Official Report 379KB pdf
13:31
The next item of business is general question time. Many members wish to ask supplementary questions, so, in order to get in as many members as possible, I prefer short and succinct questions, with answers to match.
Artificial Intelligence Data Centres (Planning Guidance)
To ask the Scottish Government what urgent action it is taking to bring forward planning guidance on AI data centres in order to enable local authorities to fully and properly assess their impact on local communities and the environment. (S7O-00126)
As Mr Day knows, the sector relating to AI data centres is evolving at pace. This morning, I had a round-table meeting with sector and industry representatives to discuss planning. The Scottish Government is clear that, because communities will be affected by such developments, their voices must be central to the considerations. At the same time, it is important that local planning authorities are able to engage in decision making.
The Scottish Government is also clear that any new AI infrastructure should minimise reliance on fossil fuels. We are urgently considering whether more formal guidance is required to help local planning authorities.
I thank the minister for that helpful and informative answer. Given the scale of live and imminent AI data centre applications, there has been significant focus recently on the environmental impacts. There are encouraging signs that data centres could be district heat ready and that waste heat could be used to warm local homes and businesses. What action is the Scottish Government taking to encourage all applications to include, when appropriate, plans for district heating?
The extent to which heat can be reused is already a consideration in the determination of data centre planning applications. National planning framework 4 policy 19, on heat and cooling, states:
“National and major developments that will generate waste or surplus heat and which are located in areas of heat demand, will be supported providing wider considerations, including residential amenity, are”
as Mr Day suggests, taken into account, so that communities are not adversely impacted. It goes on to state:
“A Heat and Power Plan should demonstrate how energy recovered from the development will be used to produce electricity and heat.”
I am looking for shorter answers, to be honest, if we are going to get more people in.
Yesterday, I met constituents outside the Parliament who are concerned about the potential impact on local communities and the environment of the energy consumption of proposed AI data centres in Irvine, Bishopbriggs and Hunterston, in my region. At least 24 controversial sites are being considered across Scotland. Does the Scottish Government agree that national guidance would not only assist councils and ensure a consistent approach but ensure that the voices of communities are heard strongly in decision making, as the minister said?
I am sympathetic to the concerns that Katy Clark has raised. The national mood in this parliamentary session is for decision making to be held and retained locally. I understand that there is a request for national guidance, but that would be a deviation from where we are as a Parliament. However, if the mood of the Parliament is changing, the Government is open to listening, and that is a conversation to be had.
Continuity of Prescribing and Support for Young People with Neurodevelopmental Conditions (Transition to Adult Healthcare)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure continuity of prescribing, clinical oversight and support for young people with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions as they transition to adult healthcare services, particularly in relation to the prescribing of treatments and medications initiated in childhood that provide benefit in adulthood, including whether it has issued any guidance to NHS boards. (S7O-00127)
As is set out in the neurodevelopmental specification for children and young people, a robust transition care plan should be put in place in line with the Scottish Government’s transition care planning guidance. Young people should be fully involved in the planning of their transitions to adult services or other services as appropriate to their needs.
In 2018, the Scottish Government published the transition care plan guidance, which describes the standards that are required in the planning of good transitions for young people who are moving from children’s services to adult services.
I welcome the work that the Government is undertaking to improve transitions from children’s services to adult services. However, one of my constituents has told me that they remain concerned about the continuity of prescriptions, such as those for melatonin, when responsibility transfers between services. Will the minister provide reassurances that national health service boards are being supported to ensure that no young person experiences an interruption to clinically beneficial treatment solely because they have reached adulthood?
I thank Steven Bonnar for his point. Clinical responsibility for prescribing rests with the clinician who is taking on a young person’s care, and they must exercise their professional judgment. They should take full account of a young person’s prior treatment and clinical history, and they should work collaboratively across services to provide safe and appropriate continuity of care.
