Official Report 259KB pdf
14:02
The next item of business is general question time. To accommodate as many questions as possible, I ask for concise questions and answers.
Pumped Hydro Storage
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the economic and energy security opportunities presented by the development of pumped storage hydro across Scotland. (S7O-00377)
Pumped hydro storage will play a crucial role in ensuring secure and resilient energy systems for Scotland. Projects in the current pipeline are estimated to deliver significant economic benefits, including billions of pounds of investment, high-quality jobs, and an infrastructure legacy for decades to come. The Scottish Government is committed to engaging closely with projects in Scotland, including those within Ofgem’s cap and floor scheme shortlist.
Matters relating to security of supply are reserved to the United Kingdom Government, and delivery is the responsibility of the National Energy System Operator.
Scotland has some of the best natural resources in the world for renewable energy, but making the most of them requires us to store electricity when it is plentiful for use at times of high demand. Pumped storage hydro allows us to do exactly that, providing the flexible and long-term storage that is needed to support energy security and make better use of the renewable energy that we generate.
Given the scale of the opportunity, does the minister agree that decisions affecting investment in pumped storage hydro must recognise its wider importance to Scotland’s energy system and economy and take a long-term view of the benefits that those projects can deliver?
Mr Bouse is absolutely right to highlight the impact of our long-term, long-duration electricity storage capacity, including pumped hydro. That is vital to the energy transition.
Earlier this year, I visited Cruachan power station, which demonstrates the technology’s long heritage in Scotland. It is a remarkable site that continues to play a significant role in Scotland’s energy system, delivering resilience and jobs in the region and beyond. The Scottish Government will continue to support investment in pumped hydro storage, which will be vital to creating a flexible, sustainable energy system for the whole of Scotland.
The programme for government contains the novel proposal to accelerate “off grid” pumped storage hydro. Was that a drafting error or is the minister really putting that forward as a serious proposal?
Scotland has huge potential. Obviously, we want to take forward the whole of that potential, including with pumped hydro storage, which has massive potential.
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had—
Sorry, Mr Smith, but this is a supplementary to question 1. I will take the supplementary from your colleague Helen McDade.
Does the minister agree that pumped storage hydro would cover energy only for a few days in the event of a power cut and that it is extremely expensive to build new facilities? Can he give us the figures for the proposed new ones?
I just referred to the pumped hydro storage at Cruachan, not far from Ms McDade’s constituency, which has been providing electricity since the 1960s. A large number of projects are proposed, of which 10 are located in the Highlands. Six of those alone could support 14,800 jobs and generate almost £6 billion in economic activity by 2035. Given the potential, that is something that we should embrace.
City of Glasgow College (Health and Safety)
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with City of Glasgow College regarding reported concerns about exposure to carcinogenic welding fumes and the measures in place to ensure a safe environment for lecturers and students. (S7O-00378)
Responsibility for health and safety management rests with individual colleges, with regulation and enforcement undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive. The Government expects all colleges to comply with their legal duties and maintain safe working and learning environments for staff and students.
There were concerns regarding exposure to welding fumes in the City of Glasgow College’s welding and fabrication area. The Health and Safety Executive identified a number of corrective actions for the college to take. The college accepted those findings and implemented the required actions, which resulted in the closure of the HSE’s intervention. Ministers have written to the college and trade union representatives to reiterate expectations around health and safety, fair work and constructive engagement.
I am sure that the minister will agree that seven months is already too long for those safety concerns to remain unresolved. Will he work with me to bring the Educational Institute of Scotland and college management together, including through a joint visit to the college while the strike action is ongoing, to establish what needs to happen to resolve the issue—because it is not resolved—and to make sure that the students and lecturers have confidence about their safety and health?
I am grateful for the offer of intervention—if Monica Lennon is looking to be a mediator, I will happily work with her on that basis. Seven years—forgive me, I am not thinking that far ahead; seven months is too long for this to be happening.
The Health and Safety Executive did investigate and propose remediations, and those remediations were undertaken, so we are talking about a retrospective dispute. The member is correct that it has gone on too long, and I would support any efforts to make progress on that.
Some lecturers who work at the City of Glasgow College live in my constituency. As has been discussed, they have grave concerns about the current situation. If the history of asbestos conditions tells us anything, it is that we cannot take any risks when it comes to health and safety in workplaces. Can the minister reiterate his concern and double his efforts to ensure that engagement takes place between the relevant parties? We cannot take any risks with health and safety.
We are in strong agreement, as I would expect to be with my friend and colleague Mr McMillan. The Health and Safety Executive has investigated the issue and proposed remediation, which was undertaken. There is a need for more dialogue and it needs to be intensified. I want to see an end to the dispute.
