Chamber and committees

We still await the report of the public inquiry into this proposal and until that report is received and the application is determined it is not considered appropriate to speculate on possible outcomes.

If, following receipt of the report of the public inquiry, it is considered that the order should be made and that the proposal will be likely to have a significant effect on a European site, Scottish Natural Heritage will be consulted for the purposes of completing an appropriate assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).

We currently expect to receive the report later in the autumn.

The Environmental Statement submitted with the application and additional reports submitted to the public local inquiry detail the species and habitats that could be affected by this proposal. These are publicly available on the website of the Scottish Government Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals as documents considered by the reporters whose report is still awaited.

Scotland’s “nature, heritage and culture” has been identified as one of the four key assets in the industry-led “Tourism Scotland 2020”.

The Antonine Wall is one of hundreds of locations all over Scotland to feature in VisitScotland’s Brave movie map. The map is available free of charge in over 100 VisitScotland information centres throughout the country, providing an at-a-glance map of locations all over Scotland that are reflected in the movie.

Marketing and promotion is undertaken both collectively and individually by partners (Historic Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council and Falkirk Council): a series of leaflets and pop up displays were created by Historic Scotland for all World Heritage Sites in Scotland and includes versions for the Antonine Wall which are also being produced in Gaelic and German. Local authorities will advertise the Wall in their local marketing brochures.

<>Youth Music Initiative funds are allocated and administered by Creative Scotland, our public body for culture and creative industries. I have asked Andrew Dixon, Creative Scotland’s Chief Executive, to write to the member with this information. Further details about Creative Scotland’s activities are available at http://www.creativescotland.com.

We are aware of ambitious proposals by Forth Valley College for the redevelopment of its Falkirk campus, but have had no direct discussions with the College. We have recently seen over £46 million invested in Forth Valley College’s new campuses at Alloa and Stirling, both of which the First Minister was pleased to open in October 2011 and September 2012 respectively.

Despite the challenging conditions in the global economy, the Scottish tourism sector has remained resilient. The annual growth rate in tourism is set out in the following table:

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Annual Growth Rate

Overseas Data

Total Visits (000)	2,791	2,492	2,544	2,358	2,350	-4%
Total Spend (£m)	£1,367	£1,241	£1,369	£1,455	£1,494	3%
Constant Spend (£m)	£1,295	£1,140	£1,237	£1,278	£1,283	0%

Domestic Data

Total Visits (000)	13,120	12,145	12,042	12,093	13,356	1%
Total Spend (£m)	£4,203	£4,053	£3,928	£3,971	£4,508	2%
Constant Spend (£m)	£2,686	£2,583	£2,312	£2,210	£2,591	0%

Combined Total

Total Visits (000)	15,911	14,637	14,586	14,451	15,706	0%
Total Spend (£m)	£5,570	£5,294	£5,298	£5,426	£6,002	2%
Constant Spend (£m)	£3,981	£3,723	£3,549	£3,488	£3,873	0%

Source: IPS, ONS.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), which has been in operation since 1997, is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world. Originally developed in partnership with VisitScotland, the GTBS is now operated by Green Business UK Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2001 to deliver the GTBS and provide auditing, advisory and membership services.

The GTBS is now the only national scheme to be independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales, and the Northern Ireland Tourist board and endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.

It has 819 members in Scotland, including VisitScotland Information Centres and offices, and over 2,300 members through the UK and Ireland. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, conference and event venues, activity providers, tour operators and others.

The Scottish Government was clear from the outset about maximising the benefits to Scotland from London 2012. The Scottish Government worked with partners to deliver Scotland House which enabled Scottish and international visitors to network and showcased the very best of Scotland as a place to visit, live, study and do business. Details of Scotland House key outcomes are available at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport/Sport/MajorEvents/Glasgow-2014/London2012.

The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have also been a success story for Scottish sport. Scottish athletes won 13 Olympic and
11 Paralympic medals. The Scottish Government is increasing investment in PE to build on this success. We are also opening up Community Sports Hubs to help people get healthier and more active.

Early indications are that London 2012 has increased interest in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Recently published research has shown an increase in excitement in Glasgow 2014 and that interest in buying tickets has doubled.

The Scottish Government has been on the Steering Group for the London 2012 meta-evaluation which will next report in October 2012. At that stage figures on GVA and full-time equivalent jobs supported in Scotland will become available.