Infrastructure, Investment and Cities
Homecoming Scotland 2014 (Cities Infrastructure)
Building on Scotland’s already impressive track record of delivering highly successful major events including homecoming Scotland 2009, the Scottish Government and partners on the homecoming Scotland 2014 strategic group, including VisitScotland and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers, are working together to help to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support the inspirational programme of events and activities that will take place in cities, towns and villages across Scotland throughout the year.
In launching the events programme for homecoming 2014 today, the First Minister stated that the city would be one of the epicentres for homecoming, with events such as the celebration of the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn and its role as a transport hub for the Ryder cup. Given that each event will involve 50,000 visitors, will the cabinet secretary undertake to ensure that the Government funds the necessary upgrading to local infrastructure and to have an early meeting with council leaders to plan for the success of the events?
The First Minister is absolutely right to point to Stirling’s central role in the 2014 celebrations, in which the year of homecoming and the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn are two of the obvious events. The Scottish Government is working hard with partners to ensure that the events are the success that we all want them to be and I and the Minister for Transport and Veterans are happy to discuss with Stirling Council and, indeed, other councils how we prepare properly for events that I know we all hope will be a roaring success.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that infrastructure already in place as a result of fantastic expenditure from the Government and organisations such as Historic Scotland, which has been used to create the fantastic new James V palace at Stirling castle and to upgrade the Bannockburn site, represents a fantastic investment? I also understand that Creative Scotland is making available £250,000 to help the National Trust for Scotland to stage a fantastic event on the Bannockburn field. Does that not stand in stark contrast to the problems being caused by the Tory and Labour-led Stirling Council, which has now cut expenditure for 22 cultural organisations at a time when we are dealing with the 2014 celebrations?
Local budgets are obviously a matter for individual local authorities, but I note that Stirling Council is making cuts to cultural projects in the run-up to 2014 and hope that councils ensure that their decisions are in line with the ambitions that we all have for the success of the events that we will celebrate in 2014. As the member rightly said, the Scottish Government has invested in infrastructure as heavily as we can, given Westminster’s reductions to our capital budget, and that investment includes some very important investment in Scotland’s cultural infrastructure. The James V palace at Stirling castle that Bruce Crawford mentioned is a fantastic example of that kind of collaborative investment and one to which I am sure visitors will flock both in 2014 and in other years.
The cabinet secretary should be aware of the concern in the Stirling area about potential traffic congestion in and around the Bannockburn site during the 700th anniversary event because of the lack of parking facilities in the area. What plans does the Scottish Government have to support park-and-ride facilities to avoid disruption to local residents?
Substantial plans are in place to ensure that we can cope with the influx of visitors that we all hope will happen in areas such as Stirling. That will be a thoroughly good thing; indeed, I know how enthusiastic Murdo Fraser is about the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn celebrations. The Minister for Transport and Veterans will be happy to write to the member and, indeed, other members to set out in detail some of the specific park-and-ride plans for Stirling and other areas where such facilities will be necessary.
Rail Passenger Services (Franchise)
The retendering of the franchise to operate rail passenger services in Scotland is proceeding according to the arrangements laid out before the Parliament on 6 December 2012. It will begin in summer 2013 for a handover on 31 March 2015 at the end of financial year 2014-15.
I draw the minister’s attention to the lack of a Sunday service on the Glasgow to Maryhill line. If such a service was introduced, it would provide significant benefit to the constituents whom I serve. Can the minister explain what provisions could be placed in any tender document to enhance services on such lines? Will he look specifically at the case for a Sunday service on the Maryhill line?
The retendering process for the ScotRail franchise will require bidders to demonstrate the adaptations that they will make to timetables to accommodate variations in demand, such as the example that Bob Doris has mentioned and those that result from seasonal variations in passenger numbers due to public holidays and special events such as the Christmas and new year period. I am sure that those who are interested in bidding for the franchise will listen closely to any representations that Bob Doris might make to them.
The minister said previously that he would welcome a bid from a mutual or not-for-profit organisation in the franchise tendering process. Why then, in a written answer to me today, has he ruled out the possibility of civil servants being seconded to work on such a bid, although that would be the only way of creating a level playing field with the private companies, which will have scores of staff employed in their bid teams?
