Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 06 November 2025
06 Nov 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Protecting Scotland’s Rivers
I certainly agree that the river has improved substantially. We now see much more wildlife, particularly on the upper Clyde, than one would have done half a century ago, given how poisoned it was with the effects of a century of heavy industry.
The petitioners I referred to in my speech were seeking for the role of the Clyde mission partnership board to evolve, purely to consider economic development projects around the city region and the wider issue of the integration of environmental protection. Perhaps the cabinet secretary could consider that opportunity with the city region.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19194, in the name of Audrey Nicoll, on protecting Scotland’s rivers. The debate will b...
Audrey Nicoll (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP)
SNP
I thank colleagues from across the chamber for supporting my motion on protecting Scotland’s rivers. My thanks go, too, to Susan Cooksley from the James Hutt...
Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests regarding the River Dee. I previously had the privilege of serving as the Scottish Environ...
Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
I thank Audrey Nicoll for her motion and for securing the debate this afternoon. As the Scottish Environment LINK nature champion for ponds and small lochs—I...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
I congratulate Audrey Nicoll, the member for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, on her excellent members’ business motion and particularly for highlighting...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
It will not surprise you, Deputy Presiding Officer, that, apart from congratulating my colleague Audrey Nicoll on securing the debate, most of my speech will...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
Christine Grahame is right—there is something about rivers that gets into one’s soul. They are really important for the lifeblood of the nation. They are imp...
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy (Gillian Martin)
SNP
What a great debate this has been about Scotland’s rivers, and I thank Audrey Nicoll for it. I always like such debates, in which people champion things in t...
Paul Sweeney
Lab
I certainly agree that the river has improved substantially. We now see much more wildlife, particularly on the upper Clyde, than one would have done half a ...
Gillian Martin
SNP
Certainly, and that gives me the opportunity to mention that Glasgow City Council and its partners, have been shortlisted for a 2025 nature of Scotland award...