Hansard

I thank the members who have spoken in the debate, and I would say that Alex Johnstone is living testament to the fact that libraries broaden the mind. I am pleased that, in this stage 1 debate on the National Library of Scotland Bill, the Parliament has had the opportunity to educate Mr Johnstone in areas with which he was perhaps unfamiliar.

We have had a useful and constructive discussion, and I will keep in mind the points that members have raised—as well as the points raised by all the people who have commented on the bill so far—as we steer the legislation through its remaining stages. I have been delighted to hear such warm words about the National Library and the importance of the reform of its governance. Back in 1925, all sides at Westminster backed the proposal to establish a national library of Scotland, and members pointed out the universal support in Scotland, with one stating:

“I do not think that any right hon. Member would grudge anything from public funds for this very important object in Scotland”.—[Official Report, House of Commons, 24 July 1925; Vol 186, c 2628.]

In the same way, this Government is proud to support the National Library of Scotland. We recognise the great benefits that the nation enjoys from the library.

As we have heard, the National Library holds tremendous collections on behalf of the people of Scotland—including Oor Wullie. The collections span the centuries, and include items such as the only known copy of blind Harry’s 15th-century epic, “Wallace”, and a copy of the first printed book, the Gutenberg Bible of 1455.

The National Library ensures that the past is brought to life in a modern context. Its exhibitions and events remind visitors of the enduring relevance of the collections. The current exhibition, “Beyond Macbeth”, uses material held by the library and by the University of Edinburgh to illustrate the importance of Shakespeare to Scotland. The fabulous John Murray archive boasts material from Sir Walter Scott, David Livingstone, Jane Austen and, as we have heard, Charles Darwin. The material has been given a modern relevance by the library; those tremendous figures from our past are brought to life using technology. The National Library has created an app for mobile phones, and there are interactive pods at the entrance so that users can explore in a fun and informative way.

As we have heard, the National Library has operated under the existing legislation for 87 years, and it has done a remarkable job of maintaining and developing the national record. However, it is now time to build on those strong foundations and equip the library with the necessary functions. That is important, because many of the concerns that people have raised will be dealt with by the functions that are set out in the bill. The 1925 act does not set out the functions. A great deal of legal protection will be given in relation to some of the issues that members have raised. The bill also covers powers and governance arrangements that will allow the library to achieve even more.

As well as what it can achieve internally, the library can contribute to a modern and dynamic Scotland. As one of Europe’s major research and reference libraries, it offers world-class collections. The bill will modernise the functions and governance of the library for the 21st century. It is essential that we take this opportunity to strengthen the library’s role in safeguarding and sharing its collections, and to strengthen its work in bringing the nation’s history and culture to life. The bill is drafted to keep pace with requirements so as to preserve and develop our national collections for generations to come.

This afternoon’s debate has given me a further opportunity to reflect on points that were raised in the committee’s report. As I have said, I am content to increase the minimum number of board members from six to eight, with the chair being the ninth member, which I think addresses a point that Fiona McLeod raised. That increase makes sense when we consider the range of skills that are required to support and enhance the strategic operation of the library. However, I would not expect the library to operate at the lower end of that board membership. Similarly, I will strive to ensure that the boards of National Museums Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland exceed the minimum quota.

Liz Smith made an important point about the need for a smooth transition, and we are already in discussions on how that can be achieved, with the skills of the current board members progressing into the new arrangements. We have done similar things with other organisations for which there have been mergers or changes.

Members have rightly scrutinised the inclusion of a ministerial power of direction, to ensure that we have the right balance between accountability and curatorial freedom. I am sure that Patricia Ferguson will remember the consultation on the 2005 bill, in which the ministerial power of direction was very general. Changes have been made since then to restrict the power of direction. I refer those who have not looked at it to section 8, which sets out the limitations of the Scottish ministers’ power of direction. It completely restricts any directions that would affect the curatorial aspect that Patricia Ferguson mentioned.