Richard Baker’s question betrays an appalling lack of knowledge about the bidding process. The idea that we could second civil servants to help with a particular bid in a competitive process is just nonsensical. Of course it is possible for a mutual or public sector-related organisation to be involved in the bidding process. We have asked the Westminster Government specifically whether we could have a public sector bid, but we have been told that that is not possible—the question has been asked a number of times in the past. As we have made plain before, if people can demonstrate experience of running railways, which is a prerequisite laid down by the United Kingdom Government, it is possible for them to make a bid. However, the idea that we could second civil servants to help with such a bid is a non-starter.
Journey Times (Dumfries to Glasgow and Edinburgh)
The Government recognises the importance of efficient and effective transport links to deliver sustainable economic growth. Since 2007, we have invested more than £1.2 billion in improving the trunk road network in the south-west of Scotland. Those enhancements have improved journey time reliability and safety and delivered further overtaking opportunities, which obviously alleviate frustration. We have also delivered incremental improvements to rail services from Dumfries, which have provided enhanced commuting opportunities, improved connections and reduced journey times.
I am aware of the Government’s considerable—indeed, record—investment in the south-west road network, in particular on the A75. However, Dumfries is the south-west capital and it is badly served by slow train services to the central belt and by the A701 road, which is an accident black spot. What more can the Government do to address that situation in the future?
On the one hand, as I have mentioned, we will require bidders for the next ScotRail franchise to outline their fleet and deployment strategies to deliver both new and specified services across the network. I will expect bidders to demonstrate how they will improve the comfort and suitability of the trains that operate on longer-distance routes.
We would all appreciate faster road journey times between Dumfries and Glasgow, but I am sure that the minister will agree that speed limits should be observed while undertaking the journey.
As I have said on a number of occasions, the stations fund will start in April next year, although it is possible for people to put together bids at the present time. On the member’s question about the process and support that will be required for such bids, there should be support from the local authority or regional transport partnership, which should be involved at the early stages to ensure that the bid is the preferred and most efficient option for the area. There is no reason why the regional transport partnership and the council cannot get together at this stage to work with local people on putting together a bid. However, as I said, the actual disbursal of funds will take place from April next year.
Broadband (South of Scotland)
The delivery of next-generation broadband in the south of Scotland is being progressed through the rest-of-Scotland procurement exercise, which is part of the Scottish Government’s step change 2015 programme. The tender process for the rest of Scotland commenced in September last year, and that was followed by a detailed supplier engagement process and an invitation to tender, which was issued in January 2013. The project remains on track to meet the commitment to award the final contract by the end of June this year.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that there are communities across the south of Scotland, in particular in Dumfries and Galloway, that do not have access to broadband at all yet. How will those communities benefit from the roll-out of next-generation broadband?
I know that Aileen McLeod has taken a close interest in this issue. I absolutely understand the frustration that people feel when they have inadequate access to broadband, and that is why the step change programme is so important. With the rest-of-Scotland programme, matched with the Highlands and Islands programme, the contract for which was signed yesterday, we have a £240 million package of public sector funding that will help us towards our aim of delivering world-class digital access to all of Scotland by 2020. There is also the important interim milestone of having infrastructure with the capacity to deliver next-generation broadband to 85 to 90 per cent of premises by 2015. The constituents to whom Aileen McLeod is referring will clearly benefit substantially from that.
Scottish Communities League Cup (Values)
It has been a great success. Our sponsorship of the Scottish communities league cup is a commitment to build on what is good about the game, taking the passion from the grass roots and communities and providing a positive message to the rest of football and indeed society. We have been working in partnership with the Scottish Football League, the Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football Association and clubs to engage with communities and educate young people to understand the three pillars of the cup: respect, responsibility and tolerance.
As the cabinet secretary will be aware, the famous Paisley St Mirren recently won the Scottish communities league cup. Will the cabinet secretary agree with me that, on the day of the final, St Mirren and Hearts fans indeed promoted the values of the tournament? Will she note the amount of community involvement that St Mirren has sustained for so many years, including in the run-up to and after the final? In Paisley, we are lucky to have such a great community-based club. Does the minister agree that sports clubs such as St Mirren, engaging with their local communities in that way, can only be positive for those communities?
