Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (John Scott) Con

The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-07675, in the name of Jim Eadie, on the University of Edinburgh in the world’s top 20....

Jim Eadie (Edinburgh Southern) (SNP) SNP

I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the debate to Parliament this evening, and I am grateful to all those members who supported the motion in...

Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Lab) Lab

I congratulate Jim Eadie on lodging this important motion and, of course, the University of Edinburgh on achieving top 20 status in the world rankings. Mr Ea...

Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

Will the member give way?

Malcolm Chisholm Lab

I have a strict four minutes, so I cannot really take an intervention.

The Deputy Presiding Officer Con

Go on—take an intervention.

Malcolm Chisholm Lab

Okay then.

Joan McAlpine SNP

On the subject of commercialisation, the member will be aware that Scotland’s fourth leading university, Heriot-Watt University, hosted the converge challeng...

Malcolm Chisholm Lab

I thank Joan McAlpine for that very useful contribution.Going back to my last point, I was pleased, however, by Scottish Enterprise’s plans to open innovatio...

Marco Biagi (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) SNP

We each choose for ourselves our own yardsticks of success in our lives. All Edinburgh’s universities excel in their own chosen mission. Edinburgh Napier Uni...

Gavin Brown (Lothian) (Con) Con

I congratulate Jim Eadie on securing the debate and giving a particularly interesting speech on the history of the University of Edinburgh. Marco Biagi talke...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Con

Due to the number of members who still wish to speak in the debate, I am minded to accept a motion without notice under rule 8.14.3, to extend the debate by ...

Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab) Lab

I, too, congratulate Jim Eadie on bringing the debate to the chamber. I thank him for doing so because it gives us the chance to talk about the success that ...

David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP

I apologise to Jim Eadie and the other members in the chamber that I will not be able to stay for the remainder of the speeches due to another engagement.I, ...

Hanzala Malik (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab

I congratulate Jim Eadie on securing this debate on the University of Edinburgh’s great achievement, and I thank him for bringing it to Parliament.I am proud...

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Michael Russell) SNP

The interpretation of waiting lists is very important. If what Hanzala Malik says is the case, I am surprised that he has not been in touch with me directly ...

Hanzala Malik Lab

I did not want to go into great detail on that topic today, because I want to discuss the positive side of education. However, out of courtesy, I am happy to...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Con

I would be grateful if, in the time that is remaining, you would confine your remarks to the University of Edinburgh.

Hanzala Malik Lab

Yes, of course, Presiding Officer. I did not really want to get drawn into that issue—that was a passing remark on something that affects higher education.On...

Alison Johnstone (Lothian) (Green) Green

I thank Jim Eadie for bringing the debate to the chamber, and I thank and congratulate all those whose hard work is recognised in this ranking.I am very prou...

Aileen McLeod (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I, too, congratulate my colleague Jim Eadie on securing the debate and ensuring that the University of Edinburgh is in no doubt about our support and our gra...

Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Lab) Lab

Like others, I congratulate Jim Eadie on hosting the debate and, given that we are still here at 10 minutes to 6, providing an opportunity for so many people...

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Michael Russell) SNP

I congratulate Jim Eadie on the motion and I declare an interest as I, too, am a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. To extend a metaphor that was used ...

The Deputy Presiding Officer Con

Many thanks. I declare my interest as a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. I, too, wish to add my congratulations to the University of Edinburgh and I ...