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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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Showing 60 of 2,095,827 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,357. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 10 Jun 2026.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Digital Connectivity

Thank you, minister. In the interests of time, convener, I am happy for you to move on.

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Digital Connectivity

Given the minister’s comments, I should perhaps declare that I am a beneficiary of gainshare at my properties in the Outer Hebrides and had superfast broadband long before it was expected. Following on from Emma Harper’s theme of community frustration, I know that the ministe...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Subordinate Legislation

Following on from Claudia Beamish’s comments, I agree that there seems to be an issue on that point. We would not be aware of the situation at Red Rocks and Longay without the information that was received from scallop divers, recreational divers and citizen science divers, as...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Transport (Update)

That is good to hear. I am sure that that will be welcomed not just by the committee but by our colleague Sandra White, who had a member’s bill on the issue in the previous session of Parliament that was dropped just before the previous election. It is good to hear about that ...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Transport (Update)

I turn to the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. At our meeting on 2 September last year, we asked you about progress in developing secondary legislation on a range of transport matters, and you informed the committee that officials were working on those issues but that no timesca...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)

That is certainly good to hear. It would be good to get some detail on how firms in Scotland can submit their applications for trade stands, for example. A couple of companies in my constituency are keen to engage, so it would be helpful if you could send any information that ...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)

You mentioned the open call for proposals that closed on 5 March. Are Scottish agencies playing a full part in seeking access through the UK Cabinet Office scheme for activities in the blue and green zones?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)

Originally, the Scottish Government secured the Glasgow Science Centre as its venue, but that has now been incorporated into the green zone. Will the Scottish Government have any dedicated space in the green or blue zones? If, as I suspect, we are not to be given space, how wi...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Climate Change Plan

I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the debate, as I serve on the ECCLR and REC Committees. This is my final speech, so I hope, with the Presiding Officer’s indulgence, to sign off with a few words of thanks and farewell. I, too, send my best wishes to the c...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Construction and Procurement of Ferry Vessels

It would be good to get more information on retrofitting. That would be helpful. I make the point, convener, that, while options are being considered here, electric ferries are being deployed in Scandinavia.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Construction and Procurement of Ferry Vessels

I am certainly glad to hear that you have taken those issues on board—to coin a phrase. Communities will certainly appreciate it. Our inquiry also looked at the issue of the propulsion systems in the vessels, and you have made some reference to it today. How do Transport Scot...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Construction and Procurement of Ferry Vessels

Minister, you will be aware that, during the course of our ferries inquiry, we took evidence that suggested a dissatisfaction with CMAL and, to a lesser extent, CalMac’s community engagement. We made recommendations on that in our report and called for better engagement. It is...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

That is good to hear—thank you.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

We certainly look forward to seeing the plan in the next few weeks. What legacy would you say that the Scottish Government will leave on crofting reform? Where is the legislative reform process at? What are the priority next steps?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

I turn to crofting. The committee was disappointed that the proposed introduction of a crofting bill in the current session was dropped as a result of the pandemic. However, it is clear that work continues behind the scenes, not least in looking at how to address the issues th...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

We know that the fisheries management strategy commits to an “ecosystem-based approach to management.” What action does that approach entail? Following recent scrutiny of the climate change plan update, will consideration of blue carbon form part of the ecosystem-based appro...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

Do you have detail on the timescale?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

There is a need for a joined-up approach to all marine sectors. The fisheries management strategy is set out in the context of our wider blue economy action plan. What is the timescale for delivering the plan and how will it link to the fisheries management strategy?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Agriculture and Fisheries (Update)

In relation to later questions, I declare that I own properties in a crofting township in the Outer Hebrides. However, I derive no income from those properties.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

There is an argument that enforcement might be more appropriately dealt with by the Local Government and Communities Committee, particularly given that the issue that the petitioner raises has been dealt with. Perhaps it would be possible to close the petition but to highlight...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Clearly, the petition has had a degree of success. The petitioners will have the opportunity to engage with the Scottish animal welfare commission. If what transpires is not satisfactory, the petitioners will have the option of lodging a fresh petition, as the convener mention...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

As one crofter commented in the West Highland Free Press a few years ago, it used to be the geese that were endangered; now it is the crofters who are endangered, thanks to the geese. I have been following the petition closely since it was lodged in 2013. I served on the Pub...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

Another example of how not to do it is the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. Do you have a view on its implications, including the provisions on state aid, for replacement funding schemes?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

I will move on to the replacement of EU funds. We are no longer automatically entitled to participate in EU funding programmes such as the common agricultural policy, LIFE funding or structural funds. I am glad to note that the TCA makes provision for UK participation in horiz...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

Indeed. Is it fair to say that the Scottish Government is not confident that domestic arrangements fully comply with the TCA in relation to good regulatory practices and environmental principles?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

European Union Exit

I will turn to environmental governance, including intergovernmental relations, which have been touched on briefly. Article 7.6 of the TCA commits the EU and the UK to “co-operate on the effective monitoring and enforcement of the law with regard to environment and climate”....

