I am aware of the issues, which were shared with me at the same time, no doubt, as they were sent to Mr Bibby. I am also aware that Angela Leitch and her team added extra events so that people could take part in the review process.

I give an absolute assurance that marginalised groups who think that their voices have not been heard or who want to make additional suggestions can do so while Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government and our partners—such as our enterprise companies—are considering the contents of the review. I encourage them to pass on their suggestions through Mr Bibby and through other members of the Scottish Parliament, whether those suggestions are made in the formal part of the process or afterwards. We are thinking about the culture sector more broadly, not just about Creative Scotland, and I give Mr Bibby the assurance that their views will be taken very seriously.

We take the motion of 3 September very seriously. Although a ceasefire has been agreed since the motion was passed, that has not yet brought the peace that will end the bloodshed. That is why we continue to take very seriously the terms of the motion on matters such as boycotts.

Clearly, our cultural institutions are independent of Government, but I am clear in my expectations that all institutions in every part of Scottish public life should abide by the intent of the motion that was passed by the Scottish Parliament in September. The Scottish Government has implemented a range of economic and humanitarian measures in direct response to the motion, as that is the most direct and effective response that is available to us within our delegated powers.

I thank Michelle Thomson for the opportunity to debate St Andrew’s day and, as I close the debate, for us to reflect on what St Andrew’s day truly represents, not only for Scotland but for Scots everywhere and for people everywhere who love Scotland. It is more than a date in the calendar; it is a celebration of who we are—a nation with deep roots and global reach, as we have heard, that is proud of our heritage and confident in our future.

Michelle Thomson began her introductory speech by saying that St Andrew’s day provides a huge opportunity to promote Scotland, and I agree. She made a comparison with Ireland, and it is worth having a look at what Ireland does every year. This year, 38 representatives of the Irish state took part in St Patrick’s day events in more than 90 cities in 40 countries. We can learn much from our Celtic cousins for the promotion of Scotland on our national day. Michelle Thomson also mentioned the opportunity to co-operate better with the culture sector, at home and abroad, as part of St Andrew’s day celebrations. I would be pleased to take that away and raise it with culture sector colleagues.

Kenneth Gibson made an intervention about the anniversary of the battle of Athelstaneford. Paul McLennan, as the member for East Lothian, is well placed to remind us about the origins of St Andrew and Scotland’s national flag. He called for support from across the chamber for a formal event to mark St Andrew’s day in the Scottish Parliament, and I join him in that.

I was delighted to hear Stephen Kerr call for the promotion of Scotland at home and abroad. He was absolutely right that we should miss no opportunity to do that, so I look forward to him talking up the international promotion of Scotland and the diaspora in future.

Carol Mochan paid tribute to the cross-party group on St Andrew’s day, and I take this opportunity to join her in doing so. Like other members, she talked about the opportunities for the promotion of Scotland. For colleagues who are not aware of it, I mention the brand Scotland strategic partnership that the Scottish Government chairs, which brings together public bodies such as VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, Scottish universities and many others. If colleagues have not yet been to www.scotland.org and made use of the free-to-use promotional materials to promote Scotland, they should please do so. I look forward to colleagues from across the chamber making the most of that.

Carol Mochan drew attention to diaspora Scots who have left the country. She was right to do so, but it is important to say that, in 2025, diaspora means more than that—it includes those who want to be associated with Scotland and people who have studied here, lived here or travelled here. I commend to members the “Scottish Connections Framework”. Members should have a look at that to see what we are trying to do in reaching out to Scotland’s historical, current and—no doubt—future diasporas. There is an opportunity to do that not just on St Andrew’s day but throughout the year.

Christine Grahame brought wonderful historical context for St Andrew’s day, and John Mason brought us the religious context. The latest public insight monitor shows that more than a quarter of people in Scotland mark the day, which is a clear sign of its growing importance in our national life. St Andrew’s day reminds us that Scotland is one of the oldest nations in the international community, but one that continues to innovate and inspire. It is a day that unites us across communities, faiths and continents. From Edinburgh to Eindhoven and from Glasgow to Guelph, Scots and friends of Scotland will gather to celebrate our shared identity and values.

However, it is not just about tradition; it is about opportunity, and the Scottish Government’s “Scottish Connections Framework” sets out a clear ambition to strengthen ties with our diaspora and to build cultural, educational and economic links that benefit Scotland and our global partners. Today’s debate has shown that St Andrew’s day is a powerful platform for that ambition.

I recently had the privilege of hosting the Argentine ambassador along with esteemed guests from Buenos Aires to celebrate our shared passion for rugby and mark 200 years of cultural connection. The historical ties between Scotland and Argentina run deep, and reminders of the enduring relationship can be seen throughout Buenos Aires, where references to St Andrew—San Andrés—are woven into the city’s identity. Members have mentioned the diaspora in North America, but it is often forgotten that Argentina has the fifth largest Scottish diaspora in the world.

