Tag: DFM Kate Forbes

Meeting to support Mossmoran workers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is to host a summit following a visit to the Exxon Mobil plant at Mosmorran with Scottish Enterprise’s Chief Executive, Adrian Gillespie, on Tuesday.

This visit and summit follows the Deputy First Minister’s announcement to the Scottish Parliament last week that she will convene a taskforce with Scottish Enterprise

Hundreds of staff have been told that their jobs are at risk as the petrochemical company prepares to close part of the site in February.

The Deputy Fist Minister has already called for the UK Government to take urgent action as ExxonMobil has been clear in its announcement that the current economic and policy environment does not create a competitive future for its site.

The summit will be an opportunity to explore how to ensure everything possible is being done to support workers and secure a future for the site.

Invited to the summit will be unions GMB and Unite, the site owners ExxonMobil, Scottish Enterprise, the UK Government, Fife Council, Fife College, the Scottish National Investment Bank and local MSPs.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Our immediate priority is to explore way to retain employment at the site and support the workforce through this period of uncertainty. 

“I look forward to visiting the site and engaging with workforce representatives and the company. The Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise will join me, so that we can move at pace to explore new investment opportunities.

“Last week, I informed the Scottish Parliament that I would convene a task force to consider new opportunities for the Mossmorran site and to prioritise the workforce. Since then I have engaged extensively with the Unions and Scottish Enterprise.

“I will announce further information about the taskforce imminently. 

“In the meantime, this summit will bring together all the key stakeholders and I am keen that we consider every possible option to support the workforce at this distressing time. 

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are committed to doing all we can to support the people impacted by this and to ensure we do not lose the vital skills base of the Mossmorran workforce in Fife.”

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser, said: “Every possible option to protect the future of this plant must be on the table on Tuesday and  pursued with absolute urgency. 

“Everyone involved in these discussions must share our commitment and determination to protect these workers’ jobs and safeguard their communities in every way possible. 

“Scotland cannot afford to lose the jobs, skills and industrial capability of Mossmorran and these talks must recognise that and then quickly deliver effective action.”

Cliff Bowen of Unite, said: “Unite the Union welcomes this important intervention by the Deputy First Minister to convene a summit to tackle the issues arising as a result of ExxonMobil’s decision to close the Fife Ethylene Plant.

“Both Governments now must take decisive action to support the workforce that mitigate, and hopefully prevent, the consequences of this decision. Unite members need the support of all parties to secure their future.”

Boost for Scots language

Supporting Scots teaching, literature and media

Eleven organisations are set to share £650,000 as part of a drive to grow the Scots language across the country.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the funding on a visit to Bill and Bain printworks in Glasgow where she unveiled a new Scots language children’s book. The Auchtermichty Aw-Stars is being produced by Scots Hoose Yaldi and features three Scots language plays about a youth football club.

It is part of a series of Scots books and comics which will be printed and distributed to hundreds of schools and nurseries through the investment.

Census figures published last year found that 35% of people aged 15 or under had some Scots skills, an increase of 6% from 2011.  

Other initiatives receiving support include: 

  • new Open University courses to help teachers introduce Scots into their lessons
  • the Dictionaries of the Scots Language project, which aims to detail the origins and meanings of every known Scots word
  • Doric Film and Scots Radio, which promote the broadcast of Doric, a form of Scots spoken in North East Scotland, across television, film and radio

Ms Forbes said: “These plays are part of a series of free Scots books, comics and poems which aim to provide young people with a better understanding of the language so that it can continue to grow.  

“Scots is a treasured part of our history, heritage and culture. It enriches communities and research shows that learning the language benefits young people’s literacy skills and confidence. 

“The funding represents a £150,000 uplift compared to last year. To grow Gaelic and Scots, we also brought forward the Scottish Languages Act to establish Scots and Gaelic as official languages and introduce teaching standards for Scots.” 

Matthew Fitt, a co-owner of Scots Hoose Yaldi, said: “For many children and young people, reading a story or comic in Scots for the first time can be a transformative learning experience.

“We work very hard to improve Scots language provision for young Scots speakers in Scotland’s schools.

“It’s good to be recognised by the Scottish Government for our efforts, especially if it means we can help more young Scots speakers enjoy and learn about their own Scots language.”

Strengthening support for start-ups

Multi-year commitment made to Scottish EDGE awards

A £3.6 million contribution to the Scottish EDGE Awards is to be made over the next three years, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.

