Culture and External Affairs
Year of Creative Scotland
With the permission of the Presiding Officer, before I reply to the member’s question I will say a few words on the recent death of the Malawian President, Bingu wa Mutharika. The First Minister has written to the Government of Malawi, emphasising that the thoughts of the people of Scotland are with the Malawian people at this time. President Mutharika played an important role in formalising Malawi-Scotland relations, particularly through his signing of the co-operation agreement between our two countries in 2005. Former First Minister Lord McConnell worked closely with President Mutharika on the co-operation agreement at that time. We have, therefore, asked Lord McConnell to represent Scotland and the Scottish Government at the funeral of President Mutharika on Monday 23 April—an offer that he has kindly accepted. That is a fitting symbol of the cross-party support that exists for the Scotland-Malawi relationship and its deep roots in Scottish civic society.
To what extent do existing British diplomatic and educational facilities overseas support and promote Scottish culture, especially the events of Scotland week? Does the cabinet secretary agree that the promotion of Scottish creativity and culture abroad is best handled by the Scottish Government and that current UK Government outlets may not be the most cost-effective and efficient means of such promotion?
Under the current arrangements, the British diplomatic services have a responsibility and are funded to support Scottish interests. However, cultural policy rests entirely with the Scottish Government, so the majority of cultural and creative activities operate independently of that. Many independent countries have cost-effective and efficient ways of delivering international support.
Year of Creative Scotland
The year of creative Scotland is inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s world-renowned culture and creativity. There has already been significant activity throughout the country in support of the year and we are working closely with Creative Scotland, VisitScotland and other partners to ensure that we continue to build the momentum as we progress through the year. Examples of year of creative Scotland events in April and May include the port project, an exciting new multi-arts collaboration led by Aberdeen International Youth Festival, and see Scotland by train, which is run by National Museums Scotland and focuses on some hidden railway cinematic gems.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that the work that is being done by organisations such as the Robert Burns World Federation, whose national festival schools finals are being held at Cults academy in my constituency over the coming fortnight, play a vital role in illuminating not only the work of the bard, but Scotland’s rich and varied literary history to young people, creating a legacy beyond the year of creative Scotland?
I declare an interest as a primary 7 winner in the solemn poetry category of a Robert Burns World Federation competition. It is important that we celebrate our bard not just in the year of homecoming 2009 and in the year of creative Scotland, but continuously. I wish the celebrations at Cults academy well. I agree with the member that we should celebrate our literary history every year and that the legacy is an important part of that.
As a fellow Robert Burns World Federation prize winner, I call Alex Johnstone.
I take the opportunity to ask the cabinet secretary whether she might be available to speak at the Burns club supper next year.
I think that the answer is yes.
I am proud that a Burns club is associated with the Scottish Parliament. I was a bit concerned when it was inaugurated—I was present then—as the Burns club number 1; I had visions of a breakaway Burns club number 2 being established. I hope that the invitation will make it clear that I am being invited to the Burns club number 1.
Scotland Week
During this year’s event, the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism and I promoted Scotland in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston in the United States and in Vancouver and Calgary in Canada with representatives from a range of sectors, including the creative industries, energy, tourism and finance.
The USA and Canada continue to be Scotland’s top export destinations, with an estimated £3.5 billion of exports in 2010, which represents an increase of £900 million since 2004. Those exports cover a range of products, including those in the life sciences, financial services, energy and food and drink sectors. Will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government is assisting companies to take advantage of those expanding export markets?
I am pleased to say that Scottish Development International is recognised as one of the world’s leading operations in encouraging global investment and has a strong role in encouraging exports. I am also pleased that, when Fergus Ewing, our energy minister, was in Calgary, he opened an SDI office there. That will provide opportunities for investments and for globalisation of some of our companies, particularly in servicing the important oil and gas sector.
