Culture, Europe and External Affairs
Good afternoon, everyone. The first item of business is portfolio questions. In order to get in as many people as possible, I would be grateful for short questions and answers.
Jewish Culture (Support)
To ask the Scottish Government how it seeks to support Jewish culture in Scotland. (S4O-04094)
The Scottish Government recognises and values Scotland’s Jewish communities and the contribution that they make to our nation. Most recently, we provided £10,500 to the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities to continue its being Jewish in Scotland project, which explores how attitudes to being Jewish in Scotland have changed over the past year. That money is on top of the £21,750 that was provided in 2011-12 to create a picture of contemporary Jewish life in Scotland.
The Scottish Government also supports, as the member will know, the annual commemoration of Holocaust memorial day through a grant to Interfaith Scotland. On 27 January, the First Minister attended the 2015 national Scottish Holocaust memorial day in Ayr.
Does the minister agree that the celebration of Jewish culture is an expression of the tolerant and inclusive Scotland that we all want to nurture? Will he take this opportunity to pay tribute to our Jewish communities, which have contributed to Scottish society, and to express our solidarity with them at a time of heightened anxiety due to the increase in anti-Semitic abuse and attacks?
I thank the member for raising that important point. We stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community here in Scotland, whose contribution is vast. We all know that it has contributed to our economy and our education sector; its contribution has also been social and cultural. We should celebrate that, and all of us across the chamber, regardless which party we belong to, have a duty to stamp out anti-Semitism wherever it exists.
On the attacks, although there is a lot more work to be done, I am pleased to note that there has been a 15 per cent decrease in anti-Semitic incidents, which is a 35 per cent decrease from the year before. However, there is a heck of a lot to be done. [Humza Yousaf has corrected this contribution. See end of report.]
My final point is that, at a time of inflamed rhetoric around immigration and migration, it is important that all of us stand with a united voice to say that those who seek to divide us should not be allowed to do so—not now; not in the future.
How does the minister seek to support the Jewish culture in the education system?
Religious education is a matter for local authorities. However, there should be as much exchange of information as possible. An important part of school when I was there was to learn from Jewish pupils and those from the community directly. I know that the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities has programmes in which it goes into schools and community members speak about their different traditions.
I am more than happy to speak to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning to see what is going on and to provide the member with a fuller answer. However, the more that we can promote interaction among communities, the better.
Creative Scotland Project Support (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of Creative Scotland’s project funding was spent in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in the past year, and how many projects in Aberdeen received support. (S4O-04095)
In 2013-14, Creative Scotland provided almost £1.8 million for 27 awards in the Aberdeen city area and almost £2.2 million for 30 awards in the Aberdeenshire area. That represents its total spend in those areas.
Creative Scotland has advised that it is not possible to identify the amount of funding that was project specific and to frame that as a proportion of total project spend.
Projects supported include the youth music initiative, as well as support for artists and cultural venues, including Aberdeen Performing Arts and North East Arts Touring, which works in Aberdeenshire. More recently, Creative Scotland awarded £130,000 to the sound festival, which is based in Aberdeen, for its work in 2015 and 2016.
Independent analysis carried out by members of the arts community in the north-east shows that Creative Scotland’s per capita spend is less than £10 in Aberdeen but more than £50 in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Does the minister agree that the figures show that Creative Scotland should be doing more to support the arts in Aberdeen and the wider north-east, particularly when there are many exciting projects to support, such as the youth festival and the sound festival, which the minister mentioned, as well as the work of our theatres? What will she do to ensure that there is more investment in the arts in the north-east?
In 2013-14, Aberdeen city ranked 14th for investment per head of population, which is mid-table; Aberdeenshire was 13th. I have not seen the analysis that the member referred to, but it probably reflects the funding for the national performing companies and collections that are based in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Four of the five national performing companies are based in Glasgow.
When the Scottish Cabinet met in Aberdeen, I met representatives from Aberdeen Performing Arts and I am delighted that it is receiving regular funding, which is a major achievement for that cultural body. We discussed the importance of the companies, particularly in providing support through performance. Of course, they already do that, but Aberdeen Performing Arts did it during the fantastic renovation of the music hall, which was also funded through Scottish Government public bodies and agencies, including Historic Scotland.