The multi-year pledge goes beyond a Programme for Government 2025-26 commitment to provide £1.2 million this year by committing to deliver the funding level for the next three years. The funding will be matched pound-for-pound by the private sector over the same period.

Since being established in 2012 the Scottish EDGE awards have awarded more than £29 million to more than 700 businesses – with the platform helping many to establish national and international business operations.

To announce the funding, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the headquarters of Ooni Ltd in Edinburgh. Ooni, creator and leader of the at-home pizza oven category, is a past recipient of Scottish EDGE funding and now operates globally, having sold over 2.5 million award-winning pizza ovens worldwide.

The Deputy First Minister said: “I have been consistently clear that entrepreneurs and start-up companies are the backbone of our economy – but they need the right support at the right time to ensure they can develop, grow and prosper.

“Since being established by the Scottish Government more than a decade ago the Scottish EDGE awards have become an integral part of the support network for Scottish start-ups, helping and supporting incredible success stories like Ooni on their journey.

“The Scottish Government is investing record funding into Entrepreneurism this year and it is incredibly encouraging to see multiple independent sources indicating our start-up community is thriving. but, However, recognising the importance that consistent support means for the start-up community and its backers, I’m delighted to extend our support for the awards not just for this year, but through to 2028.”

CEO of Scottish EDGE Evelyn McDonald said: “As a founding funder of Scottish EDGE, the Scottish Government has played a pivotal role in the delivery and success of the competition from the outset.

“The accomplishments and global growth of businesses like Ooni, who were relatively early winners, is testament to the wide-reaching impact funding can have on a business in those crucial early stages. Ooni are also an alumnus of Scale Up Scotland demonstrating how our programmes integrate to build world class businesses at scale in the ecosystem.

“We are confident that the benefits to the economy of the Scottish Government’s commitment over the next three years will be felt for a long time to come – not least in helping leverage further, private sector investment in the growth of Scottish businesses, with the likes of RBS and ongoing support from The Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.”

Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said: “Whether starting out or scaling up, every founder needs the right environment to succeed and keep growing.  Fostering a thriving, inclusive and vibrant start-up community is a critical component of a creating healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

“Now a well-established initiative for identifying and supporting early stage Scottish companies across a broad range of sectors, this longer-term backing for the Scottish EDGE awards enables a more strategic approach to delivering the programme and illustrates public and private sector commitment to driving closer alignment, collaboration and investment in our entrepreneurs.”

Co-Founder Co-CEO of Ooni Darina Garland said: “Since 2012, Ooni has grown from a tiny yet ambitious start-up to the global innovative home cookware company we are today.

“Like any business, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and the support of Scottish EDGE was fantastic in our early years – both the funding we won which helped us kick off our IP journey and the mentorship we received which played a role in our early development, enabling us to innovate and expand rapidly.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Scottish EDGE as a judge and pass on our knowledge and experience to support other entrepreneurs. This multi-year funding pledge will undoubtedly help many more ambitious Scottish entrepreneurs achieve their potential and contribute to the economy.”

The Scottish Government established the Scottish EDGE (Encouraging Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs) Fund in 2012 to boost jobs and growth in the Scottish economy. Originally established in Scottish Enterprise, Scottish EDGE was spun out to a private sector led social enterprise in late 2014.

Kate Forbes heads trade mission to United Arab Emirates 

Scotland will respond to the ongoing global economic uncertainty by highlighting its economic strengths and making clear it is open for business, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said.

Speaking ahead of a trade and investment visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ms Forbes promised the Scottish Government would do everything it could to promote trade and attract jobs and investment.  

The Deputy First Minister is undertaking a three-day programme of engagements designed to build relations with the UAE Government and position Scotland as an investment destination.

She will meet the UAE’s Minister for Investments and Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Alongside Scottish Enterprise, the Deputy First Minister is aiming to help a range of Scottish businesses to secure new export and investment opportunities.

The visit coincides with the UAE’s first Scotland Week, a programme of business activity developed to showcase Scotland’s innovation and expertise across science and technology, the energy transition and food and drink.

The Deputy First Minister said: “The global economic uncertainty we currently face makes it an imperative to send a message to the world that Scotland is open for business and to highlight our remarkable economic strengths.

“While all the economic levers are not in our hands, what the Scottish Government can and will do is stand square behind Scottish business and help open the doors that will deliver jobs and increased investment.

