Tag: Scottish Parliament

MSPs unite to support Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying Bill

MSP’s hold pictures of deceased constituents in support of the Dignity In Dying charity in the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh. 12 March 2026.

A group of cross party MSPs united yesterday to support Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill ahead of its final vote on Tuesday 17th March.

The MSPs have issued a letter to their Parliamentary colleagues urging them to keep the voices and experiences of those most affected by this issue front of mind and to vote in favour of Bill. 

The MSPs joined a photocall in support of the Bill carrying photos of terminally ill Scots and those who died a bad death and wished for the law to change.

In the letter they say that:

“On many issues that come before us in Parliament we differ in opinion, but when it comes to extending compassion and safety to dying people we are united in our support for dignity and choice.

‘Over the last few years, we have each heard from constituents across Scotland about the heavy toll the ban on assisted dying has taken on them and the urgent need for the law to change.

‘We have heard from a mother who watched her son beg to die when the pain caused by his endocrine cancer became too much to bear, from a daughter who watched her mum starve and dehydrate to death over the course of 18 long days when she reached the limit of MND, from a widow who returned home to Scotland alone after accompanying her dying husband to Switzerland to face a police interview, from dying people considering how best to take matters into their own hands should their suffering become unbearable and many more people with terminal illness consumed by the fear of a protracted and painful death.

‘While all the experiences they shared were different in nature, there was one constant – that in each and every case a safe and compassionate assisted dying law would have lessened their pain and made both living with a terminal diagnosis and loss that bit more bearable.

‘In every constituency there are stories like these – real people enduring real suffering. In every single constituency the voting public support changing the law on assisted dying.

‘The Bill that is in front of us has been through rigorous scrutiny, is robustly evidenced and puts in place a range of protections that simply do not exist at the moment. It will make assisted dying the most safeguarded end of life option. 300 million people around the world already have access to some form of assisted dying. There is no evidence of abuse of these laws and extensive evidence to show that they address the failings created by a blanket ban on assisted dying.

‘The current situation can not continue – it is demonstrably cruel, dangerous and ineffective. It denies dying people choice and fails to protect anyone. By contrast Liam McArthur MSP’s Bill will create new protections for people at end of life and offers this Parliament the opportunity to put in place a safe, regulated framework that will work alongside palliative care to provide choice and compassion when people need it most.

‘This issue is not going away, banning assisted dying does not stop assisted dying, it merely drives it overseas, underground and behind closed doors. As such, voting against this bill has serious consequences, leaving dying Scots more at risk, isolated and vulnerable.

”We urge you to keep the voices and experiences of those most affected by this issue front of mind and to vote in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill on the 17th March.”

The letter has been signed by MSPs from each of the main political parties represented in Parliament. Signatories include:

George Adam MSP, Karen Adam MSP, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Jackie Dunbar MSP, Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Rachael Hamilton MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP, Monica Lennon MSP, Richard Lochhead MSP, Douglas Lumsden MSP, Rona Mackay MSP, Paul McLennan MSP, Carol Mochan MSP, Lorna Slater MSP, David Torrance MSP, Evelyn Tweed MSP, Elena Whitham MSP.

Maggie Chapman MSP, Gordon MacDonald MSP and Gillian Mackay MSP joined the photocall.

‘Deep concern’ over bullying and harrassment at Holyrood

The findings of a Dignity at Work survey conducted by the Scottish Parliament have been published.

All staff who work for MSPs, or for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), were invited to take part in the survey under the SPCB’s ‘Inclusive Parliament’ review.

The review takes account of forthcoming changes in employment law arising from the Employment Act 2025.  

The Act will bring in stronger whistleblowing protections and a duty for all employers – including MSPs in that capacity – to take proactive, preventative steps to stop harassment, including third-party harassment.

The survey asked all staff for their views and experience of working at Holyrood and in constituency offices, including whether they had confidence in the Parliament’s current procedures for reporting inappropriate behaviour.

The findings from the survey and its accompanying report have been communicated jointly by the Parliament’s Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP and Clerk / Chief Executive of the Parliament David McGill.

Writing to all MSPs and staff they said many staff work in positive, supportive environments, but they were both “deeply concerned” by new findings on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

The review also identified areas where the Parliament’s systems and culture must improve.

