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Hansard

Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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1999–2026

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Official Report

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Showing 60 of 2,354,908 contributions. Latest 30 days: 0. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 25 Mar 2026.

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Remote, Rural and Island Communities (Sustainability)

I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for allowing us to debate, on the final day of the parliamentary session, the many issues that he and I have fought most hard on over the course of it.I have been really lucky with my regional colleagues—Rhoda Grant, Edward Mountain, Ariane Burges...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Standing Order Rule Changes (Elected Conveners)

Martin Whitfield made a comparison with the election of deputy presiding officers. Will he confirm that he does not envisage more rounds of exhaustive balloting for every single committee convener?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Health and Social Care Partnerships (Budget 2026-27)

The Scottish National Party’s budget provides welcome investment in Scotland’s primary care service. Can the cabinet secretary say any more about how the investment in new walk-in centres will address the 8 am rush and increase access to primary care? Does she agree that Labou...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · Energy Prices (Impact on Businesses of Middle East Conflict)

Defence experts cited in a recent RenewableUK report have urged for there to be an acceleration of renewables development in order to shield against further geopolitical shocks. Does the minister agree that it is more important than ever for Scotland to develop renewables gene...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Colleagues will know that, in general, I am a big fan of data. It is important that, if the bill becomes law, we collect the right data.Amendment 287 would require reporting under the act to include analysis of trends, patient safety risks and safeguarding concerns. There are ...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I have a note from the Mental Welfare Commission, which found that strategies for monitoring and reviewing existing independent advocacy services are “variable”. The bill is quiet on how that system would be monitored and reviewed, so is the member confident that independent a...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Business Motions

I appreciate that it might be easy to misunderstand the point about a member being able to get home tonight or after business finishes tomorrow, but that is not the case for everyone. In order to vote and take part in business remotely, a member would need to travel home, whic...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

A common thread throughout all the reports, as well as conversations in wider society, is the importance of a respectful culture when discussing or working in mental health services. How is the Scottish Government working to champion the rights of vulnerable children and young...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · National Performing Companies

I was copied in to a letter from Eden Court to the cabinet secretary, which I am aware that he has responded to. I enjoy the benefits of Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, the National Theatre of Scotland, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra ...

2. Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Portfolio Question Time · National Performing Companies

To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Scotland’s national performing companies. (S6O-05612)

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Has there been an assessment of any costs that could be incurred as a result of not continuing schemes?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

I suppose, though, the fact that the funding has continued over every year shows that it is needed.

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Does that work for both parties, though? Does it make sense to just carry on and not to commit any further forward than the current moment?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

The goose management policy review stated that the goose management schemes would end in April 2023, but the Scottish Government has suggested that that funding has continued in the interim. What does that look like on the ground, and how has work continued within that period ...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

However, if we still do not know enough, should the research piece not come before the development of new farms?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

There has been a lot of discussion about research, counting fish and understanding more about what is impacting on wild stocks. Are we at the point at which we can be confident about whether a proposed or new farm will have an impact?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

One of the biggest concerns that is raised with us about the placement of farms is their potential interaction with wild salmon, and I note that the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on“every public body and office-holder, in exercising any functions, to fu...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Do we know the extent of any environmental and interactions impacts?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

It would be really good to see progress made on that.The other point that Fisheries Management Scotland raised in that session was about the apparent gap in reporting escapes. There was a reference to a wellboat escape that was not captured in the aquaculture database. It seem...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

I understand why it would need to be done in collaboration with the industry, but I was quite concerned by the responses on escapes in the previous evidence session on salmon farming. A couple of quite large escapes had been discussed in a bit of detail, and regulators were as...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Thanks, convener. Fisheries Management Scotland commented that work on progressing the recommendations of the salmon interactions working group has stalled because staff have moved on. What is being done to ensure that momentum is not lost as a result?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

We are not ahead of the problems. We keep setting new records for mortality rates, and it sounds as though, just because Scottish salmon is internationally renowned and has a high price tag, we are content with that.

