National Film Studio
To ask the Scottish Government how its plans are progressing to build a national film studio. (S4O-04688)
The Scottish Government and our partners Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, which form the film studio delivery group, are fully committed to finding the best way to ensure that a film studio is developed in Scotland. Scottish Enterprise, on behalf of the film studio delivery group, has received a proposal from a private sector developer. That bid is at a critical stage of consideration, but the need for commercial confidentiality means that we are currently unable to provide more detail.
As the cabinet secretary might recall, during a recent debate I suggested Paisley as a location for the national film studio. My intervention might be late in the day, but does she agree that Paisley—with excellent transport links via road, rail and air, and with a former industrial site next to Ferguslie as an ideal location—is a viable place for the studio?
As I said, we are still considering the bid that Scottish Enterprise has received, but we continue to be open to any new proposals from the private sector in the short term to provide studio infrastructure in Scotland. Any new proposal would be assessed on its individual merits and on the criteria that we have set out, one of which is that proposals should not expect to receive 100 per cent public sector funding. Proximity to an airport has advantages of connectivity but disadvantages regarding noise, as is clear from the March 2014 report and the assessment criteria in it.
In the debate on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee’s report on the creative industries, concerns were raised about the relationship between Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland and about the lack of progress on a memorandum. Will the cabinet secretary give an update on that relationship?
I met the chief executive of Creative Scotland yesterday and she assured me that further meetings will take place this week to finalise that. The issue might be the degree of detail, but it is important that progress is made. I will meet the film studio delivery group this evening.
NHS Fife (Consultant Vacancies)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to fill consultant vacancies in NHS Fife. (S4O-04689)
We have the highest level of medical staffing ever, and record numbers of consultants are working in NHS Scotland. In NHS Fife, the number of medical consultants has increased by more than 50 per cent during the lifetime of this Government. Any fluctuation in consultant vacancies is linked to our efforts to increase capacity by recruiting even more staff. We are working with boards, including NHS Fife, to support their staff recruitment efforts, for example by delivering a number of successful international recruitment exercises, more of which are planned.
Following the recent release of figures from the national health service that show an increase in the number of cancelled operations across Scotland—and specifically an increase in the number of operations that are cancelled for capacity or non-clinical reasons—what action will the Scottish Government take to ensure that the NHS is adequately equipped to prevent a further increase in the number of cancelled operations across Scotland?
We know that, in many cases, operations and procedures can be cancelled by patients themselves.
We take staffing seriously. Recruitment of staff is a matter for each NHS Scotland board. As employers, NHS Scotland boards are required to have in place the correct number of staff to meet the needs of services and to ensure high-quality patient care, and that includes operations. We work closely with boards to support their staff recruitment efforts, and we will continue to do so.
Rail Investment Programme
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding the development of the rail investment programme beyond 2019. (S4O-04690)
The Scottish Government has regular and on-going engagement with Network Rail and the broader Scottish rail industry on a wide range of operational and planning matters. That includes quarterly meetings of the Scottish rail industry planning and advisory group, which is chaired by Transport Scotland, whose remit includes consideration of the priorities for Scotland’s railways from 2019.
The minister will be aware that, over the past 30 years, there has been consistent demand to reinstate the south Edinburgh suburban railway, which would run from Waverley through Gorgie, Craiglockhart, Morningside, Blackford, Newington, Craigmillar and Portobello. We have seen new and innovative methods of transport in other parts of Europe, such as the hybrid tram-train that is used in parts of Germany, which is soon to be piloted in Sheffield and Rotherham. Does the minister agree that, given current capacity pressures at Waverley, the Scottish Government should monitor the tram-train pilot scheme in Sheffield so that all possibilities for new sustainable rail links can be explored for the benefit of the people of Edinburgh?
Mr Eadie has certainly made me aware of the issue. The Scottish Government is open to considering all viable options that could improve the connectivity and accessibility of the rail network across Scotland and around Edinburgh. We would welcome further details from promoters and relevant regional transport partnerships on any proposals and their potential economic and social benefits. I should say, however, that any future investment to improve the capacity and capability of Scotland’s rail infrastructure will be subject to a suitable business case and, of course, to sufficient resources being available to support delivery.
When the minister next meets Network Rail, will he raise the problem of the congested 20-minute long single-track section of rail between Inverness and Muir of Ord, which has led to cancellations and severe delays in services? It frustrates the further expansion of passenger, freight and charter train traffic on the Kyle and far north lines. Will the minister support the reinstatement of the six-mile section through Lentran to double track, which would solve the problem?
I fear that the member might have pre-empted the next question, but I will answer anyway.
In the current control period, we are trying to maximise what we can do through timetabling and the deployment of resources. There have been issues around staff deployment, but I believe that they have been resolved.
