Chamber
Plenary, 26 Mar 2003
26 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
National Galleries of Scotland Bill
I apologise for my late arrival at the debate.
I welcome the National Galleries of Scotland Bill, which will improve the work that is already being done by the National Galleries of Scotland. The Playfair project is a welcome development that will improve life not only for the people of Edinburgh but for the many tourists who visit Edinburgh.
Some people have had mild concerns about the impact of the bill on the gardens, but that impact is more than outweighed by the extra access that the development will provide by literally opening up art to a wider audience. People wandering in the gardens might walk into the galleries as a result of the development. In particular, I am glad that the development will make the galleries much more easily accessible to disabled people.
Some people were also concerned that by going down this route, the project would somehow open the door to future projects that might not be quite so beneficial to the common good of Edinburgh. However, we have been reassured by the City of Edinburgh Council and others that each project will be examined on its own merits in relation to the use of the gardens.
I am happy to welcome the bill, as the development will enhance the landscape of Edinburgh, its unique cityscape and, in particular, Princes Street gardens. It will be a welcome addition, not only for the residents of Edinburgh, but for the many tourists who visit.
I welcome the National Galleries of Scotland Bill, which will improve the work that is already being done by the National Galleries of Scotland. The Playfair project is a welcome development that will improve life not only for the people of Edinburgh but for the many tourists who visit Edinburgh.
Some people have had mild concerns about the impact of the bill on the gardens, but that impact is more than outweighed by the extra access that the development will provide by literally opening up art to a wider audience. People wandering in the gardens might walk into the galleries as a result of the development. In particular, I am glad that the development will make the galleries much more easily accessible to disabled people.
Some people were also concerned that by going down this route, the project would somehow open the door to future projects that might not be quite so beneficial to the common good of Edinburgh. However, we have been reassured by the City of Edinburgh Council and others that each project will be examined on its own merits in relation to the use of the gardens.
I am happy to welcome the bill, as the development will enhance the landscape of Edinburgh, its unique cityscape and, in particular, Princes Street gardens. It will be a welcome addition, not only for the residents of Edinburgh, but for the many tourists who visit.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
We move to the debate on motion S1M-4018, in the name of Rhona Brankin, that the National Galleries of Scotland Bill be passed. I ask members who have alread...
Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab):
Lab
We have already set more than our fair share of precedents in the past four years and the passing of the National Galleries of Scotland Bill will be another ...
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (Mike Watson):
Lab
We have now reached the final stage of the private bill that is needed to disapply legislation restricting building in Princes Street gardens. The bill is an...
Alasdair Morgan (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale) (SNP):
SNP
I have three brief points to make. It is appropriate that, at the end of this parliamentary session, we are dealing with a bill and amendments to do with gri...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
I am glad to speak in support of the bill. Rhona Brankin is to be warmly congratulated.I note that local MSPs were not allowed to sit on the committee, but t...
Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green):
Green
I express my warm support for the bill. With pleasure and some satisfaction, I remind the Parliament that my staff and I arranged for the information week an...
Mrs Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
I apologise for my late arrival at the debate.I welcome the National Galleries of Scotland Bill, which will improve the work that is already being done by th...
John Young (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
We have had an interesting debate this afternoon. It is unusual in this Parliament not to have disagreement—or even violent disagreement—at some point. There...
Alasdair Morgan:
SNP
As the member said, I made that point in a previous debate. The official from the City of Edinburgh Council who gave evidence to the committee said that the ...
John Young:
Con
I agree with Alasdair Morgan—indeed, having been a councillor in Glasgow for 35 years and having served on the planning committee, I agree with him even more...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
At this point, I advise members, and business managers in particular, that we are running about 25 minutes ahead of schedule.