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

I am concerned about what is going on. I have just read the Scottish Government’s press release on why it is in everybody’s best interests to manage mortality in salmon farms. It sounds as though we are saying, “The farmers are experiencing mass mortality events and are trying...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

In the last session, Professor Dwyer said that having mandatory mortality reporting is important in relation to livestock welfare issues. Given that it is clear that a lot of data on mortalities is collected at the site level and that, in many cases, that data also includes th...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Going back to the cabinet secretary’s—

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

It still seems, then, that if there were a systemic issue, it would be very hard to spot using that data.

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

And are we able, using that data, to pinpoint whether there are locational, geographical difficulties or difficulties with particular farms or operators?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Are you confident that those are the total figures and that nothing is missing?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

Salmon Farming in Scotland

Cabinet secretary, I am concerned that the mortality figures that we are scrutinising are still incomplete. We still cannot see mortality figures in freshwater during transport, during the six-week transfer period or, as you mentioned, for cleaner fish during culling. How can ...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I appreciate that capacity is covered. My amendments 140 and 141 are not simply about capacity. There is a difference between being able to understand information and having that information actively offered. Does Liam McArthur appreciate that?

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Does the member share my concern, in listening to the debate, that, if we required people not to have suicidal ideation to access assisted dying, that would encourage people not to be open about the suicidal ideation that they understandably face when dealing with a chronic il...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I appreciate that Christine Grahame is happy with the section as it has been drafted, but I am not, and I know that many others are not happy with it, either. My amendment is not simply about demonstrating capacity; it is about digging into the individual’s social context. It ...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Again, it would come down to having a conversation. People who regularly have such conversations are trained to understand the responses that they get as part of their work. I have spoken with social workers about amendment 141, and I understand their concerns about not being ...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I would rather it be too broad than too narrow. An argument could probably be made that amendment 140 would capture me. If I were to be in the situation of seeking assisted dying, I would be happy to have a conversation with a social worker who would make sure that I had every...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Colleagues who have heard my arguments throughout the bill’s progress will know that, despite wishing that I could feel comfortable with the proposal and knowing that there are many situations in which I would want people to have the choice, my concerns about health inequaliti...

Emma Roddick SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I agree with the amendment in principle and think that it is really important. However, I am curious as to why the plan would be fully costed and why that information would go to the patient, which would seem to be an unnecessary burden on them.

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I am interested, because the proposed amendments also do not differentiate between a pregnancy prior to 24 weeks and one post 24 weeks. Why is that? Will Stephen Kerr explain a little more the justification for testing whether women who seek assisted dying are pregnant, as pre...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Disabled People’s Representation in Scottish Democracy

I thank Jeremy Balfour for lodging the motion. When I attended the disability summit with him a fortnight ago, it was lovely to see so many adjustments across the Parliament, from ramps around the building to live captioning throughout the event at the front of the chamber. It...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

What are the pros of targets?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

Within that, do you expect any changes to targets or the way in which things are monitored?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

That is good. The “State of the Nation: Diversity in Public Appointments” report shows that the number of female applicants and appointees is above the target, but the same cannot be said for disabled and black and minority ethnic appointees. How do you reflect on those findin...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

There has been a rise in satisfaction levels for public appointments adviser involvement. How do you intent to maintain or even improve on that?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

On public appointments and oversight, there have been some fluctuations in the numbers of open appointment rounds, reappointments and extensions to appointments, compared to the numbers in previous reports. What factors are involved in that?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

If an investigation is needed to determine admissibility, how long does that currently take?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

Can I clarify the figures? Does the six months that it takes to complete an investigation include determining admissibility as well as the actual—

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

Ethical Standards Commissioner

When was that policy decision made and when did it come into effect?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Wildfires in Scotland

If not the forum members, who should be driving implementation?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Wildfires in Scotland

You mentioned the need for a cross-sector approach, and said that the Wildfire Forum is a good place for informal discussion but perhaps not a driver of change or for co-ordination. Where should that role sit? Should the forum and its members have more of a role in directing p...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Wildfires in Scotland

That sounds like the approach relies on people asking you for advice or working with you proactively. Do you think that there needs to be more co-ordination there?

