Richard Demarco, the Scottish artist, academic, impresario and public intellectual was presented with the award of Scottish European of the Year for 2025 at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
The presentation was made by Angus Robertson MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
The Scottish European of the Year award is voted for by members of the European Movement in Scotland. Richard Demarco topped this year’s poll, beating distinguished nominees from media and politics.
Mr Robertson said. “I am delighted to be able to make this presentation to Richard Demarco, who has for decades been making an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s engagement with European culture.
“I am also thrilled to see that he is continuing to remain active and contribute to Scotland’s presence in the cultural landscape of Europe.”
The certificate awarded to Mr Demarco says:
‘In recognition of his lifelong commitment to European culture, his championing of the values of free expression through the Arts, his numerous contributions to enriching the cultural life of Edinburgh and Scotland, his internationalism and his belief in unity and peace across Europe.’
Richard Demarco said: “I thank the members of the European Movement in Scotland for this award and for lightening my spirits in these too often dark times.
“I have never been in doubt, given the entire history of Scotland, particularly as I take the Declaration of Arbroath as proof, that Scotland is distinctly part of Europe.”
What do you think of the proposals laid out in the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan? Do they go far enough? Are they detailed enough? What more can be done to help ensure Scotland reaches its net zero targets?
The Scottish Parliament is keen to hear the views of individuals, community groups and organisations on the draft Plan for 2026-2040, by Sunday 25 January 2026.
The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy, as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.
Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead the cross-parliamentary scrutiny.
Edward Mountain MSP, Convener of the Committee said:“Climate change affects us all, so it’s crucial that the voices of the people of Scotland are heard on this pivotal local, national and global issue.
“The Scottish Parliament is now scrutinising the Plan, and this is your chance to get involved to tell us what you think should be done to improve it.
“Do the proposals make clear the changes we all need to make in our lives to help Scotland reach its net zero targets? Is the approach being taken transparent, so that we can see where progress is being made? Is there enough detail?
“Only credible and transparent policies, with public buy-in, will drive the emissions reductions needed to secure Scotland’s success.”
Parliamentary committees will focus on areas such as buildings (residential and public); transport; waste; energy supply; business and industrial processes; agriculture; land use & land use change; forestry; nature & biodiversity, and marine.
Committees are now set to engage in formal evidence sessions, community outreach and visits, before reporting on their findings by 5 March 2026.
Thereafter, the Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.
Brain tumour patients and family members who have lost loved ones gathered at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with Beatson Cancer Charity, in Edinburgh to learn more about the world-class research taking place there and call on the Scottish Government to increase investment in and widen access to clinical trials.
This urgent call comes ahead of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group (CPG) on Brain Tumours meeting today (Tuesday 25 November), convened by Brain Tumour Research. Attendees, including Convener Beatrice Wishart MSP and MSP Finlay Carson, will hear about the latest clinical innovations in the field, and about inequitable access to genomic testing.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of brain tumour tissue reveals powerful information about the underlying biology driving tumour growth and helps to inform what drugs could be used to target specific cancer-causing pathways. This information unlocks access to clinical trials based on cancer biology rather than location in the body. Without it, the pool of trials that patients can be part of shrinks.
In Scotland, WGS is not routinely offered through the NHS and access is largely limited to research studies. The lack of routine testing means patients are not accessing treatment options based on the biology of their individual tumour when needed. It also means that patients won’t be eligible for more personalised treatments such as immunotherapy that may become available in the coming years.
Among the families calling for more action is Nadia Majid, from Airdrie, who lost her four-year-old son Rayhan to a brain tumour. On 13 December 2017, an MRI scan revealed that little Rayhan had a high-grade medulloblastoma brain tumour.
Two days later, Rayhan underwent a 10-hour operation. Surgeons removed most of the tumour, but not all, as it was touching his brainstem. Despite three further surgeries and six weeks of radiotherapy, Rayhan tragically died just four months after diagnosis, shortly after starting chemotherapy.
“You think that with medicine today, there would be effective treatments and even a cure,” Nadia said. “But shockingly, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
“Added to this, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002. It shouldn’t be left to charities to fund research.
“We can’t allow Scottish families to be left behind in the search for more effective, kinder treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research Patron Theo Burrell will join supporters at the CPG this week. Theo is supporting our active campaigning on the need for greater access to, and patient-led uptake in clinical trials.
