Tag: Scottish Parliament

SQA no more as Holyrood agrees education reforms

New qualifications body and independent inspectorate to be established

The creation of a new national qualifications body, along with an independent education inspectorate, has taken a major step forward after legislation to implement the changes was passed in the Scottish Parliament.

The Education (Scotland) Bill was backed by 69 votes to 47 by MSPs last night. This includes provisions to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation, Qualifications Scotland.

The office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, with enhanced independence, will be created to undertake the education inspection functions that currently sit within Education Scotland.

The final legislation, following Stage 2 and Stage 3 amendments to the Bill initially introduced in June last year, includes measures from all political parties represented on Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People committee.  

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system.

“The creation of a new national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish; the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering.

“The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from Ministers, to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector.  

“Throughout this process, I have been determined to work with other parties on this vital legislation. I am also grateful to teaching unions and other organisations across civic Scotland who contributed to its development.

“Taken together our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”

British Sign Language (BSL) recognised in Scotland’s new education legislation

The National Deaf Children’s Society and fellow deaf campaigners are celebrating after the Scottish Parliament voted through the new Education (Scotland) Bill 2025, which includes crucial recognition of the rights of British Sign Language (BSL) users.

The inclusion of BSL in the Bill is the culmination of a year-long campaign from a coalition of deaf charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, and supported by more than 500 campaigners, including deaf young people and their families. 

The campaign kicked into life after a previous reading of the Bill recognised Gaelic but not BSL, despite both languages having legal recognition in Scotland. 

Campaigners urged Scottish MSPs to recognise BSL in the Bill, highlighting that deaf learners in Scotland are currently nearly three times more likely to leave school without qualifications than their hearing peers.

MSPs voted to support the legislation as the Bill completed the final stage of debate on 25 June. It is now set to become law, once it receives Royal Assent. 

George McGowan from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “This is a historic moment for deaf children, young people, and their families, who realised this milestone through their tireless and incredible campaigning.

“This means BSL will receive the recognition and support it rightly deserves within Scotland’s educational system.”

The new education bodies created by the legislation will now have to give equal weight to both BSL and the Gaelic language.

The new qualifications agency in Scotland, Qualification Scotland, must also consider the needs of pupils who use BSL or learn in BSL.

This is significant as it recognises the importance of BSL as a language in the Scottish education system and crucially, means deaf children and young people who use BSL, will receive access to information and support from Qualification Scotland in their preferred language. 

The new law also places requirements on the new Chief Inspector of Education to consider the importance of communicating in a way that best meets the needs of children and young people, including those who use BSL.

Mr McGowan, who has severe to profound deafness and uses BSL as his first language, added: “Too many deaf children and young people in Scotland still face barriers to learning and to using sign language, if it’s the right choice for them. This is why it’s so vital that this new law now recognises the importance of BSL.”

It is hoped that the passing of the new law will ensure deaf children and young people have access to an inclusive education that meets their needs.

Deaf teenager Niamdh Braid was one of the young people involved in the campaign for the Bill to recognise the rights of BSL users.

Niamdh, who earlier this month attended a meeting with MSPs at Holyrood to discuss the Bill, said: “The inclusion of BSL is incredible as it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

“This will hopefully not only bring more awareness to BSL but also give deaf children the access to sign language that they need.”

Niamdh, who was supported by the National Deaf Children’s Society in her legal battle with Fife Council to have a BSL interpreter in her class for school lessons, added: “Hopefully this will mean deaf young people no longer have to fight for access to their own language like I had to.”

BSL is recognised in law as one of Scotland’s languages. It is a vibrant language that allows deaf children and young people to access a rich deaf culture, heritage and identity. The importance of BSL was recognised in the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.

Qualifications Scotland is expected to become operational in Autumn 2025.

Clive Myrie and Prof Danny Dorling to appear at the 2025 Festival of Politics

The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics returns this August with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in Holyrood, the home of Scottish politics between Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 August 2025.