The full text of the joint message is published below along with the SPCB’s report:

Dear colleagues

Inclusive Parliament Review: Dignity at Work survey findings and report

Reason for the Review

In June 2025 we commissioned a review of our Dignity at Work policies and systems. This was to help ensure the SPCB and MSPs, as employers, were prepared for the forthcoming changes in employment law arising from the Employment Act 2025. These changes bring in stronger whistleblowing protections and a duty to take proactive, preventative steps to stop harassment, including third-party harassment.

This means not only responding when concerns are raised but creating the right conditions so that harassment is less likely to happen in the first place, helping everyone feel safe, respected and supported.

As part of the review, we asked all staff who work for MSPs and the SPCB to take part in our Dignity at Work survey. While SPCB staff are surveyed regularly, this is the first report since 2018 that has included feedback from a survey of MSP staff.

We also consulted with staff, trade unions, staff forums, external equalities groups and MSPs and undertook a benchmarking exercise looking at the approach taken in other parliaments, including the Senedd Cymru which has just completed a similar exercise.

In addition, our Independent Support and Advocacy Service invited people to give feedback on their experiences. The results from the survey and associated work have been published [here] today.

Main Findings

Many teams across Parliament demonstrate positive and supportive working cultures, and the vast majority of Members, managers and staff uphold the standards of dignity, courtesy and respect that the public rightly expect.

However, the review also identifies areas where our systems and culture must improve. Fragmented reporting routes, barriers to speaking up and low confidence in existing processes undermine our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace.

We are deeply concerned by the findings on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. These incidents during this session only came to light through this review, making it clear that some colleagues did not previously feel safe or confident to share their experiences.

Our foremost concern is for those affected. Coming forward is never easy, and we are grateful to everyone who took part in this review. Anyone who raises concerns must be supported and assured that their concerns will be handled with independence, expertise and empathy. There can, and must, be zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour.

It is important to stress that most Members, managers and staff will not recognise themselves in these findings. The clear majority conduct themselves in a way that reflects the standards of this Parliament and the expectations of the public. Nevertheless, the issues identified show that our systems and culture are not yet providing the safety, trust and consistency that everyone should be able to rely on. That must change.

To build an environment where people feel safe to speak up, and confident that concerns will be handled fairly and consistently, we must learn from these findings and ensure the necessary reforms are taken forward swiftly, transparently and with care.

Next Steps

The SPCB considered the report earlier today and gave its full support to the recommendations. It wished to place on record its thanks to the staff and external expert providers who took forward the review.

We will update you on the implementation of these recommendations over the weeks ahead. While some of the actions can, and will, be implemented swiftly, others will necessarily take a little more time. However, we will make the most of the momentum that this comprehensive report has provided.

Once again, we would like to thank all those who took part in this review.

Yours sincerely,

David McGill
Clerk/Chief Executive
Chair, Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body

Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP
Presiding Officer

Inclusive Parliament ReviewDownload

Committees say Parliament should continue close scrutiny of approach to tackling drug deaths and drug harm following election

Members of three Scottish Parliament committees have urged that a joint approach to the scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s work to reduce drug deaths and tackle drug harm must continue following May’s election.

A legacy report from MSPs on the Criminal Justice, Health, Social Care and Sport and Social Justice and Social Security Committees outlines that meeting together allowed the Members to consider the impact of policy changes more broadly and more effectively.

In the report, one MSP explains that the approach emphasised the importance of the shift from seeing drug problems in Scotland as a crime and justice issue to seeing them as a health and social issue.

The committees worked together during this parliamentary session to look at the impact of the measures recommended by the Scottish Drugs Deaths Taskforce.

As part of their work, the committees commissioned, and worked with, a people’s panel, which called for “brave and bold action” to reduce the harms created by drug use in Scotland.

The Members’ report praises the benefits that this approach had on communication between committees, collaboration on tackling this important issue, and the breadth of scrutiny.

Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “Taking a cross-committee approach to the issue of how to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms has brought everyone’s expertise to the table.

“It has been encouraging to see so many members working together to tackle this issue of urgent national importance.

“However, this issue is not resolved. As our legacy report makes clear, our committees’ work must continue next session.”

Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Sport and Social Care Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped inform our scrutiny of these vital issues, including the members of the people’s panel, who collaborated so well to help recommend what further steps can be taken to prevent drug deaths and harms.