Significant Historical Artefacts (Location Policy)
The 2008 treasure trove code of practice contains the presumption that found items will be allocated to a local eligible museum, unless a convincing argument for allocating them elsewhere is presented. The process of claiming found items, inviting museums to apply for them and allocating them to museums is operated independently of ministers by the Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer.
The Scottish Government, the cabinet secretary’s predecessor, the local Scottish National Party MP and the First Minister have all called for the Lewis chessmen to be removed from the British museum and returned permanently to the Western Isles. As that is her Government’s position, what is the difference between the Lewis chessmen and the St Ninian’s Isle treasure, which sits not in the Shetland museum in Lerwick but in the national museum in Edinburgh?
The St Ninian’s Isle treasure is of national and international significance but is also of local significance. Under the agreements that were made—independently of ministers—National Museums Scotland holds and has in its care the items. It is important that the partnership agreement between National Museums Scotland and the Shetland Amenity Trust ensured that the items were loaned to the Shetland museum for three months in 2008, to mark the 50th anniversary of their discovery. I understand that replicas can now be seen in the Shetland museum.
BBC (Licence Fee Income)
Mr Gibson has been pressing the case for Scotland to have a fair share of network programming ever since the Scottish Broadcasting Commission first drew attention to the issue back in 2008. I am pleased to note that, since then, BBC network programming of Scottish origin has risen from 3.3 per cent in 2007 to 7.4 per cent in 2010 and is worth significantly more than £20 million annually to the economy in Scotland.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that
The BBC is Scotland’s national public service broadcaster. It is our window on the world. A fair share of the licence fee should be raised and spent in Scotland through the entire BBC offering, which includes its website, its rolling news channel and the World Service. A strong level of quality network programming must be made in Scotland to ensure that there is clarity and impartiality in news and current affairs reporting during this period. I will continue to remind the BBC of its obligations to Scotland.
Heritage Societies
Historic Scotland offers about £1 million in support annually to national organisations that support the historic environment voluntary sector.
The cabinet secretary will be well aware that 18 April—yesterday—was world heritage day. I am sure that she would like to join me in congratulating all the heritage societies in Scotland on the work that they do in keeping history and culture alive in their communities.
The short answer to that question is yes. The member is correct to draw attention to world heritage day. The work of voluntary heritage societies is vital. I congratulate Jim Fiddes and wish him well on the launch of his book—I am sure that a great time will be had by all at the celebrations.
Own Art Scheme
Creative Scotland, as Scotland’s national agency for arts, screen and creative industries, champions the own art scheme as part of its wide remit. The scheme provides interest-free loans from £100 to £2,000 to help people to purchase original pieces of Scottish art and craftwork.
The cabinet secretary may recall the exhibition in the Parliament, which I sponsored, of works by members of the Scottish Furniture Makers Association. As I understand it, original pieces of craft such as bespoke furniture are not currently eligible for the own art scheme, by virtue of the fact that furniture makers are not classified as artists. They face very similar challenges to those faced by members of our creative industries. Will the cabinet secretary explore options that may better support furniture makers and other producers of original craft?
I remember that exhibition. Paul Wheelhouse does well to promote the work of those craftspeople.
Historic Built Environment (Towns and Villages)
Through Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government provides a great deal of help and advice to communities and local authorities. That includes technical advice on repairs and routine maintenance, and advice on the planning system and on available sources of funding. Those sources include Historic Scotland’s very successful conservation area regeneration scheme, which, since it started in 2007, has put £16.7 million into repairing and enhancing our historic towns.
Does the cabinet secretary share my concern at the long-term neglect of the historically important burgh of Inveraray? Will she join me in encouraging Argyll and Bute Council to apply for the generous funding that the Scottish Government has made available through the conservation area regeneration scheme in order to tackle that long-term neglect?
Inveraray is one of our important and historic planned towns, and is well recognised as a very early example of urban design. I understand that there was a meeting in April that was attended by various parties, including Historic Scotland. On-going maintenance is key, and collaboration from all members is needed. I commend the conservation area regeneration scheme as a way forward, but it is for Historic Scotland to advise on the case for Inveraray.
