Official Report 912KB pdf
Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and Parliamentary Business
Good afternoon. The first item of business is portfolio questions, and the first portfolio is constitution, external affairs and culture, and parliamentary business. I remind members that questions 3 and 6 are grouped together, so I will take any supplementaries on those questions after both have been answered.
Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums Steering Group
First, I apologise to the chamber that I have to leave midway through portfolio questions, as I previously indicated to the Presiding Officer.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the empire, slavery and Scotland’s museums steering group and its work to consider Scotland’s involvement in empire, colonialism and historic slavery and how this can be addressed using museum collections and museum spaces, including the potential for a stand-alone slavery or human rights museum. (S6O-04930)
Presiding Officer, with your indulgence, I begin by welcoming to our proceedings Dr Christopher Kalila, who is the chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Dr Kalila is from Zambia, which is one of Scotland’s partner countries. We are honoured that he is following these proceedings. [Applause.]
Since publishing its recommendations in 2022, the empire, slavery and Scotland’s museums steering group has inspired significant action. Through the delivering change programme, Museums Galleries Scotland is supporting 17 museums and 97 sector professionals, and it has awarded £200,000 to seven community partners. More than 300 people have received training.
The Scottish Government has committed £100,000 to establish a new organisation, with its inaugural exhibition being scheduled for 1 October. Museums Galleries Scotland also supports repatriation guidance, sector events and research, directly addressing the call for systemic change and inclusive practice.
Bearing in mind the steering group’s recommendations, does the Scottish Government still consider a stand-alone facility to be a viable option? What discussions has the Scottish Government undertaken with companies that are involved in sugar processing and refining in those islands about their engaging with the history of the industry?
Work towards the creation of a dedicated space will be a matter for the leadership of the new organisation, and that includes determining its location.
The Scottish Government encourages all organisations and individuals with historical links to colonialism and slavery, including those who were involved in sugar processing and refining, to engage meaningfully with their past. That is essential to ensure that any future representation of Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism reflects the most accurate and inclusive picture that is possible.
Will the cabinet secretary provide an update on his work with museums to promote antiracist education and on how that is being integrated into efforts to decolonise the curriculum in Scottish schools, ahead of black history month?
Answering Foysol Choudhury’s question gives me an opportunity to pay tribute to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, who I know was a close friend of his. Professor Palmer played an outstanding role in the recent history of Scotland coming to terms with its past.
It is really important that we learn the lessons of Scotland’s history, that it is made relevant in our schools and that we embrace the challenge, as we have done in my tenure. For example, among other things, we have seen the return of a commemorative community pole to the Nisga’a people in British Columbia in western Canada. That very much fits in with my sense of embracing and understanding our past. I would be happy to write to Mr Choudhury with some more details.
Again, I take this opportunity to put on the record my appreciation to Professor Palmer, Mr Choudhury’s friend, who, incidentally, also served on the steering group.
Creative Industries Leadership Group
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work of the creative industries leadership group. (S6O-04931)
The creative industries leadership group works to articulate the needs and realise the potential of Scotland’s creative industries, providing advice to ministers. I co-chaired a meeting of the group on 4 September 2025, the note of which will be published on the Scottish Government website in due course. It was an opportunity for shared intelligence gathering and understanding where the sector considers that it is underdeveloped and where there are opportunities for the Scottish Government to continue to support the growth of that key sector.
Before I ask my supplementary question, I echo the cabinet secretary’s welcome to the chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
It is welcome that that meeting was convened on 4 September, but the cabinet secretary will know that the previous meeting was in March 2022. When I was doing my research for this question, the chair was still stated as Neil Gray. According to the Government’s statistics, the number of creative industries enterprises is lower than it was 10 years ago. What is the Government doing to increase that number? Might it be an idea to schedule those meetings more frequently than once every three years?
I am very much in favour of meeting more regularly, and I made that clear to the creative sector. One area where the Government can be helpful is the ambition of internationalising Scotland’s creative sector. At our meeting, we talked at some length about the network of Scottish Government offices internationally, the more than 30 locations where Scottish Development International is sited and the more than 1,400 global Scots around the world who can help to promote the creative sector and the rest of Scotland’s economy. There is also the brand Scotland initiative, which I chair and which brings together Scotland’s public sector organisations that promote sectors such as the creative industries.
I have committed to the creative sector that we will make sure that we use all those different routes to promote the sector internationally, as well as everything else that is being done domestically.
It is vital that we continue working to support, grow and realise the potential of Scotland’s creative industries sector, including through Scotland’s reputation internationally. Can the cabinet secretary say any more about the work to ensure Scotland’s leading cultural reputation and valuable contribution to our economy?
