Summary

  • The Local Government and Communities Committee takes evidence on the Planning (Scotland) Bill

  • Lord Advocate James Wolffe gives a statement on the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill

  • The Scottish Conservatives lead a debate on the early years

  • MSPs mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2018

  1. 'We need a transformational investment in mental health'published at 17:36 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-HamiltonImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton

    Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton highlights beauty magazines who perpetuate a "narrow punishing ideal of what beauty should be".

    Mr Cole-Hamilton condemns body shaming and online bullying.

    "We need a transformational investment in mental health."

  2. Background: Scottish government's mental health strategypublished at 17:35 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Young person being embracedImage source, Newscast Online

    The Scottish government's mental health strategy, external includes a specific section on eating disorders.

    It recognises the vast majority of people with eating disorders are treated in the community with support links to specialist hospitals or voluntary sector care.

    However, the strategy also notes the increasing nature of digital lifestyles.

    Action 22 is to "support [the] development of a digital tool to support young people with eating disorders."

  3. Postpublished at 17:34 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    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
    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 2

    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 2
    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 3

    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 3
  4. Green MSP calls for eating disorders wating times to be kept to a minimumpublished at 17:33 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Green MSP Alison JohnstoneImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Green MSP Alison Johnstone

    Green MSP Alison Johnstone praises Beat, SEDIG and See Me for their work in tackling eating disorders and supporting those who suffer from them.

    Ms Johnstone says it is imperative waiting times are kept to a minimum.

  5. Background: Who are the Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group?published at 17:31 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Established in 1993, the Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group (SEDIG) , externalis a supportive forum that integrates professionals, carers, those in recovery and any other interested member of the public.

    When it was founded, SEDIG acted as a bridge across the regions in Scotland which were starved of resources and specialist services. There were no official inpatient or speciality services at the time.

    SEDIG websiteImage source, SEDIG

    Its aims are:

    • Encourage collaboration between all interested parties in the field of Eating Disorders
    • Promote awareness of Eating Disorders
    • Link up the different regions across Scotland to support best practice via conferences and events
    • Work to increase public and political awareness of Eating Disorders and represent our members' views and needs
    • Develop stronger links with academic researchers to support carers, sufferers and professionals to influence research development and increase awareness of current research.
  6. Postpublished at 17:28 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    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
  7. Labour MSP calls for 'adequate funding' for CAMHSpublished at 17:28 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Labour MSP Mary FeeImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Labour MSP Mary Fee

    Labour MSP Mary Fee says all people should be given the support they need to tackle eating disorders, no matter where they live.

    Ms Fee says there must be adequate funding for CAMHS to help tackle eating disorders.

  8. Postpublished at 17:25 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    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
  9. Background: Father courageously backs eating disorder awareness campaignpublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Dennis Robertson with his daughter Caroline
    Image caption,

    Dennis Robertson with his daughter Caroline

    In 2014 we reported that the then SNP MSP, whose daughter died as a result of anorexia, raised awareness of the struggle eating disorders sufferers face.

    Dennis Robertson's 18-year-old daughter Caroline died in 2011 after suffering from the condition for five years.

    The former Aberdeenshire West MSP spoke out at a conference at Holyrood, coinciding with Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

    The event looked at the impact the media and other industries can have on such disorders.

  10. SNP MSP society glamourises the illusion of perfection and this must be addressedpublished at 17:22 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    SNP MSP Stewart StevensonImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson

    SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson says his fomer colleague Dennis Robertson's first parliamentary contribution about his daughter made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

    Mr Stevenson says Dennis Robertson turned what could have been a life constraining tragedy into and excellent campaign on eating disorders.

    He says he is personally disturbed Weight Watchers is offering free courses to 13 year olds and says it is not something he can comfortably support.

    Mr Stevenson says society glamourises the illusion of perfection and this must be addressed.

  11. Background: What is See Me?published at 17:19 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    See Me websiteImage source, SAMH/MHF Scotland

    See Me, external is a programme designed to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in Scotland.

    It is funding by the Scottish government and Comic Relief, and managed by SAMH and the Mental Health Foundation.

    See Me aims to tackle stigma around eating disorders by highlighting they can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons.

