Hansard

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie) SNP Chamber

19 Jun 2024

Portfolio Question Time · Crop Damage (Mitigation)

I am very aware of the diverse range of challenges that farmers are currently facing. The Scottish Government places a very high priority on supporting farmers to mitigate against crop damage from a wide range of threats, notably from plant pests and disease, and in adapting t...

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie) SNP Chamber

11 Sep 2024

Portfolio Question Time · Agriculture-supporting Infrastructure (Remote and Island Communities)

The rural affairs, land reform and islands—RALRI—portfolio has supported the response to financial pressures by identifying small reductions, but none of those relate to investment in infrastructure that supports agriculture in rural and island communities. We continue to inv...

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

18 Dec 2024

Portfolio Question Time · Farming Businesses (Support for Diversification)

That is a really important question, and I take it in the spirit in which it was asked. As far as signage is concerned, that is a transport issue, and I will take that away. As far as access to a local business is concerned, I am more than happy to meet Sharon Dowey to discus...

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

07 May 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Horticulture

I would be absolutely delighted to commit to being the champion for horticulture. I recognise the significant role that the sector plays in the Scottish Government’s policy priorities; indeed, I recently wrote to ministerial colleagues to highlight cross-portfolio interests, a...

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie) SNP Chamber

04 Jun 2025

Portfolio Question Time · A96 Union Bridge Works (Debate or Statement)

At this time there are no plans to propose a Scottish Government debate or statement on the issue. As the member knows, any proposals for Government business in the Parliament are subject to consideration by the Parliamentary Bureau and then approval by the Parliament. Chambe...

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity (Jim Fairlie) SNP Chamber

01 Oct 2025

Portfolio Question Time · Cockle Fishery (Solway Firth)

The marine directorate of the Scottish Government has been considering a proposal that it received for a Solway cockle scientific trial using fishing vessels. During portfolio question time on 10 September 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands ...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

16 Jun 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit (Impacts)

Does the cabinet secretary have concerns about the shortages of seasonal agricultural workers during the picking season due to the ending of free movement? Can he provide an update on the Scottish Government’s latest engagement with the UK Government about steps that can be ta...

1. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Communities)

To ask the Scottish Government how its policies and actions across Government are supporting communities to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. (S6O-00065)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

01 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Communities)

In my constituency, the north Perth and city centre Covid-19 community support group was formed during the pandemic as an affiliation of community groups from across the area, including Letham4All, North Muirton community council, Tulloch Net, and many others. The group mobili...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

02 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Farm Support Payments

How will the policy that the cabinet secretary will develop differ from that of the UK Government?

7. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

30 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Meetings)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has met or has any plans to meet the recently appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to discuss constitutional issues in relation to Scotland. (S6O-00223)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

30 Sep 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Meetings)

Does the cabinet secretary agree that, in the light of this week’s article in The Times, we should encourage the Tories—despite instruction from their leadership—to continue to talk about the union and help the case for independence even further?

6. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Health Service (Negligence and Misdiagnosis) (Support for Patients)

To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to support people who have experienced long-term mental or physical harm as a result of NHS negligence or misdiagnosis. (S6O-00308)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

03 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · National Health Service (Negligence and Misdiagnosis) (Support for Patients)

My constituent has suffered psychological and physical abuse as a result of the historical treatment of children with type 1 diabetes at the Cruachan home in Balerno. I ask the cabinet secretary to urge the health board to meet my constituent so that they can get the redress a...

1. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

25 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Northern Ireland Protocol

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the United Kingdom Government in relation to the potential implications for Scotland of the on-going dialogue between the UK Government and the European Union regarding the Northern Ireland protocol. (S6O-00438)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

25 Nov 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Northern Ireland Protocol

Does the cabinet secretary agree that the UK Government’s needless and reckless confrontation with the EU has made it even harder to find constructive solutions to the problems that are created by Brexit, such as those experienced by the Scottish agriculture and food sector?

6. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

01 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit (Economic Impact)

To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has done to assess the potential economic impact of Brexit on Scotland over the next five years. (S6O-00469)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

01 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit (Economic Impact)

Scotland’s food and drink sector has long been recognised as a huge success story—indeed, it was the fastest growing sector in our economy. Given the impacts of Brexit and Covid, as well as UK Government policies that are clearly damaging our markets, does the cabinet secretar...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

08 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Omicron Variant (Covid-19 Recovery Strategy)

My sincere apologies, Presiding Officer. I simply lost track of time. I apologise profusely to members in the chamber.

3. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

08 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire)

To ask the Scottish Government how its co-ordination of Covid-19 policies can ensure people living in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire are supported through the recovery from the pandemic. (S6O-00492)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

08 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire)

Given the important role that vaccination will play in Covid recovery, efficient roll-out of the vaccine will be key. Unfortunately, recent changes to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation guidance meant that members of the public turned up at vaccination centres...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Beavers (Compensation for Farmers)

There is no doubt that there are farmers not far from my and Mr Fraser’s constituencies who have looked to get beavers translocated to their land. I accept that they make an important contribution to restoring Scotland’s natural environment, but, in some places, their modifica...

2. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Social and Affordable Housing (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire)

I thank the Presiding Officer for his patience with my late arrival to the meeting. To ask the Scottish Government what further support it will make available to help Perth and Kinross Council improve the availability of social and affordable housing in the Perthshire South a...

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

15 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Social and Affordable Housing (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire)

As the cabinet secretary has just stated, a number of significant developments and refurbishments in my constituency, including at Huntingtower and Newhouse Road, have taken place through the efforts of various partnerships and projects, local housing associations and, of cour...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Scottish Fiscal Commission Report (Funding Shortfall)

Thank you, Presiding Officer—no pressure, then. I make the cabinet secretary aware that I have been contacted by Gleneagles hotel, Crieff Hydro and Simon Howie Butchers, which are important businesses in my constituency. They have told me that, to operate at full capacity, th...

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Scottish Fiscal Commission Report (Funding Shortfall)

—but the reply was negative. Does the cabinet secretary agree with me that that is another area in which this Parliament needs the powers to legislate so that we can manage the challenges that our industries face to promote growth in those industries?

5. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Teachers (Rural Areas)

To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made in recruiting science, technology, engineering and maths teachers, especially in rural areas. (S6O-00578)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

22 Dec 2021

Portfolio Question Time · Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Teachers (Rural Areas)

The shortage of teachers in particular subject areas is more difficult to address in rural areas than it is in urban areas, and that is certainly true of STEM subjects. How is that challenge reflected in the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations of Ekosgen’s fi...

4. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

27 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · OVO Energy

To ask the Scottish Government what assistance Skills Development Scotland can provide to OVO Energy employees in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire who are reportedly facing redundancy. (S6O-00679)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

27 Jan 2022

Portfolio Question Time · OVO Energy

The minister might be aware that I met senior members of OVO’s management last week. I have to say that John Swinney, Pete Wishart and I left the meeting with more questions than we went into it with, so it is somewhat reassuring to hear that, despite the lack of reassurance f...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Fox Hunting (Ban)

I know that the Scottish Government takes seriously animal welfare standards for both wild and domesticated animals. However, it is also very clear that foxes can do real damage to livestock and livelihoods. Does the minister appreciate the need to maintain a balance that allo...

2. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

10 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit Freedoms Bill (Engagement with UK Government)

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the potential impact on Scotland of the proposed “Brexit Freedoms Bill”. (S6O-00741)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

10 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Brexit Freedoms Bill (Engagement with UK Government)

I share the cabinet secretary’s concerns. Does he share my concern that the bill is just another method, if any were needed, to undermine the legitimacy of the Scottish Parliament’s role in carrying out what it was democratically elected to do? Specifically, in areas around ag...

3. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Curriculum for Excellence

To ask the Scottish Government how curriculum for excellence meets the needs of colleges and industries in providing appropriate learning to young people to allow them to progress to the next stage of their training. (S6O-00774)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

24 Feb 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Curriculum for Excellence

I recently visited Perth College of the University of the Highlands and Islands, and was blown away by the range of services and courses that it offers students and the wider community. However, one issue that was raised with me was the apparent lack of parity of esteem betwee...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

24 Mar 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Farm Improvements

Does the cabinet secretary share my dismay at the Tories’ failure to deliver on their Brexit promise to at least maintain current rural funding? Instead, they are now short-changing Scotland in this parliamentary session to the tune of £93 million, which could have been provid...

1. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

20 Apr 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Community Justice Interventions

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support greater use of community justice interventions. (S6O-00958)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

20 Apr 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Community Justice Interventions

Will the cabinet secretary share how the commitments in the Promise implementation plan and the recently launched consultation on policy proposals for the children’s care and justice bill support greater use of community justice among children and young people?

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

27 Apr 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 (Recovery Strategy) (Resilience)

I agree entirely with Finlay Carson that we need to be taking steps now to ensure the resilience of Scotland’s response to any future pandemic. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that that is the entire purpose of the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill, which ...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

12 May 2022

Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

We have all seen them: the bad boys in my school used to get themselves expelled by abusing them, which is something that ministers should take note of. I mean the little glass-fronted cases with a hammer hanging on a chain and a message that says, “Break glass in case of emer...

6. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

19 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Post-Brexit Border Checks (Impact on Agriculture and Food and Drinks)

I would like to ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the continuing delays to post-Brexit border checks on imports from the European Union.

