Chamber and committees

I think that Ben Farrugia made the point about money earlier.

Yes, he did.

Ruth Maguire has a supplementary in this line of questioning.

Stephanie Callaghan has a brief supplementary question on this issue, and then we will have questions from Ross Greer.

Talking of transport and cross-border activities, we will move to questions on cross-border placements. We have heard that the funding model for secure care depends on centres running with at least 90 per cent occupancy—some of the words are a bit harsh, and I am not comfortable with saying them. The number that is required for that level of occupancy is generally more than the number of young people from Scotland who come into those centres, so many of the centres are reliant on young people from the south and other parts of the United Kingdom being placed in their care.

Do our witnesses have any views on cross-border placements? Are you aware of any differences in the fees that might be charged for Scottish young people and for those from elsewhere in the UK?

Can you make your comment brief, Stephen? I am just keeping an eye on the clock.

As a member of the cross-party selection panel that was established by the Presiding Officer under our standing orders, I am delighted to speak to the motion in my name, which invites members of the Parliament to agree to nominate Nicola Killean to His Majesty the King for appointment as the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland. The Presiding Officer chaired the selection panel and the other members were Bob Doris, Kaukab Stewart and Martin Whitfield.

As part of the recruitment process, in addition to being interviewed by the cross-party panel, the candidates were interviewed by a panel of young advisers who had collaborated with children on setting the questions that the candidates were to be asked. Our thanks go to all of those who were involved—especially to Meghan, aged 11 and Sandy, aged 10, for their particularly challenging questions.

We had the pleasure of meeting the young advisers and getting their feedback on the candidates, which was an invaluable part of the process. On behalf of the panel, I thank them all very much for their time, commitment and absolutely excellent feedback. I am delighted that one of the advisers is in the public gallery this afternoon, watching the debate.

As members might be aware, the role of the commissioner is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people in Scotland. In particular, the commissioner must promote awareness and understanding of the rights of children and young people; keep under review the law, policy and practice relating to the rights of children and young people; promote best practice among service providers; and publish research. The commissioner also has powers to investigate some issues that affect children’s human rights.

I turn to the panel’s nominee, who is in the chamber with her family. Nicola Killean is the chief executive officer of Sistema Scotland, which delivers the social change programme Big Noise in five cities across Scotland, using music and nurturing relationships to support more than 3,500 children and young people. I am sure that a number of members will have engaged with Sistema and will know of its very valued work in their communities. Its newest project is in Wester Hailes. I have seen at first hand the benefit that it has brought to that community, and I hope to visit the project again very soon.

Nicola Killean graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with a degree in music education, and, throughout her career, she has had a particular focus on creating opportunities for children and young people from disadvantaged communities. The panel believes that Nicola’s blend of skills, knowledge, experience and commitment to children and young people will make her an excellent commissioner.

Lastly, I will mention the outgoing commissioner, Bruce Adamson, who has served since 2017. Bruce had a considerable impact as the commissioner, and I am sure that we would all like to thank him for his many achievements during his term of office and wish him the very best for the future.

I move,

That the Parliament nominates Nicola Killean to His Majesty The King for appointment as the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland under section 2 of the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Historic Environment Scotland sites that remain closed. (S6O-02138)

The minister will know that, in 2022, Linlithgow palace had to close due to the masonry inspections that Historic Environment Scotland carried out. It is very much hoped that it will reopen this summer, but that will be only partially.

Linlithgow palace has recently been victim to vandalism. Conservation teams are working to assess the damage, which will no doubt be costly to repair, and experts will be required to carry out the work.

Can the minister assure me that the closure and lack of full accessibility will not adversely affect Linlithgow’s local economy and tourism industry? Can she confirm that the recent vandalism will not hinder the palace’s partial reopening date?

We will move to questions from Michael Marra.