Official Report 1247KB pdf
Good morning. The first item of business is general question time.
Police Officers (Edinburgh and the Lothians)
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the number of police officers in Edinburgh and the Lothians, in light of the growth in the population of south-east Scotland and any additional policing duties in the capital. (S6O-05206)
The deployment of officers is a matter for the chief constable based on operational priorities. In the previous financial year, the Scottish Government’s record investment in policing enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits than at any time since 2013. As of 30 September, 1,106 officers were deployed to Edinburgh and 888 to Lothian and Borders. In both divisions, that is more than in the previous quarter and broadly similar to the figures at the same time last year. A range of regional and national resources is also available to assist local officers following the creation of the single service.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that, as I have raised on several occasions, Edinburgh has one of the lowest police to population ratios in Scotland. That has been the case for years now, at a time when the population has been growing three times faster than the Scottish average. It is also resulting in many of our police stations having to close their public counters more and more regularly and in Edinburgh’s city division having fewer officers available now than it had in 2017.
It is clear that pressures in Edinburgh are impacting on our police services and their ability to police the capital, so will the cabinet secretary agree to meet Lothian MSPs to consider the developing challenges that our police service faces, especially given the capital status of Edinburgh?
As a West Lothian MSP, I am very aware of the growing population across the Lothians. That, of course, has a bearing on a range of public services.
On policing, as I said in my original answer, such matters are operational ones for the chief constable, who can move resources as she sees fit according to threat, harm and vulnerability. I am pleased that, due to the Government’s investment, police numbers have stabilised.
I am of course happy to meet Mr Briggs and other colleagues, as long as they are very aware of the clear divide between ministerial responsibilities and operational matters.
The number of police officers per capita is higher in Scotland than in England and Wales. Will the cabinet secretary provide details of the pressures that Police Scotland faces as a result of the United Kingdom Government’s hike in employer national insurance?
This year’s record police funding of £1.64 billion supports police capacity and capability and ensures that our police officer numbers per 10,000 of the population in Scotland remain considerably higher than those in England and Wales.
As members will be aware, we have continually urged the UK Government to fully fund the £400 million additional cost in employer national insurance contributions that it imposed on Scotland’s public services, including Police Scotland. That was not done for this financial year and, as yesterday’s chaotic mess of a UK budget confirmed, the increase remains in place. I note that the increase in funding for Scotland’s budget will not cover even half the shortfall from the costs of that hike on Scotland’s public services.
Scottish Government Bonds
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress made towards issuing Scottish Government bonds, in light of Scotland’s recent high credit ratings. (S6O-05207)
Following the excellent credit rating results, the Scottish Government is making all necessary preparations to ensure that a multiyear bond programme can commence in 2026-27. As the First Minister announced earlier this month, the total size of the programme is expected to be £1.5 billion over the next parliamentary session, subject to in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions.
The positive credit ratings are testament to Scotland’s track record of responsible fiscal management, and it is welcome that the Government remains on track to commence the bond programme in 2026-27. Can the Deputy First Minister say any more about how the programme is expected to support the Scottish Government’s investment in key infrastructure?
The credit rating results are absolutely excellent for Scotland, and they confirm that this country is high investment grade. As the independent investor panel pointed out, a credit rating and a bond issuance can act as a means of increasing investor engagement in Scotland. It is a gateway to broader investment, enhanced visibility in global capital markets and a stronger platform for economic diplomacy. I am delighted that we have been able to deliver on the recommendation made to us in the report of the investor panel.
It is welcome that the Scottish Government is exploring innovative ways of raising extra capital in addition to the normal method of raising it through the national loans fund. In what scenarios does the Deputy First Minister envisage bonds being issued? Will they be issued in cases where there are high returns, such as investment in Clyde metro or expansion of the Scottish Event Campus? Could they also be used for national health service projects such as the new institute of neurological sciences in Glasgow?
I am pleased by Paul Sweeney’s welcome of this step, and it is important for me to state on the record that it is about borrowing better, not borrowing more. It is about borrowing within the limits that are set through the fiscal framework.
The member is absolutely right to say that the programme can be used to fund infrastructure development. It will be used for capital infrastructure, which he cited some examples of, and as we go through the process, decisions will be taken on what infrastructure will be funded through it.
Historic Buildings (Town Centres)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to preserve and enhance historic buildings in Scotland’s town centres. (S6O-05208)
The Scottish Government is supportive of historic buildings in town centres being preserved and regenerated. We provide support for our historic environment through sponsorship of Historic Environment Scotland, which received £74.2 million in grant in aid funding in 2025-26. That funding helps Historic Environment Scotland to maintain properties in its care, deliver grants to the heritage sector, undertake research on the effects of climate change on historic buildings, and fulfil advisory and regulatory functions.
