First Minister’s Questions (Backbench Members) - 15 September 2026

is caring for the environment and that includes avoiding intentional or reckless disturbance to sensitive conser conservation species such as cappercale their breeding sites and their habitat. >> Thank you. The next item of business is first minister's questions for backbench members. Question one, Donald McKinnon. >> Thank you presiding officer. Last week, the public petitions committee of this parliament took the decision to keep open petition 2202 seeking to end the harvesting of gaug from the island of Sulskar in my constituency. Does the first minister like me recognize and value the deep cultural significance of the taking of GGA from Sulskar? And can he confirm that the position of his government remains that it does not intend to amend section 16 of the wildlife and countryside act 1981 to remove the power to grant licenses for taking ganut from solushka. First minister before I come to Mr. McKinnon's question. May I associate myself with the comments that you made at the start of business this afternoon about the sad death of Kathy Creger who was a distinguished member of parliament and I express my sympathy to her family and to her colleagues in the Labour party and across the political spectrum today. She was a a generous and kind lady to work with in the Scottish Parliament and I express my thanks for the work she contributed to Scottish to the Scottish Parliament. In relation to Mr. McKinnon's question. First of all, the government has no intention of changing the provisions in the act. The the issues that have been wrestled with by nature Scott are the consideration of scientific evidence. I understand and appreciate there is quite vigorous debate about that scientific evidence but nature Scott have fulfilled an expectation that I had that they would be open and transparent about the information that they had considered in coming to the conclusion. I think it's important for me to state for the record that although a decision was taken in relation to the googa hunt in 2026 that does not pro prohibit any application for subsequent years and I hope that clarity assists the um the Mr. McKinnon's constituents who I know many of whom are troubled by this particular issue. >> Thank you. Question two Helen McDeed. Thank you presiding officer and my apologies for earlier to ask the first minister considering there is a public inquiry into the NHS t-side practices which allowed Sam Alj to butcher patients over nearly 20 years and there's another public inquiry into NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital whether he can explain how accountability and justice can be delivered despite a major reorganization of NHS boards which will remove these entities. Thank you, First Minister. >> So, the the the public inquiries will take their course and there is nothing about the reorganization of the National Health Service as proposed by the program for government that will interrupt or in any way inhibit the inquiries undertaking their full scrutiny. All issues that are relevant arising out of these inquiries into either NHS t-side or into NHS greater Glascon and Clyde will be handled, dealt with, responded to by the successor NHS institutions that arise from the government's reforms if they are supported by parliament. >> Fulton McGregor. >> Thank you, Presiding Officer. A constituent who's a specialist domestic abuse advocacy worker with assist Glasgow City Council's domestic abuse court advocacy service has raised serious concerns with me about proposed changes to paying grading that could result in our salary being reduced by around 23% from April 2028. Given the Scottish government's ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, what discussions will the first minister have with Glasgow City Council to ensure that changes to the pay and grading of specialist frontline staff don't undermine the provision of vital support to victims of domestic abuse. >> First minister, >> present officer, I would want to separate two issues that Mr. McGregor has raised in his question to me. The first is in relation to the pay and grading changes that have been taken forward by the city of Glasgow council. These are matters for the city of Glasgow council to address as the employer of individuals affected. I am aware of the uh points that Mr. McGregor raises in the specific implications in relation to the assist organization but fundamentally um that is an issue about the grading of staff and the pay that's allocated which is for a matter for the city council. The other issue is about the sustained funding to advocacy organizations and ad and organizations that have um responsibility to tackle violence against women and girls. And as I set out in the program for government uh two weeks ago, h the government is committed to ensuring there is sustained funding in place for these organizations and I will say more about that in the debate this afternoon. >> Thank you, Adam Harley. >> Thank you. Presiding officer Lord Jim Wallace spent the final years of his life campaigning with the Aotic Dissection Charitable Trust before sadly dying from the condition earlier this year. Aotic dissection kills more than 2,000 people every year across the UK with that number expected to double by 2050. Greater awareness of the symptoms and a standardized pathway could improve prevention, treatment and afterare and would save lives. Scotland has three specialist centers currently treating this condition. So we have a real opportunity to lead the way. So in memory of Jim Wallace, will the first minister commit to publishing national guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, uh treatment and after care of aotic dissection? >> First minister, >> pres many ways in which we could pay tribute to the legacy and the work of Jim Wallace, but Mr. Harley puts an absolutely outstanding example on the parliamentary record today, and I very much associate myself with the comments that he made. I think he will know that I had the greatest of respect for Jim Wallace and for his tremendous contribution to our public life. Um the Neil Gray when he was the health secretary met with the