Every celebration abroad, whether in countries that share St Andrew as a patron saint or where our diaspora thrives, tells Scotland’s story and opens doors for trade, tourism and cultural exchange. This week, I will join friends in Switzerland and Germany to showcase Scotland’s strengths in innovation in energy, life sciences and the creative industries while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Many of my ministerial colleagues will also champion Scotland internationally, in Ireland, Belgium and London, alongside our global network of offices, which will host activities to mark the day. I pay tribute to our international network of Scottish Government offices, our Scottish Development International staff in a further 30 locations, and the more than 1,200 GlobalScots.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis Canavan, whose determination ensured that St Andrew’s day became a national holiday. His work reminds us that, when we act together across parties and sectors, we achieve lasting change. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what we need now as we deepen Scotland’s international connections.

Finally, let us remember that St Andrew himself is a figure who transcends borders—a patron saint shared by many nations and a symbol of unity and diversity. In that spirit, I commend all those who will celebrate St Andrew’s day, here and around the world. Together we can ensure that this national day continues to bring people closer, forging new pathways and telling Scotland’s story with pride. Scotland is a global nation, Scotland is connected and, on St Andrew’s day, Scotland shines.

I thank Michelle Thomson for the opportunity to debate St Andrew’s day and, as I close the debate, for us to reflect on what St Andrew’s day truly represents, not only for Scotland but for Scots everywhere and for people everywhere who love Scotland. It is more than a date in the calendar; it is a celebration of who we are—a nation with deep roots and global reach, as we have heard, that is proud of our heritage and confident in our future.

Michelle Thomson began her introductory speech by saying that St Andrew’s day provides a huge opportunity to promote Scotland, and I agree. She made a comparison with Ireland, and it is worth having a look at what Ireland does every year. This year, 38 representatives of the Irish state took part in St Patrick’s day events in more than 90 cities in 40 countries. We can learn much from our Celtic cousins for the promotion of Scotland on our national day. Michelle Thomson also mentioned the opportunity to co-operate better with the culture sector, at home and abroad, as part of St Andrew’s day celebrations. I would be pleased to take that away and raise it with culture sector colleagues.

Kenneth Gibson made an intervention about the anniversary of the battle of Athelstaneford. Paul McLennan, as the member for East Lothian, is well placed to remind us about the origins of St Andrew and Scotland’s national flag. He called for support from across the chamber for a formal event to mark St Andrew’s day in the Scottish Parliament, and I join him in that.

I was delighted to hear Stephen Kerr call for the promotion of Scotland at home and abroad. He was absolutely right that we should miss no opportunity to do that, so I look forward to him talking up the international promotion of Scotland and the diaspora in future.

Carol Mochan paid tribute to the cross-party group on St Andrew’s day, and I take this opportunity to join her in doing so. Like other members, she talked about the opportunities for the promotion of Scotland. For colleagues who are not aware of it, I mention the brand Scotland strategic partnership that the Scottish Government chairs, which brings together public bodies such as VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, Scottish universities and many others. If colleagues have not yet been to www.scotland.org and made use of the free-to-use promotional materials to promote Scotland, they should please do so. I look forward to colleagues from across the chamber making the most of that.

Carol Mochan drew attention to diaspora Scots who have left the country. She was right to do so, but it is important to say that, in 2025, diaspora means more than that—it includes those who want to be associated with Scotland and people who have studied here, lived here or travelled here. I commend to members the “Scottish Connections Framework”. Members should have a look at that to see what we are trying to do in reaching out to Scotland’s historical, current and—no doubt—future diasporas. There is an opportunity to do that not just on St Andrew’s day but throughout the year.

Christine Grahame brought wonderful historical context for St Andrew’s day, and John Mason brought us the religious context. The latest public insight monitor shows that more than a quarter of people in Scotland mark the day, which is a clear sign of its growing importance in our national life. St Andrew’s day reminds us that Scotland is one of the oldest nations in the international community, but one that continues to innovate and inspire. It is a day that unites us across communities, faiths and continents. From Edinburgh to Eindhoven and from Glasgow to Guelph, Scots and friends of Scotland will gather to celebrate our shared identity and values.

However, it is not just about tradition; it is about opportunity, and the Scottish Government’s “Scottish Connections Framework” sets out a clear ambition to strengthen ties with our diaspora and to build cultural, educational and economic links that benefit Scotland and our global partners. Today’s debate has shown that St Andrew’s day is a powerful platform for that ambition.

I recently had the privilege of hosting the Argentine ambassador along with esteemed guests from Buenos Aires to celebrate our shared passion for rugby and mark 200 years of cultural connection. The historical ties between Scotland and Argentina run deep, and reminders of the enduring relationship can be seen throughout Buenos Aires, where references to St Andrew—San Andrés—are woven into the city’s identity. Members have mentioned the diaspora in North America, but it is often forgotten that Argentina has the fifth largest Scottish diaspora in the world.