One area where I have high hopes is the potential for a Scottish cultural export office working together with the Scottish Government offices internationally, the SDI network and the global Scots right around the world. Scotland has a tremendous cultural offering, but one lesson of the Covid experience and Brexit is that there has been a significant challenge for younger performers who wish to tour more and have more international experience. We can do more in that area, which is why funding is being allocated to look into the opportunities for a cultural export office. I know that that has been warmly welcomed by the likes of the Scottish Music Industry Association and others as a significant intervention that will boost the Scottish cultural sector internationally.
Cultural Venues (Freedom of Expression)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure freedom of expression is respected at cultural venues. (S6O-04932)
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all communities in Scotland feel safe, valued and respected. Cultural venues are responsible for their own bookings and programming decisions, and neither the Scottish Government nor Creative Scotland has a role in that. We fully support individuals’ right to freedom of expression, and we are clear that there is no place for any form of discrimination or prejudice in Scotland.
Recent campaigns by external groups to censor events run by Scottish cultural organisations have made it difficult to secure corporate sponsorship. The National Museum of Scotland, for example, has suggested that on-going activism is threatening to cut corporate sponsorship and has created an ever more challenging environment in which to operate. Does the cabinet secretary agree that such attempts to censor different opinions are unacceptable? What guarantees will he give the sector to ensure that potential corporate sponsors will invest in Scottish culture in the future?
I very much welcome the question and the tone of it from Alexander Stewart. The issue is about corporate sponsorship, but it is also about philanthropy. There are a range of campaigning organisations on the concerns of the day, some of which are on particular subjects on which I would have sympathy with them. However, if, by intervening in the way that they do, they undermine the potential for corporate or philanthropic giving, that is a matter of concern. I have spoken about that with a range of organisations to try to better understand what can be done to build resilience in the culture sector. I draw people’s attention to an excellent article written by Ian Rankin on that subject.
The Government can do more, and there is a role for us all, across the political spectrum, to take the opportunity to acknowledge how important it is that corporate sponsorship is protected and kept in place, because its loss can have unintended consequences. To give one example, the loss of funding for the Edinburgh International Book Festival meant that children from deprived backgrounds might have been deprived of the opportunity to go to that fantastic, world-class festival if it was not for the Scottish Government, which plugged the gap after the funding was withdrawn.
Arts Organisation Funding (Freedom of Expression)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of its position on making all future funding for arts organisations conditional on the applicant’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression. (S6O-04935)
As Mr Fraser knows, I have spoken out loudly in favour of freedom of speech. I thank him for the opportunity to do so again today.
He will also be well aware of my defence of the arm’s-length relationship between ministers and individual funding decisions for culture and the arts, which really matters for anyone who appreciates the importance of artistic freedom. I acknowledge that such an approach will occasionally be tested, but I value principles and proportionality, given that everybody operates subject to the law.
It is a bit of a cop-out to kick all of that over to Creative Scotland, given that the Scottish Government has just told Scottish Enterprise, which is another arm’s-length organisation, that it needs to revisit its support for defence contractors because, for example, it might have products that end up with Israel’s armed forces. If the Scottish Government can do that with one arm’s-length body, why can it not do so with another?
Will the cabinet secretary therefore make it very clear to Creative Scotland that its grants should be conditional on its recipients upholding free speech so that we do not see any more nonsense such as his colleague the Deputy First Minister being potentially banned from an arts venue that receives taxpayers’ funds?
I gently point out to Mr Fraser that there is a tension between standing up and avowing freedom of speech while, at the same time, asking Government ministers to micromanage culture. That is not the cabinet secretary for culture’s job. However, I am not walking away from my responsibility to use my voice and say that we want to support a culture of free speech.
I know about the venue that Mr Fraser talked about, because it is in my constituency. I observe that Summerhall management has publicly asserted that Kate Forbes is free to attend the venue.
On the general issue, it is absolutely right that we stand up for freedom of speech, but we also want to protect the arm’s-length nature of management in culture and the arts. It is not for Government ministers to get involved in micromanaging individual circumstances, but the general point holds true: freedom of speech matters.
Historic Environment Scotland
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning to make any changes to Historic Environment Scotland. (S6O-04933)
The appointment process for a new chair of Historic Environment Scotland has been under way since May and an appointment will be announced in due course.
As one of our public bodies, HES is expected to regularly review its policies and priorities to ensure it delivers maximum impact for public investment. As part of public service reform work, we have given greater flexibility to HES to allow increased investment into our most nationally significant historic places.
It was recently revealed that Historic Environment Scotland directors were awarded pay increases of up to 18 per cent at the same time as the organisation faces a £3 million budget shortfall and has admitted to looking for further savings. Does the cabinet secretary believe that those increases are acceptable? Does he agree that taxpayers’ money would be better used preserving Scotland’s historic sites rather than lining senior staff’s pockets?