aotic dissection trust and has engaged in that dialogue about the issues that Mr. Harley raises. I think he makes a really good point that on conditions which uh require us to have a clear pathway uh we must make sure that those pathways exist within Scotland. I'm obviously very focused on making sure that wherever people live in the country and I've rehearsed this point with some of Mr. Harley's colleagues on other aspects of the health service people can have access to that pathway. So we will give active consideration to the point that Mr. Harley has raised and I'll ask the health secretary Angela Constson to engage further and she'd be happy to meet Mr. Harley and with the trust to take forward these issues. >> Craig Hoy, thank you sir. Over the course of the summer, residents and business owners contacted me about a recent problem of young people clambering on the roofs of buildings in Dfreetown Center, something known as urban exploring. This dangerous trend is pro promoted v via social media is of concern to residents and could cost lives. So will the first minister join with me and local police in highlighting the dangers and consequences of urban exploring and will the Scottish government commit to working with agencies including police Scotland h to tackle this life-threatening and concerning form of antisocial behavior? >> First minister I understand the concern that Mr. raises on behalf of his constituents and the it is just another example and I will come on to say more in the course of the debate this afternoon of the um dangerous practices and behaviors that can be in some ways uh legitimized or certainly aired by social media. So um I echo the concerns expressed by Mr. Hoy. I commit the government to working and supporting with Police Scotland. I'm certain there will be good engagement with police Scotland at local level but there'll obviously be a necessity for engagement with other public authorities perhaps also the free and Galloway council in relation to the education service in that community but there'll be a w a more a wider application I can't imagine it's just an issue in Dfree um so I think the point that Mr. Hoy raises is an important one to capture public attention. >> Katherine Sangster. >> Thank you, presiding officer. Teaching unions are warning that school support staff are not being supported to deal with increasing instances of violent behavior from pupils in primary school. Last year, Edinburgh City Council paid out over 250,000 to support staff and damages alone. Edinburgh Council have warned that given the black hole of 650 million in local government finances left by government underfunding, they do not have the resources to deal with this problem. So can I ask the first minister what action he will take and ensure that teaching support staff are not left to face this issue alone. First Minister, >> the answers to these issues are of course in making sure that behaviors in our schools, whether that is behavior that is encountered by teaching support staff or by members of the teaching staff or by pupils, um is appropriate and satisfactory and the government has set out a range of measures over some time to ensure that behavior issues are confronted within the school system. We are putting in place resourcing um supporting local authorities, working with the professional associations, working with the other trade unions to ensure that members of staff are at all times supported. And the point that Katherine Sangster makes about the importance of behavior being acceptable within schools for the safety of everyone in our schools is one that I endorse unreservedly. Maggie Chapman. The >> first minister will be aware that NHS Tay-side plans to close Kingsway Care Center in Dundee in just four months time, moving dementia assessment and treatment to forer and cutting beds by 36%. Vulnerable adults with psychosis, depression, and other conditions will also have their care relocated. What does the first minister say to families and carers who may face multiple bus journeys, if suitable services even exist, with elderly people with dementia simply to access care? And will he ensure that no changes proceed without proper consultation, a full equality impact assessment, and clear evidence of no detriment to patient care? First Minister, >> it would be my expectation that before NHST said embarked on any move of this type that the implications um on individual residents was taken into account in all of the steps that are being taken because for for for any patient whose care arrangements are being altered, there has to be an individual assessment undertaken to ensure that the needs of that individual have been properly taken. into account. So that would be my expectation of NHS Tside and I will ask the the health secretary to make that point to NHS T-side. There are of course occasions where it is necessary to redesign services and I think we all have to accept that some stages and I've dealt with this in my constituency experience extensively over the years where we have to h face up to the need to modernize and to change the way in which we deliver services. That can only be done if it's done as we set out in the in the program for government in a patient centered fashion that addresses the needs of each individual and that would be my expectation in this case. >> Angela Ross, >> thank you presiding officer. First Minister, Thursday's highpressured gas leak at the planned McKenzie battery storage site in East Lotheian has reinforced local concerns about major energy and digital infrastructure developments being located in close proximity to homes, schools, public spaces. While the incident was not caused by the battery installation itself, but work at the site, does it not highlight the need to review the national planning framework to ensure that such developments are directed to suitable locations that the impact on existing communities is given greater weight in planning decisions. First Minister, >> in coming to any decision about the location of facilities, there has to be uh the assessment of all relevant factors in each locality and to and and an open and rigorous assessment of any implications that