Michelle Thomson for Falkirk East

This week, I was pleased to ask question at both the Ministerial Statement introducing the Scottish Budget 2026/27 and at General Questions. I welcome many of the proposed measures set out in the Budget statement, with additional funding for several sectors. You can also watch my question from General Questions in my previous post.

The Finance & Public Administration Committee discussed Scotland's national performing companies, taking evidence from the National Theatre of Scotland, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Scottish Opera. We also carried out Scrutiny of the 2026-27 Budget, taking evidence from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The Economy & Fair Work Committee discussed the draft Climate Change Plan with evidence from GMB Scotland, Future Economy Scotland, Unite the Union and the Scottish Trades Union Congress. We also discussed the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2 and looked at the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill draft report ahead of the Stage 1 vote.

I also attended the Parliamentary exhibition on Public Diners, hosted by Nourish Scotland. Public diners were state-supported everyday eating places serving good food at affordable prices, reducing health inequalities. Around World War II there were 90 state-supported restaurants in Scotland, and while this initiative fizzled out in the years that followed, the first public diner in 60 years is due to open in Dundee this summer, with governments around the world investing in their own versions.

This week, the Finance & Public Administration Committee scrutinised the upcoming Budget 2026-27, taking evidence from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, and the Scottish Parliament’s Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Resilience, and Head of Internal Audit.

The Economy & Fair Work Committee took evidence on the Draft Climate Change Plan from the Robert Gordon University Energy Transition Institute, Federation of Small Businesses, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, University of Strathclyde, and the Chemical Industries Association.

The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill was introduced at Stage 1 this week. You can watch part of my contribution to this debate in my previous post. I also spoke in my parliamentary colleague Claire Baker’s Members’ Business debate on Non-Fatal Strangulation Laws and Intimate Partner Homicides, an issue I, alongside other MSPs, have continued to raise in the Scottish Parliament whenever possible.

I visited the Scottish Civil Justice Council exhibition stall within the Scottish Parliament. Their campaign for Fair Civil Justice will be demonstrating how parliamentarians can improve the system of redress outside of the court system, protecting both consumers and businesses from the growing threat of predatory litigation and advocating for stronger safeguards.

My constituency office continues to experience issues with our phone lines, with my team working hard with technical professionals to resolve the complex issues. If you have an enquiry and need assistance, please call 0131 348 5082 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until further notice.

This week I sponsored two events in the Scottish Parliament: one evening event for the Scottish Property Federation, and an evening event and additional exhibition space for the Irish Consulate General. The Scottish Property Federation event focused on showcasing investments by the real estate sector in Scotland. The event and exhibition by the Irish Consulate General explored cultural links between Ireland and Scotland through peat-based artwork derived from shared mythology and explored contemporary scientific collaboration on peatland restoration.

Having been contacted by many constituents regarding CAMHS waiting times, I have continued to progress matters with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders wherever possible. I met with the Royal College of Psychiatrists this week to hear about their report 'Multi-system solutions for meeting the needs of autistic people and people with ADHD in Scotland'.

At the Economy & Fair Work Committee, the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill was discussed. This is currently at Stage 1 of the Scottish Parliament’s process. We also looked into AI and digital assets. The Finance & Public Administration Committee took evidence from the Scottish Public Pensions Agency regarding the delivery of the McCloud remedy. I, as well as other MSPs, have had several constituents raise issues with me relating to delays to their settlement paperwork, with key dates being missed on numerous occasions. You can watch the full committee meeting at:

https://www.scottishparliament.tv/.../finance-and-public...

I was also busy this week speaking in various debates in the chamber. On Tuesday, to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Sex-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November until 10 December 2025, I participated in the respectful debate on ending violence against women and girls. You can watch a clip from this in my previous post. I also asked two questions this week. At Justice & Home Affairs Portfolio Questions I asked about the ‘acceptable’ risk of harm, as defined in the Scottish Prison Service policy on admitting transgender women to women’s-only prisons. At First Minister’s questions, I asked about protecting Scotland’s important whisky exports from USA tariffs and the delays by Westminster in negotiating to protect this asset.

Another busy week in the Scottish Parliament, both in committee and through a variety of debates and legislation coming forward in the chamber.

In addition to my work in committee, I also attended a variety of meetings and events, including speaking at the Holyrood Insight Conference on the Next Steps for Apprenticeships in Scotland.

I was especially pleased to lead a Members’ Business Debate on St. Andrew’s day, which I will publish more about in the days ahead.

This week saw the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based violence. I have been able to attend a variety of events both online and here in Parliament, including meeting with representatives from Beira’s Place at their parliamentary exhibition (more in an earlier post).

Following a successful meeting of the Cross Party Group on the USA, I was pleased to attend an event held by Prosper & Offshore Energies UK on shaping our energy landscape, entitled: Powering Scotland with Domestic Energy.

It’s a shorter week as we prepare for St. Andrew’s Day at the weekend. Sending my best wishes to all constituents for Scotland’s national day.

I kicked off this week with a visit to Forth Valley Sensory Centre to learn more about the support they provide to those with sensory needs. I also met with the Knit and Natter group, who provide peer support to each other over a shared interest.

In the Scottish Parliament, there was a Ministerial Statement on Alexander Dennis Ltd. An important asset to the Falkirk area, it is paramount that all possible actions be taken in securing new projects and supporting staff. I welcomed the commitments given by the Scottish Government; however, I emphasised the need for positive steps from the UK Government. You can watch my contribution in my post on Wednesday.

This week I sponsored the exhibition from AccelerateHER in the Scottish Parliament. They promote and support women-led business, something I am deeply passionate about as their contribution to the Scottish economy, investment and leadership opportunities are significant. I also sponsored the Food & Drink Scotland event as they continue with their national strategy and look to future priorities. It was well attended by a diverse group of representatives from many food & drink organisations, and some excellent networking opportunities flourished.

After being contacted by many constituents, I raised a question on neurodevelopmental assessments at General Questions on Thursday. Whilst I continue to press the local health board and stakeholders on this matter, I looked to raise this matter with the Cabinet Secretary – you can watch my questions and the answers on my post yesterday.

Finally, I spoke in the Community Wealth Building debate on Thursday. The Economy & Fair Work Committee, of which I am a member, have been discussing this proposed Bill, and I welcomed its appearance at Stage 1 before the chamber. You can watch part of my contribution to this debate on my previous post today.