Seòmar agus comataidhean

I think that we would all agree that the partnership between Malawi and Scotland remains important—perhaps now more than ever, as both countries face immense global challenges. How is the Scottish Government ensuring continued support for Malawi and other partner countries such as Rwanda and Zambia beyond March 2023?

I very much welcome a debate on preparing a new dementia strategy, because it is a miserable, cruel disease that impacts on so many people, and it is increasing.

I have to confess that I am not a big fan of strategies unless and until they convert into practical changes. I have read the summary paper, although I am disappointed in the low number of individuals who responded. Citizen Space—I do not know how many of the public have heard of that—had just over 139 responses, and I believe that the consultation ran only from September to December last year. That seems to be a low response given the incidence of dementia, and quite a short response window.

Like others, I have had friends who have succumbed to dementia and have left their loving partner distraught after years of watching their loved one slip away. In the paper, there is the following quote:

“Dementia is like having a hole where someone used to be. They are gone, but you can’t mourn them, and you can’t move on. The lives of those closest to them is held in limbo, with guilt affecting every decision of every day.”

How true.

Here, the support of community, which is addressed in the paper, is crucial, as well as that of professionals. I shall give examples in my own constituency in a moment, but, on language, which the minister referred to, I make a plea that dementia should not be referred to as a “journey”—this is not “Strictly Come Dancing”. I baulked at referring to a dementia journey. Why do we not refer to the progress of dementia? That seems to be a bit more sensitive and respectful, but perhaps that is just me.

On the question “What supports work well for you?”, which was posed in the consultation, I share this reply from the paper:

“I had this huge desire to just to be able to be in the company of somebody who was going through the same process as me. Someone who was having similar experiences, who had similar hurdles to climb over and whose mountains to climb were just as high as mine. I needed to hear their experiences, I wanted to find out how they overcame them, how they overcame their difficulties.”

I will take members to Cowan Court in Penicuik in Midlothian, which is a place where carers have a cup of tea and a chat while their loved ones are being looked after. I have visited and sat with the carers as they had a very brief respite while their loved ones were looked after. We were there to chat, but for one woman it was all so traumatic that she could not speak because she was so tearful. Such is the unremitting stress 24 hours a week, seven days a week, together with anxiety as to what further damage the disease has done as each day and, indeed, each night passes.

I will give other examples of live initiatives. The Scottish Borders Council was the first local authority in Scotland to appoint a champion for older people and people living with dementia. As part of her role, Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol has been responsible for encouraging all her fellow councillors to undertake dementia-friendly training to better understand the needs of people living with it.

There is also a Borders dementia working group, which meets monthly in Galashiels. That is for people living with dementia and their carers who are interested in influencing local and national policy and in making the Borders more dementia friendly.

Another example is Peebles memory cafe, which meets twice a month in Firholm day unit, providing a friendly, supportive meeting place for anyone who is affected by dementia to socialise, share stories and enjoy a cup of tea with others.

Why am I giving those examples? I note that the minister referred to building on what is there and to “short-term deliverables”. When summing up, will the minister specify whether the Scottish Government has undertaken an audit of such initiatives across Scotland?

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of its contributions to development in Malawi through its Malawi development programme 2018-23. (S6O-01939)

I will quote a business in my constituency. It has said:

“We have not signed the contract with Circularity Scotland. Our solicitors said we would be at risk of being derelict in our duties as directors as we would be signing a contract without due care. We have not been given terms and conditions and have not been given any costs from SEPA or Circularity Scotland.”

Would the minister comment, please?

Just a little bit of history: it was, in fact, the Conservatives, through Derek Brownlee, in negotiating a budget many years ago, who introduced the small business bonus scheme, which the Scottish Government was happy to accept. Gone are those days.

I thank the member for bringing the debate to the chamber. I add my voice to those who recognise and applaud the stoicism and determination of many in the hospitality sector, including pubs, small hotels, restaurants and similar venues in the Borders and Midlothian, which with Covid funding—although not all received it—adapted as the epidemic progressed and somehow managed to stay afloat.

I am thinking of one place in particular, in Peebles: the Central Bar in the Northgate—a small freehold pub, almost like someone’s living room. It had a hard time during Covid because it did not have the space to provide food and therefore missed out on support. It had its regulars, for whom it was more than a place for a wee bevy—it was their social life. Undaunted by virtual closure, the proprietor took the time to redecorate and added hanging flower baskets outside. If members visit its website, they will see what a cheery place it is after his efforts during Covid.

Now, thankfully, we all look forward to more normal times across spring and into summer. Indeed, a by-product of Covid was the popularity of the staycation and the enjoyment of simple pleasures such as taking a walk to a local cafe or pub. I think that it made us all appreciate what was on our doorstep, which also means that we are supporting our local communities.

Particularly in rural areas, such venues are part and parcel of the community, and they often play a large part in raising funds for charities. With regard to rates, there is, of course, the small business bonus scheme, with some—depending on rateable value—paying no rates and others paying a proportion. For decades, that policy has helped small businesses. There is also rural rates relief for businesses in designated rural areas, start-up benefits and so on. All of that distinguishes the Scottish non-domestic rates from the English system, so I do not support the call for 75 per cent business rates relief, as many small businesses already receive a 100 per cent discount. It is like comparing apples and pears.

The Scottish Government continues to pursue the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Act 2021, which is currently blocked by an interim interdict while an appeal against the judicial review that had been won by the Scottish Government goes through the court process. Success in resisting that appeal would redress the current imbalance that acts against tenant landlords.

However, one issue that I agree will cause difficulties is the deposit return scheme, whereby small, pubs, hotels and so on will not charge customers the 20p levy but will instead be required to store the empties to be collected, when the money will be recouped. Where will those empties be stored? I can think of several small businesses in my area that simply cannot store them.

There is also the high cost of energy, which is devastating for hospitality in Scotland. Any hotelier, publican or restaurateur today will tell you that that is the biggest issue that they face. It is not included in the Tory motion, which is therefore like a curate’s egg—only good in parts—although I note that the member made passing reference to the cost of energy and rising costs in his opening speech. We have 10 per cent inflation and, indeed, 17 per cent food costs inflation, which are by far the biggest hits on hospitality.

I conclude by recognising and thanking all those small hospitality businesses in my constituency for soldiering on through Covid, often with the support of their communities.

Will the member give way?

Michael Marra (North East Scotland) rose—

Don’t!

Will the member take an intervention?

Previously, I raised the concerns of craft breweries, such as Broughton Ales and Traquair House Brewery, as well as those of Dryden Aqua glass recycling company—all in my constituency. Today, I add the concerns of Villeneuve Wines, a wine retailer in Peebles, which is also in my constituency. All those companies are at a loss with regard to the deposit return scheme—they are confused by it. How flexible will Circularity Scotland be regarding registrations in those circumstances?