As part of the World Press Photo exhibition currently on display here at The Scottish Parliament, we’re excited to be hosting two more free panel events on Monday evening.
“Ukraine, the future” explores security, support for Ukraine, and prospects for lasting peace.
“How images sell the news” will examine what makes a good news image, and who decides this.
Come along and be part of the discussions, with the opportunity to ask the expert panellists your questions.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has urged the Scottish Government to rethink its decision to exclude the right to a healthy environment from its future Human Rights Bill.
Minister for Equalities, Simita Kumar, said that the government will “not include a standalone right to a healthy environment in the future Human Rights Bill.”
The right is about making sure people have access to clean air, a safe climate, safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.
Recognising this right was a key recommendation of the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership in 2021.
In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said that legislating for this right was a “necessary and important step for Scotland now to take”.
In their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern and party spokesperson for the environment Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said:“I am deeply disappointed to see that the Scottish Government is withholding such a fundamental human right.
“Everybody deserves access to clean air, safe water and sanitation, as well as a stable climate. Without these protections, people are exposed to severe physical illnesses, mental health struggles, and long-term societal damage ranging from toxic chemical and radiation exposure to deepening food insecurity.
“As Scotland faces a surge in energy-intensive infrastructure, including the proposed development of massive data centres and chip-manufacturing plants, it is more vital than ever to establish robust legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and protect future generations.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats remain fully committed to high environmental standards by recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
“We are determined to work closely with our European neighbours, rather than falling behind international best practice.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh North Western Alex Cole-Hamilton has lodged a parliamentary motion congratulating Edinburgh Zoo on the birth of three capybara pups.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo confirmed that zookeepers discovered the pups on 28 October, after they were born overnight to parents Luna and Rodney. The new arrivals are younger siblings to Bru, who was born in May and became the first capybara born in Scotland in 18 years.
The Edinburgh North Western MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament recognising the births and paying tribute to the hard work of the zoo’s staff and zookeepers.
Commenting on the news, Alex Cole-Hamilton said:“I am absolutely delighted to see the number of capybara pups in Scotland increasing.
“Since Bru became an internet sensation earlier this year, he and his proud parents, Rodney and Luna, have captured the hearts of people across Scotland and beyond.
“These latest arrivals are a fantastic addition to Edinburgh Zoo and a real testament to the dedication and expertise of its hardworking staff.
“I’m very proud to have Edinburgh zoo in my constituency and would encourage everyone to visit the zoo, meet the growing capybara family and support this much-loved Edinburgh institution.”
A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.
In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.
The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.
Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it. My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.
“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”
The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.
Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.
“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring. While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.
House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”
Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.
Two Holyrood committees are working together to gather evidence on the impacts of potential hyperscale data centre construction and operation in Scotland.
The Climate Action Committee is calling for data and evidence on the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres from construction and operation to the long-term management and disposal of waste, hardware and materials.
The Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, meanwhile, wants to understand the potential economic and energy implications of hyperscale data centre development in Scotland.
A hyperscale data centre is a large facility that can be used for internet-based applications, data processing and artificial intelligence. There are no hyperscale data centres in Scotland, although more than 20 are proposed in different locations across the country.
Rather than focusing on specific proposals, the Committees’ call for evidence wants to gather a complete picture of the impact of data centres.
The Committees plan to share their findings with the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP who has said that guidance on hyperscale data centres will be published by Christmas.
In addition to its consultation, the Climate Action Committee will hold evidence sessions in October and November. The Committee has also agreed to consider whether to carry out further work in this area at a later date.
The call for views is open until 15 November 2026.
Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Climate Action Committee, said:“We want to understand the environmental impacts of hyperscale data centres and will share our findings ahead of the Scottish Government’s upcoming guidance.
“We would like to hear expert views about impacts on air and water quality, nature and biodiversity, noise pollution and emissions. We also want to understand what can be done to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
“We’re particularly keen to ensure that Scotland learns lessons from other countries where hyperscale data centres are already in operation.”
Convener of the Economy, Tourism and Energy Committee, Duncan Massey MSP, said:“Data centres have been grabbing the headlines but now it’s time to dig into the details.
“We want to ensure we understand whether there are economic positives for Scotland and what they are. Will they drive new jobs and create long term employment? What about our energy systems, are they able to support hyperscale data centres?
“To aid our scrutiny of Scottish Government decision making, we want to hear from experts working in these areas in order to build a clear picture of all the positives and negatives associated with bringing large scale data centres to Scotland.”
A recruitment competition to appoint Scotland’s first Victims and Witnesses Commissioner has been launched.