Historical Artefacts (Location Policy)
As I indicated in my answer to Tavish Scott, and in my letter to Dave Thompson following his supplementary question during parliamentary questions on 27 October last year, we support the local allocation of historical artefacts. The code of practice for treasure trove states that items will be allocated locally to an eligible museum unless a convincing argument for allocating them elsewhere is presented. That process is operated independently of ministers by the Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer.
I listened carefully to the question from Tavish Scott and to the answer, and I agree with him that those things should be exhibited locally.
In giving advice to the sector, one of the key issues is the capability and standard of the space in the local museum to host what can be very precious objects. I recommend that contact is made with Museums Galleries Scotland: it is the main channel for Government funding for the sector, and it can provide advice and support to local museums about the application process and the conditions that would need to be met.
Scottish Maritime Museum
The national strategy is designed to set out the direction and vision for the whole sector, Scotland-wide, to ensure that we can maximise reach, growth and potential over the next 10 years. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the Scottish Maritime Museum and, in response to recommendations from the ministerial think tank on museums, the museum is now in its second year of receiving direct funding from the Scottish Government.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that direct funding and for her existing support to the Denny tank museum, which is run by the Scottish Maritime Museum.
That is an interesting proposal. It is important that Scotland celebrates its maritime history. I have not visited the Denny ship model experiment tank and I would be interested to know more about it. In terms of our celebration of our engineering and shipbuilding, it is extremely important. We should take the opportunity to recognise the important work of the Scottish Maritime Museum in Denny and its other locations.
I am aware of the difficulties that have been experienced for many years with regard to securing an acceptable future for the ship the City of Adelaide, which is also known as the Carrick. Has the minister had assurances from the Australian national maritime museum about the ability of the heritage group, Clipper Ship “City of Adelaide”, to maintain the ship in a manner befitting its importance and its listing if it is allowed to go to Australia?
The member will be aware that, after a great deal of time when there was little action on the matter and a real risk of the demolition of the City of Adelaide, we carried out an appraisal of various bids. Neil Cossons, who is respected in the area, assessed the applications from the point of view in particular of ensuring that the heritage quality and support was provided. We have been reassured that the support that will be provided by the charitable organisation, the Clipper Ship “City of Adelaide”, will be such as to preserve and promote the ship in a way that was not possible in Scotland.
Infrastructure and Capital Investment
Scottish Water
I met the chair, chief executive and finance director of Scottish Water on 26 March 2012 to discuss Scottish Water’s business plans for 2012-13. I plan to visit Scottish Water to see some of the assets that it operates and to meet its staff over the coming months.
The cabinet secretary may be aware of a report that was published last month by Consumer Focus Scotland entitled “Trust and Transparency”. It investigated complaints of misleading letters, branded with the Scottish Water logo, being issued by the private insurance company, HomeServe, and selling insurance for water supply pipes. Consumer Focus Scotland found that many customers, including several of my constituents, mistakenly believed that the letter was a bill that had been sent directly from Scottish Water, rather than by HomeServe.
I am aware of the report and the concerns that were raised and I intend to raise the matter with Scottish Water to ensure that there is no repeat of the kind of problem that was experienced by Mr Maxwell’s constituents.
On a slightly different topic, the cabinet secretary will recall that the United Kingdom Government allocated to the Scottish Government £50 million for sleeper services and that, with the agreement of the UK Government, that was—
I am sorry, but that does not relate to Scottish Water.
It does, Presiding Officer.
You need to get to Scottish Water quickly.
With the agreement of the UK Government, that money was loaned to Scottish Water. Has the cabinet secretary had any indication from Scottish Water of what projects have been brought forward through the loan of that £50 million?
You got there.
This is a recent transfer and will be accounted for in the normal way.
Is the issue that was raised in the previous question an indication that there is a financial shortfall in Scottish Water at the moment? If so, will the cabinet secretary take the next opportunity that he has to discuss with the management of Scottish Water the possibility of using its own asset base to release capital for that and possibly many other projects?