“That is why I will be in the UAE promoting Scottish companies and encouraging greater collaboration. Scotland’s unique strengths, expertise and innovation are recognised around the world, including in the UAE. This is an opportunity to build on that reputation and secure trade and investment opportunities to help the Scottish economy to prosper.”

Internal Market Act ‘must be repealed’

Deputy First Minister urges UK Government to restore Scottish Parliament’s full powers

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has urged the UK Government to “restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament” by repealing the Internal Market Act and providing full restoration of powers that were removed by the previous UK administration. 

A Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020 published today says the Act should be repealed and replaced with a system built around the Common Frameworks approach and agreed by all devolved administrations and the UK Government.

Two votes in the Scottish Parliament, in October 2023 and February 2025, have called for the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament but have been ignored.

The new paper comes as the consultation period for the UK Government’s statutory review of the Internal Market Act concludes. The UK Government specifically ruled out repealing the Act before its consultation began. 

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government’s position is clear, we must see the full restoration of the powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Internal Market Act should be repealed and the UK Government must work with the devolved governments to deliver an agreed and workable alternative.

“The Act was imposed by the previous UK Government without the consent of any devolved legislature. It remains the single greatest impediment to more effective and respectful intergovernmental relations.

“Neither the Scottish Parliament nor any of the other devolved legislatures gave their consent to the Act. It has introduced radical uncertainty as to the effect of devolved laws, effectively introducing a far-reaching and unpredictable new constraint on the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

“It also provides UK Ministers with an open-ended power effectively to nullify laws passed by a democratically elected – and accountable – legislature.

“It is deeply regrettable that the UK Government explicitly ruled out repealing the Internal Market Act before it began the review process and consultation but this new paper offers them an opportunity to work with the Scottish Government to restore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.”

Scottish Government Position Paper on the Internal Market Act 2020

First Minister welcomes Prime Minister to Bute House

Talks focus on collaborative working and areas of shared interest

First Minister John Swinney welcomed Sir Keir Starmer to Bute House yesterday for one of his first engagements after being appointed as the new UK Prime Minister.  

Following an introductory telephone call on Friday, the two leaders met in Edinburgh to emphasise their joint commitment to working collaboratively on areas of shared interest.

They discussed a range of issues and areas where both the governments can work together, including advancing the Scottish Government’s core priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, prioritising net zero, and ensuring the delivery of effective public services. 

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and the new Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray joined the First Minister and Prime Minister for talks.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I was pleased to welcome Sir Keir to Bute House so soon after his appointment as UK Prime Minister.

“We continued our conversation about areas of shared interest. I believe there is an opportunity for collaborative working that can make a difference to people’s lives and I hope to work with Sir Keir’s new Government to deliver progress for the benefit of people in Scotland.

“Following our talks, I am confident we have established the foundation for a productive relationship between our two governments based on renewed respect for the devolution settlement.

“On a personal note, having been First Minister for two months and a minister for many years, I am very aware of the demands of office. I again offered Sir Keir and his family my congratulations on his appointment and my best wishes for what will be a demanding start to his term in office.” 

The UK’s position on the Middle East will be one of the ongoing issues Keir Starmer will have to address and a vocal protest by pro-Palestinian campaigners gathered outside Bute House calling for an end to arms supplies to Israel and an end to the slaughter of innocent children and families in Gaza.

John Swinney picks his team

Cabinet of 11 will be supported by 14 Ministers

First Minister John Swinney has completed the appointment of his ministerial team. Consisting of 11 Cabinet Secretaries, including the First Minister, the Scottish Cabinet will be supported by 14 Ministers.

This reduces the size of the Scottish Government by four since the start of the year.

Ivan McKee has returned to Government as Minister for Public Finance. Minister for Parliamentary Business George Adam, Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick, and Minister for Local Government Empowerment & Planning Joe FitzPatrick have stepped down from their previous roles.

First Minister John Swinney 

Minister for Parliamentary Business Jamie Hepburn

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes

Minister for Business Richard Lochhead

Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison

Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee 

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don   

Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown  

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan

Minister for Climate Action Gillian Martin

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie (reporting jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands)

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray   

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd  

Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy Christina McKelvie

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart             

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie (reporting jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport)   

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson

Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments. A detailed breakdown of ministerial responsibilities will be published in due course.