I recognise that there might be a disparity in funding but that is because of the national performing companies. It is also precisely why the Government insists that, as part of its relationship with the national performing companies, they should perform, as they regularly do, in Aberdeen. That will not appear in the figures in the report that Richard Baker has cited.
Film and Television Studio
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to announce details of a new film and TV studio in Scotland. (S4O-04096)
As I stated at my evidence session at the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee on Wednesday 4 February, Scottish Enterprise has received a new proposal to provide studio infrastructure for Scotland. That proposal is subject to due diligence and is commercial in confidence at present. However, I anticipate being able to confirm whether the proposal is viable in April 2015.
I am grateful that there is some movement. Considering that the issue has been going on for some years now with no visible progress, will the minister assure me that the Scottish Government and the Scottish film studio delivery group are taking all necessary steps to ensure the creation of a Scottish film studio? When will we see real progress on the Glasgow site?
On the point about Glasgow, I refer the member to my evidence in which I set out quite clearly that, in terms of propositions, we cannot have a private sector tender when Glasgow’s response was specifically for a 100 per cent publicly funded studio. However, I recognise the skills and existing infrastructure in Glasgow, and I have tasked the film studio delivery group with looking at different options further to the one that has been provided. That relies on business coming through the door, the economy and any opportunities.
When “Outlander” starts to be broadcast in the United Kingdom, people will see the importance of the film industry and the investment that it can bring. We recognise that more can be done, but we already invest a record amount in the film industry that is far more than the previous Administration did. There is huge potential in the industry, and I reaffirm to the member my and the Government’s commitment to the sector.
I was interested to hear Hanzala Malik’s comments about progress. Could the cabinet secretary outline the current level of Scottish public sector investment in the screen sector and how it compares with that of 2007-08?
The current proposal is to support the sector with £21 million; the previous Administration invested far less than that. Creative Scotland invests £8 million in the screen sector. Prior to that, I think that the figure was approximately £3 million, so there has been a big increase in direct film subsidy. The total for the film and television sector as a whole is £21 million, which is considerable. The investment is not just in film but in television; in focusing on the film sector, it is important that we do not forget the television sector.
European Commission (Discussions)
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with representatives of the European Commission. (S4O-04097)
Scottish Government ministers and officials regularly meet the European Commission to advance the Government’s agenda across a range of portfolios. For example, I met officials from the Commission’s trade directorate-general on 19 February for a factual briefing on trade policy that covered a range of issues, including the transatlantic trade and investment partnership.
I will indeed ask about TTIP. The deal risks much more than public services such as the national health service. Yesterday, Westminster’s Environmental Audit Committee pointed out that 1,300 cosmetic chemicals are restricted in Europe, compared with 11 in the US. Does the minister agree that TTIP will weaken our environmental and public health protections, and will he write to the Commission and United Kingdom ministers to voice opposition before the negotiations enter their ninth round, in April?
I appreciate Alison Johnstone’s concerns about TTIP, many of which this Government shares. The First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister to outline a number of those concerns, including concerns about the NHS and public services, which Alison Johnstone mentioned, as well as investor-state dispute settlement and the transparency of the negotiations. As Alison Johnstone rightly suggested, we want to maintain standards, not lower them.
We have had assurances, but it is difficult to oppose TTIP without seeing a final agreement. We will continue to put forward all our concerns constructively. We have asked for specific things in TTIP, such as a black and white exemption for the NHS in the text of the agreement. The pledge on that was signed by members of the Cabinet and by the First Minister.
I am more than happy to meet Alison Johnstone. We have written to the Commission and the UK Government on these matters and I can get her copies of those letters and their responses, where appropriate. We certainly agree that TTIP or any agreement, if there is an agreement, must be about raising standards, not lowering them.
The minister may be aware of the Commission’s proposed cuts to horizon 2020—a fund from which many Scottish universities benefit. What representations has the Scottish Government made on that?
I am aware of the issue, which I recently raised with David Lidington, the UK Government’s Minister for Europe. I mentioned that, for exactly the reasons that Claire Baker raises, we would have serious concerns if any funds for President Juncker’s investment package were taken from horizon 2020.