I reiterate the point that I made a moment ago, which is very significant. Changes are taking place in the management of Historic Environment Scotland, and I am happy to update Roz McCall and colleagues in due course.
As she will appreciate, I cannot currently comment on the matters that she raised, but I want to give her confidence that I am seized of the matters at Historic Environment Scotland. It is really important that HES’s excellent work across Scotland can continue with a new chair, and I look forward to being able to confirm progress on that shortly.
Thanks to the changes to the framework, Historic Environment Scotland is now able to invest every penny from its commercial income into protecting our historic environment for future generations. How will that work enable Historic Environment Scotland to improve visitor experiences and preserve our heritage?
Building on the greater financial freedoms that are provided in the revised framework agreement, Historic Environment Scotland’s corporate plan for 2025 to 2028 will result in the organisation contributing to the achievement of key national outcomes and delivering for Scotland. By 2028, Historic Environment Scotland aims to have increased direct expenditure on its assets by 15 per cent; increased the number of people whom it has trained by 10 per cent; increased its contribution to Scotland’s gross domestic product by 10 per cent, from £1 billion to £1.1 billion; invested at least £40 million in local communities; and increased the additional funding that it generates from non-Government sources by at least 20 per cent, from £73.5 million to £87 million.
I join the cabinet secretary and other members in welcoming to the gallery the chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Given that, as I understand it, Scottish ministers instructed officials to attend Historic Environment Scotland board meetings back in May due to governance concerns, what assurances can the cabinet secretary give the public and members that HES will properly and robustly investigate claims that a HES director hosted an exclusive private dinner at Edinburgh castle in August?
Neil Bibby knows that I am seized of the importance of the matter, because I have spoken to him and other members of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee about it. I wish to give him confidence that changes are taking place in Historic Environment Scotland, and I will be happy to update him on them in due course.
A new chair of HES will be announced, but I cannot say more than that at the moment, because a number of administrative hoops need to be gone through. I have a very high level of confidence in the incoming chair’s ability to deal with any issues that need to be considered and to take any follow-up interventions that are needed. I encourage the new chair and anybody else who takes a role in Historic Environment Scotland to understand that the organisation has delivered significantly, as I outlined to Mr Kidd. I look forward to being able to make an announcement shortly, and I hope that the news will give Mr Bibby the confidence that it has already given me.
Arts and Culture Sector Workforce (Gender Equality)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to support gender equality in the arts and culture sector’s workforce. (S6O-04934)
We recognise that women remain underrepresented in the creative industries and are disproportionately in lower-level positions. The sector is known for unpredictable freelance work, which makes it difficult for women with caring responsibilities, health conditions or disabilities. Although employment law remains reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament, the Scottish Government is committed to its fair work first policy, including taking action to tackle the gender pay gap across all sectors. Most recently, in June 2025, we set out actions towards gender equality across all portfolios in the Scottish Government’s annual statement on gender policy coherence.
The equal media and culture centre for Scotland highlights that women make up the majority of lower-paid and part-time roles in creative industries, whereas it is more likely that higher-paid decision-making and leadership roles are filled by men. What steps is the Scottish Government taking to tackle that occupational segregation?
That is an important follow-up question. I wish to give Evelyn Tweed confidence that the Government, together with the sector, is considering all those challenges. We want people of all backgrounds—especially the majority of people in Scotland, who are women—to have a fair crack of the whip in filling leadership positions in the culture and arts sector. I can point to a great many women who run some of our most important cultural institutions, and I wish there to be many more.
I declare my interest as one of the proud authors of “The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht”.
The Government likes to bang on about its commitment to gender equality. However, the book “The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht”, which included essays from diverse women, including myself, was temporarily removed from the National Library of Scotland during the busiest time of the fringe because of staff pressure. I am looking for a yes or no answer. Does the cabinet secretary agree that banning books by feminist authors sends the wrong message to women who wish to work in the arts and culture sector?
I have been asked a follow-up question about the approach of the Scottish Government to tackling occupational segregation and I am—
Cabinet secretary, could you resume your seat for a second? I did note your look towards me during the supplementary question. The question in the Business Bulletin is:
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the culture secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to support gender equality in the arts and culture sector’s workforce.”
With that in mind, perhaps the cabinet secretary could find a way to respond to the member’s question.
I answered that in reply to Evelyn Tweed’s question. I would be happy to write to the member about the issue that she raises, but I echo the points that I made to her front-bench spokesman on the issue. It is—[Interruption.]
Ms Gosal, please allow the cabinet secretary to respond.
