Summary

  • The tourism committee takes evidence on the Transient Visitor Levy, more commonly known as the tourist tax from council leaders.

  • We bring you extensive coverage and analysis of first minister's questions

  • An SNP MSP hosts a debate on the film 'Nae Pasaran!'

  • MSPs celebrate Scotland's food and drink

  1. Background: Targets missed for child mental health care servicespublished at 12:17 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    The performance in mental health care times is the worst since the target was set four years agImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The performance in mental health care times is the worst since the target was set four years ag

    A third of children referred to mental health services in Scotland are not being seen within the 18-week target.

    The performance statistics are the poorest since the government said four years ago that 90% of children should be seen within that time.

    They also indicate an increase in the number of children accessing child and adolescent mental health services.

    Minister for mental health, Clare Haughey said the figures were "completely unacceptable".

    The latest statistics were released just weeks after a task force was announced to tackle the issue.

    Read more here.

  2. First minister welcomes reduction in stigma around mental healthpublished at 12:17 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    nicola sturgeonImage source, bbc

    Mr Leonard says he asked why mental health services have got to this point, not what was announced last week.

    Reports reveal children are being turned away from treatment even when they are self-harming, he argues.

    How many referals have been rejected since the FM took office the Labour leader asks?

    The first minister insists she understands the human cost of mental health.

    This government has invested more in mental health, there are more people working in CAHMS and the system is seeing more patients, she argues.

    Ms Sturgeon says the rise in demand is good as it means the stigma is reducing.

    We must build capacity in the rights places, she adds, suggesting referrals to mental health services are often not the right option for every young person.

  3. Postpublished at 12:16 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

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  4. Postpublished at 12:15 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

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  5. Background: Mental health services 'let down children'published at 12:12 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    The average length of time children have to wait for specialist mental health treatment has increased in recent yearsImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The average length of time children have to wait for specialist mental health treatment has increased in recent years

    The Scottish government has admitted that children and young people are being "let down" by the country's mental health services.

    Child mental health has been a key priority for the government as part of its goal of making Scotland the best country in the world to grow up in.

    But a watchdog's report has found that specialist services are struggling to cope with increasing demand.

    Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said the situation was "unacceptable".

    The Scottish government's target of having 90% of children and young people start treatment within 18 weeks of being referred to specialist mental health services has never been met since being introduced in December 2014.

    Instead, waiting times have increased since the target was set - with 26% waiting longer than 18 weeks last year, compared to only 15% in 2013/14.

    Audit ScotlandImage source, Audit Scotland
  6. Leonard criticises mental health performancepublished at 12:12 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Richard LeonardImage source, bbc

    Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard goes on today's Audit Scotland report on mental health for children and young people, which highlights those from low income households are three times more likely to suffer mental ill health.

    He says it also points to a decline in mental health services under Ms Sturgeon's watch.

    Ms Sturgeon says demand for mental health services is increasing but funding for it is going up too.

    The system is seeing more patients within 18 weeks while demand is going up, she insists.

    The first minister points to further investment announced last week to establish more school-based counsellors and support for young people.

  7. Clash over Education Billpublished at 12:11 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    chamberImage source, bbc

    The Scottish Tory leader accuses the first minister of "inflating" education rhetoric, highlighting the shelving of the Education Bill.

    On the action plan launched last month, Ms Davidson points to calls from stakeholders for it to be underpinned by legislative change.

    Ms Davidson says the first minister claims education is her top priority but when put to the test, she fails.

    Ms Sturgeon says the measures that were in the Education Bill can be brought forward much quicker through a non-legislative route.

    The first minister reiterates her belief that the Conservatives are hypocritical and labels them "shameless opportunists" when it comes to P1 testing.

  8. Background: Davidson highlights shelving of Education Billpublished at 12:10 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    The agreement with councils will see head teachers given more say over how their schools are runImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The agreement with councils will see head teachers given more say over how their schools are run

    The Scottish government has shelved its flagship Education Bill after claiming key reforms can be introduced more quickly without changing the law.

    Nicola Sturgeon previously said the bill would be the most radical change to how schools are run since devolution.

    But it faced opposition from teaching unions and some opposition parties.

    Some of the proposals will now be introduced through an agreement with councils instead.

  9. FM insists wide range of info availablepublished at 12:07 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Nicola SturgeonImage source, bbc

    Ms Sturgeon insists a wide range of information is available.