BBC journalist Clive Myrie will appear as part of the line-up this year, in conversation with the Deputy Presiding Officer Liam McArthur MSP where he will discuss his incredible 30-year broadcasting career.

Professor Danny Dorling, renowned social geographer, will explore the impact of politics on the UK’s housing, education, poverty and inequality levels, and will offer robust solutions on how to address these challenges of our age.

In addition, our Festival programme features leading experts from the worlds of politics, the arts, business, the media and the third sector. With events on topics tackling some of the big issues facing Scotland, the UK and the world such as the use of AI, peace in the Middle East, how we tackle misogyny and our use of technology.

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “This year’s Festival promises lively debates, thought-provoking panels and inspiring voices tackling some of the most pressing social, political and environmental issues of our time.”

In addition, there is a lively free programme of entertainment, exhibitions and even a robot in the Festival Café Bar.

Tickets can be booked now on our website:

Book tickets

Most events will be available to view on our YouTube channel after the Festival has finished for those unable to attend in-person.

Sustainable Development consultation

Holyrood committee seeks views on proposals aimed at protecting future generations

A proposed new law that aims to ensure public bodies consider the long-term impact of their decisions on sustainable development and the wellbeing of future generations is the subject of a new call for views from a Scottish Parliament committee.

The Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill, introduced earlier this year by Sarah Boyack MSP, would place a legal duty on public bodies to promote sustainable development and wellbeing in the work they undertake. It also proposes the creation of a Future Generations Commissioner to support and oversee this work.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee has launched its call for views to inform its Stage 1 scrutiny of the Bill during which it will also take account of the findings of a recent parliamentary committee report that recommended against the creation of more commissioners.

Sarah Boyack MSP has set out her hopes that the Bill will encourage more joined-up thinking across public services. She also believes that her proposals will help Scotland tackle long-term challenges such as climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation.

The Bill also sets out definitions of “sustainable development” and “wellbeing” and aims to embed these principles into public decision-making in Scotland.

The Committee’s call for views will be open until Sunday 24 August 2025, with the Committee due to start taking formal evidence in the Autumn.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “This Bill could have a significant impact on how decisions are made across Scotland’s public sector.

“We’re keen to hear what the public sector and local authorities make of the proposals, and we’d also like to hear from professionals, academics, children and young people, as well as anyone else with an interest in wellbeing and sustainable development.

“By sharing your views with us, you’ll help us explore how the proposals could work in practice and what the changes could mean for Scotland’s future generations.”

Holyrood Committee seek views and experiences as part of new inquiry into ADHD and autism

HOLYROOD’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is launching an inquiry into treatment pathways and support for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The inquiry aims to:

  • Understand why waiting times for diagnosis and management of ADHD and ASD are reportedly long, including the drivers of increasing demand;
  • Understand how these conditions are diagnosed and managed;
  • Examine the impact of high demand and delays on individuals and healthcare staff;
  • Explore solutions to improve capacity of services, referral pathways and support.

Both ADHD and ASD are neurodevelopmental conditions. ADHD is characterised by a group of symptoms that includes difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, while Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information.

As of March 2025, there were 42,530 children waiting for neurodevelopmental assessments in Scotland (across all health boards except NHS Grampian, who could not provide data).

The Committee is asking individuals and their families to share their experiences of accessing pathways to treatment and support for ADHD and ASD. They also want to hear from individuals who work supporting those with ADHD or ASD.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee will also be writing to relevant organisations directly to seek their views.

Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee is launching this inquiry because we are concerned by reports of long waits for neurodevelopmental assessments in Scotland.

“Data from Scotland’s health boards shows that eight NHS boards currently report waiting times exceeding three years for these conditions. We want to learn what is causing these delays, explore potential solutions and find out ways to improve treatment and support for individuals with ADHD or ASD.

“We’re keen to hear personal experience of any issues faced in terms of diagnosis, waiting times and access to care and support. We also welcome any positive experiences and examples of good practice which could potentially be rolled out across all of Scotland’s NHS health boards.

