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.