    She also points to measures to ensure teachers know pupils are meeting performance requirements.

    The first minister criticises the Tory position to abolish assessments for P1, suggesting this would reduce the information available.

    Ms Davidson argues the information required by parliament is not being put into the public realm.

    In secondary schools, it is clear parents are being left in the dark she insists.

    Subjects parents thought were on offer aren't there, the Tory leader adds.

    She calls for an action plan to be put in law.

    The first minister suggests if the Scottish government moved to do that, the Tories would oppose it.

    They choose to put short term party political interests ahead of pupils, claims Ms Sturgeon.

  10. Background: John Swinney 'committed' to assessments for P1 pupilspublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    The new standardised tests assess pupils' literacy and numeracy skillsImage source, bbc
    Image caption,

    The first minister highlights the new standardised tests which assess pupils' literacy and numeracy skills

    Education Secretary John Swinney has insisted the government is "committed" to assessments for P1 pupils despite fresh opposition calls to scrap them.

    The tests were introduced a year ago in a bid to collect more data on pupils to help inform teachers about progress.

    All of Holyrood's opposition parties oppose tests for the youngest pupils, and want to put this to a vote.

    But Mr Swinney said the tests were "vital" in making sure issues pupils might have were addressed "pronto".

    Meanwhile, fresh legal guidance sent to councils has underlined that parents have no legal right to withdraw their children from the tests.

    Campaigners have been urging parents to opt their children out of the computer-based assessments, but the guidance - issued jointly by the government and the Association of Directors of Education - says this is a discretionary matter for head teachers.

  11. Tory leader asks about school informationpublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    ruth davidsonImage source, bbc

    Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson says the parliament introduced new rules to allow parents to get more information about schools six years ago.

    Comprehensive information on curricula, subjects choices, performance and more should be provided, she states.

    How many schools are complying, she asks?

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says schools provide a wide range of information to parents, though is unable to provide the exact data sought by Ms Davidson.

    Ms Davidson answers her own question by revealing that the number of compliant schools is just 7%.

    Schools should give parents clear data on the curriculum and performance to ensure they can make an informed decision in school choice, she argues.

    This information is not there, she adds.

  12. Postpublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

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  13. Time for FMQs.........published at 12:00 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Party leadersImage source, PA/BBC
  14. Background: Perinatal mental support announcedpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Nicola Sturgeon set out plans to expand mental health services
    Image caption,

    Nicola Sturgeon set out plans to expand mental health services

    A new network of care and support for new mothers was announced as part of the programme for government last week.

    Amidst a raft of measures to improve Scotland's mental health, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon committed to improving access to counselling and expanding specialist services in perinatal mental health.

    One in five mothers in the UK experience mental health symptoms during and after pregnancy.

    The most common problems faced are depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

    Read about other measures announced in the programme for government.

  15. Perinatal mental healthpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    SNP MSP James Dornan seeks information on action to improve the provision of perinatal mental health support.

  16. Minister says UK government has provided no certainty around medical isotopes post-Brexitpublished at 11:57 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
    Image caption,

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman

    Ms Freeman replies unfortunately the UK government has not been able to provide any certainty about the future relationships with Euroatom.

    Mr Stewart says the withdraw from Euroatom will lead to difficulties in getting radioisotopes required for health care.

  17. Medical isotopespublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Labour MSP David Stewart requests an update on the anticipated security of supply of medical isotopes after the UK leaves the EU.

  18. Labour MSP criticises health board consultationpublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Labour MSP Jackie Baillie
    Image caption,

    Labour MSP Jackie Baillie

    Labour MSP Jackie Baillie points out the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board is looking at breast cancer services, but has only consulted with one person.

    Ms Freeman says the consultation on this will begin and it will be the Scottish Health Council that will advise whether the board has undertaken adequate consultation.

  19. Postpublished at 11:53 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

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  20. Health secretary reiterates pledge to produce plan to reduce waiting timespublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 13 September 2018

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
    Image caption,

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman

    Labour MSP Neil Bibby lists nine national standards which he says are failed by this government.

    Mr Bibby asks when will patients get the level of health and care promised by this government.

    Health Secretary Jeane Freeman responds with a positive list of health stats and insists she will bring forward a plan to reduce waiting times.