Mr Adam, you could not help yourself.
As someone who supports another team that plays in black and white, I am sure that George Adam’s shirt and tie combination today is completely coincidental. I take this opportunity, however—as I am sure the First Minister would also wish to do—to congratulate St Mirren Football Club on what was indeed a famous victory in the cup final.
On a matter of black and white, I hope that we can save the famous Pars, who play at East End park—and I hope that members agree on that. I will be going along to the game tonight to watch them playing Falkirk, and anybody else who wants to join me should feel free to do so. I hope that the Deputy First Minister agrees that it would be great if Dunfermline Athletic came through their current difficulties successfully.
As somebody with nephews in Dunfermline who support that team who play in black and white, I say in all seriousness that I think everybody in the chamber will understand the severity of the situation that Dunfermline Athletic Football Club faces just now. I echo Bruce Crawford’s comments. I am sure that all fans of that club will get behind it and we all wish it every success as it tries to pull through its current difficulties.
Public Transport (Fares)
The Scottish Government provides substantial funding for rail and bus services in Scotland, including subsidies to make public transport an attractive alternative to the private car. In the coming year we will offer £187 million in national concessionary travel reimbursement to ensure free bus travel to people over 60 or with disabilities and £50 million in bus service operators grant, which helps to keep fares lower than they would otherwise be. Within our £5 billion package of improvements for the rail network, we support almost 75 per cent of the cost of a rail ticket through Government subsidies.
State-run East Coast has been widely regarded as a success, with more than £600 million in premiums and profits paid into the United Kingdom Government coffers in the last three years. Does the minister agree that a state-run service can be a success? Will he make representations to the UK Government not to return East Coast to the profiteers of the City of London? Will he outline what plans he has to return Scotland’s rail network to successful public ownership?
Part of the answer lies in the response that I gave previously to Richard Baker, which is that we are prohibited from doing that. We have asked the UK Government about that. It is of course something of an anomaly that a state-owned organisation in Germany can bid for the public rail services in Scotland and yet we cannot currently have a public sector bid in Scotland. It is also very surprising to me that I was not contacted by the UK Government on the question of the east coast mainline. For my part, I was very surprised that it should see that as a priority, given the state of the franchising process for other franchises. I will take up that matter with the UK Government.
Hub North Scotland Ltd (Meetings)
I have not met hub North Scotland Ltd directly, but officials regularly brief me on hub developments. Hub North Scotland is making good progress with regard to delivering new infrastructure projects for the public sector.
From the briefings that the minister has received, is she aware that the new Anderson high school in Lerwick is to be built by the tier 1 bidder Miller, and yet a local consortium of three Shetland building businesses was not allowed to bid? Will she look into why that happened and give me an explanation as to why taxpayers and value for money were not helped by having a broader tender?
I am more than happy to write to Tavish Scott with the full background to the question that he asks and to give him the detail that he requests. I am aware of the situation around Anderson high school. I am also aware of some of the community benefits that are envisaged to be achieved through the project, such as targets around having one apprentice and one graduate trainee per £6 million of capital expenditure.
Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (Wi-fi)
CalMac Ferries Ltd has undertaken a number of trials of several wi-fi delivery methods, including satellite, point-to-point wireless and 3G. CalMac hopes to tender and introduce a new service model during 2013 and has started the formal procurement process for the introduction of wi-fi on all its ferries that serve the Clyde and the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
As a regular user of CalMac ferries I appreciate the progress that is being made. However, the minister will be aware that CalMac is trailing behind NorthLink Ferries Ltd in the introduction of wi-fi on its vessels. Given the loss in productivity associated with the lack of wi-fi on long and short sea crossings, what can the minister do to ensure early introduction of wi-fi on CalMac ferries sooner rather than later?
First, I point to the difference in scale between CalMac and NorthLink Ferries and the number of routes that they serve. However, I agree with the member and am convinced of the benefits of wi-fi to ferry users who want to make the best use of their business and leisure time on board CalMac ferries. As I have said, CalMac is in the process of preparing a full business case.
