Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
The First Minister could not even be bothered going to the hustings. He did not even bother sending a minister or an MSP.
Let me tell members about another shocking example of John Swinney’s disgraceful, high-handed approach to business. I contacted him directly about Katie Long. Katie took on a derelict pub in Mr Swinney’s constituency and worked tirelessly to transform it into a thriving community local. Her rates bill is about to double, and she is on the brink of calling last orders for the last time. A community would lose its local and 26 people would lose their jobs.
More than a fortnight ago, I asked John Swinney to visit Katie’s pub. He has not even replied. Mr Swinney will not go to Katie’s pub, so she has come to the Parliament today. I will be going with Katie to a nearby pub at half past 1 this afternoon. Will John Swinney join us to discuss Katie’s plight and Scotland’s pub crisis over a pint?