BBC Scotland (Proposed Closure)
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the BBC Scotland television channel is to be closed. (S7O-00379)
The proposal to close the BBC Scotland television channel is wholly unacceptable, and the Scottish Government opposes it in the strongest possible terms. It represents a significant blow to Scotland’s media landscape and raises serious questions about the BBC’s commitment to Scottish audiences and its obligation to serve all parts of the United Kingdom fairly and equitably.
It is worth noting that the decision comes against a backdrop of wider funding inequalities, with BBC expenditure in Scotland being well below that which is raised from the licence fee in Scotland. Separately, there is an entirely unjustifiable gap in funding from both the UK Government and the BBC for Welsh-language and Gaelic-language broadcasting. I have raised my concerns directly with the BBC Scotland director and with Ofcom.
Let us be clear: the BBC’s decision is a disgrace, particularly for those who rely most on traditional television for news and information, such as the elderly and the digitally excluded. At a time when Scotland’s constitutional future is once again a pressing issue, the need for balanced and informed debate and distinctly Scottish broadcasting has never been greater. Therefore, does the cabinet secretary agree that the BBC’s decision strengthens the case for devolving broadcasting powers to the Scottish Parliament? Given the Prime Minister’s oft-repeated promises of further devolution, will the Scottish Government press for broadcasting powers to be included in any such discussions, so that decisions about Scotland’s broadcasting future are made here, in Scotland, and are not imposed from Westminster?
The Scottish Government is firmly of the view that responsibility for broadcasting ought to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and we will continue to make that case. Recently, as part of our engagement on the BBC charter review, I set out directly to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport our view on the need for devolution, as well as for essential developments in greater accountability, stronger representation of Scotland’s interests and, as Mr Merrick said, decision making closer to Scottish audiences.
Since becoming culture secretary, I have had cause on more than one occasion to reiterate to the BBC and Ofcom that Scotland is a nation—not a region—whose people should be able, when they turn on their radios and televisions, to see their lives authentically reflected back at them, so the BBC’s decision presents another blow.
Local journalism is vital to the health of local democracy. The BBC’s announcement, which follows the axing of STV North last year, is part of a growing trend of cuts in national and regional media. Many of our local papers in the south of Scotland are already hanging by a thread. It is those papers that inform the public and hold us, as politicians, to account when we do not deliver. What is the Scottish Government doing to support local journalism in rural areas such as the south of Scotland?
That question was slightly off the topic, but I call the cabinet secretary.
I am happy to answer that question. I am in firm agreement on the point about the value of public service broadcasting and journalism, including local journalism. We have been working to develop local journalism through the establishment of a group. I will be pleased to write to Mr Dunlop to further update him on that. Progress of late has involved formulating the group, for which the Scottish Government provides a secretariat. I understand the call for support, and the Government intends to keep providing it in the way that we can.
Dundee and Angus College (Transform Programme)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any discussions it has had with the senior leadership of Dundee and Angus College regarding the college’s transform programme. (S7O-00380)
I thank Heather Anderson for being a great advocate for the University of Dundee and all the other educational institutions in Dundee.
The Deputy First Minister discussed the college’s transformation plans with its senior leadership when she visited the college on 12 August. We recognise the contribution that the college’s proposal could make to skills provision, economic development and place-based regeneration. I am glad to announce that, in March 2026, the Scottish Government provided an additional £2 million of funding, enabling the Scottish Funding Council to designate Dundee and Angus College as a first-wave college, with the funding supporting the development of an outline business case. The college has now submitted its outline business case to the Funding Council for review, and the Government is being kept updated on progress.
Dundee and Angus College’s transform programme has the potential to be revolutionary for Dundee and Tayside. The Biggar Economics report that was published last year found that the plans could bring an estimated £1.8 billion-worth of wider benefits to the Tayside area. The proposals to expand the Gardyne campus, the new purpose-built science, technology, engineering and mathematics facility and the green skills innovation hub will ensure that local people will be well equipped to work in the industries of the future.
With the budget on the horizon, is the minister willing to meet the leadership of Dundee and Angus College to ensure that he is fully familiarised with the stages of funding required and the aims of the transform programme?
Yes, and attending such a meeting is already on my list. As the University of Dundee has turned a corner with its new principal—who is, to my mind, really impressive—there is scope for partnership between the university, the college, Abertay University and the senior phase school, because the geography lends itself to that. That could be transformative for the whole region and for the public purse, so I am keen to be kept involved and I thank the member for her advocacy.