Theo Burrell, Brain Tumour Research Patron and glioblastoma patient, said: “Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is devastating enough, without finding out that patients in Scotland are being left behind in the hunt for new treatments due to a lack of routine testing.
“I am working with Brain Tumour Research – the Secretariat of the Brain Tumours Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament – to make it clear to the Scottish Government that 100% of brain tumour patients should be offered genome sequencing. The technology is there – let’s use it to stop this injustice.”
The UK Government must invest in public services, support economic growth and take action on the cost of living, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.
Ahead of the UK Budget on Wednesday 26 November, Ms Robison is calling on the Chancellor to:
deliver more funding for Scotland’s public services, infrastructure, and cost of living support – including actions to lower household energy bills
ensure that any major taxation choices do not see Scotland losing out on vital funding
completely reform the Energy Profits Levy and replace it with a sustainable system, to support jobs and investment across Scotland’s energy sector
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The UK Budget process has been chaotic and mired in damaging uncertainty. It is disappointing that neither the Prime Minister nor the Chancellor were able to meet with the First Minister in London this week.
“Given the limited time to consider the implications of any major policy changes between the UK Budget and the Scottish Budget on 13 January, this lack of engagement is a particular concern.
“Last year, the UK Government increased employer National Insurance contributions without any consultation, which led to a funding shortfall of around £400 million for public services in Scotland and acts as a tax on jobs. We cannot see a repeat this year.
“We need to see a change of course from the Chancellor – with investment in public services and infrastructure, which supports industry and jobs and delivers support on the cost of living challenges people across Scotland are facing.
“Energy bills in particular are a source of real worry for people this winter. While the UK Government promised to cut energy bills by £300, they have actually risen by almost £200 – so this Budget must provide some relief for households who are struggling.
“The UK Government must also listen to industry concerns around the Energy Profits Levy. This was always supposed to be a temporary measure and it is now affecting investment and jobs in Scotland.
“The UK Government needs to set out how a stable and long-term fiscal regime will be used to treat the offshore energy sector fairly, alongside other parts of the UK economy, and deliver business and investor certainty.
“Scotland must not be left as an afterthought yet again in the UK Budget.”
The 2026-27 Scottish Budget will be published by the Finance Secretary on 13 January.
Increased Scottish Government investment in culture has had a “positive impact” on confidence and stability in the sector but extra funding may to some degree be being used to help meet ongoing financial pressures, rather than necessarily generating improved cultural outcomes, according to a new report from Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
In a report published yesterday, the Committee recognises that “despite this welcome investment” the sector continues to face significant financial pressures, including increased employment costs such as employer National Insurance contributions, the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and Fair Work commitments.
In its report, published ahead of the Budget announcement in January, the Committee also shares concerns raised by arts and culture organisations that the Scottish Government funding increase may be being offset by funding reductions by local government.
Reiterating concerns
Throughout its pre-budget scrutiny, the Committee has considered evidence and the response of the Scottish Government, over the whole period of this session of Parliament, in order to build a longer-term view of culture funding decisions.
In its report, MSPs ask the Scottish Government to explain why it has not delivered 3-year funding settlements for the organisations it funds directly, despite a commitment in 2021 to do so.
That is one of a number of areas where the Committee is seeking clarity from the Scottish Government on the progress made in the last five years. Others include; a lack of strategic clarity in funding decisions and progress on collaboration with other Cabinet Secretaries to move forward on cross-portfolio working on funding for culture.
It also calls for details on progress made on a recommendation first given in 2022, that the Scottish Government urgently works towards alternative funding models for the sector, as well as for an urgent update on the establishment of a ‘Percentage for the Arts’ scheme and details as to what it would look like in practice.
The initiative was confirmed to be in its “initial stages” in 2022, but despite commitments to do so, the Scottish Government has not provided any further details to the Committee on the establishment of the scheme.
“Acute” skills shortage and infrastructure challenges
Further concerns raised in the report include a lack of skilled staff to maintain Scotland’s historic environment sector, with the Committee asking the Scottish Government how it is responding to this “acute” skills shortage.
It also asks key questions about whether the upcoming Spending Review will include plans to support the refurbishment, retrofitting and upkeep of cultural assets, as well as how the “substantial capital investment” required in the culture and heritage sector will be addressed to meet climate change and net zero ambitions.