To put the issue in context, the money deducted from horizon 2020 is specifically for President Juncker’s package. Universities should be able to benefit from that and I hope that in Scotland they will. We share the concerns, and there should be no further reduction in horizon 2020 funding.
What discussions has the Scottish Government had with the European Commission about its proposed energy union? Does the minister agree that completion of such a union would help to integrate Scotland into a pan-European energy market?
I am more than happy to give Jamie McGrigor copies of the correspondence and notes of the discussions that we have had, including the conversations that the cabinet secretary has had and any other conversations. We agree that there are potential benefits for Scotland, which is another good reason why Scotland most certainly should remain a member of the European Union.
In his discussions with the European Commission, did the minister raise the economic and political situation in Greece? Recently, the Greek people democratically elected a Government on a manifesto to oppose austerity, only for that Government to be immediately prevented from enacting that manifesto by the troika of the Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. Why was there no protest from the Scottish Government or Governments across Europe about that democratic outrage?
When the Greek Government was elected, I sent the Greek Prime Minister a message to congratulate him on getting his position, but I noticed that Ed Miliband did not make a single comment of congratulation to Syriza—he was hiding away.
Neil Findlay is more than well aware that, because of the recent referendum, our voice in the European Union is represented by the UK Government. I wish that we had a greater voice and I hope that Neil Findlay will support us in our discussions about the Smith commission, so that Scotland can have a voice and be a counterbalance. He is correct to allude to the fact that this Government is anti-austerity, unlike the party that he represents.
Question 5, in the name of Jenny Marra, was not lodged, and a less than satisfactory explanation was provided. Similarly, question 6 was not lodged, and a less than satisfactory explanation was provided.
Television Licence Fee Replacement
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the impact on devolved areas of responsibility of reported plans to replace the TV licence fee with a household tax. (S4O-04100)
There are no plans to replace the television licence fee with a household tax in the context of the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter on 1 January 2017. However, on Thursday 26 February, the House of Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport published its report “Future of the BBC: Fourth Report of Session 2014-15”, in which it stated:
“There currently appears to be no better alternative to funding the BBC in the near-term other than a hypothecated tax or the licence fee.”
The report also looked at the possibility in the longer term of introducing a broadcasting levy that would apply to all households.
The director general of the BBC, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, indicated in a speech to BBC staff on Monday 2 March that he saw some merit in the idea of a broadcasting levy. Against a background in which annual funding for BBC Scotland will have fallen from £102 million to £86 million by the time the charter is renewed, the Scottish Government will be making the case for adequate resources, publicly funded, and for reflecting the £320 million that Scotland contributes through the licence fee to produce the high-quality programming that Scotland deserves, under any approach to funding.
I recently conducted a survey in which 74 per cent of the 1,600 constituents who replied agreed that broadcasting should be devolved to this Parliament. Does the cabinet secretary agree with me and my constituents—bearing in mind her comments about the £320 million that Scotland contributes and the reduction in annual funding for BBC Scotland to £86 million—that such powers should be devolved so that we in this chamber can decide on any changes or alternatives to the TV licence fee and how that income is spent?
I agree with that. In our submission to the Smith commission, we made the case for the devolution of broadcasting, including the licence fee, as part of a coherent package of reforms on a devo-max model. It is disappointing—although it is not the first such disappointment—that the Smith commission outcome fell short. However, we will use the formal consultative role for the Scottish Parliament that is proposed over the renewal of the BBC charter—as I am sure the Parliament will—to press the case for more production for and from Scotland.
Community Arts Groups (Rural South Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what support it has given to community arts groups across rural South Scotland in the last year. (S4O-04101)
In 2013, Creative Scotland invested more than £3 million in 94 awards to artists and organisations in South Scotland. Those awards included support for the artistic programmes at the Boswell book festival, the Lammermuir festival and the Alchemy film festival.
In 2014-15, Creative Scotland awarded capital funding for Moat Brae in Dumfries and for the Ayr Gaiety theatre. Creative Scotland is also investing more than £500,000 from 2015 to 2018 in the Ayr Gaiety Partnership, the Stove Network and the Wigtown Festival Company as organisations with regular funding.
