up issues relating to access to therapies with colleagues in the health ministry, because that would be useful. I recognise how debilitating Tourette syndrome can be, and I assure members that we are committed to ensuring that everyone who lives with Tourette syndrome in Scotland is able to access the best possible care and support.
The Government has a vision of a Scotland that is free from stigma and inequality, where everyone fulfils their right to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible. Some of the stories that we have heard during the debate clearly illustrate that we need to do a great deal more to achieve that vision. I want the stigma around the condition to end, and I want our young people to be supported to reach their full potential. I commend the tireless efforts of Tourette Scotland in supporting people through the physical and emotional challenges that the condition brings.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills has committed to a review of additional support for learning, and she convened a cross-party round-table meeting to engage with members and local government. They discussed priorities and their thoughts on the scope of the review to improve support for children and young people who require additional support for learning in school. I understand that the education secretary is considering the next steps following that productive session. I strongly encourage Tourette Scotland to engage with the education secretary on that process to ensure that its asks are heard within that general review of ASL.