Summary

  • Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Jim Clark Rally and winter blood stocks are all raised during general questions

  • Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed by opposition MSPs during First Minister's Questions

  • Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle leads this afternoon's members' debate on Doon Valley Boxing Club

  • The Scottish government lead a debate on Scotland's disability delivery plan

  • The Finance and Constitution Committee lead a debate on the written agreement between the Scottish Parliament and Scottish government

  1. The Scottish government will lead a debate on its Disability Delivery Plan this afternoonpublished at 14:27 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Disabled child watches children in a playgroundImage source, Thinkstock

    The Scottish government will lead a debate on its Disability Delivery Plan. 

    The Finance Committee will then lead a debate on the written agreement between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish government.

  2. Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh signs the condolence book for Alex Johnstonepublished at 14:26 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh signs the condolence book for Alex JohnstoneImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh signs the condolence book for Alex Johnstone

  3. MP Michelle Thomson courageously describes being raped as a teenagerpublished at 14:14 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    A Scottish MP has moved colleagues to tears after revealing in the House of Commons that she was raped at the age of 14.

    Michelle Thomson told MPs that she was "not a victim, I'm a survivor."

    MPs listen in silence as Michelle Thomson recalls the "shame" she felt after being raped as a teenagerImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    MPs listen in silence as Michelle Thomson recalls the "shame" she felt after being raped as a teenager

    She shared her personal story during a Commons debate focused on UN International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women.

    Ms Thomson was comforted by SNP members at the end of her speech, which left Speaker John Bercow visibly moved.

    Watch Ms Thomson's courageous speech here.

  4. That ends the debate on Doon Valley Boxing Clubpublished at 13:22 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Doon Valley Boxing ClubImage source, Doon Valley Boxing Club

    We'll be back at 14:30

    Doon Valley Boxing ClubImage source, Doon Valley Boxing Club
  5. We must embrace sport and physical activity to transform lives - ministerpublished at 13:19 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Public Health Aileen Campbell says this small club has a fantastic record and that Sam Mullen sounds like an "inspirational character."

    Ms Campbell says we must embrace sport and physical activity to transform lives. 

    Public Health Aileen Campbell

    The minister says it is vitally important that children are active before school age.

    She says schools now provide two hours of physical education per week.

    Ms Campbell says the government are investing in the active schools programme. 

    She says one of the lasting developments of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 is the community sports hubs. 

    The minister says sport can help us transform lives and transform communities.

  6. Praise for Sam Mullen's Doon Valley Boxing Clubpublished at 13:16 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Conservative MSP Rachael HamiltonImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton

    Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton says the contribution of volunteers across the country should never be underestimated.

    Ms Hamilton praises the efforts of Sam Mullen who opened the community gym in Dalmellington after an injury forced him to retire from boxing.

    Sam Mullen and the boysImage source, Sam Mullen/Twitter
    Image caption,

    Sam Mullen and the boys

    She says people like Mr Mullen are giving so much back to the community via volunteering.

    The Tory MSP says she is a volunteer netball coach and says it is very rewarding and everyone should give it a try.

  7. Last month Brian Whittle visited Doon Valley Boxing Clubpublished at 13:08 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  8. Doon Valley Boxing Club is 'punching well above its weight' - Labour MSPpublished at 13:08 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Scottish MSP Colin Smyth says sports clubs do outstanding work in their local communities.

    Mr Smyth says, judging by the pictures of Brian Whittle lying flat on the floor at Doon Valley Boxing Club, a career in the sport does not beckon.

    Scottish MSP Colin Smyth
    Image caption,

    Scottish MSP Colin Smyth

    Doon Valley Boxing Club is "punching well above its weight," he says.

    The Labour MSP says almost a third of children are at the risk of being overweight and there is a clear link between obesity and deprivation.

    Mr Smyth says obesity can lead to a whole range of health issues and these clubs are important for keeping young people active and healthy. 

  9. Tory MSP says the Doon Valley Boxing club offers hope and is building on its successpublished at 13:03 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Conservative MSP John ScottImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Conservative MSP John Scott

    Conservative MSP John Scott says the Doon Valley Boxing club offers hope and says that is why it has prospered for 13 years.

    Ms Scott says the boxing club has produced a youth Commonwealth bronze medalist.

    He says the club is in good heart and its proud 13 year history is not just being maintained but being built apon.

  10. Doon Valley Boxing Club is a great example of community engagementpublished at 13:00 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Fulton Macgregor

    SNP MSP Fulton Macgregor says these clubs bring communities and children together.