Culture and External Affairs
Highlands and Islands (Culture)
The Scottish Government is a strong supporter of the unique culture of the Highlands and Islands. Along with our national agencies and other partners, we have been working to sustain and celebrate the heritage and cultural life of the Highlands and Islands and promote the area. We are particularly keen to support our Gaelic heritage, which is why Creative Scotland provides regular funding to Fèis Rois to support its important work in the area.
The minister will be aware that Moray Council has cut its arts funding by 100 per cent, which will mean the closure of more than seven libraries, the loss of an arts development officer, the withdrawal of funding for museums, and an impact on the viability of 33 local arts groups in Moray. What discussions has the Scottish Government had with Moray Council to mitigate those swingeing cuts? What is the council’s statutory responsibility to the arts?
On the latter point, the council’s only statutory responsibility is in relation to libraries, as the member might well know. It is deeply disappointing that Moray Council has taken that step, and it is in contrast to the actions of many other local authorities. Indeed, only last week I visited East Ayrshire Council, which really embraces culture in every aspect, and Moray Council would do well to learn from the experience of East Ayrshire Council.
In addition to the cuts in Moray that Rhoda Grant has talked about, I understand that the number of principal teachers is likely to be cut. Does the cabinet secretary agree that cultural appreciation starts in schools and it is very much to be regretted if the Independent and Tory-led council in Moray makes those cuts as well?
Education and culture clearly go hand in hand, and the Government has provided its creative education toolkit. I reiterate the importance of music, drama and arts in our education system.
Question 2, in the name of Alex Fergusson, has not been lodged for understandable reasons—Alex Fergusson was on Parliament business in Malawi at the time.
Computer Games Industry (Women)
Computer games are a sub-sector of the creative industries—one of the seven growth sectors of our economic strategy. We are working with our partner organisations to review our approach to developing support for the creative industries sector. That work includes the development of a skills investment plan, led by Skills Development Scotland.
I am interested to hear that update. Computer games technology is worth around £30 million to our economy. The expanding industry is young and dynamic and of course it has a strong presence in Dundee. However, only 18 per cent of the students who are studying games-related courses at Abertay university are female. Surely the full potential of the industry will be better realised if it can draw on a diverse workforce, so I urge the cabinet secretary to ask Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and the universities to work together to develop that action plan.
I hope that I have given the member reassurance on that with my previous answer regarding the skills investment development process that is taking place. It is important that we encourage more young women into science—including computing science—and engineering at schools so that they are in a position to be encouraged to go into the games industry. Decisions about career courses at Abertay university will be made while young women are at school. Therefore, I hope that the work that Angela Constance, our Minister for Youth Employment, is taking forward with regard to careerwise and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics support that she is providing for young women, with the announcement of £250,000 to encourage girls to consider careers in science—including computing science—and engineering will be of assistance in that regard.
BBC Scotland (Job Losses)
Ever since the BBC published its proposals for handling its reduced budget as a result of the licence fee settlement that was negotiated behind closed doors over 48 hours by the United Kingdom Government, the Scottish Government has consistently stood up for BBC jobs in Scotland and for high-quality news and current affairs coverage by BBC Scotland.
Will the Government take the same constructive and engaged approach with regard to Scotsman Publications and job losses?
Excuse me, Mr Johnstone. I will take your question in a minute. It has just been pointed out that Mr Gibson did not get the opportunity to ask a supplementary.
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
As I said, the First Minister and I have repeatedly requested assurances from the BBC on coverage, particularly with regard to quality in news and current affairs. That should apply to all parts of Scotland and I am conscious of the sheer geographical size of the Highlands and Islands and the importance of providing that coverage.
I refer the minister to the question that I asked some moments ago, regarding the Government’s attitude to a similar problem at Scotsman Publications.
It is important that we have quality news and current affairs coverage in all branches of the media. It is disappointing that job losses are being announced across the Scottish media at this important time in Scotland’s history. It is important that we work with different publications. I am conscious of the independence of newspapers—they are clear in stating that to us. However, I have deep concerns about the announcements, which are disappointing.
