Image source, Scottish government

In September, the independent review called for a stronger approach to tackling hate crime in Scotland.

The advisory group set up by the Scottish government in 2015 issued a report examining some of the "many changes" which need to be made.

The report, external said tackling hate crime should be "a priority concern for the whole of society".

The Scottish government said it contained "important messages that we should all reflect on".

The Scottish government set up the Advisory Group on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion in 2015 to provide advice and analysis on the issue.

Their report notes that racist offences are the most prominent hate crime category, but have been falling slightly while reports of offences based on sexual orientation had increased 20% in the past year.

It said the Scottish government's approach was "widely appreciated", but said that while the criminal justice system was seen to take the matter seriously, the system "continues to feel disjointed from the perspective of many victims".

Communities and Equality Secretary Angela Constance welcomes the recent report of the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion, external.

The report was commissioned by Scottish ministers in 2015 to consider these issues and make recommendations for improvement.

Here is the Scottish government motion. 

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Scottish Greens MSP Andy Wightman asks if the government will ask the UK government to transfer the land and buildings to the Scottish government.

Keith Brown says it would be useful as the government could build housing but it is also about losing the people which will have an impact on the local economy. 

Image source, bbc

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie ask if the Black Watch could be headquartered in Leuchars in Fife, its traditional recruiting grounds.

Mr Brown says the Black Watch will be evicted if the closures go ahead and he says he will meet with Mr Rennie to discuss the options.

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford asks if the decision to close Forthside and asks if this resurrects the Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire City Deal

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says the government will try to explore the Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire City Deal to try and lessen the impact on the local community. 

Image source, bbc

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross says the SNP raised concerns about Kinloss Airforce Base.

Mr Ross says Angus Robertson MP caused unnecessary concern with a reckless tweet.

The minister says Douglas Ross "left the field" and left it to others, including the SNP to campaign and save the base.

The UK government announced that Kinloss Barracks in Moray is to remain open for the foreseeable future.

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says military base jobs will go and so will jobs in the community.

Ms Grant asks what the Scottish government is doing to protect these communities.

Mr Brown says the government has already been in contact with local authorities mentioned.

The economy secretary says he called for consultation from the UK government but saw only a series of farcical attempts at having a meeting.

Conservative MSP Edward Mountain says his father was a soldier, he was a soldier and his son is a soldier.

Mr Mountain says the MoD plans are to ensure the best facilities for armed forces personnel.

He cites the investment in Scotland's armed forces footprint and he calls on the Scottish government to support the armed services.

Mr Brown says he hoped Mr Mountain would have given something other than total and unswerving support for the UK government's plans.

He says of course the Scottish government will support the armed services.

Image source, bbc

The economy secretary says the cuts will end the navy's presence in Fife.

Mr Brown says the first minister has written to the prime minister to express opposition too the proposed cuts in Scotland.

He says  there has been a lack of respect from the UK government over these decision and he says the Scottish government does not accept that this is the last word on the cuts.

Image source, Thinkstock

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says Fort George will be vacated by 2032.

Mr Brown says this represents an almost complete defence removal from the highlands and an estimated £20m loss to the economy.

He says the UK Defence Secretary has not kept his promises regarding consultations over this base. 

Image source, bbc

Economy Secretary Keith Brown says Scotland holds the members of the military in high esteem.

Mr Brown says the UK defence secretary announced plans to cut the defence estate.

He says the scale of the cuts in Scotland were much harsher than expected, reducing the defence state by one fifth.

The economy secretary says this latest round of cuts has come as a shock.

Image source, Thinkstock

Eight military sites in Scotland will close in the next 16 years, cutting the defence estate by 20%, the UK defence secretary has announced.

Sir Michael Fallon said major Army bases at Fort George in the Highlands, Glencorse Barracks, near Penicuik, and Redford Cavalry and Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh would shut.

Stirling's Meadowforth Barracks and three other bases will also close.

They are among 56 sites which will shut across the UK.

Naval base MoD Caledonia in Rosyth, Craigiehall Barracks in Edinburgh and Forthside Barracks in Stirling will also be shut down.

The Scottish government will now deliver a ministerial statement on MOD basing reforms. 

SNP MSP Tom Arthur asks what action the government is taking to reduce carbon emissions.  

Scottish Greens MSP John Finnie asks what discussions the government has had with the Ministry of Defence in the last year regarding the environment.  

SNP MSP Mairi Evans asks what progress the government has made implementing its Circular Economy Strategy.  

Mr Whittle says Scottish Environment statistics show the number of rivers and lochs with poor water quality has increased since 2011.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham says there are a number of treatments from Scottish Water underway.

Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle asks what the government is doing to ensure that Scottish Water maintains the highest standards of water quality.