Committee convener Clare Adamson said:“The Committee acknowledges the encouraging effect of the government’s pledge to boost funding for the culture sector, which has helped foster greater confidence and stability.
“Nonetheless, persistent financial challenges continue to pose serious difficulties for heritage and cultural organisations.
“We have listened carefully to the voices of those shaping and supporting Scotland’s cultural life and are mindful of the challenging economic context in which increased support has been made available.
“Our report outlines a series of recommendations for the Scottish Government.”
The devastating impact on people in Scotland affected by the infected blood disaster will be featured in a new exhibit which has gone on display at the Scottish Parliament.
Jryna Batters, Bruce Norval and Bill Wright OBE describe the personal and lifelong impact infected blood has had on them and their families. The exhibit was designed in consultation with the infected blood community including representatives from Haemophilia Scotland and the Scottish Infected Blood Forum.
It is thought around 3,000 people were infected in Scotland after being given contaminated blood products in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.
The digital exhibit explores the decades-long timeline of how the infected blood disaster unfolded and how individuals worked to keep the issue in public and political awareness. It also looks at how the creation of the Scottish Parliament provided a platform to those who were campaigning for their voices to be heard.
Jryna lives in Skye and tells of her shock at being told she had Hepatitis C after a routine blood donation. Unbeknown to them, Jryna’s husband Donald had contracted the infection after a blood transfusion of infected blood products.
She tells of the shame and stigma she felt along with the lack of support. Sadly, Jryna’s husband Donald died from liver cancer, which had a profound effect on her and her children.
Bruce from the Black Isle also tells of the enormity of the challenge in “fighting the whole system”. He feels he had to do a lot of work himself to find and challenge the evidence and narrative. Bruce and many of those infected were children at the time and he explains the lack of patient awareness and consent. He tells of the lifelong and devastating impact chronic illness has had on him and his family.
Bill, who lives in Dunkeld, explains how he was infected with Hepatitis C in 1986. Initially told that his infection was “unavoidable”, he is now living with liver cancer. He has campaigned tirelessly for justice, driven by his desire to see the truth uncovered for those who have died or those who lost family members as a result of being infected.
The Presiding Officer joined Jryna, and Bill to see the new exhibit going on display, alongside regional and constituency MSPs who represent them and representatives of the infected blood community who advised on the exhibit.
Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP said:“This new exhibit is a permanent reminder of the devastating impact the contaminated blood disaster has had on people in Scotland and their families. But not only that, it highlights their enduring campaign over several decades to get to the heart of the truth and seek justice.
“I am pleased that the Scottish Parliament is using its national platform to remind people of what happened to Jryna, Bruce and Bill and the thousands of others who have lost precious family members or are continuing to live with the impact of infected blood today.
“Their stories must never be forgotten. And we must continue to let them be heard to make sure nothing like this can ever happen again.”
Jryna Batters said:“The impact of the infected blood disaster for me and my sons is significant loss. Loss of time with my husband Donald, loss of love, family time, memories and adventures.
“For me the exhibit represents some recognition for those that have sadly died and whose lives have been filled with pain because of infected blood.”
Bruce Norval said:“I would really like people to learn from our experiences and for the Parliament at Holyrood to be committed to always continuing to listen to people who are in a minority.
“The Public Petitions Committee should always remain accessible to the smallest possible groups of people, and open to hearing their experiences and evidence.
“It’s particularly important that Parliament listens to people and evidence even when it might be uncomfortable, or at odds with wider narratives from people in positions of power, including the civil service.
“In Scotland right now, there is still a lack of joined up care across all victim groups, and I would like to see the Department of Health write to all GPs to ensure that the 500 or so infected people left in Scotland, receive the treatment and support they need at this time in life, which is usually people in their 50s and 60s.
“I would like to see care that is based on a clear treatment plan for infected people, including people infected as very young children, and acknowledgement that cancer isn’t the only risk to infected people, so that we all receive the best possible care and treatment now, and when it comes to end of life care.”
Bill Wright OBE said:“The permanent video display in the entrance to the Parliament reinforces the decades of campaigning which continues on the detail of the compensation scheme. I thank the Parliament for taking this initiative.