    Mr Macgregor says Doon Valley Boxing Club is a great example of community engagement in the Coatbridge and Chryston area. 

  11. Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle visited the boxing club in mid-Novemberpublished at 12:56 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle visited the boxing club in mid-November and took part in a session with some of the Club's younger members which included shadow boxing, pad work and circuits.

    Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle sparringImage source, Brian Whittle

    The club is in Dalmellington. 

    Among the Club's members are two young female amateur boxers who are regularly making the 110 mile round trip from Stranraer for the chance to work with trainer Samuel Mullin. 

    Mr Whittle congratulates Sam Mullin for his work at the club.

  12. 'Kids want to participate but can only do so if the opportunities are there for them.'published at 12:52 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Brian whittleImage source, bbc

    Mr Whittle says local champions in local communities must be recognised and celebrated.

    The Tory MSP says sport's governing bodies and councils must be supported financially.

    He says: "Kids want to participate but can only do so if the opportunities are there for them."

    Mr Whittle praises the Doon Valley Boxing Club and the work it does.

  13. Tory MSP Brian Whittle notes the role sports clubs play for young people in their communitiespublished at 12:50 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle asks that the parliament notes the success of Doon Valley Boxing Club in Dalmellington.

    Mr Whittle says that the club attracts members from across Ayrshire and that some of those who train there have gone on to compete at a national level.

    Doon Valley Boxing ClubImage source, Samuel Mullin

    He says that local sports clubs play a hugely important role in their communities, by providing positive opportunities for young people, improving physical and mental health, reducing antisocial behaviour and helping to improve performance in school.

    The Tory MSP recognises the vital contribution that volunteers play in sustaining such clubs and commends them for their hard work, and wishes community sports clubs across Scotland, including Doon Valley Boxing Club, continued success.  

  14. Doon Valley Boxing Club debate beginspublished at 12:50 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle will now lead a debate on Doon Valley Boxing Club. 

    Here is his motion.

    MotionImage source, Scottish Parliament
  15. Presiding Officer thanks MSPs for paying their respects to the late Alex Johnstonepublished at 12:50 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    The presiding officer thanks MSPs for their tributes to the late Alex Johnstone.Image source, bbc
    Image caption,

    The presiding officer thanks MSPs for their tributes to the late Alex Johnstone.

    Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh thanks MSPs for paying their respects to the late Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone. 

    He says flags outside Holyrood are flying at half mast and a book of condolences will be available. 

  16. Postpublished at 12:47 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of twitter post
  17. Background: Campaign to tackle lonelinesspublished at 12:46 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    The campaign to tackle loneliness is run by Age Scotland, external who says loneliness has a profound impact on our quality of life, with serious implications for physical and mental health.

    Age Scotland websiteImage source, Age Scotland

    Age Scotland wants to see a national strategy to tackle social isolation and encourage recognition and coordinated responses across organisations that work with people who are isolated and vulnerable. 

    They want health and social care services to work with the Government to measure social connectedness, and to address loneliness in planning and delivering services. 

    They says free public transport can be hugely important to older people's wellbeing, but many areas don't have adequate services. Including community and public transport in a national loneliness strategy would give.

  18. First minister highlights 'No-one Should Have No-one at Christmas' campaignpublished at 12:46 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    SNP MSP Christine Grahame asks what action the Scottish government can take in light of Age Scotland's campaign to tackle loneliness during the festive season.

    The first minister says dealing with loneliness and isolation is difficult but worse at Christmas.

    Ms Sturgeon highlights the "No-one Should Have No-one at Christmas" campaign.

  19. Scottish government economic strategies are under continuous review says Ms Sturgeonpublished at 12:43

    jackie baillieImage source, bbc

    Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asks what the Scottish government's response is to the recent growth forecast by the EY Scottish ITEM Club.

    Ms Sturgeon says there is a weaker outlook for the Scottish economy since Brexit.

    The first minister says the Scottish government's priority is to stay in the EU or at least the single market.

    Ms Baillie calls on the first minister to order a review of the government's economic strategies.

    Ms Sturgeon says this is a reasonable point and the strategies are under continuous review. 

  20. Taxing questions.....published at 12:45 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2016

    Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asks how making Scotland the most highly taxed in the UK will help the economy grow.

    Ms Sturgeon says the Scottish government will ensure there is fair and balanced taxation as the Conservative policies are hitting the poorest.