We have considered the possibility of funding some of the investment programmes through the use of bonds, but that has been blocked by the Treasury and the UK Government, supported by Mr Johnstone.
A85 (Road Safety Improvements)
Cabinet secretary? My apologies—I call the minister, Keith Brown.
I was hopeful there for a second, Presiding Officer. [Laughter.]
The minister will be aware that the A85 is defined as one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads and that the report that was published on 28 February this year by the Road Safety Markings Association rated it as one of the worst roads for visible markings. It argued that poor road markings are obviously a contributing factor to accidents. What emergency repairs will take place to repaint the markings on the A85? Will the minister agree to carry out an urgent review of road markings on Scotland’s trunk roads?
I am happy to look at the specific issue of road markings, but the RARP study that I mentioned represents the best way to tackle the issues that are prevalent on the A85. The study looked not only at the incidence of accidents, but at measures that might help to alleviate them, such as measures on approaches to challenging bends and potential hazards. Such measures have been proven to be successful on other routes across Scotland. As I have said, I undertake to look at the issue of road markings as well.
In calling Annabelle Ewing to ask a supplementary question, I remind her that the question should relate to safety improvements on the A85.
As a resident of Comrie, I regularly use part of the A85 and am well aware of issues that have been raised from time to time, including by Comrie community council. The minister referred to certain reports. Will he clarify whether the report that I understand Scotland TranServ was preparing to respond to the concerns of Comrie community council in particular has been produced? If not, when is it likely to be?
Transport Scotland’s annual accident analysis identified issues on a stretch of the A85, including at Comrie, which Annabelle Ewing mentioned. A study has been carried out, and road safety measures are being designed. When their design is finalised, we will write to Comrie community council to detail the planned works and the construction date. That is likely to be in July this year.
Concessionary Travel (People Aged between 60 and 65)
As at 28 March this year, 328,266 people aged between 60 and 65 were in receipt of a national entitlement card under the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people. Those figures were provided by the local authority card management system.
Minister? My apologies—I call Annabel Goldie.
My goodness. My optimism is unbridled. [Laughter.]
It is perfectly legitimate to ask that question; indeed, it was asked in the debate earlier. Audit Scotland has also looked at the issue.
When will the minister be in a position to give details on the progress being made to encourage the utilisation of travel schemes in East Lothian?
The member will know that Transport Scotland recently met East Lothian Council and that the First Minister has stated that safeguarding bus routes is an absolute priority for the Government. We recognise that bus routes often provide a lifeline service in communities across Scotland. For my part, I am very hopeful that the recent meetings with East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council at officer level will lead to progress on the issue and will move us closer to a solution that serves the needs of local communities and protects as many local jobs as possible. Transport Scotland is providing support to local authorities and bus companies.
Welfare Reform (Homelessness)
It is too early to assess the impact. However, the measures restrict the amount of support that is available to people to cover housing costs, which might lead to an increased risk of homelessness.
Housing benefit payments to claimants in Scotland are expected to be cut by £38 million annually. Does the cabinet secretary agree with Citizens Advice Scotland and Scottish Churches Housing Action that the cut will impact on local authorities and housing associations throughout the country, particularly in the context of rent arrears and provision of housing and temporary accommodation?
As long as responsibility for housing benefit remains in London, we are limited in what we can do to make the benefits system work as well as possible for the people of Scotland. More than 150,000 households are experiencing or facing a reduction in their housing support, but not all of those cases will lead to a homelessness application. We are supporting local authorities so that the people who are at greatest risk are provided with help early.
Transport Infrastructure (West of Scotland)
In addition to more than £1 billion of investment in recent years on the M74 and M80 motorways and the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line, the Scottish Government is committed to further improving transport infrastructure in the west of Scotland, as we set out in our infrastructure investment plan. That includes up to £246 million in capital funding for the modernisation of Glasgow’s subway; up to £40 million of funding towards the fastlink scheme; £508 million to complete the M8 motorway and upgrade the M73 and M74; £169 million for the Paisley rail corridor improvements, which are nearing completion; and almost £12 million on essential strengthening works on the M8 White Cart viaduct at Glasgow airport.