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Committee

Wildfires in Scotland

Grant, I want to come back to you about something that you touched on in relation to the previous theme, which is that the CNPA is doing a lot of work on prevention. How did you decide which methods to go with, and how will they be evaluated? Is there enough opportunity for yo...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber

Ferguson Marine

It is vital that we invest in the yard’s future sustainability, so I warmly welcome this announcement from the Deputy First Minister. Can she say any more about the expected timeline for delivery of these vessels and the benefits of a confirmed pipeline of work?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

My concern is about where there should be intervention from legislation or policy to tighten up what can be done. There are legitimate uses of those tools, but AI also opens us up to the potential of people overwhelming public authorities on purpose, whether that is local peop...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

Yes. I can empathise with that situation entirely. With a lot of casework that MSPs get, the trick is trying to figure out whether it is a constituent who did not feel confident drafting something themselves—that might also be the case in the example that you gave, and that se...

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

How good are public bodies at discerning whether a request is vexatious or just difficult to deal with?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

Is that partly because of the way in which the system was designed? I sit and figure out how to word what it is that I am looking for, but it is then perhaps difficult to look at my request because authorities think, “Where is she going with this?”

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

You mentioned dealing with interlinked cases and being a bit smarter about them. Are particular themes emerging in the appeals that come through to your office?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

The numbers alone kind of answer this, but is there a risk that a new backlog will appear?

Emma Roddick SNP Committee

Scottish Information Commissioner

How much of the increase in appeals and in cases overall is a result of certain individuals putting in more, rather than the wider public becoming more attuned to using FOI?

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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 25 March 2026 [Draft]

25 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament

Item of business

Remote, Rural and Island Communities (Sustainability)

McArthur, Liam LD Orkney Islands Watch on SPTV

Thank you, Mr Mason. As a resident of Burray, I can assure you that the linked south isles in Orkney are definitely islands.

With that, I call Mairi Gougeon to respond to the debate.

14:35

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-20849, in the name of Jamie Halcro Johnston, on the sustainability of remote, rural and...

Jamie Halcro Johnston (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests as a partner in a farming business.I thank all those who have signed today’s motion, allow...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

Before we move to the open debate, I advise members that the debate is heavily oversubscribed. I am conscious that afternoon business starts at 3 o’clock and...

Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP) SNP

Thank you, Presiding Officer. Since this will be my last speech of session 6, I thank you and the Presiding Officer team for your patience and for the fair a...

Oliver Mundell (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Con

Before I start with some final thoughts, I want to make it clear, up front, that my comments are not personally aimed at the cabinet secretary, who I respect...

Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

As a South Scotland MSP, I am no stranger to the harsh realities faced by those accessing services in rural areas. I speak to constituents from across the re...

Tim Eagle (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

Before I start, I want to thank Oliver Mundell. He has been a great colleague, and I thought that he gave a really good speech on rural Scotland and what it ...

Ariane Burgess (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green

I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for bringing this debate on rural issues to the chamber. Before I contribute to it, however, I would like to pay tribute to sev...

Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (LD) LD

I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for bringing this important debate to the chamber on this, the last day of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament. This w...

Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con) Con

It is a pleasure to follow Beatrice Wishart, who, as we all know, has been a real champion for her communities in the time that she has spent here. I also pa...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

Before I call the next speaker, in order to protect the time available for each member who wants to participate, I am minded to accept a motion without notic...

Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP

I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for allowing us to debate, on the final day of the parliamentary session, the many issues that he and I have fought most hard o...

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Con

I pay tribute to my colleagues who will not return next session, particularly Oliver Mundell, who has spoken out so well for Dumfriesshire, John Mason and my...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

You have run out of time. Could you wind up, please.

Finlay Carson Con

Rural Scotland does not need more recognition of the problem; it needs action. We need policies that reflect rural realities, investment that matches rural n...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

John Mason is the final speaker in the open debate.14:31

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Ind

I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for securing the debate and other members for their kind words.Many people in Scotland’s urban areas and central belt still car...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

Thank you, Mr Mason. As a resident of Burray, I can assure you that the linked south isles in Orkney are definitely islands.With that, I call Mairi Gougeon t...

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (Mairi Gougeon) SNP

I am grateful to Jamie Halcro Johnston for securing the debate. Given the breadth of the areas that are covered in the motion, any one of my colleagues could...

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur) LD

That concludes the debate. I will briefly suspend the meeting, and I look forward to regathering with you, cabinet secretary, and a few other colleagues at 3...