I reassure Steven Bonnar that the Scottish Government continues to engage with NHS boards to support the implementation of good transition planning, including joined-up work between children’s services and adult services.
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests regarding my former employment at Scottish Autism.
At the 2021 election, one of the key asks of campaigners for new legislation for neurodivergent people was for more systemic accountability through the whole-life journey, including the many life transitions that can create points of need—whether that is from childhood to adulthood, as Steven Bonnar notes, or when people become parents, undergo menopause or reach older age.
Question, please.
There was also an ask for legislation that worked across policy silos. When will the long-promised learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence bill be introduced, and how will it provide that whole-system accountability?
We are continuing work with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the children and young people’s neurodevelopment task force to deliver the actions set out in the implementation review of the national neurodevelopmental specification for children and young people. We have provided more than £2.9 million of additional funding for that.
I thank Mr Bonnar for asking the question. Does the minister recognise the benefits of a holistic approach to supporting those with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as that of Spark Connections in Larkhall, in my constituency, which is visiting the Parliament today? It supports young people through learning about animation and film making, and it helps to tackle loneliness and isolation. Does the minister agree that promoting such organisations through social prescription would benefit people across Scotland?
If the Presiding Officer will indulge me, I note that one of the group, TJ, is celebrating his birthday today, so will the minister join me in wishing him a happy birthday?
Happy birthday.
I wish TJ a very happy birthday, and I hope that Alex Kerr is shouting him a cake later on.
A wide range of support and services can appropriately meet the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals. Effective support is holistic, is needs based and requires a whole-system approach. The third sector plays a hugely important role in that. Organisations such as Spark Connections give young people the opportunity to socialise and explore their interests in a neuro-affirming environment. In recognition of that, we are committed to publishing a national social prescribing framework in order to strengthen social prescribing as a core element of person-centred care.
New Refugee Doctors Project
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made in increasing use of its new refugee doctors project, including to support medically qualified refugees from Gaza. (S7O-00128)
Scotland welcomes refugee doctors and is committed to supporting them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from rebuilding their medical careers. Since 2017, the Scottish Government has provided more than £1.6 million in funding to the bridges refugee doctors programme to support refugee medical professionals in attaining General Medical Council registration. We do not hold information on the country of origin of the refugee doctors supported.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, but it will mean little to the family of Mohammed Al-Habil, a paramedic at Al-Shifa hospital, who was killed by an Israeli strike about 10 days ago while filling water containers with his teenage son.
Doctors and paramedics in Gaza are being killed more quickly than any scheme can register them. During the election campaign, the Scottish National Party promised to increase use of the new refugee doctors project, which is meant to help medically trained refugees from Gaza and other places to get registered for work in the national health service. Seven weeks in, is the cabinet secretary able to say how many people that promise has reached? Will the Scottish Government commit to fast tracking it before more of Gaza’s medics are killed while waiting?
I assure the member that the Scottish Government will continue to work with and pressure the United Kingdom Government regarding the role that it has to play in this humanitarian cause.
The bridges project is dear to my heart, given my involvement in earlier iterations of the programme. To date, 60 refugee doctors have obtained GMC registration. I am aware that we could support many more people, so we will continue to work with the programme to understand what more we can do, and we will also increase our expectations of other partners.
Blindwells Housing Development
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic housing site. (S7O-00129)
The Scottish Government is committed to working with East Lothian Council and private partners to unlock investment and growth at the strategic site at Blindwells, and we are providing £2.4 million of funding flexibility to support the development of the outline business case.
Developments of this scale, with the potential to deliver more than 10,000 homes, are also central to our work to tackle housing pressures across Scotland. Blindwells could deliver hundreds of much-needed family homes, which could make a significant impact and a positive contribution to meeting local demand and supporting thriving, sustainable communities.
The development is of strategic importance to East Lothian and would bring much-needed housing and jobs to the area. What reassurances can investors be given that the Scottish Government will work with them to deliver the project?