    It also shares personal stories, including that of Tommy Kelly, whose eating disorder led to him having a heart attack, external.

  12. Tory MSP pays warm tribute to the charities that help tackle eating disorderspublished at 17:17 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Tory MSP Annie WellsImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Tory MSP Annie Wells

    Tory MSP Annie Wells says websites like that of Beat's have helped her understand eating disorders.

    Ms Wells pays warm tribute to the charities that help tackle eating disorders.

  13. SNP MSP pays tribute to Beat ambassadors, anorexiafamily.com and Dennis Robertsonpublished at 17:15 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Ms HaugheyImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Ms Haughey

    Ms Haughey pays warm tribute to the Beat ambassadors.

    Ambassadors are volunteers over 25 who have recovered from an eating disorder and have been out of in-patient treatment for at least one year.

    Ms Haughey also Eva Musby and her daughter for their website anorexiafamily.com, external.

    She pays tribute to former SNP MSP Dennis Robertson who bravely shared his own harrowing experience of losing his daughter Caroline in the chamber, in one of the most moving contributions Holyrood has seen.

    Former SNP MSP Dennis RobertsonImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Former SNP MSP Dennis Robertson

  14. Background: Who are Beat?published at 17:12 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Beat websiteImage source, Beat

    Beat , externalis the UK’s eating disorder charity.

    It started in 1989 as the first national charity for people with eating disorders.

    The charity aims to support people with eating disorders, as well as those with emotional overeating and difficulties with food, weight and shape.

    Beat offers two helplines - one for adults: 0808 801 0677 or email help@beateatingdisorders.co.uk and one for young people: 0808 801 0711 or email fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

  15. 'We can all look at how to improve things'published at 17:09 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    SNP MSP Clare HaugheyImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    SNP MSP Clare Haughey

    SNP MSP Clare Haughey says the weather has prevented guests making it to the gallery but praises BEAT and the Eating Disorders Interests Group.

    Ms Haughey says the risk of not treating eating disorders is very high and she says the disorders have more loss of life than any other form of mental illness.

    She says there is good practice to be found around the country and she highlights the mental health strategy.

    "Nonetheless we can all look at how to improve things."

  16. Here is the motionpublished at 17:06 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    SNP MSP Clare Haughey's motion:

    • notes 1.25 million people in the UK suffer eating disorders, the vast majority of whom are women (89%)
    • noting the Scottish government's intention to create a digital tool to support young people with eating disorders
    • praises the Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group, Beat and See Me for their work on the issue
    Motion textImage source, Scottish parliament
  17. Now turning to the debate in eating disorderspublished at 17:04 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    SNP MSP Clare Haughey will now lead a debate on eating disorders.

    It coincides with eating disorder awareness week 2018, which continues until Sunday.

    This year's theme is 'Why Wait?' in recognition of the fact that, on average, people experiencing eating disorder symptoms suffer for 149 weeks before seeking help.

    The aim of the week is both to encourage people to seek help and improve awareness of the symptoms of disordered eating.

    Beat #WhyWait graphicImage source, Beat
  18. Decision time - Early years motion and amendment unanimously agreed topublished at 17:04 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    AmendmentImage source, SP
    Tory motionImage source, SP
  19. What is the definition of high quality childcare?published at 17:02 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    childcareImage source, other

    Ms Ballantyne says the Scottish government has not defined what it means by high quality childcare.

    The Tory MSP concludes asking the minister when there will be a childcare account, saying this debate has seen a chamber that wants the government to succed on childcare provision.

    She says the government must listen to everyone to achieve that.

  20. 'There is no point in extending hours if they can't be used effectively'published at 16:55 Greenwich Mean Time 28 February 2018

    Tory MSP Michelle BallantyneImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne

    Tory MSP Michelle Ballantyne is closing the debate for the Scottish Conservatives, as her colleague Liz Smith has been called away on a weather related family issue.

    Childcare delivery must be flexible, insists Ms Ballantyne.

    She says: "There is no point in extending hours if they can't be used effectively."

    The Tory MSP calls for analysis of what works and what does not and says Audit Scotland were scathing about the lack of analyis done by the Scottish governent into the provision of 600 hours of childcare provision.

    Her party would have focused on the most vulnerable first, she says.