For longer-term investment, we will look at the next control period, but there are two major issues to consider: the availability of resources and the potential restructuring of Network Rail. That is why I will participate in any review that is undertaken of United Kingdom-wide Network Rail issues. While considering resources and potential restructuring, I will bear the member’s suggestions in mind.
The minister will be aware that the issue is of concern not just to those in the inner Moray Firth area but to my constituents, who rely on the line north of Inverness. I encourage him to look seriously at the option of twin tracking, not just because it would benefit the passenger service but because it would encourage the movement of freight off roads and on to rail. Will the minister give that serious consideration?
Of course we will give the option serious consideration, but we are constrained by the available resources in the current control period. We will be as creative as we can be to maximise our railways’ potential.
I am similarly interested in the far north line and in the representations that have been made to the minister. Will he look at how the city deal could be involved in funding the Lentran loop and addressing the signalling challenges to movement on the far north line?
It is open to local authorities that are in collaborations such as a city deal to come up with transport projects, and it is for them to decide on their local priorities. I would welcome any bid from city deal alliances, from wherever they come, to support transport infrastructure investment.
I believe that the minister is aware of the long-running campaign for the Levenmouth rail link. Will he give a commitment that he will do all that he can to support the campaigners and try to see that project realised?
Many people have raised that campaign with me, including the Presiding Officer, so I am well aware of its issues and demands. I will be informed by the Scottish transport appraisal guidance report, which will contain options, and then I will look at potential funding options. However, as I said in answer to an earlier question, the availability of resources is critical, as is the future structure of Network Rail. I will bear the campaign in mind as we look at the control period going forward.
Long-distance Rail Routes
To ask the Scottish Government what progress Abellio has made on behalf of users of long-distance Scottish rail routes. (S4O-04691)
I am pleased to report that ScotRail remains on track to deliver significant improvements for long-distance rail users in Scotland. From December 2018, 27 fully refurbished high-speed trains will serve routes between Scotland’s seven cities, providing a step change in quality for passengers, with increased capacity, reliability, quicker journey times and improved catering offerings befitting our growing rail network.
Alongside that, an ambitious refurbishment programme for trains serving our rural routes is now under way, with exciting initiatives, including ScotRail’s scenic rail package, being launched between now and 2018. That programme will be seen on services covering the Highlands, the Borders and south-west Scotland.
I wonder whether the minister will address two current customer issues. First, can he assure us that Abellio will ensure that passengers who are transferred to buses during rail maintenance or line closures are certain to get to the advertised destinations without undue delay, as has happened recently? Secondly, as you will know as a fellow train traveller, Presiding Officer, platform management at Waverley station means that the Inverness service in the evening allows passengers only three minutes to board because the train in front of it, which departs from the same platform, goes to Aberdeen. That must be changed to avoid any confusion for passengers and because it is a disgrace.
Some operational matters—for example, not having locally based drivers and conductors available—have impacted on services, but those matters have now been addressed. We have also looked at the timetables to address some of the issues, and those have been improved, which will improve reliability and performance. I will look further at the messaging around any further disruption. Some very successful works have been undertaken over the summer, including the Winchburgh tunnel works, and I will make the point to the operators about the transfer disruption arising from rail-to-bus services.
I believe that I am making progress on wider integrated transport, which all members will welcome.
The minister is aware of the shortage of carriages and capacity on several routes at the moment, particularly between Ayr and Glasgow and in Fife, and the impact that that is having on long-distance routes. Does he have any plans to encourage Abellio to source more carriages for trains on lines where overcrowding currently exists due to a lack of available carriages?
Yes, I do. Thanks to the franchise that was secured by Keith Brown, there are plans for new trains to come to Scotland—the 70 Hitachi electric trains as well as refurbished trains. In due course, we will have far more trains in Scotland, which will improve capacity, particularly at peak times. The operator, Abellio, is maximising the use of all the carriages that are available at the moment to address demand—for example, on the very popular Borders railway, which was opened by this Government. However, more—bigger and faster—trains are coming to Scotland in due course.
Question 5, in the name of Iain Gray, has not been lodged. The member has apologised.
Flu Vaccinations
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to help increase take-up of the flu vaccination. (S4O-04693)
The Scottish Government runs an annual campaign to promote and support the seasonal flu vaccination programme that aims to raise awareness and encourage take-up in those who are most at risk from flu. Over 2 million people in Scotland will be offered the vaccine. The campaign includes television, radio and newspaper advertising, a range of leaflets and posters targeting the eligible groups, engagement with stakeholders and a suite of digital assets that promote the programme online.