“Cross-party and cross-remit working in the next session will be essential if we are to effectively tackle these issues, and ultimately end the pain caused by drug harms and drug deaths in Scotland.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “I am pleased with the impact that our committees’ work has had this session, and it was good to see the recommendations of the people’s panel that we commissioned be agreed to and acted upon by the Scottish Government.

“Drug deaths are not abstract statistics. My heart goes out to every single family that is affected. MSPs must continue to work together next session and do everything possible to tackle this issue.”

Read the Committees’ report

ALBA Party to fight on?

Alba Continuation Group welcomes leader MacAskill’s ‘positive engagement’

Hopes for Scottish independence in the next Parliament through the election of Alba MSPS on the list heightens after constructive engagement with Kenny MacAskill following recent correspondence, marking meaningful progress toward a clear and democratic way forward.

In his latest communication, Mr MacAskill acknowledges that a full indemnity has now been offered, to remove all risk from the current Alba leadership.

He sets out a number of constitutional and financial questions requiring clarification. These questions are legitimate and reflect the seriousness of the responsibilities involved.

They provide not an obstacle, but a structured and democratic route to resolving outstanding matters in a transparent and credible way.

Earlier this week The ALBA Continuation Group set out a ‘confident and forward-looking’ proposal aimed at securing the Party’s future and maximising it’s impact in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election.

The group – made up of Angus Brendan MacNeil, Tommy Sheridan, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley, all elected with substantial support from party members – has confirmed it’s willingness to offer an unconditonal indemnity to facilitate an orderly and dignified transition in the Party’s leadership.

Commenting today, Angus Brendan MacNeil said, “Central to this pathway is democratic legitimacy. Any transfer of responsible officer roles, as defined by the Electoral Commission, must command the confidence of members.

“That legitimacy can be secured straightforwardly through an online ballot of members, organised efficiently and transparently. Such a ballot would provide a clear democratic mandate from the elected membership, ensuring that any organisational changes rest on firm constitutional foundations.

“Addressing financial clarity is equally important. Establishing certainty around liabilities, ongoing costs and indemnity arrangements is essential to protecting members and ensuring long-term stability. These are practical issues that can and should be resolved through open engagement and good faith.

“This moment represents a crossroads. Small decisions taken now may have significant consequences over the next two years. By choosing a democratic, member-led route, there is an opportunity to strengthen credibility, rebuild confidence and position Alba to stand at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election, which is vital in Scotland’s independence journey.

“Independence is within our grasp. With unity, transparency and democratic endorsement from members, Alba can enter the next Parliament as a clear, forceful and principled advocate for Scotland’s constitutional future.

“We look forward to continued constructive dialogue and to progressing matters swiftly, so that energy and focus can return to the central objective: delivering independence for Scotland through democratic means.”

Delivery must be at the heart of the Scotland’s Climate Change Plan, says Holyrood Committee

Concrete policies backed by clear targets and timelines must be at the heart of the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, says Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee.

In its report published this week, the Committee says that key policies must also state clearly who will lead on delivery and, wherever possible, be costed.

A clear and accessible system to monitor progress will also be vital to catch policies and interventions at risk of going off track.

The report highlights the Plan’s reliance on electrification for delivery across many sectors. The Committee calls on the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government and other UK administrations on a joint plan of action for more affordable electricity.

The report also identifies areas of potential risk in plotting a pathway to net zero emissions, either because the Scottish Government is dependent upon others for key actions or because they have set ambitions that look stretching. These include, for example, a quite fast-paced switchover to electric vehicles; decarbonising Scotland’s homes; and using negative emissions technology at scale over the next decade to abate hard to decarbonise areas.

The Plan sets out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy. It covers the period 2026-2040 as Scotland looks to be ‘net zero’ in carbon emissions by 2045.

10 committees took part in the Scottish Parliament’s scrutiny of the draft Plan. Leading the cross-parliamentary effort, the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee considered the draft as a whole; including governance, monitoring, and fiscal arrangements; as well as three sectors relevant to its remit; energy supply, transport and waste.

Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain MSP, said: “Scotland has lost momentum in reaching net zero and a new Climate Change Plan is the key opportunity for a reset. The Plan must be focused on delivery, with credible proposals and clear lines of accountability for each major policy.

