Minutes: 08 September 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. Scottish Government Priorities regarding intergovernmental relations - evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Jenny Gilruth, Deputy First Minister, supported by Chris Mackie, Deputy Director Constitution and UK Relations, Scottish Government.

Pauline Stafford declared an interest as a Councillor for West Lothian Council.

3. Scottish Government Priorities regarding culture – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, supported by Richard Walsh, Team Leader, Culture and Historic Environment Division and Jamie MacDougall, Deputy Director, Culture and Historic Environment, Scottish Government.

Colin Beattie declared an interest as Vice-Chair of the National Mining Museum of Scotland.

Pauline Stafford declared an interest as a Councillor for West Lothian Council and as a former employee of the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

4. Scottish Government Priorities – evidence review (in private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard from Scottish Ministers at its meetings on 1 September and 8 September 2026.

5. Pre-Budget scrutiny – approach (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28. The Committee agreed a list of witnesses to invite to give evidence at a future meeting.

6. Work programme (in private):

The Committee agreed to consider its work programme at a future meeting.