Lanark memorial hall, which South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture manages for South Lanarkshire Council, offered the use of its box office to a community group—Music in Lanark—to support its production of “Madame Butterfly”. Although that model involved a relationship with the local authority, will the cabinet secretary consider providing funding to support such ventures to ensure that communities have access to excellent venues across South Scotland and beyond, the cost of which is often beyond groups’ means?
Claudia Beamish makes an interesting point. Skills and experience can often be shared more widely in areas such as box office, back-room staffing and administration. That can allow a small amount to go an awful lot further, and I am interested in how that can help to build capacity. Our national companies could also provide such support, and we must look at the network of voluntary cultural work that takes place, which is the life-blood of many communities. I am sure that members will have seen the Lanark exhibition in the Parliament last week, and I commend the activities in that area.
2015 Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding is available for the 2015 Edinburgh festivals expo fund and when the details will be announced. (S4O-04102)
I was delighted to announce on 6 March further investment of £2.25 million to support the Edinburgh festivals through the Scottish Government Edinburgh festivals expo fund. Scottish Government expo fund investment has been transformative for the festivals and their artists. It helps to showcase them on an international platform, and we have only to look at the range of Scottish artists, including Don Paterson, Ali Smith and James Robertson, and Martin Creed with his work on the Scotsman steps, to identify some of the world-class art that is being undertaken here. The expo fund has made a major contribution to exporting and showcasing that Scottish cultural talent.
Following the lodging of my question last week, the cabinet secretary helpfully made her announcement on Friday, which is welcome. How can we support festival programmes in other cities? Edinburgh’s programme is unique and international, but how do we increase opportunities for other cities across Scotland?
The Edinburgh festivals contribute £250 million to the local economy and more widely. They are a cultural calling card not just for Edinburgh but for Scotland. However, the member rightly identifies the role of other festivals.
For example, Celtic Connections has regular funding from Creative Scotland, and I am delighted that the St Magnus international festival in Orkney has similar funding. There is similar support for other festivals, and it is important that new festivals can also get support, either from EventScotland or Creative Scotland.
There are avenues through which we already support festivals, but I am working with VisitScotland on how—with VisitScotland, EventScotland and Creative Scotland—we can make more of the wonderful all-year-round offer from the festivals throughout Scotland.
Question 10, in the name of Cara Hilton, was not lodged and, disappointingly, no explanation has been given.
Infrastructure, Investment and Cities
Aberdeen City Deal
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to contribute to the proposed city deal for Aberdeen. (S4O-04104)
We are always happy to consider new proposals and ideas to stimulate economic growth. We are working with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council to establish the detail of what a city deal for their region is intended to deliver. We remain absolutely committed to working with all our cities to unlock investment, whether for them individually or collectively.
I thank Keith Brown for that positive response. He will be aware, of course, that the city deal proposal that was published this week emphasises the need for improvements to rail infrastructure north and south of the city of Aberdeen. Does he agree that dualling the stretch of single-track railway line at Montrose would strongly support the city deal proposals by linking an enhanced rail network around Aberdeen with the central belt? If he does agree that that would be significant, can he tell us when the Government will make a decision on whether or not such an improvement should be included in its instructions to Network Rail for control period 6, which starts in 2019?
I think that we all recognise—it has been recognised for a number of years now—the constraint that the Montrose Basin presents in relation to that proposal, which would be a very substantial project in its own right.
Having received the city deal just this week, it is only right that we take some time to look at it—as you would expect us to do—to see where we can possibly work together and what we can support in relation to what is represented.
However, whether the Montrose Basin features in control period 6 will be a matter for discussion between me, the Minister for Transport and Islands and officials. I recognise that the suggestion is a long-standing ambition for people. It is also one of the ways in which we could achieve a substantial difference in capacity on that line and in journey speeds. Of course, it is something that we wish to do at the earliest opportunity, but it will have to be set beside other priorities. A decision on that will be taken in due course.