Hydro Schemes (Rateability)
To ask the Scottish Government what its understanding is of the term “penstock” in class 1(g) of the schedule to the Valuation for Rating (Plant and Machinery) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, including whether that includes the penstock of a hydro-electric scheme, and if so, whether it is exempt from rateability under that provision. (S7O-00381)
Mr Leask is right in understanding that penstock is listed in the regulations that he refers to. However, that is subject to litigation, so I hope that he will appreciate that I cannot comment on matters relating to live rating appeals.
The valuation of non-domestic property is a matter for independent Scottish assessors, who follow applicable statutory provisions and case law in making their decisions.
I acknowledge the restrictions placed on the minister due to the legal process that is under way.
More broadly, will the minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can support small-scale and community hydro developments that are facing such challenges, and others?
I thank the member for his understanding. I am really happy to engage with him, particularly given the importance of such projects in his constituency, which I know he is a valuable and determined advocate for.
When rural estates face increasing rates liabilities for hydro schemes, that often leaves them less money for habitat and peatland restoration, woodland creation and other environmental projects. Why is the Scottish Government allowing enlightened landowners to be penalised, and why is it diverting money away from the very environmental improvements that ministers claim to champion?
Mr Baxter will be aware that hydro schemes with a rateable value of not more than £5 million may be eligible for 60 per cent relief. I am very happy to engage with him regarding the specific issues that he raised.
Royal Navy Surface Fleet
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding calls for additional Royal Navy surface fleet assets to be based in Scotland. (S7O-00382)
We, of course, engage regularly with the UK Government on the serious and important matter of defence. It feels incredibly important to do so right now, particularly given a report from the UK Parliament’s Defence Select Committee that outlines the existing glaring gaps in the UK’s ability to properly defend itself.
Faslane naval base is the operating base for the entire UK submarine fleet. It also operates Sandown-class minehunter vessels and Archer-class fast patrol boats. In addition to that, in Scotland, Royal Air Force Lossiemouth has the Typhoon fast attack response and Poseidon anti-submarine operations.
The Scottish National Party’s claim that Scotland has been left undefended is simply not correct and is dangerous. What specific additional ships is the Scottish Government calling for, and what operational roles does the Government envisage those ships undertaking?
I am not sure whether Mr Smith was listening to my initial answer, in which I referred not to SNP remarks but to those made by the UK Parliament Defence Select Committee, which has outlined glaring gaps in the UK’s ability to defend itself, particularly in the high north, where we know there is a threat from Russia.
Perhaps Mr Smith does not want to talk about that because I would have to remind him that, when Mr Putin launched his illegal invasion of Ukraine, Mr Smith’s party leader sought to blame the European Union and NATO for the actions of that tyrant. Shame on him.
The Labour UK Government is now investing significantly in defence and in His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde at Faslane. However, the Scottish Government does not have an industrial strategy to speak of, and certainly not one that focuses on growing the defence sector. As we face increasing global threats, as the cabinet secretary rightly said, will the Scottish Government produce an industrial strategy as a matter of urgency, so that the Scottish economy benefits from the need for better defence?
Again, that question is not quite on the nose, but you can answer it, cabinet secretary, if you want to.
I am more than happy to do so. As Jackie Baillie will know, we outlined our intentions on a defence programme in the programme for government, and I intend to take that forward at pace.
I would encourage Ms Baillie, if she can, to engage proactively with our colleagues in the UK Government and show them the Defence Committee report that highlights those glaring gaps. Of course, it was only earlier this year when the UK Government had to rely on Germany to fulfil its NATO commitments because its warships were unavailable.
Does the cabinet secretary join me in welcoming the five type 31 frigates that the Royal Navy is building in Rosyth, which is a vote of confidence in Scotland and in the union? However, does he accept that we are not gaining the full economic benefit of that due to ongoing skills shortages in Scotland’s defence industry, with Babcock being forced to hire 300 welders from the Philippines? What is the Scottish Government doing to ensure that we expand access to high-quality apprenticeships in Scotland’s vital defence industry?
Of course I welcome and support the incredible work that has been done by employees at Babcock on the type 31 frigates and, indeed, by those at BAE Systems on the Clyde on the type 26 frigates. Indeed, our Scottish workforce is so successful that the small sovereign independent nation of Norway will be buying those frigates. That shows exactly what small independent nations can achieve.
On the skills point, it is helpful that Mr Hoy has asked this question, because it allows me to tell members in the chamber that this Government is working in partnership with the UK Government through a £10 million commitment to ensure that we have those skills coming through colleges. I know from a direct conversation that I had with one of the principals last night just how much the college sector welcomes that investment.
