Meeting of the Parliament 06 January 2026
I acknowledge the motion that has been lodged, and I thank Jackson Carlaw, the committee convener, for setting out his case with his usual rhetorical flourishes. Whether today’s flourishes are by his hand or someone else’s, I recognise the good humour with which he set out the case; I also recognise that beneath the humour is a serious issue that we agree needs to be contended with. I also thank Helen Plank, Duncan Scott and all those who contributed to the committee’s work on the petition.
As the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, I firmly believe that sport and physical activity should be accessible to everyone. Every individual deserves the opportunity to participate and have access to facilities that make that possible. Swimming pools are far more than buildings filled with water; they are important community spaces and places that promote health, safety, social connection and personal growth.
Although all forms of physical activity contribute to mental and physical wellbeing, swimming offers unique benefits. It provides low-impact exercise that engages almost every muscle group, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Swimming improves cardiovascular health, flexibility and lung capacity.
Pools provide essential support for recovery and rehabilitation through hydrotherapy, which is particularly effective for conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, thereby helping to reduce pain, improve circulation and ease stiffness.
Beyond physical benefits, swimming pools offer a calming environment that supports mental health. The rhythm of movement in the water, the focus on breathing and the feeling of weightlessness can create a calming and supportive environment. Swimming has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.