As we would expect from a programme that was developed and championed by Liberal Democrats in the United Kingdom Government, city deals are designed to give local bodies greater control over spending and decision making. After years of centralisation by the Scottish National Party Government, does the cabinet secretary consider that this is an opportunity to start to reverse that unwelcome trend and to initiate the transfer of powers from the Scottish Government back to local communities?
I certainly remember that I, as a council leader, had to spend a very substantial chunk of our budget on priorities that were set by the then Liberal Executive, back in the period between 1999 and 2007. The biggest move towards decentralisation was the lifting, by this SNP Government, of hypothecated expenditure. That is a substantial move towards decentralisation that undermines Alison McInnes’s claim to be in favour of decentralisation.
We have done a great deal to make sure that councils can spend according to their own priorities. Of course, I accept that there have been constraints—not least those that have been imposed by the Government in Westminster that Alison McInnes supports. We have a smaller cake to distribute, but we have looked after local government and we will take a positive approach to what we have been presented with by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council in relation to the city deal. However, we first have to take some time to look at the deal.
Rail Investment Plans (South Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what rail investment plans it has for South Scotland. (S4O-04105)
Over the next five years, the Scottish Government is investing £5 billion across the Scottish rail network, including in South Scotland, with service improvements in Dumfries and Galloway, the introduction of great scenic railways on three lines, and an investment of £353 million in the Borders railway, which will re-establish passenger railway services between Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders for the first time since 1969.
Given the support that the Borders rail project has received in the recent past from the minister, the former First Minister and VisitScotland, which called it “a tourism magnet”, does he agree with me and local campaigners that the Scottish Government should now take the chance to build on the work of the Lib Dems in coalition in passing the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act 2006, and commission a feasibility study into extending the line on to Hawick and beyond to Carlisle for the economic benefits that that would bring to even more communities in the Borders?
It appears to me that the Liberal Democrats think that they are at the moment living in some sort of parallel universe where their popularity is soaring.
We can all work together across the chamber on good projects; the Borders railway is a good example and people from across the political spectrum have supported that project.
We have said it before and will say it again: we will judge the line’s success and then make judgments on how it may be extended in the future. However, if the success of rail is anything to go by—it has exceeded forecasts—the line has a strong future in the transport mix. I am sure that the Borders railway will be a success. We will continue to invest in expansion of our railways and will make all future judgments based on performance.
ScotRail Franchise (Handover)
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made with the handover of the ScotRail franchise. (S4O-04106)
Significant progress continues to be made towards the handover of the ScotRail franchise to Abellio on 1 April. We expect the new franchise to build on the success of ScotRail and to add for passengers more quality and efficiency improvements to our rail network. In addition to the improvement commitments that have been secured, we are encouraged by the progress on the deep alliance with Network Rail, which will improve partnership working on the railways in order to improve passenger experiences.
The minister mentioned benefits to passengers. Will he confirm that rail fares will not be subject to above-inflation increases under the new franchise?
Yes. We have secured a fares arrangement that will ensure that peak fares are capped at the level of the retail prices index, and that off-peak fares are capped at RPI less 1 per cent. We will also have a club 50 smart card and reduced travel costs for jobseekers and newly employed people.
That fares policy is in addition to the station improvements, new trains, better digital infrastructure, smart ticketing, integrated transport, the great scenic railways, protection for staff under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and improved journey times. That seems to me to be the best deal that was possible and it was secured by this SNP Government and the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities.
I have a huge number of requests for supplementary questions.
One of ScotRail’s attendants told me that they will issue clogs on 1 April. I am sure that that is not true. [Laughter.]
We all hope that the transfer of the franchise progresses well, but I remind the minister of the current overcrowding at peak times on the Dunblane and Alloa routes from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the record number of fines for reduced coach numbers that were achieved under the current ScotRail franchise. Will he undertake to provide further information on the reduction in the number of coaches on the trains to Dunblane and Alloa that I am told is projected will take place when the route to the Borders opens?
I am happy to look further at the detailed information, but overall there will be no reduction in capacity. In fact, we want to achieve greater capacity for passenger numbers through procurement of new trains, which I will discuss with the chief executive of Abellio later today.