The role will promote and support the rights and interests of victims and witnesses in Scotland. It will also promote best practice and a ‘trauma-informed’ approach by criminal justice bodies and those who provide support services to victims.
The information pack for candidates says applications are being sought from “talented individuals with drive, integrity, credibility, resilience and excellent communication skills”.
The high-profile position will be independent of government and parliament.
Salary
The appointment is for a fixed term of up to 8 years, attracts a starting salary of £96,353 and is pensionable through the Civil Service Pension Schemes.
Closing date
Applications should be submitted by 12 noon on 23 October 2026.
Appointment by the King
The successful candidate will be appointed by His Majesty on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament.
The ASSC and SHG host parliamentary reception to introduce MSPs to the visitor economy for the new parliamentary session, inviting politicians to test how much regulatory pressure the sector can take before it all comes tumbling down
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) and the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) hosted a drop-in reception at the Scottish Parliament to introduce MSPs to Scotland’s vital tourism and hospitality industry as the new parliamentary session gets under way.
The event, hosted by Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Tourism Daniel Johnson MSP, was attended by politicians from the SNP, Labour, Reform Scotland, Conservative and Liberal Dem benches, alongside self-caterers and hospitality operators from across the country.
Amongst the MSPs in attendance was Scottish Government Minister for Innovation Alyn Smith MSP and Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Joe Fagan MSP. Speeches were provided by ASSC and SHG leads, Fiona Campbell MBE and Stephen Montgomery.
To bring the sector’s message to life, guests were invited to try their hand at a giant tumbling tower, built from blocks representing the many regulatory and fiscal pressures facing tourism and hospitality businesses. As with any such tower, removing a single block rarely brings it down but each one removed brings the whole structure closer to collapse. MSPs and industry figures took turns testing exactly that.
The exercise also illustrated the argument behind a new infographic released by the two leading industry bodies: that businesses do not experience government policy one intervention at a time, but absorb the combined cost and administrative burden of everything introduced across government at once.
For self-caterers, that ranges from short-term let licensing and planning controls; and for hospitality businesses, from alcohol advertising restrictions, the deposit return scheme to Low Emission Zones. Moreover, that’s on top of shared pressures including visitor levies and rising business rates.
Tourism and hospitality are among Scotland’s greatest economic strengths, supporting jobs, businesses and communities in every constituency. But behind those numbers are people: the owners, operators, employees and entrepreneurs who welcome visitors, create jobs, invest locally and help make Scotland one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.
The ASSC and SHG hope the reception gave MSPs the chance to hear directly from some of those people, and to understand both the contribution they make and the challenges they are currently facing.
With all that in mind, the ASSC and SHG are now calling on national and local government to embed cumulative impact assessment into policymaking, so that any new measure affecting the visitor economy is considered not just on its own terms, but alongside the pressures businesses are already carrying.
With visitor spend reaching £11.4bn, the organisations argue that protecting the sector’s ability to invest, employ and grow is a matter of national economic importance, not just an industry concern.
Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the ASSC, said: “Businesses do not experience government policies one at a time, they experience them all at once. Each new measure adds yet another block to an already growing burden.
When the regulatory burden keeps stacking up, businesses have less capacity to invest, employ and grow. We were therefore delighted to see MSPs get involved with our tumbling tower but while it was a fun visual, but there was serious thought behind it.
“Namely, that good policymaking must consider how various interventions interact and what the cumulative impact means for business. The reception was a valuable chance to start that conversation with cross-party MSPs and we look forward to building on that engagement throughout this parliamentary session and beyond.”
Stephen Montgomery, Director of the SHG, said: “Hospitality businesses are being asked to carry an ever-growing stack of taxation, regulation and additional costs, without the cumulative impact always being properly assessed.
“Every new block has to be paid for somewhere and government must look at the whole structure rather than adding measures one by one. What we now need, is government to speak to and include us in all the discussions, and take our factual evidence into account, before any policy is determined or implemented.
“Nevertheless, it was fantastic to welcome MSPs from across the political spectrum and we were greatly encouraged by the appetite for genuine engagement with our sector. We want to build on those conversations so that the industry and parliament are working together in partnership in the years ahead.
“After all, when hospitality and self-catering thrive, our communities thrive, our economy grows, and Scotland succeeds.”
The Scottish Greens have hailed Outlander star Sam Heughan’s support for a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centres ahead of a crunch vote in the Scottish Parliament today brought by the Green MSPs.
The Outlander star has urged politicians to “listen to what communities and environmental organisations are saying” and halt climate-wrecking data centre applications until a national strategy is in place.