“With Scottish Government support we continue to work towards a permanent tribute/memorial to the grievous loss and suffering faced by those infected and affected by the infected blood disaster.
“My hope is that this will come to fruition soon”.
A majority of MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have given support to a Bill which gives school pupils a right to opt back into religious education and amends the UNCRC compatibility duty. However, they have also highlighted significant concerns about the Bill.
Those Members also noted the need for significant amendments to the Bill to resolve the serious concerns that were raised about it.
Other Members of the Committee were not content with supporting the general principles.
Rhoda Grant MSP felt that she was not able to make a recommendation, while Pam Gosal MSP and Tess White MSP said they could not support the general principles.
If the Bill is passed, schools would need to inform pupils if a parent or guardian requests that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance. If a pupil objected to being withdrawn, the school would have to follow the pupil’s wishes.
Following concerns raised in evidence, the Committee’s report recommends that the Scottish Government separate religious education and religious observance and considers unintended consequences such as the possibility of increased conflict between parents and children.
Additionally, the Bill sets out how public authorities should act when their duties under the UNCRC Act conflict with other legal obligations.
Witnesses raised concerns about why this part of the Bill was needed and what kind of precedent it sets for future human rights legislation.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said:“The Committee heard strong views on this Bill during evidence, with very serious concerns being raised.
“However, given the clear support for the basic premise of the Bill of furthering children’s rights from several witnesses, a majority of our Committee recommend that Parliament support the general principles of the Bill.
“We are clear though that substantial amendments will need to be made to respond to the significant concerns we heard.”
‘Fundamental issues’ must be addressed in a Bill which seeks to introduce a recall process to the Scottish Parliament. This is the outcome of a report issued by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.
Whilst the Committee recommends the Scottish Parliament agrees the general principles of the Bill, the report sets out a number of areas for reconsideration to ensure the process works within the Scottish Parliament’s electoral system.
These include consideration of the complexity and costs associated with the recall of regional MSPs, and some of the practical arrangements of holding recall petitions to ensure all those eligible to sign can do so.
The Bill also proposes new grounds for the automatic removal of MSPs, either on criminal offence grounds or when a Member has not attended the Parliament in person for 180 days without a reasonable explanation.
The Committee is not persuaded that MSPs should be removed for not physically attending the Parliament and invites Mr Simpson to reconsider this element of the Bill.
Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “We have heard that at its heart, this Bill has the integrity of the democratic process and the aim of improving accountability.
“Whilst this is clearly to be welcomed, there are some fundamental changes which need to be made for the Bill to achieve this aim.
“The recall process suggested within the Bill builds on the now well-established process at Westminster. But as we heard time and again, the two electoral systems are not the same and it is clear to us that there needs to be further thought given to how regional recall will work.”
The Convener continued: “The proposals within the Bill in relation to removal of MSPs fail to take into account the fact that we operate as a hybrid Parliament.
“With this in mind, we are simply not persuaded that requiring physical attendance is the correct basis for removal of MSPs and this must be rectified during any further consideration of the Bill.”
Release programme includes exclusions and governor vetoes
The Scottish Parliament has approved plans to release more short-term prisoners early due to rising prison numbers.
Following parliamentary approval of the regulations, this means:
Short-term prisoners serving sentences under four years and within 180 days of their scheduled release are eligible for emergency release
Anyone serving a sentence for sexual offences or domestic abuse, and registered sex offenders, is excluded from the release plan
Prison governors can veto an eligible person’s early release if there is evidence they would pose an immediate risk to specific individuals or groups.
Based on the approved criteria, approximately 440 prisoners could be released in the first three fortnightly tranches over November and December 2025.
Around 550 could be released over the remaining four monthly tranches from January to April 2026, with January likely to see the largest release.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “These emergency measures are necessary and proportionate to maintain prison security and good order, as well as the safety and welfare of prisoners and staff.
“Emergency release will reduce the prison population within days, with scheduled releases over six months maintaining this effect.
“These regulations include safeguards: statutory exclusions for sex offenders and those serving sentences for domestic abuse, plus additional exclusions for prisoners with unspent domestic abuse convictions or non-harassment orders.
“In addition, prison governors can veto releases that pose an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable individual or group.