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Subordinate Legislation

Yes. I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. In relation to this Scottish statutory instrument, I am obliged to declare that I own properties in a crofting township in the Western Isles, which is on an estate that is subject to a community buy-out at...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

Terry A’Hearn, have you been involved in any discussions regarding replacement funding?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

What involvement have you as regulators had or do you expect to have in the discussions about replacement funding and any anticipated role for agencies in disbursing the funding, including in light of recent budget announcements?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

We discussed with the previous panel that the UK can no longer automatically participate in the CAP, LIFE funding or the structural funds, although we are, thankfully, taking part in horizon Europe for the period 2021 to 2027. What do the panel members believe are the implicat...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

We will be putting this point to the next panel of witnesses from regulatory bodies, but given that Campbell Gemmell raised the issue of REACH, I want to ask about it now. We know that a deal was not agreed to share REACH data—which is held by the European Chemicals Agency—wit...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

Thank you. I also note Professor Gemmell’s helpful comment in the chat box.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

European Union Exit

What are the priorities for the development of replacement funding schemes?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

European Union Exit

As a non-EU member state, the UK is no longer entitled to automatically participate in EU funding programmes, including the CAP, LIFE funding and structural funds. However, the agreement makes provision for UK participation in horizon Europe 2021 to 2027, which is a £100 billi...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

That will certainly be music to the ears of research organisations, because the issue has come up year after year recently. The longer-term commitment will definitely be welcome. My final question is directed at both cabinet secretaries. What threats and opportunities have th...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

That is a helpful clarification. With regard to SEPA, the on-going cyberattack is likely to have budgetary implications in relation to things such as rebuilding its online systems. Will that be an issue, and will it have budgetary implications? How will funding for strategic...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

The cabinet secretaries will be aware that the committee’s pre-budget report recommended that “the revenue budgets of public organisations considered key to responding to the global climate emergency and biodiversity loss are protected in real terms.” We see subsequently tha...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

We certainly look forward to seeing that response when it comes out, which I hope will be soon. I assure you that I am taking on board your frequent reminders, cabinet secretary.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

I will turn to that long-running saga. Given the wealth of recommendations in the deer working group report and the recognition from the group that deer management is a key enabling policy for climate mitigation, why has there been no progress on deer management policy as part...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

The draft climate change plan update commits to embedding circular economy principles across sectors as part of the green recovery and prioritising areas with the biggest opportunities, including construction and procurement. Therefore, why are there no tangible commitments in...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

I will follow on from the theme that Mark Ruskell pursued. We heard from Chris Stark that there is plenty of scope to supply biomass domestically, but there is only really potential for two decarbonised industrial clusters in the UK. If Grangemouth wanted to benefit from fundi...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Can you confirm that land managers will receive more bespoke advice? Are you planning to assess and address the skills and training of the advisers to ensure that the knowledge base among advisers is aligned to the net zero ambitions?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

I will continue to look at the role of advice and training. Cabinet secretary, you will be aware that the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee’s green recovery inquiry report also talked about the role of advice in a green recovery. The committee’s recommendat...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

That is helpful. Not everybody is on board, of course. There will be some stragglers who are not on board with soil testing. How are you communicating the message to farmers and crofters who are not on board, and how is that being monitored?

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Thanks for that, cabinet secretary. You will be aware that the Climate Change Committee has urged the Scottish Government to develop a strong regulatory baseline and that stakeholders have highlighted potential compulsory elements, including the carbon audits and the soil test...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

One word from me and the whole system grinds to a halt. I was trying to turn to low-carbon farming measures, regulation and conditionality. It is fair to say that conditionality has been broadly welcomed by stakeholders, with both carbon audits and better understanding of the...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

I do not see him, convener.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Good morning, cabinet secretary. Let us turn to low-carbon farming measures, regulation and conditionality. It is fair to say that conditionality has been broadly welcomed by all stakeholders, with both carbon audits and better understanding of the soil being raised in oral an...

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

That is helpful—thank you.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Can you give us any more details on the carrot-and-stick approach? How will we attract people to alternatives to car travel? How is that approach meant to make car use less attractive?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Good morning, cabinet secretary. I want to look in a bit more detail at travel demand management. In your opening remarks, you mentioned that the draft CCPU includes one travel demand reduction policy outcome, which, as you have just mentioned, seeks to address our overrelianc...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Green Recovery Inquiry

I am pleased to contribute to the debate in the week that it was confirmed that Scotland’s carbon footprint has hit another record low. Analysis by the Scottish Government shows that Scotland’s carbon footprint fell by 30 per cent between 2007 and 2017. That compares with a 21...

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Land Ownership History (Impact of Slavery)

As someone who has a Hebridean background on both sides of my family, going back to Norse times, I was fascinated by the report when it came out last November, and I congratulate my colleague Alasdair Allan on bringing the debate to the chamber. I also thank Dr Iain MacKinnon ...

Angus MacDonald SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Health Services (Impact of Long Covid)

I thank the cabinet secretary for her detailed reply. Since lodging my question I have had an opportunity to discuss the issue with the chief executive of NHS Forth Valley. Given her response, and that of the cabinet secretary, I am satisfied that the issue is in hand both loc...

5. Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Health Services (Impact of Long Covid)

To ask the Scottish Government what research has been undertaken regarding the long-term impact of long Covid on Scotland’s health services, and whether it is considering establishing long Covid clinics. (S5O-04973)

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

Perhaps just Professor Reay could answer the question, then.

Angus MacDonald SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

I have a general question for all the witnesses. Would you say that, in general, the Scottish Government policies are coherent with climate change ambitions for agriculture and forestry?

Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP Committee

Climate Change Plan

This has been a helpful and useful session so far. I would like to address the issue of policy coherence. The draft CCPU touches on a number of policy areas and highlights the need for an increasingly co-ordinated approach. It also commits to nature-based solutions as “a key ...

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Committee

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee 17 March 2021

17 Mar 2021 · S5 · Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

Item of business

Digital Connectivity

MacDonald, Angus SNP Falkirk East Watch on SPTV

Thank you, minister. In the interests of time, convener, I am happy for you to move on.

In the same item of business

The Convener Con

Item 2 is an evidence session on digital connectivity. I welcome Paul Wheelhouse, the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, and Clive Downing, t...

The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands (Paul Wheelhouse) SNP

Thank you, convener, and good morning to committee colleagues. As our Covid-19 vaccination programme provides some long-awaited light at the end of the tunn...

Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

My questions are about the central and south lots of the R100 programme. Can you confirm that the central lot procurement will connect 32,000 premises, with ...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

It is helpful to put this on the record. I can confirm that the R100 central lot contract will connect 32,216 premises to superfast broadband, with 95.6 per ...

Colin Smyth Lab

We appreciate that update on the numbers. You said that progress is being made on the ground in the central and south lots. Will you expand on that and expla...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

BT is making substantial early progress across the central and south areas. The committee is aware that delivery of those contracts is a massive civil engine...

Colin Smyth Lab

That is helpful, minister. Thank you. Your update suggested that the R100 programme will now connect around 50,000 properties in the central and south Scotla...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Indeed, Mr Smyth. You raise an important point on electronic communications codes, which we are aware of and which is relevant here in relation to the positi...

Colin Smyth Lab

You have rightly highlighted where powers might lie elsewhere, but powers over planning lie very much with the Scottish Government, which currently has the p...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

My apologies for not addressing that point, Mr Smyth. You did raise that, but I missed it in my response. We are aware of the need to do that. I should poin...

Robbie McGhee (Scottish Government)

I confirm that that is very much a live issue. We know that there is legislative activity at the UK level. We have always tried to match or go further than o...

Richard Lyle (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) SNP

My questions follow on from Colin Smyth’s questions. We need to clear this up. Broadband is not a devolved matter; it is wholly the responsibility of the UK ...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

All legislation relating to telecommunications and its regulation is the responsibility of UK ministers. We have used economic development powers to interven...

Richard Lyle SNP

Because of the UK Government’s failure to improve broadband throughout Scotland, the Scottish Government has taken the matter on board. Am I correct in sayin...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

That is my interpretation. Thank you for raising that point. I am not making a direct criticism of current ministers—they have inherited a situation from the...

Richard Lyle SNP

There is a mix. Thank you for clearing that up. Although, as you said, broadband is not devolved, BT has been issued with an updated intervention area in th...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

At the contract signature stage, BT indicated that the build in the north lot would be completed in 2026. We have committed to providing Openreach with the f...

Richard Lyle SNP

What was the outcome of the R100 state aid public consultation that closed in January? When will the final intervention area maps be published?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I will try to answer that as best I can. Following the north lot contract signature on 11 December, a state aid public consultation was published to reconfir...

The Convener Con

I get the impression that lot 1 of R100 will be complete by 2026. Is that what you have just said?

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Yes. That is certainly what we assumed at the time when the contract was awarded to BT. As I said, BT is trying to accelerate that, but there is a safety-fir...

The Convener Con

That will be bitterly disappointing for people in the Highlands, who were expecting it in 2021—indeed, they were promised it in 2021 by your predecessor. Can...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

Yes—2026 is the final date for completion of build and sign-off of the programme. The work might continue into 2026 for some premises, based on that assumpti...

The Convener Con

I know that many people will be disappointed. I want to pick up on the point that you made about rates relief for fibre cabinets. I believe that you said th...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I have not considered that issue, although I understand the point that you are making. I am happy to ask colleagues whether they have done any work on that. ...

Robbie McGhee

To clarify, the rates relief does not just apply to fibre cabinets; it applies to fibre generally, so that is lit fibre and dark fibre across the country. By...

The Convener Con

I have written to the Government about the issue because, if someone gets to a certain level of income with line-of-sight equipment, it will attract business...

Peter Chapman (North East Scotland) (Con) Con

My questions are on the Scottish broadband voucher scheme, which, as you readily admit, much of the north area will have to rely on in the medium term. Ev...

Paul Wheelhouse SNP

I will touch on the point that Mr Chapman made about the north lot and on what happened with regard to the likes of Finderne. I met the representative of Fin...

Peter Chapman Con

We have focused on one village in Moray, but I assume that many communities across the north are in a similar position and are facing a heap of uncertainty a...