”The insights we gather will be a vital element of our scrutiny and will help to inform the questions we pose to support organisations, healthcare providers and the Scottish Government in future evidence sessions.”

The call for views closes on 18 August 2025.

Let the Committee know your views:

ADHD and ASD pathways and support – call for views for individuals and professionals

ADHD and ASD pathways and support – call for views for organisations

Get in touch: https://ow.ly/kCXs50WeBBE

MSPs want views on proposals that would give pupils a stronger voice in religious education decisions

Pic- Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

Changes to the law which would give children a greater say in decisions around being withdrawn from religious instruction or observance in schools will be considered by a Scottish Parliament Committee, which has today launched a call for views on the proposals.

The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill would require schools to inform pupils if their parent has requested that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance.

It would also give pupils the opportunity to express their views and object to the withdrawal. Under the proposals, where a pupil objects, and is considered capable of forming a view, the school would be required to follow the pupil’s wishes.

In addition, the Bill, which was brought forward by the Scottish Government, seeks to clarify how public authorities should act when duties under the UNCRC conflict with other legal obligations.

The Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee wants to hear the views of children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, local authorities, human rights organisations and any stakeholders with an interest in the proposals.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “This proposed change to the law would give children and young people more say in whether they want to take part in religious education or observance at school.

“It also aims to update how public bodies, like councils and schools, make sure they are respecting children’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“We want to hear what people across Scotland think about these changes. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, pupil, or just interested in children’s rights, we want to understand how these proposals might work in practice and what impact they could have.”

The Committee’s call for views opened on Friday (20 June 2025), and will be open until Monday 1 September 2025.

Festival of Politics 2025

The Festival of Politics Returns for 2025!

Be part of the conversation at The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics, happening 20 to 22 August 2025 at Holyrood.

This year’s festival promises lively debates, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring voices tackling the most pressing social, political, and environmental issues of our time. Whether you’re passionate about climate justice, equality, or the future of democracy, we welcome you to join us and have your say.

What to expect:

  • 30 events across three days
  • Leading thinkers, activists, and politicians
  • Set within the unique architecture of the Scottish Parliament
  • Tickets from just £5
  • The chance to put your question to the experts
Newsletter subscriber exclusive offer 
As a newsletter subscriber, you’re among the first to know that tickets have just gone on sale.
We’d also like to offer you an exclusive deal – use the discount code WeLoveFOP during checkout to get 50% off!
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From Parliament to community: Eid Al-Adha reception at Holyrood calls for a more inclusive Scotland

On Thursday, 19 June, the Scottish Parliament opened its doors for a cross-party Eid Al-Adha reception, marking one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar with an evening of reflection, solidarity, and shared purpose.  

Sponsored by Foysol Choudhury MSP (Labour), Dr Pam Gosal MSP (Conservative), and Willie Rennie MSP (Liberal Democrat), the event was held in the Garden Lobby and brought together MSPs, diplomats, faith leaders, and community members to recognise the contributions of Scotland’s Muslim communities and reaffirm Parliament’s commitment to equality and inclusion.  

The First Minister said: “Today in Parliament, Foysol and I reflected on the legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer, a pioneer of kindness, inclusion, and tolerance in Scotland. In his spirit, I want to reaffirm my belief in a Scotland where we come together, across all backgrounds, to build communities grounded in respect, understanding, and the common good.

“At a time of anxiety and fear for many in the Muslim community, let me make it absolutely clear: as First Minister of Scotland, I believe in an inclusive Scotland, where people from all backgrounds come together to build a society rooted in kindness, harmony, and shared purpose.” 

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Events like this are a reminder to celebrate our differences and walk together as one toward a more tolerant Scotland.

“Racism and prejudice still exist across all communities, and it is our collective responsibility to build a country where everyone can thrive, regardless of background.” 

The event drew wide support, with MSPs in attendance including Neil Bibby, Liam Kerr, Sharon Dowey, Patrick Harvie (Co-Leader of the Scottish Green Party), Kaukab Stewart (Minister for Equalities), and newly elected Davy Russell, demonstrating cross-party backing for an inclusive, pluralist Scotland.  