It is not the place of a Scottish Government cabinet secretary to micromanage the culture sector, which is why we have arm’s-length relations with our funding and cultural organisations. The member’s point is on the record, as is my commitment to freedom of speech.
Cumbernauld Theatre
To ask the Scottish Government when the culture secretary last met with Creative Scotland to discuss the future of Cumbernauld theatre, in light of reported concerns about its funding. (S6O-04936)
I meet the chair and chief executive of Creative Scotland quarterly. We have discussed in depth the successful delivery of the multiyear funding programme, including how Creative Scotland is supporting organisations such as Cumbernauld theatre. I also met the chair of Cumbernauld theatre on 26 March, when we discussed the steps that it is taking following its unsuccessful application for multiyear funding. The chair of Cumbernauld theatre wrote to me on 10 September, highlighting its current challenges, and I have now replied, offering to meet to discuss the situation.
Given the importance of Cumbernauld theatre as the cultural heart of Cumbernauld for more than 60 years, and the excellent work that is being done by the new leadership team, what firm action, beyond those meetings, is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that the theatre is able to continue to serve the people of Cumbernauld and wider Lanarkshire following Creative Scotland’s decision to remove funding?
I am well aware of the issues relating to Cumbernauld theatre, given the meetings that I have had in the past, the impending meetings and the excellent representation that it has had from my Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Scottish National Party colleague Jamie Hepburn. I look forward to meeting Cumbernauld theatre shortly to better understand its funding concerns and plans to secure funding, given the decision by Creative Scotland on multiyear funding.
I am sure that Mr Griffin will be interested to know that the theatre has been the subject of conversation between me and the civil servants who are responsible in this policy area, and I will be taking it up directly with Cumbernauld theatre and Creative Scotland.
Performing Arts Organisations
To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it will assess the contribution of Scotland’s performing arts organisations in advance of the next budget. (S6O-04937)
The Scottish Government has a proud tradition of supporting our performing arts organisations. When we prepare for the next budget, we will assess their contribution through cultural, educational, economic and international lenses.
Our national performing companies, which are now in their 19th year of direct funding, deliver against clear objectives covering excellence, reach, leadership and collaboration. I recently met all five NPCs and was inspired by their work to ensure that Scotland is celebrated globally as a creative nation. That evidence will guide our investment decisions to sustain a vibrant and inclusive cultural sector.
I completely agree that the calibre of our national performing companies is excellent. However, I am aware that part of the remit of our Finance and Public Administration Committee is to assess fiscal sustainability, and that measure must surely be applied to our national performing arts organisations. I would even go as far as to consider the gross value added contribution of each of them, because I was struck by the positive evidence from Alistair Mackie of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in last week’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. If the cabinet secretary agrees with that, would he see a role for the Finance and Public Administration Committee in focusing on fiscal sustainability?
I have found it very helpful—as have members from all parties, I am sure—to have an understanding of the GVA impact of certain parts of the cultural sector. A report was recently published in relation to the screen sector, which pointed out that the industry is heading towards being worth more than £1 billion by 2030, which is a remarkable success.
In assessing applications to its multiyear funding programme, Creative Scotland used six criteria for those organisations whose proposals involved international activity: quality and ambition; engagement; equalities, diversity and inclusion; environmental sustainability; fair work; and international. In addition, an assessment was made of the financial health of applicant organisations. Spending decisions are scrutinised by parliamentary committees, in line with their own processes and chosen areas of focus.
A number of cultural organisations are in the process of commissioning economic impact assessments and assessments of their GVA contribution to the Scottish economy. I encourage those who have not yet made a decision in that area to follow the advice of Michelle Thomson on this question.
Some of our national companies have been truly entrepreneurial. A good example is the RSNO, which has been producing soundtracks for major Hollywood productions. That is exactly the kind of financial responsibility that we would want to see right across the sector. What encouragement will the cabinet secretary give to other national companies to follow that example? Will he commit that those who show such enterprise, such as the RSNO, will not be penalised when it comes to the allocation of public money, which they still need in order to thrive?
First, I join Mr Kerr in praising the RSNO. He is absolutely right, and it is doing what it is doing in not only film soundtracks, but gaming soundtracks. It is a huge business. To know how many of those world-class productions it has made—be they for the screen or for gamers—is very impressive. I would like to give Mr Kerr confidence that our national performing companies, which work really closely with one another, are very keen to emulate one another with the enterprise attitude that he encourages us to take.
He has also encouraged us to ensure that the money is in place. I am happy to say to him that I am very sympathetic to that. It is only a disappointment that Mr Kerr did not vote for that in the budget.
That concludes portfolio questions on the constitution, external affairs, culture and parliamentary business.