Fair-trade Products
The Scottish Government funds the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, an independent body whose role is to promote fair-trade products in Scotland. On 25 February, at the start of Fairtrade fortnight, I had the great pleasure of announcing that Scotland had achieved fair-trade nation status. Achieving that status raises awareness of all fair-trade products.
I welcome the minister’s comments about the Fairtrade football campaign. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the world’s footballs are hand-stitched by child labour in one town in Pakistan. I am sure that we would all agree that that is a shocking statistic.
I want to place on record my acknowledgment of the work that Neil Bibby did over Fairtrade fortnight to raise awareness of the Fairtrade football initiative. I will write to him with some of the detail of what we are planning to do in schools and youth groups, and I would be happy to meet him to discuss the issue because, of course, it is not only schools that are important—other organisations are, too.
Question 6, in the name of Adam Ingram, has not been lodged. The member has provided me with an explanation.
Film Making
Creative Scotland has lead responsibility for the promotion of film making in Scotland. Creative Scotland administers a fund for film and broadcasting and has allocated funding to Film City Glasgow to examine the feasibility of a film studio project, with substantial funds earmarked for further development opportunities. Additionally, Creative Scotland is working with Scottish Enterprise to explore film studio projects.
Edinburgh attracts many international productions, the benefits of which are realised across Scotland. However, that business is dependent on local expertise and a healthy film culture. Edinburgh’s ill-fated Marketing Edinburgh has decided to reduce the Edinburgh film focus team to one film officer, to the dismay of producers across the country. What steps will the cabinet secretary take, along with national film-making interests, to ensure that film making in Edinburgh and its outlying districts is protected and enhanced?
Clearly, this is a matter for the City of Edinburgh Council. I have concerns about the announcement—I think that it is short-sighted and sends the wrong signals. In terms of the revenue that can be generated from film making, I encourage the City of Edinburgh Council and Marketing Edinburgh to take up Creative Scotland’s offer for discussions on the issue to see whether there is a way forward.
Creative Scotland (Film and Television Production)
The Scottish Government is in regular contact with Creative Scotland about a range of activities, including film and television production. On Thursday 21 March, I attended a Creative Scotland board meeting at which film and television issues were discussed. At that meeting, I was briefed on Creative Scotland’s recently commenced film review. I also had a meeting with Scottish Enterprise about the creative industries last week at which opportunities for film were discussed.
I am grateful to the cabinet secretary for that update. It seems to be progress. However, will she explain to the Parliament how co-operation with Scottish Enterprise is being taken forward and what action is being taken to ensure that, whenever a chief executive of Creative Scotland is appointed, film and television production are considerably better looked after than perhaps the industry thought they were in the past?
It is interesting that the film industry has provided positive feedback on the support to date. However, Patricia Ferguson is absolutely right to identify the importance of continuing support with the appointment of the new chief executive. That is precisely what I discussed with Scottish Enterprise last week. We need to ensure that there is good connectivity between its work on business development for some of the high-growth sectors and the indigenous film industry to ensure that we have links with Creative Scotland.
Book Week Scotland 2013
I note the member’s particular enthusiasm for the project. Book week Scotland in 2012 was Scotland’s first national celebration of reading. It took place between 30 November and 9 December 2012. It was a manifesto commitment that was managed by Creative Scotland and delivered by the Scottish Book Trust.
I thank the cabinet secretary for telling us that the plans are in development. The Scottish Library and Information Council looks forward to working in partnership to ensure that 2013 is as successful as 2012.
I agree with that. Indeed, I am pleased to have the support of the Scottish Library and Information Council.
Drama (Social Issues)
The Scottish Government believes that culture, particularly the performing arts, can be a powerful way to raise awareness of social issues. That is why in 2012-13, together with Creative Scotland and our national performing companies, we have funded a wide range of projects and organisations that have sought to use the arts to address inequality and intolerance.
It was indeed.
I indeed congratulate those young people and encourage all members to attend the parliamentary premiere. It is an excellent initiative that uses arts and culture to address hard-hitting issues and ensure that young people are able not only to tell their own stories but to reflect on that experience and change people’s views and opinions.
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Emergency Question