This week was the final week before the October Parliamentary recess.
I attended both my Education, Children and Young People Committee and my Finance and Public Administration Committee. In my committee work, I thoroughly enjoy being able to ask pertinent questions of those in the decision-making processes. While my Education, Children and Young People Committee was not broadcast on Scottish Parliament TV, you can watch my contributions to the Finance and Public Administration Committee here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/.../finance-and-public...
I was pleased to be able to speak in a range of business in the Chamber this week. Following uncertainty over the funding within the arts and culture sector, I asked the First Minister for clarification on funding for Creative Scotland this year and in future. You can hear my questions and the First Minister’s responses here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/.../first-ministers....
I also raised a Portfolio Question on Social Justice and contributed to the Protection of Scottish Parliament Powers debate. You can see my contribution to the debate on a previous post.
The Scottish Parliament showcases exhibitions throughout each week, sponsored by an MSP. This week, I met with artist Ian Whyte and The Larder. Ian’s art is extremely thought provoking, highlighting the plight of refugees and he aims to establish the differences in the use of the terminology ‘migrant’ or ‘refugee’. The Larder exhibited their ‘Innovative Responses to Poverty’ stand, which provided some valuable information about tackling poverty, giving example of what is being done in West Lothian.
Grangemouth was named as a Green Freeport project earlier this year. I attended the Forth Ports launch on Wednesday evening to learn more about Forth Ports Limited’s plans to reach net zero by 2042, including the Green Freeport in my constituency. It was an interesting evening, with my colleague Mairi McAllan speaking at the event in her capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition.