Fly-tipping and Littering
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to local authorities, including in Dundee and Angus, to address fly-tipping and littering. (S7O-00383)
Local authorities play a crucial role in tackling littering and fly-tipping. The Scottish Government has strengthened the enforcement tools that are available to local authorities, by increasing the fly-tipping fixed-penalty notice to £500 in 2024 and also through the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024. The powers in the 2024 act will give local authorities more tools to take action on litter and fly-tipping and will act as a deterrent. The code of practice on litter and refuse provides guidance for local authorities, which remain responsible for local actions and are best placed to prioritise services according to local needs.
Many councils have been forced into four-weekly bin collections, restrict access to recycling centres and impose charges for garden waste collection because of years of real-terms cuts by the Scottish Government. The changes have reduced opportunities for legitimate disposal and are widely linked to the rise in fly-tipping. Will the minister commit either to restoring the funding that councils need to reinstate more frequent and accessible waste collections or to introducing a specific national programme that delivers the same outcome?
That is a first for me—being asked about weekly bin collections—as this is not a council chamber.
The 2026-27 budget provides a further real-terms increase in the local government settlement, delivering record funding of £15.7 billion, including a quarter of a billion pounds of unrestricted general revenue grant. That policy is to provide local authorities with the flexibility to determine how resources are allocated locally. The vast majority of funding is provided through the block grant, allowing councils to manage their budgets and prioritise their spending on the basis of their local needs and circumstances.
Yesterday, I met Baillieston community council, which again drew my attention to fly-tipping that regularly occurs on the private land at Gardeners Lane. Is the minister confident that councils are making enough use of section 179 notices, and what more can be done to compel those who have private land to clean up fly-tipping?
If private land is affected by the scourge of fly-tipping, the option of engaging with Zero Waste Scotland, which provides the private landowners grant fund to support the prevention and removal of fly-tipping on private land, is available to landowners.
In the past couple of years, £20,000 was awarded to three projects, and a further £38,000 was awarded to several projects last year. Various other practical interventions, such as closed-circuit television, lighting, barriers and signage, can also act as deterrents in such cases.
Littering and fly-tipping are deeply selfish crimes that ruin our beautiful countryside and landscape, and they put our cherished wildlife at risk. Does the minister believe that the punishment for fly-tipping should fit the crime and that mandatory litter picking should be enforced as part of any sentencing?
Ms MacDougall might want to look at the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, which introduced powers for local authorities to issue a fixed-penalty notice to householders who fail to check whether a waste carrier is authorised when their waste is fly-tipped; civil penalties for littering from vehicles; and powers for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and local authorities to search and seize vehicles that are suspected of being used in waste crime.
The fixed-penalty notice was increased on 1 January 2024 to £500, but we will keep that level under review. The 2024 act provides powers to increase the penalty to £1,000, if required.
“Economic, social and cultural rights in the South of Scotland.”
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address concerns raised in the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s October 2026 report “Economic, social and cultural rights in the South of Scotland”. (S7O-00384)
Economic, social and cultural rights are of vital importance in enabling everyone across Scotland to live a life of dignity. Relevant Scottish Government actions that are under way in 2026-27 include the allocation of around £3.5 billion to policies that tackle poverty and the cost of living. Our £37 million rural and islands housing fund has already benefited a range of South Scotland communities, and we have invested more than £10.4 million in local action groups across the south of Scotland through our community-led local development programme since 2021. We will consider the report’s recommendations carefully and will respond in due course.
: TheScottish Human Rights Commission has found that the “right to health” is “deteriorating” in the south of Scotland and that action so far has been “insufficient”. Does the minister accept that, after years of declining access to services, particularly maternity care in the west of Galloway, Government intervention is now the only credible way forward? Given the minister’s role in addressing human rights concerns, will she work with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care to trigger a higher level of national health service intervention in order to protect patient safety and to restore equitable access to care for rural communities in Galloway and West Dumfries?
I will absolutely be working with all my ministerial colleagues, because we recognise that human rights sit across all our portfolios, including health. However, I am mindful that South Scotland’s demographic issues are not reserved to one area and that isolation among older people is also an issue.
The Government is doing lots of work in this area, including funding the Food Train, which helps older people across Scotland to live healthy, independent and well-nourished lives. I will be focused on that, along with our other policies.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission has found that poor public transport is putting essential public services out of reach across South Scotland. I welcome the Government’s recent announcement of greater public control of buses, but will it also consider a rural minimum transport guarantee like those in place in independent countries such as Switzerland, so that access to services does not depend on being able to afford a car?
That issue does not sit entirely in my portfolio, but I am more than happy to discuss it with Laura Moodie. One thing that I am mindful of is that transport is absolutely needed to remove barriers, particularly for people with disabilities. I am happy to work with Laura Moodie on that.
That concludes general questions.
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