HES also provides advice to property owners, local authorities, developers and community groups. That helps to protect our historic environment while supporting jobs, skills and vibrant communities.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that actions to preserve historic buildings, such as those undertaken at Paisley’s museum, library and town hall, help retain a cultural focus as well as create economic footfall in town centres? Do such actions represent a way forward for town centre regeneration while making historic buildings fit for purpose for the 21st century?
I agree with all of that. I thank the member for mentioning the projects in Paisley, because the Scottish Government is pleased to see the cultural investment being made there. It is a good example of culture being a tool for driving the economy, with a wide range of engaging and enjoyable cultural experiences being provided for our citizens, too. I am particularly glad to see the focus on accessibility in such projects, allowing more of the local community to participate in and benefit from cultural activities.
Mossmorran
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its just transition plan for the Mossmorran petrochemical site. (S6O-05209)
The Scottish Government is focused on securing a just transition for workers to avoid jobs being lost and a repeat of the industrial devastation that was inflicted on Scotland by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. There is no doubt, however, that the closure at Mossmorran is a profound challenge to that just transition approach, and our focus is rightly on the workers and the communities who will be affected by ExxonMobil’s shock announcement.
Within our limited economic powers, the Scottish Government is focused on securing new opportunities for those workers. Our work at Grangemouth means that we have a strong foundation to build on. We have line of sight to businesses that may wish to invest and understand the needs of workers and communities. Scottish Enterprise has the unique expertise to secure new investment at both Mossmorran and Grangemouth.
It is important to note that the site in Mossmorran consists not only of the Fife ethylene plant. We have assurances that the Shell natural gas liquids plant will remain in operation.
Four hundred employees and contractors face redundancy at Mossmorran, but the transition plan that the Scottish Government promised in early 2025 has still not materialised. Instead of there being a blame game between both Governments, when will the Scottish Government take responsibility for protecting the sector and end its presumption against oil and gas in order to prevent job losses in the oil and gas sector supply chain?
There are two parts to that question. First, I want to outline what we committed to do. On 19 March 2024, I discussed with ExxonMobil decarbonisation projects that would provide the impetus for a just transition plan at the site. Dr Alasdair Allan followed that up with ExxonMobil on 28 October 2024, but since then it has been very difficult to engage with. Our officials have engaged with the business since June to try to secure time. We have always said that, once the Grangemouth just transition plan was out, we would work on a Mossmorran one. Of course, the Grangemouth just transition plan has come out only in the past couple of months.
Alexander Stewart blames the Scottish Government for the issues, but the business has been clear that United Kingdom Government policy, particularly on energy prices and carbon taxation, has added to the market challenges that it faces.
A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details of the progress on the A720 Sheriffhall roundabout project. (S6O-05210)
The Scottish Government continues to support the promotion of improvements to Sheriffhall roundabout as part of its £300 million commitment to the Edinburgh and south-east Scotland city region deal.
As the member will be aware, a public local inquiry was held to consider the significant number of objections that were received, and the independent reporter has since submitted her conclusions and recommendations. Those are under consideration. Advice will be provided following that and a decision will be made by Scottish ministers on whether to complete the statutory process. Although I am keen for there to be progress, it is essential that due process is followed and that careful consideration is given to the substantial volume of information that will inform ministers’ decisions.
Many of my constituents are growing increasingly concerned about the delay in the progress of the Sheriffhall interchange project. Will the cabinet secretary give my constituents in Midlothian North and Musselburgh any comfort regarding timelines for the delivery of the scheme?
I reassure the member that the Scottish Government remains committed to delivering improvements at Sheriffhall. Although I cannot give a definitive timeline today, I reassure him that ministers recognise it as a priority, and my officials are reviewing the reporter’s report, along with the considerable number of objections, to inform next steps. Funding for the project remains part of the city region deal.
Critical National Infrastructure
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it can take to ensure that critical national infrastructure serves the local communities hosting it and is built safely, securely and in a way that is sensitive to the landscape around it. (S6O-05211)
Critical national infrastructure refers to assets that are assessed to be critical to the functioning and security of the country. That process enables the Government and its partners to prioritise, better understand and mitigate the risks that threaten those critical sites.
There are currently 13 officially designated CNI sectors, and responsibility for them is split between relevant devolved Governments and the United Kingdom Government. Scottish devolved CNI sectors include Government; transport, including roads and bridges; emergency services; health; water; food; and chemicals. UK Government reserved CNI sectors in Scotland include energy; transport, including aviation, rail and ports; emergency services, including HM Coastguard; communications; finance; civil nuclear; defence; and space.
Due to their criticality, the details and locations of CNI assets are classified and not publicly available. As CNI assessments are carried out on existing infrastructure, all building, environmental, planning or related regulations or legislation should be adhered to during the planning and build phase. CNI owners and operators are given extra support for that.