might be felt by the local community as a consequence. That's an essential requirement of all of our planning policies. A national planning framework sets out at a strategic level the approach that is taken in relation to the uh delineation of land for particular uses and the specific considerations that have to be borne in mind in taking forward any development. So all of these matters will be issues that will be considered in the planning process. I would reiterate um one other point which is that wherever there is work undertaken at any site, the importance of public safety and the safety of the workforce that are involved is absolutely paramount and of course that will require interaction with the regulatory powers of the health and safety executive which should be applied in all appropriate circumstances. >> Carol K. >> Thank you presiding officer. Uh yesterday, first ministers across these islands met in Cardiff to sign a memorandum of understanding that our nations should have the right to decide our own constitutional future. Last week, the UK Prime Minister also agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence. Given that, what is the next step in the first minister's plan to build upon the Cardiff agreement? >> First minister, President Officer, it was a welcome opportunity yesterday for me to meet with the first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland on the important question that Mr. K raises that the people of this country should be free to decide their own constitutional future. And I welcome the comments that were made by the prime minister in the House of Commons last weddednesday when he recognized the centrality of that principle. It is a fundamental point of self-determination and I was glad to have the opportunity to reinforce that point yesterday. And as for the next steps that I intend to take, well, I made it clear yesterday that I want during this parliamentary term for Scotland to have the opportunity to decide on our constitutional future through a referendum on independence. And I will make sure that the efforts of my my own office and those of government are put to ensure that that is the case and the people of Scotland are free to decide their own future by 2031. [applause] >> Trust. Thank you studing officer. The first minister has long recognized the importance of flight connections to communities in the highlands and islands and I was glad to see the cabinet secretary for transport call the regional aviation stakeholder meeting. However, given the cabinet secretary isn't attending the meeting he himself called to hear directly from stakeholders in the Highlands and Islands, will the first minister attend in his place? >> First Minister, the the the cabinet secretary has of course already intervened on flight issues and I'm very pleased with the outcome that he's managed to secure to um to to sustain a number of services that um have been taken forward. Um, in relation to the uh the forum, the the discussion involves representatives of the government and uh I know that all of the information that is aired will be uh fed to ministers and ministers will take the appropriate decisions on these questions and the uh let me just take this opportunity to reinforce the importance that I attach to flight connections to our island communities and I know that's a point that's reinforced by the work of the cabinet secretary >> Jenny Mento. >> Thank you presiding officer. Tomorrow, Chest, Heart, and Stroke Scotland launched its new women's health plan. Given that women are 50% more likely than men to receive an initial misdiagnosis following a heart attack and continue to experience poorer cardiovascular outcomes, can I ask the first minister what action the Scottish government is taking through phase two of the Scot of the Scottish government's women's health plan to improve women's cardiovascular health and build on existing commitments to reduce these inequalities. First Minister, first of all, can I recognize the important work that Jenny Mento herself did in her time as a minister to advance the women's health plan. Um, as she will be aware, phase two of the women's health plan aims to address the inequalities that affect the health of all women and girls in Scotland. Uh, the CVD risk factors program has a dedicated women's health work stream focused on reducing lifetime cardiovascular risk in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. H support and resources have been developed with a variety of third sector partners ensuring these meet the needs of women. Early findings from testing sites suggest the pathway of care is functioning well. In addition, training is being delivered in the National Health Service to improve awareness of the interaction between women's reproductive health and future cardiovascular risk amongst health care professionals. >> Marvin May Mallum. >> Thank you, presiding officer. And I'd just like to highlight that I'm a counselor with the Highland Counselor. The fifth sorry the first minister will possibly have seen the story of Sophie McNab a young girl from Inesse in need of residential care. Sophie has been placed in Anan some 230 miles from her f from her home and her family. Her case is not a unique one. There are currently 26 Highland children living far from home in Dumpries and Galloway North Lannshire West and elsewhere. Why? because there are not suitable provisions for them in Highland. Does the first minister agree that children being separated from their families like this is unacceptable and will his government bring them home? Thank you, >> First Minister. I agree with the fundamental point that Morvin May McCall makes in the in the conclusion of her question that it is best for children to be uh support well first of all it's best for children to be supported in their own family circumstances if that is safe and and sustainable to do so but then if it is not they should be uh supported as close to home as possible that's an inherent element of the promise to which Morvin May McCallum will be aware the government is absolutely committed We obviously work closely with local authorities, but um M McCall raises an important point which