“There are some good aspects to the draft Plan but it often falls short, with insufficient detail on key policies and the mechanisms to achieve specific outcomes, or on costs and who they will fall on.

“Public engagement is central to net zero delivery as it requires actions at a household level. People rightly want assurances that changes they are being asked to make are affordable and sensible. We reached out to the public and to grassroots community groups as widely as we could, within the time we had.

“Getting the Plan right also means the Scottish Government must listen to industry, NGOs and scientific experts, as well as the Parliament.“The Scottish Government has given itself a maximum of just three weeks to reflect on our recommendations and its own public consultation. This is not good practice. It lowers confidence that consultation is meaningful and will help shape the new Plan. It must not happen again.”

The Scottish Government has committed to publishing its final Climate Change Plan in advance of the dissolution of Parliament for the 2026 election.

Key committee recommendations:

In their reports, Committees highlighted a range of issues including, for example:

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

In relation to energy supply, transport & waste:

  • Proposals to decarbonise the transport sector are heavily reliant on EV switchover, with challenges around affordability and convenience of charging etc. The Scottish Government holds only some of the levers in this area. This poses a risk that should be monitored carefully. The Plan should encourage EV uptake but have more measures to enable less car usage.
  • Placing a high level of reliance on negative emissions technologies, a developing technology that is untested at scale, is a significant delivery risk that will require careful monitoring and reappraisal in the light of new evidence and data.
  • Ambitions on electrifying and decarbonising the freight sector look unrealistic, with insufficient detail on delivery.
  • Revised projections for emissions from energy from waste are required in light of the recent delay in banning biodegradable waste going to municipal landfill.

Read the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee’s report

Rural Affairs & Islands Committee
  • The agriculture emissions pathway in the draft Plan was unclear due to a lack of clarity around the sector’s reform plans and the absence of a Rural Support Plan (RSP).
  • The final Plan must show how RSP policies will deliver sectoral emissions targets and the next Parliament must scrutinise the links between the RSP, wider reform programme and the Plan, to ensure sufficient leadership and ambition for the sector.
  • While the draft CCP signals strong long-term ambition for forestry and peatland, it should also set out how sites will be prioritised – using spatial analysis or mapping – and provide clearer detail on long-term financing, including the Scottish Government’s position on multiannual funding.

Read the Rural Affairs & Islands Committee’s report

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
  • The Committee is concerned that the projected rates of heat pump installations will not sufficiently scale up by 2030 in order to put Scotland on course to reaching the 2045 target. There needs to be national leadership from the Scottish Government in partnership with the UK Government to deliver this through a coherent delivery plan.
  • Having sufficient numbers of trained tradespeople to deliver retrofitting is clearly critical, and the Scottish Government should set out a plan as to how a recognised skills gap will be addressed, particularly in rural areas where the skills shortage is greater, and with a focus on supporting SMEs to grow their retrofit workforce.

Read the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee’s report

Economy and Fair Work Committee
  • The Plan needs to include more information, be clearer on the priority of actions and involve workers and professional bodies. If not, there’s a real risk we repeat past mistakes, with industries closing and skilled workers leaving Scotland to find jobs elsewhere.
  • The Committee calls for a change in the way electricity prices and charges are set. Until this is addressed, it warns against adding new requirements for industries to cut emissions, as this too could risk more closures and job losses.

Read the Economy and Fair Work Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (246KB, pdf)posted 02 February 2026

Other Committee correspondence 

Read the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee with further findings due to be published shortly (136KB, pdf)posted 30 January 2026

Read the Criminal Justice Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (97KB, pdf)posted 08 December 2025

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee sent two letters to the letters the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee:

Read the letter sent on 9 December 2025 (121KB, pdf)posted 15 December 2025

Read the letter sent on 23 January 2026 (158KB, pdf)posted 26 January 2026

Read the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (217KB, pdf)posted 26 January 2026

Read the Social Justice & Social Security Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (117KB, pdf)posted 01 December 2025

Read the Public Audit Committee’s letter sent to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (192KB, pdf)posted 07 November 2023.

“Clear pathway” should be negotiated urgently to allow for any future indy ref, says Holyrood Committee

COMMITTEE SPLIT ON FINDINGS

The Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee has published the findings of its inquiry on options for a legal mechanism for triggering any independence referendum.