Every celebration abroad, whether in countries that share St Andrew as a patron saint or where our diaspora thrives, tells Scotland’s story and opens doors for trade, tourism and cultural exchange. This week, I will join friends in Switzerland and Germany to showcase Scotland’s strengths in innovation in energy, life sciences and the creative industries while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Many of my ministerial colleagues will also champion Scotland internationally, in Ireland, Belgium and London, alongside our global network of offices, which will host activities to mark the day. I pay tribute to our international network of Scottish Government offices, our Scottish Development International staff in a further 30 locations, and the more than 1,200 GlobalScots.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis Canavan, whose determination ensured that St Andrew’s day became a national holiday. His work reminds us that, when we act together across parties and sectors, we achieve lasting change. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what we need now as we deepen Scotland’s international connections.

Finally, let us remember that St Andrew himself is a figure who transcends borders—a patron saint shared by many nations and a symbol of unity and diversity. In that spirit, I commend all those who will celebrate St Andrew’s day, here and around the world. Together we can ensure that this national day continues to bring people closer, forging new pathways and telling Scotland’s story with pride. Scotland is a global nation, Scotland is connected and, on St Andrew’s day, Scotland shines.

The ScotWind leasing round, which was developed by Crown Estate Scotland, was informed by a 2021 review that was based on expert independent advice to ensure long-term value. It is important to take a holistic view of all the economic value that can be derived from ScotWind—not simply initial option fee payments. For example, ScotWind developers have committed to investing an average of £1.5 billion per project in Scotland, which is expected to deliver jobs and significant economic benefits.

I note that Mr Ewing has written to the Auditor General to ask for an investigation. Scottish Government officials discuss future audit programmes with Audit Scotland, but, ultimately, any decision will be a matter for the Auditor General.

I am sure that Mr Ewing knows this, but the English and Welsh leasing round 4 is not comparable to ScotWind. It comprised fixed-bottom developments in shallower waters, in contrast with the ScotWind programme, which is comprised of a majority of projects that use floating technology further offshore in more challenging conditions, therefore requiring a higher cost base for projects to be constructed.

As I have already confirmed, reviews have been based on expert independent advice. If Mr Ewing has any suggestions about those, I would be happy to pass them on to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy.

I met Scottish Television on 6 November, and the Scottish Government will continue to engage on the matter, including by responding to Ofcom’s forthcoming consultation. The Scottish Government expects all broadcasters to reflect the diversity of our nation and our local communities. I will continue to champion a vibrant, inclusive and regionally representative media sector and a strong and sustainable Scottish broadcasting sector.

I am sure that Douglas Lumsden will appreciate that I, as somebody who represented a north of Scotland constituency and studied in Aberdeen, enjoyed the joys of Grampian Television before the change to STV. I understand that there is a particular dimension to the proposed changes for Aberdeen, the north-east and the north of Scotland more generally, and that is why I wanted to raise those points directly with Rufus Radcliffe. I think that he and STV will have heard the views of members across the chamber about the concerns that people have.

Members have talked about the issue of advertising and said that there are projected increases in advertising income. I was told by STV that its concern is about reducing advertising income. There is a disparity there, and it is for STV to clarify that so that we can best understand the matter. Everybody wants sustainable journalism and a sustainable STV, but we will have to understand the decision making that has been involved. I have made my position on supporting journalistic jobs in Aberdeen and right across Scotland absolutely clear.

I totally agree with Beatrice Wishart. She is absolutely right. Communities in Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and the north of Scotland, where there are particular regional reasons why the news order might be different and news reports might have different content, will have to compete much more with content from the heavy population centres in central Scotland. Having lived in the north of Scotland, I have no doubt that that will cause concern to people.

It is for STV to give assurances that any proposed changes will not lead to a diminution in reporting from Shetland or anywhere else in the north of Scotland. I have asked those questions and answers have been provided, but much more will be required to satisfy me and members across the chamber.

I do not know how comfortable Willie Rennie is with being applauded by the Conservatives; I would be a little bit concerned if I were him. Surprise, surprise—there are different views on Scotland’s constitutional future. This party and the Scottish Green Party are in favour of Scotland becoming an independent member state of the European Union; the Liberal Democrats are in favour of a federal United Kingdom; and I think that the Labour Party is in favour of protecting devolution. I have no idea what the Tories’ position is at present.

I would have hoped that all of us, as democrats, could agree on one thing: that the future of the country should be determined by the people. That is why, given the change of circumstances post-Brexit, a majority in this Parliament wish there to be a referendum on Scotland becoming an independent country within the European Union. I am sorry that the Liberal Democrats are departing from what I thought was their traditional position, which is to support Scottish home rule and Scottish self-government.