I will also assess the new information that we will have; we will be able to assess capacity, numbers and overcrowding. That will inform further investment in, and management of, the rolling stock and should helpfully show us where further resources need to be deployed in partnership with Abellio. I will be happy to share that information with Richard Simpson in due course.
The minister has been extremely helpful in trying to persuade Abellio to improve the train services that the company offers my constituents in Stranraer and Wigtownshire. The reintroduction of the early-morning direct train is welcome, but might the minister be able to persuade Abellio to include a direct service between Stranraer and Glasgow on Sundays? That would help to give my constituents the impression that they have a meaningful service that is geared to their needs rather than that they are something of an afterthought in the negotiations.
I thank Alex Fergusson for recognising the effort that I have put into trying to improve the service to and from Stranraer. That takes me to a point around consultation between the operator and communities. We should consult not only the existing travelling public and rail passengers, but more widely with transport partnerships, local authorities and potential rail users. If we were to do that, we could helpfully shape services that people want.
I have worked quite hard on improving services between Stranraer and Glasgow; there will be an improved service with better journey times and improved connections, and that direct service is being restored as part of the current-priced model. I am not sure whether we can push much further on a cost-neutral basis, but I am happy to look into the Sunday service option that was suggested by Alex Fergusson.
I welcome the minister’s comments about discussions with Abellio. Can he give us some assurances that rolling stock will not be affected? As far as I am aware, the rolling stock that Abellio has promised will not be in place until 2017. Can the quality and the age of the carriages that passengers are being asked to use be improved prior to that date?
We will work closely with Abellio, through Transport Scotland, in relation to new and existing stock. I can give the assurance that, on handover, there are sufficient trains to provide the service that is proposed. However, surely we have to welcome the multimillion-pound investment that will bring new electric trains to the network on our newly electrified lines. That will ensure better journey times, improved services and better passenger experience, and will have massive environmental benefits in terms of emissions.
We will welcome the new fleet, which will be deployed from 2017 onwards in a managed way and will significantly enhance the rolling stock that we have. Furthermore, the deal that we have produced gives the Scottish Government the option to retain the trains, which is a novel approach in procurement of rail stock in Scotland.
Future Transport Fund (Active Travel)
To ask the Scottish Government what investment will be made in active travel using the future transport fund. (S4O-04107)
The budget for the future transport fund in 2015-16 is £20.25 million. Decisions on the allocations, including to active travel, are still to be taken. An announcement will be made in due course.
The minister will be aware of the Borders railway project, which goes through my constituency. Can he outline the ways in which active travel will be promoted through the railway?
We will work closely with Abellio, which has experience of active travel—and cycling, of course—to bring some of that expertise to Scotland. In the new franchise, based on the contract there will be enhanced capacity, more bike schemes at local stations and better information on integrated transport. However, through a range of various funds, including the future transport fund, I hope to be extremely supportive of cycling and active travel. I will make spending announcements in due course.
Charrette Process (Development of Cities)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the charrette process an effective means of investing in the development of cities and what support accompanies it. (S4O-04108)
Charrettes provide opportunities for local people and public and private sector bodies to participate collaboratively in decisions relating to their communities.
We believe that the charrette process is an effective and efficient means of investing in the development of Scotland’s cities, towns and rural areas. Since 2011, we have allocated grants and provided advice to support the delivery of 31 charrettes across Scotland, including seven in our cities.
I thank the minister for that information, and I agree with him in his assessment of it. As he knows, two very well-attended and ambitious charrettes have recently been held in my constituency. Local groups and organisations as well as many individuals and agencies worked together very well to develop a series of coherent and dynamic ideas that will help to shape the future of Speirs Wharf and Hamiltonhill and that have the potential to be transformational for those communities.
Will the Scottish Government invest in the opportunities that are identified through the charrette process?
I was at the Woodside, Firhill and Hamiltonhill charrette on its final day, and I saw the inputs from the collaborative process. I was very impressed by the level of vision, but also by the connection with some ideas that people just sitting in offices behind their desks might not have been able to come up with.
