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Provisions in the bill
During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary provisions were put in place that enabled any participant in criminal proceedings to take part in some proceedings by way of live visual (television) or audio (telephone) link.
The current definition of vulnerable witness includes: child witnesses (under the age of 18); and complainers in cases involving a sexual offence, human trafficking, domestic abuse or stalking (referred to as deemed vulnerable witnesses)
Current statutory provisions allow for the use of the following special measures, with the aim of assisting vulnerable witnesses in giving their evidence:
a screen in the courtroom stopping the witness from having to see the accused
a live...
meetingId=16205 [accessed 11 February 2025]
Marianne Scobie from Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living went on to describe the impact disabled people experienced as a result of having their lives devalued by society:
Our lives as disabled people are portrayed as tragic and worthless all the time on television, in literature and in the media, and many people start to internalise those feelings and think that they would be better off dead if they cannot walk, talk, feed themselves or go to the toilet.1Scottish Parliament. (2025, January 14).
If you need to leave before the session ends, please speak to the nearest member of Parliament staff
Other ways to watch FMQs
You can also watch FMQs on Scottish Parliament TV (with live BSL interpreting provided) or on our Facebook page..
Video footage from the Chamber will be live streamed on the Scottish Parliament TV and then kept as on-demand footage available on the Scottish Parliament website.
:Your observations are entirely fair. I say that as somebody who lived in Aberdeen for four years and represented a parliamentary constituency in the north-east of Scotland for 16 years.Historically, the relationship with Grampian Television was strong.
Committee reports
Date published:
10 December 2019
Scotland is a creative country with huge potential to build on artistic excellence but to also improve the lives of its citizens through support for the arts and culture.
Depending on the circumstances, a vulnerable witness may be able to use one or more of the following special measures:
a screen in the courtroom stopping the witness from having to see the accused
a livetelevision video link allowing the witness to give evidence from somewhere outside the courtroom
a supporter who c...
Changes in viewing habits across the PSBs have accelerated 22 CEEAC/S6/22/17/1 in the pandemic as people move away from linear TV. Ad-funded and subscription funded models are also precarious with the cost of living crisis.
The SPCB will film the Chamber Event in full and the video footage will be streamed live on our social media accounts and on Scottish Parliament TV (“SPTV”).