The Scottish and UK Governments should negotiate a “clear pathway” allowing Scotland to exercise its democratic right to determine its constitutional future as a matter of urgency, according to a majority of the Constitution Committee.

In a new report, a majority of the Committee’s MSPs (*) found that it is problematic that no established mechanism exists to ensure that, in appropriate circumstances, the wishes of the people of Scotland can be expressed.

This represents a democratic “disjuncture” where the “democratic mechanism may not work”, and as the Committee heard during evidence from Professor Alan Renwick of University College London, “it is the UK electorate that chooses those with the power to trigger a referendum, whereas the electorate whose wishes are to be respected is that of Scotland.”

The majority of the Committee’s view was that this creates a “democratic anomaly”.

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry into options for a legal mechanism for triggering any independence referendum.

Over several weeks, it gathered evidence from academics, lawyers and political science experts as it explored how any future vote could be legally brought.

The report’s conclusions, agreed by a majority of the Committee, set out a number of statutory and non-statutory options that should be considered as part of negotiations between the Scottish and UK Governments.

Clare Adamson, Committee Convener, said: “The majority of the Committee recommends, that steps should be taken to address this democratic anomaly.

“This should include the agreement, regardless of the UK’s political priorities, of a trigger mechanism which would allow the people of Scotland to exercise their democratic right to determine Scotland’s constitutional future if they so wish.”

(*) The report’s conclusions were agreed by Keith Brown MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP, George Adam MSP and Clare Adamson MSP.

Neil Bibby MSP, Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP and Stephen Kerr MSP did not agree to the report’s conclusions.

CEEACS062026R02Download

Scotland’s Budget Bill passed

HOLYROOD has approved the 2026-27 Scottish Budget, including a record £22.5 billion for health and social care and enhanced cost of living support.

The Budget Bill sets out funding of almost £68 billion with investment in Scotland’s infrastructure, direct support for household budgets and extra help for families.  

The spending plans include:

  • continued investment in cost of living measures, including free prescriptions, free eye examinations, removal of peak rail fares on Scotrail – and freezing of remaining Scotrail fares
  • free tuition fees for young Scots, free school meals for thousands of children, including all pupils in P1 to P5, and free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s
  • an increase in the Scottish Child Payment and, from 2027-28, a premium payment of £40 per week for eligible children under 12 months
  • an almost £15.7 billion record settlement for local government to support the services communities rely on including social care and education
  • significant extra funding for universities and colleges, more than £5 billion to tackle the climate emergency and £4.3 billion transport funding
  • record investment of £926 million for affordable housing supply, record funding for police and fire services and an additional £10 million investment in community justice services

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government’s Budget delivers for the people of Scotland – strengthening our NHS and providing real, practical support with the cost of living.

“It will improve access to healthcare, including funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days per week, and builds on our game-changing work to eradicate child poverty, with an increase in the Scottish Child Payment.

“This Budget demonstrates our determination to improve lives across Scotland, and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.”

WE CAN THANK THE LIB-DEMS, OF COURSE …

‘The £300m that we have secured in a whole host of areas shows just how serious we are about getting stuff done. With the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you get grown-up, sensible politics.

‘You can get more of that by backing us in May on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.’

Budget Bill

Scottish Budget

Choudhury calls for clarity on anti-racist resources in schools

Following enquiries from concerned local teachers seeking clarity on funding for anti-racist curriculum resources, Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury raised the matter with the Scottish Government in Parliament last Thursday. 

During Portfolio Questions, Mr Choudhury asked the Cabinet Secretary: “What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing in anti-racist materials, and how will schools be supported to access high-quality materials to ensure racist incidents are handled effectively to prevent far-right narratives from filling the gaps?” 

In response, Cabinet Secretary Jenny Gilruth outlined funding already available to support anti-racism work in schools, noting that two additional funding streams are also in place. She confirmed she would write to Mr Choudhury with further details, and he said he looks forward to receiving that information. 

As MSP for the Lothian region and a lifelong equality campaigner, Mr Choudhury has repeatedly raised issues around racism in schools, including funding for anti-racism education, improving reporting of racist incidents, and ensuring inclusive curriculum reform.  

He has also been a leading voice on equality throughout his career, including serving as Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and supporting minority ethnic communities and anti-racism initiatives across Scotland. 