Justice and Home Affairs
Gang-related Violence
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to address gang-related violence. (S6O-04938)
Partners on the serious organised crime task force continue to use every means at their disposal to disrupt serious organised crime, including gang-related violence. In addition, the Scottish crime campus enhances collaboration between key partner organisations in disrupting serious organised crime and terrorism.
The public should be reassured that Police Scotland continues to work with partners to disrupt such criminal activity. These criminals show a complete disregard for the safety of the public, and it is incumbent on us all that they are stopped and held to account. I would encourage anyone with relevant information to report it to Police Scotland or, anonymously, through Crimestoppers.
Given that, historically, Glasgow has experienced some of the highest levels of gang-related violence in Scotland, what additional targeted measures are being introduced in the city to address the issue and to support prevention and diversion programmes for young people at risk of gang involvement?
The Scottish violence reduction unit is working with partners to deliver street guardians. That is similar to the street pastors model that is being used to deploy youth workers and volunteers during the early-evening economy hours in Glasgow city centre. Workers undertake a capable guardianship role, and they undertake early intervention with young people to prevent violence from happening. That work includes common ground, which is a collective of partners who have secured premises outside Central train station in Glasgow to utilise as a youth hub and to support the work of street pastors through the provision of a safe space for young people and targeted engagement. That is underpinned by our broader programme of work. If the member wishes more detail on that, I would be delighted to write to her.
The importance of reaching young folk who are at risk of joining gangs at an early age cannot be overestimated. What is the Scottish Government doing to support organisations that work to help and support those who are most at risk of becoming involved in crime?
I reassure members that the Scottish Government continues to tackle youth violence in all its forms, including through education programmes, effective consequences for offences, appropriate police powers, and sustained school and community engagement with young people. That work is backed by an investment of more than £6 million to implement the violence prevention framework, which includes actions to address the carrying of weapons in and around schools. The big focus of the cashback for communities programme, which is receiving additional investment, is to bear down on preventative work.
Police Stations
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that 183 police stations need repairs, 177 contain asbestos and four contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. (S6O-04939)
The management of the Police Scotland estate, including assessments of the condition of buildings and statutory and general health and safety at work requirements, is an operational matter for the chief constable, who is under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority.
We support Police Scotland’s commitment to providing a safe environment for officers, staff and the public. For 2025-26, we have increased capital funding to £70 million for investment in the estate, technology, fleet and body-worn video. That will support Police Scotland to commence delivery of its estates master plan, which will deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose estate that serves the needs of the workforce and our communities.
I am afraid that the cabinet secretary will not get away with her Government putting officers and staff at risk. I have a response to a freedom of information request that shows that Police Scotland has spent more than £230,000 on managing—not even removing—asbestos in police stations over the past three years. The north-east has the highest number of buildings with asbestos; 25 are riddled with it. Police officers are being forced to work in buildings that are not just substandard but dangerous, as if being a police officer in Scotland is not dangerous enough. Will the cabinet secretary commit to properly funding Police Scotland and ensure that its buildings are fit for purpose and that all asbestos is removed where it is safe to do so?
It is all very well for the member to argue for additional funding for Police Scotland after the budget has passed. I do not recall him or any member of his party coming to the chamber to advocate for additional resources for Police Scotland or doing so during budget negotiations. In fact, I might have been the only MSP who actively advocated for additional resources for Police Scotland. [Interruption.]
Members.
I am pleased that, due to Scottish Government commitments, we have provided almost £90 million—[Interruption.]
Cabinet secretary, please resume your seat.
I will not have barking from members in sedentary positions. Please show courtesy and respect and listen to the cabinet secretary’s response.
Thank you very much, Presiding Officer.
It is a matter of public record that this Government will provide almost £90 million in additional funding compared with the previous financial year, and that we have increased capital funding to £70 million. I remind colleagues that, under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, responsibility for the control and management of asbestos in Scottish police stations rests with Police Scotland as the duty holder. I discuss a range of matters with the chief constable and Police Scotland in relation to their requirements for capital funding.
Greenock police station has not been properly maintained for many years and is earmarked for closure. Police Scotland’s estates master plan also noted that Greenock needs a new station. Will the cabinet secretary give an update on the progress on delivering a new station for Greenock and confirm that it will have a custody suite?
It is important that Police Scotland carefully considers the location of custody suites. It is a matter to which it has given—and continues to give—serious consideration. As I said earlier, specific responsibilities around police stations rest at an operational level with the chief constable and Police Scotland, but I would be happy, after consulting with Police Scotland, to provide an update to Ms Clark.