is the fact that whilst there may be a number of of children and young people in the Highlands who require that support, there may not be all of that provision in that individual locality, which is one of the reasons why I think we have to look to undertake some of the more regional work that is to is necessary. to make sure we have provision that meets better meets the needs of individual young people. But the the government, Siobhan Brown, the minister for the promise, we'd be happy to engage further about the specific problem that is raised uh within the Highlands and of course we'd be happy to discuss that with representatives of Highland Council who have responsibility in this area. >> Miles Briggs, thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Last Monday the Scottish Medicine's consortium approved two presiding officer. Last Monday, uh the Scottish Medicine Consortium approved two promising new drugs for metastatic breast cancer um which offer real hope and for those who are suffering from the disease before it progresses. In England, these drugs and the necessary genomic tests have been available now for over a year. But patients here in Scotland increasingly cannot access these drugs because the genomic tests that establishes if someone's suitable to receive them are not routinely available on NHS Scotland. This doesn't just affect breast cancer. Since 2021, at least 15 other cancer medicines have been restricted because of a lack of availability of testing. So, can the first minister provide any update on what interimm solution will be put in place for patients looking to access these treatments? And does the first minister also agree with me that Scotland needs a sustainable long-term model for genomic genomic testing? First Minister on the H the first point about availability of treatments. Um that issue has been actively explored just now by the health secretary in relation to the outcome of the SMC consideration of this issue. And on the second point about genomic testing, I I was involved in a discussion just last week on a separate issue not on breast cancer but which essentially explored the strengthening of our capability in relation to genomic testing and and whilst I would I would want to you know convey some encouragement to Mr. Briggs that I think good progress has been made. Um the conversation that I was involved in involved a briefing from the chief scientist in health Dana Dominic who is leading very significant work to advance this area. So I I would say to Mr. Briggs that the specific issues being explored but the general issue about some of the testing and assessment arrangements is actually progressing significantly. and um we I'll I'll write to Mr. Briggs with some information to address his interest and to give him reassurance that progress is being made. >> Pauline Stafford, >> the events over the weekend in the town of Armadale in my constituency with the death of a 35year-old man reportedly following a targeted attack and suspected use of a firearm have deeply shocked the community and my thoughts are with his family and all those affected at this time. I appreciate this is an ongoing police investigation. However, can the first minister provide my constituents with reassurance that the Scottish government and please Scotland are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the community? >> First minister, I was very sorry to hear about the incident at the weekend and I'm appreciate the opportunity that Pauline Stafford provides for me to comment on the issue. Um, as Paul Stafford indicates, this is a live police investigation. I'm advised that police Scotland have all of the available resources uh that are necessary to explore and examine this particular case and with the expertise that comes from being um the the the the national force of Scotland to enable those issues to be addressed. Uh, I would also want to take this opportunity to reassure Pauling Stafford and her constituents that issues of public safety are uppermost in the consideration of Police Scotland in reassuring members of the public. Liam MacArthur. Thank you, presiding officer. This week, November published a comprehensive report exploring the leading causes of premature mortality amongst men in Scotland. The real face of men's health shows that men born in Scotland currently have the lowest life expectancy of any UK nation at 77.4 years and the socioeconomic factors are contributing to significant disparities in men's health across the country. Does the first minister share my alarm at these findings and if so, what action will he take to improve outcomes for men's health across every community in Scotland? >> First minister, >> I'm great I'm grateful to Mr. MacArthur for raising this question because the report is a timely reminder of some of the challenges that we face in relation to men's health and the need to improve outcomes in relation to men's health and well-being. Uh there is a very heavy focus in the government's program on shifting to early intervention and prevention. So that means intervening on issues in relation to um alcohol and drug uh use. It means also an encouraging and supporting men to live healthier lifestyles to provide the greatest capacity to be able to deal with the risk of heart disease uh stroke um uh lung cancer issues and of course also mental well-being. So the fundamental shift in our public services and to early intervention and prevention is designed to address the issues the important issues that Mr. MacArthur raises. Amanda Lindsay >> to ask the first minister if he will stop his government smearing women who protested at Glasgow Green over the weekend as far right and instead tell this chamber what he will do to address the failures on women's safety that took them there. First Minister, I'll be leading a debate this afternoon on violence against women and girls, and I want to have uh an an open and a candid discussion on these important issues. But what I will also say to Amanda Lindsay is I will never ever ever stop confronting the far right in this country. [applause] Lloyd Melvilleing >> officer Dundy and Angus College has ambitious plans for a new campus at our broth which