The minister may be aware that it is reported that this year’s strain of flu could be particularly virulent. Last year’s statistics show that the take-up rates among people at risk—particularly pregnant women and those aged under 65 who are considered at risk—were below the target of 75 per cent. Can she tell us what is being done to target those groups this year?
To boost take-up rates among the at-risk groups, the resources for the seasonal flu programme—posters, leaflets and digital assets—that are aimed at that audience were refreshed this year to include the bold messages
“Flu. I’m Ready For You.”
and
“The best defence against flu is this year’s vaccine.”
The new creative approach takes a bolder, more empowering tone, featuring a nurse, pregnant women and an at-risk male celebrating the fact that they have been vaccinated—a positive message.
In addition to the radio, media and digital assets that support the overall campaign, general practices were sent copies of the campaign materials to help them to raise awareness among their at-risk patients. They also receive a template letter that they can use to contact patients, encouraging them to make an appointment to get their vaccination.
This year, we are also undertaking two small pilots in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and in the Grampian area, where localised awareness-raising activities will test the media and messaging aimed at those with health conditions such as asthma. We will evaluate uptake rates in those areas to see whether that localised activity has made any difference to the programme.
Planning System
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the effectiveness of the planning system in cases where developers do not adhere to agreed plans or start work without permission. (S4O-04694)
I recently announced a root-and-branch review of the planning system and appointed an independent panel to take that forward. It will now be for the review panel to decide whether enforcement should be a priority area for improvement.
I have a particularly difficult and frustrating case in St Cyrus, within my constituency, where a Travellers’ site has been built completely without planning permission. The local authority has served all manner of notices with absolutely no effect and the local community is wondering why on earth it cannot be stopped.
Might the root-and-branch review consider whether a planning authority could have not just a power to stop something but a duty, in particularly bad cases, to prevent further work?
I cannot comment on any individual case, but there is no reason why the review panel could not look at the general issue that the member has raised. I encourage him to make a submission to the review panel, which will be calling for evidence fairly soon.
Question 8, in the name of Jackie Baillie, has not been lodged. The member has apologised.
Stirling Council (Sport)
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Stirling Council regarding the provision of sporting facilities and opportunities. (S4O-04696)
Sportscotland and Stirling Council are currently in discussion on how to enhance and further improve the Stirling sports village—the Peak—situated at Forthside. The Peak is the biggest single development for sport and leisure in Stirling for over 30 years, with an investment totalling £27.3 million.
I think that the minister will agree that he is pleased that he is not the minister for railways, given the number of bids that have been made around railways today and the deep pockets that Derek Mackay must have. In the meantime, to get away from the issue of railways, can the minister tell me what progress is being made towards the establishment of a national curling centre in Stirling?
I do not know about the first point, because there are a few rail projects in my area that I would like to discuss with Mr Mackay.
Stirling Council and active Stirling are continuing to work with British Curling, sportscotland and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club to provide a national performance curling centre at the Peak. A design review is currently under way and the council will then undertake a procurement exercise before the project takes the next step forward. That will involve significant new investment into the Peak and it will not only provide a national curling centre for performance athletes but increase accessibility for local community sport, so it will help both elite and grassroots sport, something that is always important to this Government.
Economy (Central Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to build the economy in the Central Scotland region. (S4O-04697)
Our economic strategy reaffirms our commitment to delivering sustainable economic growth for all of Scotland. Our continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity, business growth and regeneration is helping to build the economy in the Central Scotland region.
Initiatives such as the new enterprise area that we intend to establish at BioCity in North Lanarkshire and yesterday’s announcement of a £1.9 million Scottish partnership for regeneration in urban centres—SPRUCE—investment in commercial units at the Strathclyde business park demonstrate our commitment to growing the region’s economy.
The cabinet secretary will be aware of the recently announced changes to the regeneration master plan at the former site of Ravenscraig steel works. As I understand it, those changes mean that the vision of creating Scotland’s first new town in 50 years will not be realised and the plans for a new town centre will be put on hold. Instead, there will be housing with an element of retail. What is the Scottish Government’s view of the potential impact on the local economy of those changes to the regeneration master plan?
I am aware that the developer selected by North Lanarkshire Council has announced that it is to bring forward revised plans in connection with the site. Obviously, the Government’s strategic decision to allocate tax incremental financing status to the Ravenscraig development was designed to unlock future economic growth, and the Government remains absolutely committed to that opportunity.
The Scottish Government will work with North Lanarkshire Council and other parties on options for the further redevelopment of the Ravenscraig site. I acknowledge the responsibility that we share with local partners to ensure that an area that requires further economic development is able to receive that through the combined efforts of the Government and other partners working together.
Before we move to the next item of business, members will wish to join me in welcoming to the gallery the Hon Kezia Purick MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory. [Applause.]
Previous
Business Motion