As I mentioned in my original answer, my ministerial colleagues and I recognise the strategic importance of Blindwells not just to housing but to the East Lothian economy. On 25 March, the former Cabinet Secretary for Housing wrote to the chief executive of East Lothian Council to confirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting the outline business case. My officials will continue to prioritise working with the council and others on the project, and we will act in as positive and pragmatic a manner as we can.
Forensic Tagging Spray (Deployment)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Police Scotland’s review of the deployment of forensic tagging spray, including when it expects a decision on its future operational use. (S7O-00130)
I confirm to David Barratt that forensic tagging sprays can invisibly and harmlessly mark a person, vehicle or property with a unique identification code. The use of such technology is an operational matter for the chief constable, but I confirm that it is being used in different parts of the country, including in the north-east division. He might be aware that it is also to be introduced in the Fife division.
The technology can be used as a deterrent and a forensic aid. Police Scotland has commenced a comprehensive review of its use to consider the potential benefits for prevention, intervention and detection, as well as examining operational issues. The conclusions of that review are expected before the end of the year.
Forensic sprays are just one of the tools available against the scourge of off-road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes. Those items are already illegal to use anywhere but on private land. However, they are sold openly and without disclaimers. Does the Scottish Government have the power to ban or further regulate the sale of off-road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes?
I commend the Cowdenbeath community, who I know are working hard with the police, on their actions. On the point that David Barratt made, the regulation of the sale of those items is reserved. However, we have consistently pressed for greater engagement with the United Kingdom Government, so that we can work together to address this kind of vehicle-related crime. That includes calling for progress on the registration of off-road vehicles. Unfortunately, progress so far has been limited, but we will continue to press for further action.
That complements the work that Police Scotland is doing through its campaigns to improve awareness of where and how such vehicles can be used responsibly, alongside the steps that responsible retailers should be taking.
I assure David Barratt that we will continue to press the UK Government to put the registration of off-road vehicles in place as part of managing safe and responsible use.
Knife Crime Prevention Strategy
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to renew its strategy on preventing knife crime, particularly among young people. (S7O-00131)
I am grateful to Pauline McNeill for asking that important question. A new strategy to prevent violence is being developed with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, which will be published later this year. The strategy will aim to preventing violence from happening in the first instance and will focus on reducing further harm in those instances when it occurs.
The principles of the Scottish Government’s violence prevention framework remain embedded in our funded activity for 2026-27. We are providing more than £2 million this year to organisations to take forward a range of preventative actions, which means that support for that activity totals more than £8 million since 2023. Members may have heard the Cabinet Secretary for Justice note that he is willing to explore all options in that regard.
This month, three teenagers were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy at Irvine beach last May. That is just one example. In that case, the superintendent, Graeme Gallie, said that
“violent crime among young people is falling”
but that
“weapon carrying is on the rise.”
That is the point that the Scottish Government needs to think about in its strategy. The superintendent also said:
“We have through our stop and search activity noticed that weapon-carrying is on the increase, especially amongst teenagers.”
Of course, we know that some teenagers carry a weapon because they want to feel safe.
I have had some conversations with the legal profession—
Please ask a question. We are trying to get a lot of people in here, and the idea is to ask questions and get answers.
I am trying to get across a substantial point. I want to give the background—
I do not want the background; I want a question, please.
I have to get a chance to set the context, but, okay, I will ask the question.
Has the Government spoken to the legal profession, which has defended boys, about how we can take a different approach to explain to young people the implications for their lives? I am really asking the Scottish Government whether it might need to think about a refresh of its policy.
I appreciate the importance that the member is placing on this issue. It is a matter of concern to all of us. We are all equally invested in making sure that the prevention focus that the Government has at the heart of its work is absolutely embedded in everything that we are doing in this place.