Dignitaries and special guests also joined the occasion, including Summar Javed, Consul General of Pakistan in Glasgow; the Deputy Consul General of Turkey; and Dr Adrees, Chair of the Muslim Council of Scotland, highlighting the significance of the event both nationally and internationally. 

Mr Choudhury extended his best wishes to those unable to attend, including Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer; Russell Findlay MSP, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; and Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Labour Party—each recognised for their leadership in promoting civic engagement, cohesion and justice.

Organised in partnership with the Muslim Council of Scotland and the Consulate of Pakistan in Glasgow, the evening served as a powerful reminder of how public institutions can foster unity, particularly in times of global uncertainty.  

The event was a significant moment for Scotland’s Muslim community, offering a welcoming space to celebrate culture, faith, and the invaluable contributions Muslims make to public life. It also created a meaningful opportunity for dialogue, connection, and recognition, underscoring Scotland’s ongoing commitment to equality, mutual respect, and community cohesion.  

Foysol Choudhury added: “Since I was elected in 2021, I’ve been passionate about promoting anti-racist education, whether that’s through my work with the Cross-Party Group on Racial and Religious Prejudice or by supporting community events that bring people together to celebrate their heritage.

!This is something I care deeply about, and I’ll keep working to build a more inclusive and understanding Scotland.”  

In his closing remarks, Willie Rennie said: “Tonight is all about diversity and coming together. Without Foysol in the Parliament, I don’t think that voice would be nearly as strong as it is.”

Scotland celebrates first-ever National Day of Movement

The launch of Scotland’s National Day of Movement marks a new chapter in championing inclusive activity for people living with long-term health conditions

The Scottish Government’s public health minister yesterday (18th June) joined participants representing Scotland’s third sector in enjoying the benefits of physical activity to help celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement.

Held outside the Scottish Parliament and led by the Movement for Health Coalition, the event attracted community and health leaders, political and government representatives, academics, and people living with long-term conditions to celebrate movement in all its varied forms.

The event formed part of a wider day of celebrations focused on all forms of physical activity in Scotland by charity partners, government, and academia.

The National Day of Movement is a celebration of all forms of movement and the benefits this brings to our physical, mental, and social health.

It shines a spotlight on a more inclusive approach to physical activity, especially for the nearly 50% of adults in Scotland living with at least one long-term health condition who often face unique barriers that make reaching global physical activity guidelines difficult.

Today we celebrate those who fight through the pain, tiredness and other challenges, to find happiness and health in any movement they enjoy, big or small, and reminds us that all steps forward count. 

The third sector, community and local government organisations play a vital role in turning movement into something enjoyable and achievable.

Movement for Health coalition members and partners are leading the way, supporting those that live with minor and limited movements due to their health conditions through inclusive, welcoming, and social physical activity programmes across the whole of Scotland.

This year’s National Day of Movement showcased just how empowering, joyful and accessible these activities can be, including breath work, gardening, and seated sports such as Boccia. 

The event also shone a light on the importance of rest and pace for people living with chronic pain and fatigue conditions. Messaging supporting physical activity needs to reflect this knowledge to reach Scotland’s least active communities successfully. 

Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Scottish Government, said: “I am delighted to celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement with the Movement for Health coalition today. We know that building more movement into our daily lives benefits us physically, mentally and socially.

“We want to do more to support people with disabilities and long term health conditions to move more, but we need to make sure that we do that in a way that is based on an understanding of the individual challenges that people face. 

“The Movement for Health coalition provides an invaluable forum to provide insights into these challenges across a range of health conditions. We must continue to use these insights, both nationally and locally, to ensure that we are providing the right support and creating a culture of movement that is accessible and welcoming to all.”

James Jopling, Scotland Director at Parkinson’s UK said: “Movement really makes a difference. By coming together and celebrating moves, big and small, we are collectively saying – This is important.

“Supporting people living with a huge variety of health conditions to benefit from movement is something that needs greater investment and prioritisation to sustain and improve the nations’ health.”