Women Prisoners (Preparation for Release)
To ask the Scottish Government what support is available to women preparing for release from prison. (S6O-04940)
The Scottish Government provides funding to local authorities and third sector organisations to support women to prepare for release. We provide more than £5 million a year to Upside, which is the national voluntary throughcare service, to support people who are completing short-term sentences and periods of remand. That one-to-one support includes help to address issues such as access to housing, healthcare and social security payments, as well as longer-term support to help people to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
For women who are completing long-term sentences, we centrally fund local authorities to provide statutory support through justice social work.
The opportunity to develop the skills that are needed for adjusting to life outside prison is hugely important in delivering better outcomes. The Lilias centre in my constituency works very hard to deliver that. Will the cabinet secretary join me in commending the efforts of the team at the Lilias centre? Does she agree that investing in rehabilitation is crucial in tackling women reoffending?
Absolutely. The Lilias centre in Mr Doris’s constituency and the Bella centre in Dundee represent a step change in the rehabilitation of women in custody. As members would expect, I have visited both centres, which help women to develop key life skills and a much greater degree of independence. I commend the work that the Scottish Prison Service and partners do to give women in custody the best possible chance of a successful return to the community.
I note that, in its report last year, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland commended the SPS’s progress towards the vision for women in custody and identified a number of good practices, including work on developing women’s entrepreneurial skills.
The numbers speak for themselves: we are not doing enough. Reconviction rates for women who have been discharged from custody increased from 39 per cent for the 2020-21 cohort to 45 per cent for the 2021-22 cohort, which is higher than the rate for men. In March, there was a documentary about HMP Stirling, in which a female inmate said:
“I don’t want to be out, it’s just safer in here.”
How does the Government explain the huge increase in reconviction rates for women? What is it doing to ensure that women are safe when they leave prison?
It is important to recognise that the proportion of females in custody is significantly smaller than the proportion of men in custody. Sharon Dowey is correct to point to the greater vulnerability and complexity of needs among many women in our care. That is why the investment that we have made in the new HMP Stirling, as well as in the Bella and Lilias centres, is so important.
The crux of the issue that Sharon Dowey’s question pointed to is the fact that short-term custodial sentences are way less effective for rehabilitating both women and men. That is why we must all resolve to do more in relation to alternatives to remand and to custody. Community payback orders offer great flexibility, including the ability to provide tailor-made support for women and others.
Land Auctions (Misleading Advertising)
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of concerns being raised in communities across the Highlands and Islands in relation to land auctions involving potentially misleading advertising, what action it will take to ensure that people who believe they have been affected by such practices have recourse under Scots law, including access to legal representation and support. (S6O-04941)
Any prospective purchaser who intends to buy property at an auction house should ensure that they have all the necessary information. Buyers can request certain information from the selling agent or undertake their own searches.
Any concerns about auction houses not providing full disclosure of the state of land or property should be reported to the local trading standards office. Anyone who believes that they have been subjected to misleading advertising practices should contact Advice Direct Scotland to discuss their concerns. The Scottish Legal Aid Board provides information on the nearest solicitors who offer help through legal aid or other advice providers.
Over the past year, misleading ads for land sales in Orkney and across the Highlands and Islands have caused concern, both for buyers and for the communities affected.
I welcome steps taken by operators such as Rightmove to review their listings and reinforce to sellers that any information that is advertised must be wholly accurate. However, as I have seen, unscrupulous sellers move on to find other avenues to exploit. Buyers must have confidence that their rights will be protected, and communities deserve better than the misleading marketing of land for housing and development.
Will the Scottish Government take steps to raise public awareness of such scams, and will the minister explore, perhaps with United Kingdom counterparts, ways to close existing loopholes and reinforce consumer protections?
I note the concerns that Liam McArthur has raised, which I am happy to look into on his behalf. I also note that the member has previously asked whether it would be possible to lodge an amendment on that to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, and I understand that the cabinet secretary in charge of the bill would be happy to discuss that further with him in order to identify concerns and appropriate means of dealing with the issue.
Off-road Bikes, E-bikes and E-scooters
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to address the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters. (S6O-04942)
The Scottish Government supports Police Scotland and its partners in dealing with the misuse of vehicles. In May, I, along with my colleague Minister Fairlie, met a number of MSPs to discuss their concerns. Action since has included the development of a campaign involving Crimestoppers and fearless, which got close to 7 million impressions.
Enforcement is a matter for Police Scotland, and local policing teams are best placed to identify misuse and to work to prevent future incidents. We have increased police funding to a record £1.62 billion this year to support the work that they do.
Additionally, I understand that Police Scotland is undertaking a range of initiatives, including working with delivery companies, which is an issue that the member raised with me previously.
We will continue to engage with the United Kingdom Government, which has reserved powers relating to off-road vehicles, including vehicle licensing.
I acknowledge that I was at that meeting on 29 May.
