Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald asks about funding and investment for culture in the North East. 

Ms Hyslop says the government are working had to deliver funding and she is happy that Aberdeen City Council are supportin this. 

Tory MSP John Scott speaks to Ayr Council and its historic achievements.

Ms Hyslop says Ayr's work in this area should attract visitors from near and far.

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Ms Hyslop says towns and cities around Scotland provide culture and an historic environment to our daily lives.

Mr Adam asks the culture secretary to recognise Paisley and its listed buildings as it bids for City of Culture.

Ms Hyslop does so and says building its listed buildings into the bid is very wise. 

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In 2021 the UK will get its third City of Culture. Paisley is one of six cities hoping to kick-start regeneration through culture.

Paisley used to be a wealthy place, though to look at the town's High Street you wouldn't believe it.

It boasts an M&S and a WH Smith and a handful of other chain stores among the charity shops, but precious few shoppers. Half the shop fronts stand empty.

Yet at one end there's a fine neoclassical town hall and an equally fine medieval abbey church, and an imposing war memorial featuring a mounted crusader knight and steel-helmeted tommies. Up the hill at the top end is a handsome museum.

SNP MSP George Adam asks how the historic environment can promote culture in towns and cities.  

Labour MSP Neil asks why there are so many Europe ministers in the Scottish government.

Ms Hyslop says it is very important that there is not an inward looking or perocial approach. 

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External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop says discussions take place regularly and the government is committed to working with European Commission officials.

Mr Stewart asks if ETS will be raised at the next meeing.

Ms Hyslop says clean investments are one of the requirements to have a successful relationship with the EU.

The culture secretary says she will relay this to other ministers.

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Nicola Sturgeon has accused the UK government of using Brexit to undermine devolution.

In a speech in Edinburgh, the first minister said the Scottish Parliament faced a "graver challenge" after "20 years of progress".

She also warned that without compromise, a second independence referendum may become a "necessary" way of protecting Scotland's interests.

The UK government said Ms Sturgeon had completely misrepresented its position.

Labour MSP David Stewart asks when the government last met European Commission officials, and what was discussed.  

MSPs will now ask portfolio questions.

We begin with the culture, tourism and external affairs brief. 

Portfolio questions focuses on culture, tourism and external affairs, to be followed by justice.

Image source, BBC Scotland

The Scottish Conservatives then have the floor for a debate on the Scottish Funding Council and then on the new BBC channel for Scotland.

Image source, PA

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart will then lead a member’s debate entitled ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive Project’, which is pretty topical given the increase in penalty today for using your mobile while driving.

First up in the chamber this afternoon we have portfolio question as MSPs quiz ministers from the culture, tourism and external affairs brief followed by the justice and law officers brief. 

The Scottish Conservatives will then lead a debate on the abolition of the Scottish Funding Council board.

The Tories will then lead another debate on the new BBC Scotland digital channel.

After decision time, Tory MSP Alexander Stewart will lead this evenings member's debate on the Safe Drive, Stay Alive project.

Convener James Dornan thanks the witnesses for giving evidence today and moves the committee into private session.

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Kenny Graham from the Scottish Children's Services Coalition says there will be some new guidance in relation to the evidence we gather.

Mr Graham says there has to be quality assuance around the data gathered.

He says : "We should be seeking the views of the pupils and the parents, that is absolutely crucial."

Sally Cavers from Enquire says there is a need to "go back to basics and focus on the human aspect."

Ms Cavers says there is a need to make sure that children and parents have a better experience.

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Sharon Veelenturf says"I am just a parent" and asks who is checking if ASN support is working.

Ms Veelenturf says: "You can't just assume because there are bodies in the classroom that it is working."

Committee convener James Dornan says that is a good point and adds "you are never just a parent".

Colin Crawford from Glasgow City Council says there has been a lot of talk about training and asks "What training?"

Mr Crawford says there may need to be an overhaul of training and a review as to what training is required. 

Committee convener James Dornan says the way people are trained now is different to the way they were trained in the past because of technology.

Mr Donan says surely witnesses are not suggesting that the cascading model is bad practice.

Sylvia Haughney from Glasgow City Council says support staff's working day is 9am to 3pm which means there is no additional time to complete the training. 

Professor Sheila Riddell from University of Edinburgh says people are being asked now to carry out their own training where this used to be delivered.

Prof Riddell says there is still a need for qualified and experienced trainers because it is too ad-hoc at the moment.