The Scottish Greens have called for all applications for data centres above 50MW to be paused until a clear national strategy is in place, but the Scottish Government has fallen short of committing to a moratorium.
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harviesaid: “Sam Heughan is right that the Scottish Government should listen to communities and campaigners who are calling for a moratorium.
“We need an immediate pause on these applications until we can assess the impact on our energy systems and local environments. The current approach from the Scottish Government is unsustainable.
“MSPs can show support for local communities by backing our calls for a proper national strategy and demanding the halt that is needed.”
And the number of applications could triple under projections from the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
That would divert far too much renewable energy from heating our homes, charging our EVs and powering our public transport, and decarbonising our industry – all of which is needed to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and tackle the climate crisis.
Former high profile MSPs told the think tank in a series of “exit interviews” that the parliament is not living up to its consensus-building potential, contributing to key targets being missed.
It is not just the public who are deeply frustrated and disillusioned with the way politics and policymaking are working in Holyrood, new research from IPPR Scotland has found.
MSPs themselves have been feeling the same malaise, with a record number of them having chosen not to stand for re-election at this year’s Scottish parliamentary election.
In a series of detailed “exit interviews”, MSPs from across the political spectrum – including former backbenchers and senior cabinet figures – told researchers that the parliament has been underperforming. The findings come at a time of declining trust in politics and growing frustration with the way democratic institutions function. Voter turnout fell dramatically at the 2026 election and various polls showed voters felt Scotland was headed in the wrong direction.
The Scottish parliament was designed to bring competing ideas together to find productive compromise. But interviewees described a shift towards shallow partisanship, with MSPs increasingly falling back on party lines and formulaic debates where politicians speak past each other.
This disconnect between the parliament’s consensus-building design and adversarial politics undermines the quality of scrutiny and legislation.
The problems show up in the way parliamentary committees operate. When the parliament was set up in 1999, committees were imagined as spaces for sustained, collaborative discussions, allowing MSPs the time to develop subject expertise and contribute meaningfully to policy matters.
But interviewees said members pay little attention to one another, and serious engagement with the substance of issues is all too rare.
Researchers found that:
Short committee tenures are limiting the development of expertise. The median time MSPs serve on committees has hovered around one-and-a-half to two years, compared with five-year parliamentary terms. This restricts their ability to develop the kind of subject expertise that longer tenure would provide.
Instead of interactive discussions, MSPs increasingly resort to monologues. In the first parliamentary session, a committee member spoke an average of 117 words before another member spoke. By the sixth session, this had doubled to 232 words.
This affects the process of legislation making. Committees were intended to scrutinise legislation in detail, drawing on members’ expertise, expert witnesses and detailed evidence. But MSPs said debate has shifted to the final stages of legislation with poorly thought through amendments introduced at the last minute.
The researchers’ analysis of parliamentary data backs this up. In the first session (1999-2003), final-stage debates were about half as long as committee discussions. By the sixth, (2021-2026) the pattern had reversed, with final debates longer than committee stages.
IPPR Scotland has argued that the parliament needs to strengthen its consensus-building mechanisms, both to build trust with the electorate and because the challenges the country faces need long-term policies with widespread buy-in.
The think tank recommends that reforms to parliament be designed by a new Citizens’ Commission on Scotland’s Democracy, giving citizens a formal role in reviewing and reporting on the functioning of Scottish democracy through citizens’ assemblies and juries.
Dave Hawkey, senior research fellow at IPPR Scotland, said: “Scotland faces formidable challenges, from cutting emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate crisis to managing the ageing population and reducing inequality.
“Solving each of these will need bold and far-reaching policy, including ideas from every corner of Scottish society.
“Low trust in politics is a major barrier to building the consensus we need to successfully guide Scotland through these changing times. Concretely, if citizens lack trust in politics, they will not agree to pay the taxes we need to fix our shared problems.”
Anonymous MSP1 said:“If you go as a minister to be interrogated by the opposition or backbenchers, the greatest disappointment is always how rubbish their questions are because they’re all sitting on their phones, you get to their shot, they ask a pre-prepared question.
“It’s either political or general most of the time. And then they go back to scrolling on Twitter.”
Anonymous MSP2 said:“You have legislation that grows arms and bells and whistles. [During recent debates] I was thinking: I cannot believe we’re actually accepting or agreeing to this amendment that, in one line, will give somebody a headline but will cause a huge tail end of policy issues.”
“Ukraine, the future” explores security, support for Ukraine, and prospects for lasting peace.
Monday 2 Nov from 5.15pm
More info & book FREE tickets: https://ow.ly/SXao5102qxV
How to be a World Press Photo winner
AI and photography – can you believe it?