Antisocial behaviour is up 5 per cent in the past year, and e-bikes and e-scooters are playing a huge role in encouraging it. Trail bikes and souped-up e-bikes and e-scooters are tearing around the streets, often in a very dangerous manner, and are repeatedly being used to facilitate home break-ins, shoplifting and car thefts. My constituents are fed up.
Meanwhile, the police are powerless. They do not give chase, and they lack the required resources to stop them. If the bikes are seized, they are more often than not handed back.
Minister, enough is enough. Do you not agree that it is time that we got tough on this sort of crime, and that we should provide the police with real resources to tackle it?
Always speak through the chair.
I am aware that the member feels passionately, and I am aware of the issues that are happening throughout Scotland.
I disagree that Police Scotland is not doing anything. As I said, underlying work has been going on for several months now, and I know that Police Scotland is keeping its approach to the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters under review. That complements wider efforts to engage with communities and partners to prevent and tackle the issue, which I know is being done through Glasgow division’s collaboration with hospitals and food delivery companies.
I will keep members informed as further information becomes available, and I would also be happy to facilitate discussions with Police Scotland, where that would be helpful.
Recognising that some powers, such as vehicle licensing, are reserved to the UK Government, will the minister provide an update on engagement with the UK Government on tackling antisocial behaviour, including in relation to vehicles?
We continue to engage with the UK Government on reserved matters, including vehicle use and licensing. Although the UK Government has so far not responded positively to our proposal to extend the safety benefits of vehicle licensing to off-road vehicles, there are some encouraging developments. For example, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 will provide powers to take action against online marketplaces selling illegally modified vehicles.
We remain committed to working constructively with the UK Government, recognising that this is a shared challenge, and we continue to support enforcement of all existing regulations through our record levels of funding to the police.
Short Prison Sentences (Rehabilitation)
To ask the Scottish Government what work is being undertaken to improve the rehabilitation of people who are subject to short prison sentences. (S6O-04943)
As I said earlier to Bob Doris, the Upside service is aimed at supporting all individuals who leave custody after a short prison sentence or period of remand. Upside is made of eight experienced third sector organisations. On release, all individuals who leave prison are eligible for support to help them to resettle into the community and to ensure that the basic needs of those who leave custody are met. That is absolutely critical for a safe transition back into the community.
We are also taking forward work to improve the support that is available to people who leave prison, including the development of national standards for throughcare introduced in the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023.
I visited Barlinnie prison last month. The staff there were clear that short prison sentences do not have the benefits in rehabilitation that they would like, and there needs to be improvement in that area. One case was cited of a young man who had been released after a short sentence and was back in prison because he did not know how to pay rent to his landlord; he was so humiliated by that that he ran away and ended up back on drugs and in a fight. Clearly, that case was a failure; it resulted in a bad outcome for that person and for society. Will the minister undertake to review the efficacy of short-term sentencing so that, in each case in which it does not work, we can address why it has not worked and deal with that?
We await the independent deliberations of the sentencing and penal policy commission.
As Paul Sweeney has articulated, there is a raft of evidence—both at the individual level and in empirical evidence—that speaks to the inefficiency of short-term sentences. We understand that such sentences are sometimes times necessary, case by case, but they are far less effective in setting folk on the right path when compared with an alternative to custody. Our focus therefore has to be on building up alternatives to custody. Community sentencing is on the increase.
On the issue that the member raised about an individual, I highlight that the support that is provided by Upside begins in custody up to 12 weeks prior to release, where possible, and it is underpinned by more than £5 million of funding per annum, which is an increase of nearly £2 million.
In summer last year and earlier this year, in an attempt to ease overcrowding and without consideration of their individual rehabilitation journeys, the Government released 789 prisoners early from their short sentences. One in 10 of the prisoners in the first tranche was behind bars again within weeks. That begs the question: what analysis of each prisoner’s stage of rehabilitation did the Government do before those releases, to ensure that the rehabilitation was not being terminated early?
Liam Kerr is referring to early emergency release. That demonstrated a return-to-custody rate of 12 to 13 per cent, which is way lower than the general reconviction rate for those who are released from short-term custodial sentences. It is imperative to address issues with short-term sentences in the longer run.
On the specifics of that scheme, extensive planning and preparation for its implementation involved third sector and statutory organisations. Good planning for any release, whether in an emergency or otherwise, is the backbone of reducing the return rate. Preparation is needed for release, whether that is under standard or different arrangements.
I also highlight the governor’s veto and statutory exclusions from that scheme.
