Meeting of the Parliament

General Questions Clare Haughey S6O-05403 1. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update regarding its engagement with credit unions in relation to CMutual withdrawing its Family Protection Plan. Stuart McMillan S6O-05404 2. To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of what savings there have been to Greenock and Inverclyde constituents since the removal of peak rail fares. Willie Coffey S6O-05405 3. To ask the Scottish Government what more can be done to tackle the problem of abandoned and derelict shops and buildings in town centres. Jamie Halcro Johnston S6O-05406 4. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities should increase council tax, reduce public services, or a mixture of both, to meet any gaps in local government funding as a result of the draft Budget. Meghan Gallacher S6O-05407 5. To ask the Scottish Government how the increase in the international development fund that was announced in the draft 2026-27 Scottish Budget will be spent. Michael Matheson S6O-05408 6. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the economy secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding whether social impact bonds can be used to improve the employment opportunities for young people, including in Falkirk West. Liz Smith S6O-05409 7. To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is putting in place to encourage young people to engage in the arts. Fergus Ewing S6O-05410 8. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether, without the use of private finance to enable construction of key infrastructure projects, there is a risk that Scotland could be seen as less attractive for inward investment and as a location for business, compared with other European countries. followed by First Minister’s Questions Russell Findlay S6F-04591 1. Question to be taken in Chamber. Anas Sarwar S6F-04592 2. Question to be taken in Chamber. Gillian Mackay S6F-04593 3. Question to be taken in Chamber. Christine Grahame S6F-04609 4. To ask the First Minister, regarding the proposed expansion of wind turbines, battery storage facilities and pylons across the Scottish Borders, whether the Scottish Government has carried out an assessment of the potential cumulative impact on the wildlife and the landscape, in light of the importance of tourism to the area. Miles Briggs S6F-04602 5. To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address the reported issues with teacher job shortages, caused by temporary teacher contracts. Katy Clark S6F-04603 6. To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will comply with the Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling that files relating to James Hamilton's investigation into whether the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, broke the ministerial code must be published by 22 January 2026. followed by Members’ Business: Emma Roddick: Growing2Gether Programme Success Emma Roddick S6M-18469 That the Parliament congratulates the charity, Growing2Gether, on what it sees as its successful programme aimed at helping young people who face various challenges by pairing young adults with toddlers to mentor; understands that participants and facilitators have reported a significant shift in young people's confidence and gaining of skills, helping to improve wellbeing; acknowledges the reported overall positive and successful work of this charity in partnering with 15 schools in Scotland, including 12 in the Highlands and Islands region; applauds the over 2,000 young people who have been paired with 2,200 toddlers over a seven-year period across the Highlands on their efforts; considers it important to provide opportunities for children and young people who face challenges with poverty, mental health or trauma to develop skills and confidence in themselves, and notes the view that the Scottish Government should consider how it can best support this kind of work moving forward. Further details available for S6M-18469