would be the biggest education and regeneration project in the town's history. The SNP manifesto committed the government to supporting Dundy and Angus College to renew their estate. So can I ask the first minister for an update on that work being undertaken with the Scottish funding council to drive this project forward? First Minister, >> presiding officer, the the the plans of Dundian Angus College that Mr. Melville highlights are ambitious plans. They will affect both the city of Dundee and also um our growth. The government has provided two million pounds to the funding council for a first wave group of colleges to develop business cases for transformational capital investment projects and Dundee and Angus College received £700,000 of additional funding from this to help determine the best option for renewal and through the work of the funding council the government will stay close to the developments in this respect. Martin D. Presiding officer, the first minister will be aware of the 53 to 54% success rate for motability appeals with tribunals often taking 12 to 18 months. What representations will Scottish ministers make to their UK counterparts to try to reduce these appeal delays that leave successful claimments without a motility car for up to 18 months? >> First Minister, Mr. We have made representations to the UK government on this important question. Uh we want to make sure that uh where motivability cars are required by individuals which is in many cases um uh the only way in which individuals can receive any degree of ability to uh to to move within the community um are supported and supported in a timely fashion. And Mr. Today's question to me will um prompt me to ensure that the relevant minister will make further representations to the United Kingdom government. >> Holly Bruce, >> the site of Scotland's first national football ground and a vital community space sits within my constituency, Glasgow Southside, and a group of neighbors known as First Hampton are fighting to keep that site as both a community hub and football heritage site open to all. Does the first minister agree with me that this space should be protected and run by the community instead of sold off to the highest bidder? First Minister, >> I I I think on on this one, presiding officer, I I'm very sympathetic to the issues that are raised, but I think I better just um ensure that I can give an accurate answer to Holly Bruce about what are the relevant issues that have been wrestled with here around ownership and use and I will write to her in due course with the detail of what the government can do in that case. >> David Lindon, >> grateful presiding officer. Um the first minister made reference earlier on in response to Liam MacArthur about the importance of men's health and in particular the November report. Um I'm sure the first minister well aware that places like mensheds are particularly important in terms of how we shine a subtle yet bright light on those issues. Could I therefore press the first minister to come to visit Shelson Menshed and then see the importance of these community spaces in terms of advocating issues pertaining to men's health. First Minister >> preset men's shed. I've um met visited a number of these ventures around the country. I think the most recent was in the constituency of my colleague Michelle Campbell in Renfruit if my memory serves me right. But I have constituency experience. Men sheds are very very helpful in encouraging men to meet together and to perhaps overcome some of the challenges that they face in relation to personal isolation. And it's a tremendous movement that's made an impact, a very welcome impact on the lives of men in Scotland. And I'm glad to hear that there's a vibrant organization in Shettles and I look forward to finding the opportunity to meet the organization with Mr. Lind. >> Thank you. And Michael Mara, the presiding officer, the first minister will be aware of the severe issues that women in T-side are facing accessing gynecology services. NHS Tside have told the Scottish government that waiting times of over a year have reduced from 1,348 to 11. Those figures are simply not true. First Minister, I have many constituents who are waiting multiple years. One constituent was told she would wait over 3 years for a hyerectomy. She took a loan and went private and she's never made it onto the waiting list as a result. Does the first minister believe that these terrible weights in T-side are acceptable? First Minister I I I basically take the view that um weights have got to be reduced wherever they are. So the point that Mr. Mara raises about gynecology services in T-side um is an important point and I want to see these waiting times reduced. I'll I will of course go away and look at the statistics that Mr. Mara has raised doubts about today because it's important that all of these questions are are accurate. um on a weekly basis the health secretary and I are looking at waiting list levels by um by uh discipline and by locality around the country and there is variation there are some parts of the country where in certain disciplines uh there is a very good performance and waiting uh times in other parts of the country in the same discipline that is not the case one of the issues that was raised with by Mr. green a few weeks ago. So that's one of the reasons why the government is pursuing its reform program in relation to the National Health Service so that we can remove the ob the obstruction that sometimes healthboard boundaries can put in the way of ensuring that the type of equity that Mr. Mara seeks for his constituents can actually be delivered without there being barriers in the way. But I will look at those particular uh figures. H but what I would assure Mr. Mar is there is a sustained interrogation on a weekly basis by the health secretary and I of the steps that have been taken to reduce waiting lists and waiting times and he will understand from what I've said that this podium for some time attach the greatest of importance to this issue. Thank you first minister and apologies to 28 members I was unable to take today. Um, moving on from uh backbench questions to the first minister.