In previous parliamentary questions, he sought clarity on government funding for anti-racism education initiatives, including programmes delivered through organisations such as Education Scotland and Intercultural Youth Scotland as part of the wider Anti-Racism in Education Programme. 

Mr Choudhury said: “Our schools must be places where every child feels safe, respected, and represented. Teachers who contacted me were keen to ensure they have the right resources to support their pupils, and well-supported anti-racism programmes are an important part of that work.” 

He added that he will continue working constructively with teachers, parents, young people and anti-racism organisations to understand what support schools need and to follow up with ministers as further information becomes available. 

Costs of Cairngorm Funicular may outweigh benefits, warns Committee

Concerns have been raised about whether the cost to monitor and repair the Cairngorm Funicular could outweigh the benefits to the local and national economy. This stark warning comes from a new report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee.

The report follows the Committee’s look at the funding and operation of the troubled funicular.

Opened in 2001 at a cost of £19.5 million, the funicular was closed for four years from September 2018 due to issues with the track. It briefly opened again in 2023 before closing once more for further repairs. It finally reopened in February 2025.

During this time, ownership of the funicular has moved into public hands with Cairngorm Mountain Ltd, a company owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Now, with costs of over £16 million to reinstate the funicular and a reliance on public finance, the Committee has raised concerns about whether the costs of regular monitoring and maintenance may become disproportionate to its benefit.

The Committee has also called on the Scottish Government to be more transparent about its plans for the funicular and to ensure that the project remains value for money.

During the Committee’s consideration, there was also frustration about the level of information available to the Committee to take a judgment on HIE’s decision-making on the future of the funicular.

The report now calls on HIE to make significant improvement in this area as well as ensuring that the governance arrangements in place for the funicular are be simplified and made more transparent.

Speaking as the report launched, Committee Convener Richard Leonard MSP said: “It is safe to say that the Cairngorm Funicular has had a somewhat troubled history, with repeated and lengthy closures and requiring significant public investment.

“This Committee has heard from those in charge of the funicular, the public bodies supporting it, those living and working in the area and nature conservation activists. We have heard both optimism and scepticism about what comes next. And it presents a picture of concern for us that the future benefits are not as clear as they ought to be.

“There also needs to be a much more transparent governance structure in place for the running of the funicular. A simplified structure would allow for better public scrutiny of public money and decisions on the future plans for the Cairngorm Mountain resort.”

Scotland’s leading healthcare organisations raise serious concerns over Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

Scotland’s leading healthcare organisations raise serious concerns over proposed changes to Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

A group of six major medical and healthcare membership organisations in Scotland has issued a joint consensus statement warning of their significant concern regarding changes now being proposed to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

The organisations – whose members span a wide range of clinical and ethical perspectives on assisted dying – emphasise that while they take no collective position on the principle of assisted dying, they are united in their concern that provisions relating to no duty to participate and conscientious objection may be removed from the Bill, and the impact that this could have on the workforce.

The Scottish Government has recently indicated that key provisions relating to ‘no duty to participate’, as well as other protections linked to professional regulation and employment rights are not within devolved powers and may be removed from the Bill at Stage 3. These issues would instead be addressed later through a Section 104 Order – secondary legislation that receives only limited parliamentary scrutiny.

The signatory organisations state that removing issues of such significance risk undermining both professional confidence and public trust.

The joint letter, sent today to Liam McArthur MSP, the Scottish Parliament Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, as well as the Secretary of State and Chair of the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee states:

“The prospect of removing matters of such professional, ethical, and legal significance from parliamentary scrutiny at Stage 3, and deferring them to secondary legislation after the Bill has passed, raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the robustness of the legislative process.

“These protections are central to the safe, ethical, and fair delivery of care, and to the confidence of our medical workforce who may be affected by the legislation.”

The organisations highlight four core concerns:

1. Removal of key safeguards from primary legislation

2. Risk to professional confidence and public trust

3. Inadequate scrutiny of consequential provisions

4. Implications for safe and ethical implementation

The group of organisations in consensus express their continuing commitment to work constructively with the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to ensure that any legislation affecting assisted dying is developed transparently, rigorously, and with full consideration of the healthcare workforce it will impact.

Signatory organisations:

  • Association for Palliative Medicine (Scotland)
  • Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland
  • Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland
  • Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland
  • Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Consensus statement – ADTIA (Scotland) Bill – FINALDownload