Firefighters (Role Expansion)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on any discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service about role expansion for firefighters. (S6O-04944)
Modernisation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, including broadening the role of firefighters, remains an ambition for this Government. I recognise that there is potential for firefighters to do more to protect communities through a broadened role, and I am aware of the outline agreement between the SFRS and the Fire Brigades Union, which is dependent on additional funding. Although the proposal so far has been unaffordable, I regularly meet the SFRS chair and chief officer, and we will continue to work closely with them in considering future budgets in the context of delivering public sector reform.
Two years ago, the Fire Brigades Union published “Firestorm: a report into the future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service”, which said clearly of role expansion that firefighters are willing to take on additional responsibilities such as emergency medical response and terrorist activity response. That could be transformational for our emergency services, saving money and time elsewhere and benefiting other public services, but it must be supported with proper training and sustained investment. There are already pressures on existing training provision, and there are significant concerns about job security, staffing levels, capacity and response times. How can firefighters and the communities that they keep safe have confidence that the necessary funding, training and equipment will be provided for existing services and any future role expansion?
As I said in my opening comments, it is an ambition for the Government to broaden the role of firefighters. The Scottish Government is currently conducting a spending review, which will set indicative budgets for the next three years for resource and four years for capital. In the context of the spending review, I know that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs met the SFRS chair and chief officer, and the emergency medical response element of the broad role was discussed.
Since 2017-18, there have been substantial year-on-year increases in funding to support the SFRS, and the current annual budget is more than £97 million higher than the equivalent budget in 2017-18.
The downgrading of 24/7 cover at Helensburgh fire station to an on-call evening and weekend system relies on the recruitment of retained firefighters. Does the minister understand that there are not enough retained firefighters to cover the existing shifts at fire stations in Helensburgh and Lomond? Does she therefore believe that the new proposals to rely on that model represent an increased risk to my local community?
First, I need to say to Jackie Baillie that, as I said the last time we discussed the issue in the chamber, no decisions on the consultation have been made yet. The consultation for the service delivery review closed on 16 September.
The emergencies that the SFRS responds to have changed significantly over the years—for example, the number of dwelling fires has reduced by more than 20 per cent since 2013. I have a commitment from the SFRS that an independent review will go over the consultation before any decision is made, and when any decision is made it will be rolled out over a period of five years.
I and thousands of local residents responded to the consultation on the future of Hawick fire station to express our concerns that the proposals would undoubtedly put people at risk. As Jackie Baillie says, the presentations are due to be put in front of the SFRS board for a final decision in mid-December. Will the minister confirm that any decision regarding the future of Hawick fire station will not go against the clear wishes of the community?
As I said, no decisions have been made regarding that. There were 23 options in the consultation. I will not comment on individual points of that consultation, but I appreciate and trust that the SFRS will follow the correct procedure in the consultation.
I will squeeze in question 8 if I get brief questions and answers to match.
Antisocial Behaviour (Mid Scotland and Fife)
To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with authorities in Mid Scotland and Fife to address antisocial behaviour. (S6O-04945)
I recognise the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on local communities in all areas of Scotland. That is why we have increased police funding to a record £1.62 billion this year, and it is why funding to local government has increased in real terms by 5.5 per cent. Local authorities and Police Scotland have a range of options and powers available to prevent and tackle antisocial behaviour, taking local needs into account.
Moreover, since 2008, our cashback for communities programme has provided £154 million to support young people who are most at risk of being involved in violence, antisocial behaviour and crime. The most recent cashback bidding round has just closed.
Fife Council had to shell out on a repair bill of close to £900,000 for 2,856 incidents of vandalism to public buildings and parks between 2022 and 2024. Last year, a new play park that was opened in Levenmouth had to close less than six months later because it was vandalised, with a repair bill to the council of thousands of pounds. What is the Scottish Government doing not only to better support local authorities and the police, to ensure that they have adequate resources to meet the bills resulting from the incidents, but to actively reduce the number of such incidents?
I recognise the impact that such behaviour has on communities and local authorities. We will continue to support local authorities and the police to work in multi-agency partnerships and with communities and businesses to prevent and tackle antisocial behaviour. It is a complex issue that is brought up time and again, but the Scottish Government is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour.
I want the minister to know that, even in relatively peaceful North East Fife, antisocial behaviour affects almost every community. I want the minister to take that back to her budget discussions about resources for councils, housing associations and the police, because people are at their wits’ end with some of the behaviour.
I will take those comments on board during my discussions. However, I am also aware of some very good practice in Mid Scotland and Fife, such as increased patrols in Stirling city centre and good practice in responding to antisocial behaviour involving retailers in Stirling, which was highlighted by the independent working group on antisocial behaviour. I have visited that social enterprise in Stirling and it does incredible work. We can take guidance from there on how we tackle antisocial behaviour.
That concludes portfolio questions on Justice and Home Affairs. There will be a short pause to allow ministers to change seats.
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