The minister is obviously aware of the on-going upgrade to the M8 at the White Cart viaduct, adjacent to Glasgow airport. The work is due to be completed in May; can he confirm that that is indeed the case? Although the investment is much appreciated, the congestion that has been created and the issues that that has caused for businesses and commuters in the area have been less than helpful.
It is inevitable that on-going works on the motorway and trunk road infrastructure lead to some level of congestion. I can confirm that the temporary traffic management measures at the M8 White Cart viaduct will be removed by 6 May, and that the strengthening works will finish on 5 July.
Commonwealth Games 2014 (Regeneration)
Glasgow is being transformed through the building of infrastructure for the games, which will leave a lasting physical, economic and social legacy. The multimillion-pound athletes village will become a desirable new residential community after the games, providing 700 new, quality homes, and the state-of-the-art sports facilities will be available for the local community to enjoy before the start of the games.
An average of around 100,000 spectators will come to Glasgow on each day of the Commonwealth games. Does the minister agree that the numerous areas of derelict land in close proximity to games venues are an eyesore? In a 2 to 3-mile radius in the east end of Glasgow, there are around 20 to 25 derelict land sites. What steps is the Government taking, along with local authorities, to regenerate at least some of those sites in time for the 2014 games?
The member makes a very fair and relevant point. Glasgow City Council and South Lanarkshire Council have been asked to focus their full vacant and derelict land fund awards on sites that are related to the Commonwealth games, with 100 per cent being channelled in support of Clyde Gateway URC sites that contribute to the Commonwealth games. [Interruption.] Members can see that I am the minister who is responsible for Scottish Water. Glasgow City Council has been allocated £3 million for 2012-13 and £2.76 million for 2013-14, and South Lanarkshire Council has been allocated £1.27 million for the current year and £1.16 million for 2013-14.
Bus Travel
We invest around £250 million each year in bus services across Scotland. As I mentioned earlier, we are committed to the national concessionary travel scheme and the bus service operators grant. The inclusion in those schemes of demand-responsive transport services that are available to the general public, such as dial-a-bus, will assist vulnerable and elderly people in particular.
First bus services in Glasgow will suffer deep cuts and fare rises of up to 28 per cent at the end of this month. The managing director of First has said:
Could the member just ask his question? Time is running out.
Will the minister think again, put Glasgow bus passengers first, revise his bus funding cuts and, as a Glaswegian would say, give us a break?
As was mentioned during this morning’s debate, we believe that one of the main drivers—excuse the pun—for the additional costs that local bus companies face is fuel duty. The price of diesel has gone up by 57 per cent over the past five years. A reform of the funding system that rewards operators on the basis of distance travelled rather than fuel consumed is well overdue and seems to me to be environmentally sensible, which is why we have introduced it.
Question 8 has been withdrawn by Alex Fergusson for understandable reasons and question 9 has been withdrawn by Rhoda Grant for understandable reasons.
Economic Infrastructure (South-west Scotland)
The south-west of Scotland will benefit from a number of investments as set out in the infrastructure investment plan. Those include Scotland’s schools for the future programme, the replacement of Dumfries and Galloway royal infirmary and community infrastructure through the south-west hub, as well as other Scotland-wide investment in transport, digital, energy, housing and water programmes.
I welcome the commitment that the Scottish Government has shown thus far to the regeneration of Dumfries and Galloway. How can we as parliamentarians encourage and support local businesses that want to get involved in regeneration and community empowerment projects in the area?
I suggest that members follow my example in Airdrie and Shotts, where I am involved in getting two community development trusts set up—one in Airdrie and one in Shotts—to mobilise funding that is not always available to the local authority for investment in the area and to clean up the mess left by Labour.
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