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

19 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Post-Brexit Border Checks (Impact on Agriculture and Food and Drinks)

My sincere apologies—I am not quite sure how I got that mixed up. To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the impact on agriculture and the food and drinks sector in Scotland of reported continuing delays to post-...

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

19 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Post-Brexit Border Checks (Impact on Agriculture and Food and Drinks)

Recently, the NFU Scotland president, Martin Kennedy, spoke in scathing terms of “the prolonged failure of the UK Government” regarding exports to Europe, and how that showed “an astonishing level of incompetence and failure to support Scottish producers and our food and dr...

7. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

25 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Social Wellbeing (Discussions)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the local government minister has had with local authorities regarding services to promote social wellbeing. (S6O-01132)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

25 May 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Social Wellbeing (Discussions)

Does the cabinet secretary agree that the emphasis that is placed on the holistic social wellbeing approach by the newly elected Scottish National Party administration in Perth and Kinross Council is a positive and promising example of how local government can put the Scottish...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Jun 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Allotments and Community Growing Projects

Allotments and community growing are undoubtedly important to encourage people to get engaged with the food that they eat. Does the minister agree that, if the Tories are really so concerned about the situations that are impacting the food and drink supply chain, they might wa...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

29 Jun 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Food Production

The report of the short-life food security and supply task force sets out a number of areas relating to food security that are reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government’s commitment to food production is clearly demonstrated through its commitment to active farmin...

1. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

07 Sep 2022

Portfolio Question Time · General Practitioners (Menopause and Perimenopause Training and Development)

To ask the Scottish Government what specific training and CPD GPs undertake to remain updated on developments in helping women through perimenopause and the menopausal stages of their life. (S6O-01316)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

07 Sep 2022

Portfolio Question Time · General Practitioners (Menopause and Perimenopause Training and Development)

Having spoken to numerous constituents about their concerns and their experience of menopause, I know that their experience has been patchy and inconsistent as regards the information and help that they have been offered. Some have been completely dismissed as being too young ...

2. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

28 Sep 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Programme for Government 2022-23)

To ask the Scottish Government how measures set out in its programme for government 2022-23 will support Scotland’s Covid-19 recovery. (S6O-01381)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

28 Sep 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid-19 Recovery (Programme for Government 2022-23)

In relation to pandemic or disease resilience, in the Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee evidence session on 8 September, Carolyn Low, who is the director of finance at NHS National Services Scotland, said that in the event of a future pandemic crisis that affec...

2. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

05 Oct 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Access to Care at Home (Hospital Patients)

To ask the Scottish Government what work it is undertaking to ensure that patients have access to care packages to help aid recovery at home as soon as possible after a hospital stay. (S6O-01421)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

05 Oct 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Access to Care at Home (Hospital Patients)

I have recently written to NHS Tayside, the integration joint board and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf, about a constituent of mine, whom I will not name, who has been waiting an excessively long time for his wife to be returned home after havin...

Jim Fairlie SNP Committee

05 Oct 2022

Pre-Budget Scrutiny

The convener asked whether that £5 million would go back in the central pot. Is it in the gift of your portfolio to make interventions to help people with the cost of living crisis outwith your normal funding, or will that funding come from central Government?

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

03 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Sewage Discharge

Loch Leven is a beauty spot in my constituency so, naturally, I followed with great concern Alex Cole-Hamilton’s claims following the reporting around the matter. There are figures that clearly indicate that Scotland’s water environment is classified as being in good condition...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

09 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Meat Exports (United Kingdom Regulations)

We are right in the middle of the store lamb and calf sale season right now, with prices linked to what fat producers believe the longer-term values will be. The timing of the decision could be hugely damaging to hill and upland farmers—the very farmers who need more support t...

8. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

30 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Crohn’s Disease (Access to Treatment)

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve access to treatment for people with Crohn’s disease. (S6O-01627)

Jim Fairlie SNP Chamber

30 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Crohn’s Disease (Access to Treatment)

I have received emails from multiple constituents detailing instances in which they were dissatisfied with the treatment of Crohn’s disease in the NHS Tayside region. They expressed concerns about a lack of communication over their care, the time taken between testing and diag...

Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

30 Nov 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Avian Flu (Game Bird Release)

As we heard this morning in an extensive evidence session in the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee with the chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, avian flu is a major concern for poultry farmers in my constituency and elsewhere. It is therefore crucial ...

6. Jim Fairlie (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) SNP Chamber

14 Dec 2022

Portfolio Question Time · Covid Recovery Strategy (Rural Communities)

To ask the Scottish Government how its Covid recovery strategy considers the needs of rural communities. (S6O-01681)