Meeting of the Parliament 21 January 2014
I thank the convener, John Lamont, and congratulate him on his highly informative contribution. I am sure that most members in the chamber found it extremely interesting. I also thank Malcolm Chisholm, who—as he mentioned—is the local member, for his welcome local knowledge. I found what he had to say very interesting, as I am sure that other members did. In addition, I thank my fellow committee member, Anne McTaggart, for her comments and her work on the committee.
When the committee and the clerks went to visit the Leith Links area, it was evident that a great deal of attention had been paid to exactly where the statue would be erected and to ensuring that it would not be in front of anyone’s windows and would not disturb anyone. As Malcolm Chisholm mentioned, the local community councils have been highly supportive of the bill’s provisions overall.
As the deputy convener, I am very pleased to close the debate for the committee. As well as thanking the committee members for their scrutiny of the bill, I thank all those who also contributed to the scrutiny by providing oral evidence, such as those who proposed the bill and the statue. I also thank everyone who wrote in with their thoughts, from the police to people in the community. I thank the committee clerks for their assistance, which was most welcome to me because I have never been a member of a private bill committee before. I found it very interesting to learn about the difference between private and public bills, which the convener has explained, and why private bills have to come through Parliament in this way.
It is very much an honour to be deputy convener of the committee. As I said, this is my first time as a member of a private bill committee, and I may be called forward again for such a role. I am always happy do my duty, as are most MSPs.
As I said, I visited Leith Links with the committee. I believe that the statue will be an attractive addition to Leith Links and that it will promote awareness of the rich history of golfing on the links, which Malcolm Chisholm mentioned, and relevant historic connections. The Leith community will benefit because the statue will attract visitors, who, as Anne McTaggart said, will make use of facilities and businesses in the area, which can only be a good thing.
The bill will also revitalise the Surplus Fire Fund, which had become dormant. The changes to the purposes for which the fund can be applied will improve its use by encouraging more applications from individuals who have been affected by fire. [Interruption.]
Is it okay to continue, Presiding Officer?