“This is not a decision I take lightly, but action is necessary. The Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) Assessed Capacity Tolerance has been breached repeatedly, with many establishments at red risk status.
“The SPS risks failing to meet statutory duties and legal obligations.
“I absolutely recognise that the early release of prisoners can be a cause for concern for victims and I would encourage anyone wishing to do so to join the Victim Notification Scheme or contact the SPS direct.
“We are committed to a sustainable prison population long-term, including opening new prisons in Inverness and Glasgow.
“We will consider recommendations from the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, due by end of 2025, to address Scotland’s disproportionately high prison population compared to other European countries while maintaining a safe, rehabilitative environment.”
Landmark legislation has been approved to help create new small landholdings to increase farming opportunities and bring agricultural tenancy law into the 21st century.
The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, passed by Parliament, grants greater protections for tenant farmers and small landholders and safeguarding fair compensation should they be removed from their holding.
The Bill will give Ministers powers to split up landholdings of over 1,000 hectares when being sold, provided that it is in the public interest to do so.
It also modernises how new small landholdings are created and operate, protecting their rights and helping new entrants and the next generation of farmers to get access to land.
A consultation about the powers of the Tenant Farming Commissioner and alternative options for dispute resolution will also be launched in the coming weeks as a result of the Bill.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Tenant farmers and small landholders are vital to the fabric of our rural communities, and these reforms will help them to make a decent living on their holding and make improvements on the land they work on.
“It will allow them to work in a way that promotes sustainable and regenerative agricultural production, and – possibly most importantly – be protected from being removed from their holding without fair compensation.
“I am happy we are able to progress in consulting on the role of the Tenant Farming Commissioner so quickly and I would encourage all tenant farmers, small landholders and crofters to make their views known.
“Scotland’s concentrated patterns of ownership developed over centuries, with ownership and control of our nation’s land in the hands of the few for too long.
“In future, communities will have advance notice of sales of large land holdings and Ministers will have the powers to pause them to allow the option of a Right to Buy application to be explored.
“This is an important step in our land reform journey and I am grateful to all those who have worked with us through the Parliamentary process.”
JUNK LAW? Land reform legislation will create bureaucracy and confusion, not change, warns Scottish Land & Estates
Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has issued the following statement following the completion of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at the Scottish Parliament.
Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive at Scottish Land & Estates, said:“Perhaps uniquely, this legislation has succeeded in uniting landowners, land reform campaigners, lawyers, property agents and accountants – all of whom recognise that, whatever your stance on land reform, this is junk law.
“The reality is that many of the Bill’s provisions are so badly drafted that it will take years of additional work by government and others before they can be implemented in practice – and some may never come into effect at all.
“No one emerges as a winner from this – not government, not landowners, not rural businesses, not communities, and certainly not the taxpayer who will bear much of the cost of the added bureaucracy. The only likely beneficiaries will be lawyers, as property transactions become more complex and the prospect of this Act being the subject of a challenge before the courts.
“The Scottish Government says it wants to empower communities, yet it overlooks the fact that extensive rights for communities to buy land already exist. These powers could be used more often, but the reality is that demand for community ownership is far lower than activists claim.
“We now face the extraordinary prospect of the Scottish Government effectively acting as an estate agent – deciding how property should be broken up before it even reaches the market. For taxpayers who have witnessed the government’s forays into ferries, airports and recycling schemes, that idea will seem utterly absurd.
“Farms and estates also face being saddled with expensive and bureaucratic Land Management Plans that will do nothing to support the prosperity or resilience of rural communities. Whilst we have been firmly supportive of increased transparency and engagement with communities, no other business type is being asked to justify its activities in such a way.
“The government has also missed a major opportunity to revitalise the tenanted farming sector. Instead of encouraging more people to let land, it has chosen to penalise them further by introducing new, financially punitive compensation measures. That approach risks delivering the final blow to a sector already in decline, as those with land to let withdraw in the face of the uncertainty and risk created by this Bill.
“This Bill could have been an opportunity to build consensus and deliver meaningful, practical reform that supports rural Scotland’s people, businesses and environment. Instead, it represents a missed opportunity – one that will create division, confusion and delay at a time when Scotland needs stability, investment and economic growth.
“We urge the Scottish Government to pause, reflect and work with all stakeholders to develop legislation that truly serves the long-term interests of our rural communities.”
