Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 12 November 2025
12 Nov 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (Heriot-Watt University)
I thank the minister for his positivity, but he will be aware that 2 per cent of Scotland’s pubs closed last year, in comparison with just 0.9 per cent in England. Will he be a voice for the industry in the Government, and will he address the industry’s concern that there is an anti-alcohol agenda creeping through the Scottish Government? We recognise that alcohol harm is real, but the industry is doing a lot to prevent it, so will he ensure that he speaks up for the industry in the Scottish Government?
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-18527, in the name of Gordon MacDonald, on the vision for a new centre for sustainable...
Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)
SNP
I thank members across the chamber for supporting my motion in order that this important debate, which highlights the need for a £35 million centre for susta...
Craig Hoy (South Scotland) (Con)
Con
I acknowledge Gordon MacDonald for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I very much agree with everything that he said. The subject is very close ...
George Adam (Paisley) (SNP)
SNP
I am delighted to contribute to this member’s business debate, which was secured by my colleague and best bud Gordon MacDonald, on the vision for a new centr...
Sarah Boyack (Lothian) (Lab)
Lab
I, too, congratulate Gordon MacDonald for securing the debate, because it is a great opportunity to talk about the fantastic work that is being done at Herio...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I call the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson, to respond to the debate. 17:54
The Minister for Higher and Further Education (Ben Macpherson)
SNP
I, too, thank Gordon MacDonald for bringing to the chamber this important debate on these significant issues and the project. I also thank members for their ...
Craig Hoy
Con
I thank the minister for his positivity, but he will be aware that 2 per cent of Scotland’s pubs closed last year, in comparison with just 0.9 per cent in En...
Ben Macpherson
SNP
My support for the industry is well documented in the Official Report of this Parliament, and I continue, in my current ministerial brief, to be that person;...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Thank you, minister. Having also attended the memorial ceremony, I, too, send my personal thoughts to Sir Geoff’s family. He certainly had a massive impact, ...