I have spoken about the new strategy that is being developed. Obviously, we still have the existing strategy. I add that the vast majority of young people are not engaged in the behaviour that we are concerned about, but we need to have a focus on how we prevent it occurring.
As I indicated earlier, the cabinet secretary has stated in the past week or so that he is willing to look at all options. That would include, if appropriate, a knife amnesty.
Ensuring that Scotland’s communities remain safe places to live in is absolutely crucial, which is why we must invest in early intervention to target those who are at risk of engaging in crime. Can the minister advise how that is reflected as a priority in the Scottish Government’s approach to tackling knife crime?
I am grateful to Dawn Black for her focus on the vital importance of our communities being and feeling like safe places to live in. We know that the consequences of knife crime can be devastating. That is why we continue to invest in violence prevention programmes and, in particular, in early intervention programmes that are aimed at children and young people. Education programmes on the danger and unacceptability of carrying a knife, such as YouthLink Scotland’s No Knives, Better Lives initiative, have provided information to hundreds of front-line practitioners who are particularly engaged with young people.
Of course, there are consequences when offences are committed, but the final element of our approach is sustained school and community engagement with young people, for instance through Police Scotland’s youth volunteers, to ensure that we have a focus on prevention and creating responsible citizens.
Why have ministers not delivered the level of proactive policing that is needed to disrupt knife carrying before lives are even put at risk instead of relying on investigations after another incident has happened?
I am grateful to Stephen Kerr for his question, but I point him to some of the previous answers that I have given. There needs to be a holistic approach to this very serious issue, and I have outlined significant elements of the prevention focus that is a crucial part of our approach. Dealing effectively and sustainably with this issue will take prevention as well as detection, consequences and education.
New Railway Stations
To ask the Scottish Government, following the First Minister’s commitment on 26 May regarding the opening of new railway stations, when it will publish details of the potential locations and their development timetables. (S7O-00132)
As the First Minister set out, the Scottish Government will invest in essential infrastructure across Scotland, including new train stations and ongoing electrification of our rail network. We will advance consideration of a new railway to Ellon, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, and are currently examining the case for a link from Tweedbank to Carlisle. We will also deliver a station at Winchburgh, as is set out in the 2026-27 budget. We are committed to improving Scotland’s rail network, as is clearly demonstrated by our delivery of a publicly owned, modernised rail service with improved reliability and accessibility.
Given the 2028 opening of the River Tweed trail—the long-distance path that will start in Moffat, the jewel of the south, and run 113 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed—and the probable extension of the Clydesdale way into Moffat a few years later, it is likely that more than 300,000 additional cyclists and walkers will visit the town annually, putting a huge strain on its ability to cope with road traffic.
Will the minister work with me to urgently advance the Beattock Station Action Group’s plan to reopen what could be one of the busiest small stations on the network?
I am aware of the member’s particular interest. I am advised that Transport Scotland officials responded to the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership in June 2023 to confirm that the outcome of its review of SWestrans’s Beattock and Moffat transport appraisal report was that a robust business case had not been made for a Beattock station to be progressed further in the development process. Although I commend the work done by SWestrans, the action group and the local community. SWestrans’s own transport appraisal report clearly acknowledged, for example, that the option of a rail station at Beattock simply did not “stack up” from an economic perspective. I appreciate the member’s point.
Given the fragility of bus services across Dumfriesshire, will the minister commit the cabinet secretary, who is overseas, to a meeting with me, so that I can reinforce the case for a station at Beattock, which is now increasingly vital?
I appreciate Mr Hoy inviting me to compel the cabinet secretary, but I would be more than happy to relay the member’s request to the cabinet secretary.
Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the operation of the accessible vehicles and equipment scheme, including whether any of the changes to the United Kingdom Motability scheme, such as reduced mileage allowances, increased excess mileage charges and changes to lease conditions, will apply to people using the scheme in Scotland and, if so, when. (S7O-00133)
The Scottish Government has been working closely with Motability since March, and its notification of changes from 1 July in England, Wales and Northern Ireland—the 1 July commencement—is not set to apply in Scotland. Those changes by Motability are a direct consequence of the UK Government’s decision to remove tax exemptions for Motability vehicles in the November 2025 budget. Since that announcement, I have raised concerns with UK Government ministers and Motability, particularly for customers living in rural and island communities. Our discussions with Motability have focused on understanding how the removal of those tax exemptions might affect our accessible vehicles and equipment scheme, and customers will be notified about any changes as soon as possible.
Does the cabinet secretary recognise the distress that is being caused to constituents, including a disabled veteran in my region, by the continued uncertainty around the scheme? Will the Scottish Government commit to a clear timetable and consultation process so that people in Scotland are not left in limbo about a service that is critical to their independence, access to work and family life?
I recognise that distress, and that is exactly why I raised the issue with United Kingdom Government ministers, who do not appear to have looked at it at all before they made their decision in the most recent budget.
I commend Motability for its willingness to work with the Scottish Government and to not put the measures in place from 1 July. Motability will continue to work with the Scottish Government to see what can be done, because it also recognises the distress and inconvenience that the situation is causing.
I reassure the member that the reason why the changes are not happening on 1 July is that Motability is keen to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that we are doing as much as we can to support those Motability customers. That reassurance is important because, as I said, I very much recognise the distress that has been caused by the UK Government’s budget decisions.
Traveller Community Facilities
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to provide sanitation facilities for the Traveller community living on land that it owns in Granton, Edinburgh. (S7O-00134)
We expect local authorities to take the lead in responding to unauthorised encampments, including consideration of welfare needs, such as access to sanitation facilities. The Government is fulfilling its legal obligations as landowner by taking steps to secure the clearance of unauthorised encampments.
We recognise the significant health and safety risks that those on the site and in the local community face. We will continue to engage with partners, including the local authority.
Will the Scottish Government also look to address the ongoing issue of fly-tipping on the wider site, which is causing distress to local residents and is being incorrectly attributed to Traveller communities?
It is crucial to point out that fly-tipping is a criminal offence and that local authorities have enforcement powers to address it, alongside wider action at national level to reduce illegal dumping and protect local environments. It is a local authority responsibility, but we will continue to work with local authorities to get waste uplifted.
Community Cohesion and Resilience
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the importance of community cohesion and resilience, including the role that local galas play in promoting this. (S7O-00135)
I thank Colin Beattie for his important and relevant question.
Community cohesion remains a core priority for the Scottish Government, recognising that trust, connection and inclusion underpin resilient communities and a flourishing Scotland for all. Gala days and local celebrations showcase communities at their very best. They bring people together in inclusive and welcoming spaces to build relationships and celebrate our shared identity.
Does the minister agree that local galas, many of which have their roots in historic mining communities, continue to play an important role in modern society through preserving cultural traditions, including pipe bands, and by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds?
Will she join me in celebrating the galas held across my constituency of Midlothian North as excellent examples of communities coming together at a time when community cohesion is more important than ever?
I absolutely agree with Colin Beattie. Celebratory events bring local communities together and will always play a vital role in modern Scotland. They are a powerful expression of community spirit, bringing people together to celebrate their local areas and to share a sense of belonging. I absolutely join Colin Beattie in welcoming the gala events in his constituency.
Tomorrow, people in Bo’ness will come together for the most important day in the town’s calendar, the Bo’ness fair. There has long been a friendly rivalry between my home town of Linlithgow and neighbouring Bo’ness, so, in that spirit of community cohesion, will the minister join me in wishing queen elect Holly, the full retinue from Grange primary school and the whole town a really successful fair day tomorrow?
I thank Jenny Young for her supplementary question. I will not comment on the rivalry between Bo’ness and Linlithgow, but I welcome the celebration in her local community.
Thank you very much, colleagues. That concludes general question time for today.
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