Emma Anderson, Movement for Health Manager, said: “The National Day of Movement is a powerful reminder that all movement matters.

“Whether it’s a short walk, a gentle stretch, or dancing in your kitchen, it’s about celebrating what people can do. That’s how we create a more active, inclusive Scotland – by making space for every kind of movement.

“Our coalition members and partners see every day how movement transforms lives.

“Today was a chance to showcase just that – highlighting the joy, connection, and confidence that come when people are supported to move in ways that feel right for them.

“We’re grateful to everyone who joined us today to celebrate our achievements and hope that, together, we can continue to champion inclusive movement across Scotland.”

Holyrood Committee seeks views on proposals to simplify and strengthen crofting legislation in Scotland

Holyrood’s Rural Affairs & Islands Committee has launched a call for views to ask people with knowledge of the crofting sector what they think about proposals set out in the Crofting and Scotland Land Court Bill.

The Scottish Government has committed to simplifying crofting law. This first phase of legislation seeks to “correct known anomalies” in the current legislation. The Scottish Government also acknowledges that a future conversation to consider more fundamental changes may be needed.

This phase 1 Bill would aim to:

  • help more people become crofters and better support existing crofters and their activities and businesses;
  • enable more and different activity to be undertaken on common grazings, including peatland restoration and other environmental initiatives;
  • empower the Crofting Commission to tackle breaches of duty through streamlined processes, and;
  • resolve crofting regulatory issues more quickly through new and revised powers for Crofting Commission.

The Bill would also merge the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland.

Launching the call for views, Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said: “The Scottish Government is clear that, although more fundamental reform of crofting legislation may be required in the future, this more tightly focused Bill would “correct known anomalies” in crofting legislation.

“Our inquiry will look at these proposed corrections and we’re asking for your views on whether they will address some of the current difficulties in crofting law. Will the proposals solve the problems they seek to address? What other changes are needed that are not included? And will merging the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland effect positive and necessary change?”

The Committee intends to take formal evidence on the Bill at Holyrood from September to November with a report to Parliament expected by the end of the year.

Members also hope to visit a crofting community as part of their scrutiny, to speak with crofters about how the Bill’s proposals would impact crofting communities.

The call for views will be open until Friday 5 September 2025.

Access the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill call for views

Patients left in the dark: MSP demands clarity on NHS waiting times

During the First Minister’s Questions on Thursday MSP Foysol Choudhury questioned the Scottish Government on the accuracy of the expected wait times given to patients seeking specialist treatment from the NHS.

He raised concerns about why patients are being left in the dark regarding NHS wait times after being referred to see a specialist. 

“Patients and families need to know what to expect. Right now, they’re left in limbo,” he said.

In the exchange, Mr Choudhury pressed the First Minister for a response: “How is the government working to ensure that patients are accurately informed of waiting times for NHS treatment following referrals to a specialist?”.

This question followed a distressing story shared by one of his constituents, whose referral to be seen by a specialist has far exceeded any acceptable limits, with no set date for an appointment after over a year of waiting since the initial referral.

Mr Choudhury also questioned whether the First Minister would acknowledge that his Government has lost control of escalating waiting times for specialist care, as these excessive delays leave patients experiencing prolonged periods of distress and uncertainty, significantly impacting their mental health.

This is not an isolated incident and is a genuine, growing concern across Scotland, with patients being told they are “on the list” without any clear indication as to when their appointment will be. This is illustrated by the following:  In NHS Lothian, the number of people waiting over 52 weeks to see a dermatologist has doubled in the last year.

Mr Choudhury hopes the First Minister will consider some steps to improve patient experience and restore trust in the system.

He has called for greater transparency so that every patient can receive a clear idea of how long they may have to wait before accessing specialist treatment. He also emphasised the need for greater certainty around whether and when patients will receive care, alongside improved visibility of waiting times and targets made publicly available.

“Patients cannot, and must not, be left in the dark. We need a system where every person knows when they will be seen and what care they can expect. Until then, I will continue pressing this Government to act.”