The two charrettes were set up as local development plan charrettes. Their aim was to create supplementary guidance for the council, as part of the overall regeneration of those areas. That is something that the Scottish Government will be keen to participate in. It is fair to say that the best charrettes occur where there is a desire to regenerate, some resource behind it and some movement taking place, so that a vision can be devised that people and agencies can then put into place.
Speed Limits on Trunk Roads (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to alter speed limits on trunk roads in the Highlands and Islands. (S4O-04109)
We have recently updated the findings of the speed limit review, and we remain committed to improving safety on our network by delivering speed limit reductions where they are justified, as part of our wider programme of road safety measures. The updated findings of the review support our decision not to progress with proposed speed limit reductions in five locations across the network, including two on the A87, two on the A95 and one on the A84.
We will continue to engage with communities in promoting road safety across Scotland, and we welcome the comments and responses received in the course of this engagement. I have given a fuller response in a parliamentary answer on 6 March regarding matters of process.
I have been contacted by a number of Argyll constituents, including local businesspeople, who are opposed to Transport Scotland’s proposal to reduce the speed limit on the A83 trunk road between Tarbert and Ardrishaig to 50mph. Local businesses have expressed the view that the proposed reduction is not based on concrete evidence that it will reduce accidents and that instead it will increase driver frustration while slowing down journey times and reducing the area’s economic competitiveness.
Surely an improvement to and widening of parts of this narrow road would be a more effective solution. Will the minister undertake to look into this issue and address the concerns of Argyll residents and businesses?
Yes, of course; I will consider the matter closely. That is exactly why, when other members have raised the proposed speed limit reductions, I have had a look at the data and the case to ensure that the change is justified. That just goes to show that, with the level of engagement and consultation that we have had, sometimes we can change our minds if the case is made.
Safety will be paramount in all of this. We will have the speed limit that is appropriate to the circumstances and that the geography and the topography allow.
On resources, of course we will want to address more of the road network in terms of additionality to the commitments that we have made. However, it would have been so much better had our capital budgets not been reduced as a consequence of the decisions of the Conservative Party, of which Mr McGrigor is a member.
Does the minister share my view that the heavy goods vehicle 50mph pilot on the A9 has been an excellent initiative? Has there been any early feedback from the police, hauliers and road safety organisations on how effective the pilot has been in practice?
All the evidence that we have to date is that the package of measures on the A9 has been a success. The package is a mixture of average-speed cameras, changes to the speed limits and a wider campaign on driver behaviour. Because of those measures, excess speed and average speed are down. When, in the fullness of time, we look at the number of road incidents as well, we can make a further judgment.
The HGV speed limit, as part of that package, seems to be a success and it has been welcomed by all the partners involved. There is a wider issue of changes south of the border, and we will take an evidence-based approach on whether that is relevant here. It strikes me that it is part of the package of measures on the A9 that has worked, but that does not necessarily mean that it should be deployed across the country.
Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with local authorities regarding the Glasgow and Clyde valley city deal. (S4O-04110)
In August 2014, the Scottish Government agreed to contribute £0.5 billion over 20 years to support a deal for Glasgow and the Clyde valley that empowers the Glasgow and Clyde valley partners to identify, manage and deliver projects that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs in their area.
The Glasgow and Clyde valley partners are developing an assurance framework that will ensure that their investment decisions are based on sound business cases and that projects are delivered effectively. The assurance framework will respect local decision making and must be approved by United Kingdom and Scottish Government ministers before any funding is released. Officials continue to work closely with the Glasgow and Clyde valley partners and the UK Government to finalise the assurance framework.
How will the Glasgow and Clyde valley city deal ensure that the benefits that are derived from economic growth are spread across not just Glasgow but the entire Clyde valley region, including the most deprived areas?
The terms of the deal are clear. It empowers the Glasgow and Clyde valley partners to identify, manage and deliver projects that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs in their area. It also specifically states that it will
“Spread the benefits of economic growth across Glasgow and Clyde Valley, ensuring deprived areas benefit from this growth.”
The Scottish and UK Governments have been working with Glasgow City Council and its partners on the development of the assurance framework, which will ensure that investment decisions that are taken by Glasgow City Council and the Clyde valley partners are based on sound business cases and that projects are delivered effectively.
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Scotland’s Economy