Today, in Shetland, another major developer is hosting a local event about future energy connections across Shetland. The oil and gas industry has been a critical part of Shetland’s economy for the past 50 years. Shetlanders are not against innovation, but many have raised with me a feeling that our islands are being swamped with new energy developments. People who tolerated the divisive Viking wind farm development are now pushing back against what is described as the continual and creeping industrialisation of Shetland, including proposals for more pylons across the landscape and a green ammonia plant.
One constituent, who asks for all cables to be underground, writes:
“The push for renewable energy is attributed to providing a future plan to tackle climate change, but will there be a future for Shetland if all proposed developments go ahead as planned?”
Does the cabinet secretary agree that, when communities such as Shetland host significant national energy generation but continue to have high levels of fuel poverty, there is something wrong with the system? Does she agree that local communities—
Thank you, Ms Wishart.
I absolutely agree with Beatrice Wishart. There is something very wrong with a system in which communities are asked to host critical infrastructure but are still paying the highest electricity prices in the UK. That is why I have been advocating for a number of reforms at UK Government level. The first of those is decoupling the electricity price from the gas price, which was taken off the table as part of the review of electricity market arrangements—REMA—consultation and was never brought back when the new UK Government came in. Secondly, I am advocating for a social tariff, which should make a difference to those in particularly vulnerable households.
This morning, I met the leaders of Shetland Islands Council to discuss the need for more community benefits, not just from critical infrastructure but from energy development in general. We are updating our good practice principles on that, but I am pleased to say that, although the previous UK Government was not interested in having enhanced community benefits mandated in law, the current Government is consulting on the issue.
My constituent Matthew Gready of Dunecht will incur a £125,000 loss on the sale of his property. That is all evidenced by qualified chartered surveyors, and it is all because of a proposed Kintore to Tealing pylon route. What assessment has the cabinet secretary made of the financial impact of those pylon routes on home owners, and will she establish a compensation scheme for residents who can demonstrate material financial loss arising from the pylons that will lead to the destruction of rural Scotland?
Mr Burnett is referring to an application that has not been put into the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit. Even when it is a live application, he knows full well that I cannot discuss it in public.
Video Games Sector
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting stability and growth in Scotland’s video games sector, including what engagement it has had with Rockstar Games, in light of reports of recent staff dismissals. (S6O-05212)
Before I answer, I hope that the member will indulge me in welcoming pupils from Fortrose academy, who have just arrived in the gallery.
We are fully committed to supporting Scotland’s thriving games ecosystem. This year, we supported the prestigious DICE Europe conference in Edinburgh, which maximised benefits for Scotland’s games ecosystem and showcased our industry to the world. We have engaged with Rockstar Games and reiterated that we expect all employers to treat staff respectfully and engage openly with workers and trade unions.
I know that the Deputy First Minister will stand with me when I say that our thoughts are with the staff who are affected by the redundancy dismissals at Rockstar Games. In recent weeks, I have heard from people who work in the games sector across Scotland, who say that the demands of the sector, including what is known as “crunch”—a period of mandatory overtime prior to deadlines—are leading to burnout and a high turnover of staff, and making the industry inaccessible to too many in Scotland. In that context, there are—rightly—growing calls for unionisation in the industry. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that workers’ rights to organise must be upheld, and will she ensure that any Government funding is contingent on that basis?
I am in full agreement with Michael Marra. I am aware that the member is the co-convener of the cross-party group on the Scottish games ecosystem, and I know that he will share my view on the importance of fair work principles being embedded in all businesses and among all employers. I absolutely agree with that position.
Ayrshire College (Financial Sustainability)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the financial sustainability of Ayrshire College. (S6O-05213)
Ayrshire College does remarkable work, particularly in the aerospace sector, and I very much valued and appreciated visiting the college on 11 November. I greatly value the significant contribution that all colleges, including Ayrshire College, make to our economy and society, and I recognise the significant financial pressures that the sector is facing.
The Scottish Government cannot comment specifically on the financial position of an individual college such as Ayrshire College, but the Scottish Funding Council continues to engage closely with the college sector to monitor financial sustainability and provide appropriate forms of support that are tailored to the circumstances of individual institutions.
Forecasts show that most colleges are not sustainable. Ayrshire College is facing a £2.1 million reduction in core teaching funding, over and above a 20 per cent real-terms cut since 2021-22. That huge blow means that the college is already having to make difficult decisions. Does the Government recognise that, and that it must work urgently with the college and its trade unions to address its funding challenges and ensure that we secure and protect jobs, alongside young people’s education?
Since coming into post, I have greatly valued my engagement with Colleges Scotland, individual colleges and members across the chamber on the challenges that are facing the sector, as well as the huge opportunities. Ayrshire College is showing leadership with its partnership with Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd, providing real-world opportunities where there is significant demand. Again, I commit to working across the Parliament on the challenges and opportunities that our college sector faces.
That concludes general question time.
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First Minister’s Question Time