Image source, Getty Images

That's all from Holyrood Live on Thursday 9 May 2019.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman apologised after hundreds of health workers who have potentially experienced inappropriate behaviour at NHS Highland.

This was suggested in an independent review led by John Sturrock QC which said staff had described suffering "fear, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour at work".

Concerns raised by a group of clinicians prompted the review, external.

• 'Culture of bullying' at NHS board

Later at Holyrood MSPs unanimously passed the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, external.

MSPs unanimously pass the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, external.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson says this bill is fundamentally about improving experiences of the justice system.

He calls for the measures to include adults with vulnerabilities, like those who have learning disabilities, as quickly as possible.

Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell says the legislation will require a major shift in practice and culture.

She welcomes efforts to improve the experience of witnesses and victims to ensure they are not deterred from giving evidence.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham reiterates the Scottish government's commitment to establishing a child-centred response to child victims.

We will continue to communicate with parliament key milestones on Barnehus, she says.

Image source, Getty Images

Almost £1m is to be spent on facilities for children and vulnerable adults giving evidence in court cases.

A dedicated facility, due to open in Glasgow in 2019, will allow more of them to avoid having to attend court.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) centre will be created after a £950,000 investment to allow evidence to be pre-recorded.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said it was important to avoid "trauma" for vulnerable witnesses.

Read more.

MSPs have urged the government to adopt a radical Scandinavian method of dealing with child witnesses and victims of sexual assault.

The Scottish Parliament's justice committee backed moves to use more pre-recorded evidence in court trials.

But they called on the Scottish government to go further and consider moving to the full Barnahus model.

It aims to offer treatment, as well as interview and support, for child victims and witnesses in one centre.

Read more here.

Liam McArthur congratulates Humza Yousaf and his wife on the birth of their daughter and jokes he is looking forward to the 20-page pullout in the National celebrating it.

Image source, bbc

Turning to the bill, the Lib Dem MSP says there is a compelling case to improve the system and the long term goal should be take children out of the justice system entirely.

This bill will put immense pressure on the justice system and the third sector so the phased implementation is sensible, Mr McArthur adds.

He says ultimately this legislation does fall short of where we want to get to.

The Lib Dem MSP says he looks forward to voting for this bill at decision time.

Image source, bbc

Green MSP John Finnie "I'm delighted to say the Scottish Green Party will be supporting this legislation at decision time tonight."

Mr Finnie says everything requires to be child-centred and adds this is a fine piece of legislation.

The former policeman tells the chamber we must ensure justice is delivered for everyone, including the accused.

He says adverse childhood experiences should not be compounded by attending court.

Image source, bbc

Daniel Johnson begins by welcoming the proposed legislation saying: "It's a good bill, it's a good start."

The Labour MSP says this will lead to better evidence being taken and less trauma for those giving it.

He says the provisions must be enacted in an effective a way as possible.

The Labour MSP points out the Barnehus model is not that complicated.

It is about taking evidence as quickly as possible, in the right setting, making the child comfortable and aiming for the evidence to be taken only once, he elucidates.

Mr Johnson concludes saying he looks forward to voting for this bill at decision time.

In 2018, Lord Carloway told the BBC his "ultimate objective" in reviewing how evidence is gathered was for alleged victims to be able to give filmed statements within 24 hours.

The judge also said their cross-examination should take place well before the trial and away from court.

Some senior defence advocates have warned that a fair trial involved being able to properly test a victim's evidence.

Lord Carloway has suggested Scotland to look at the Barnehus model in Scandinavian countries - where child victims and witnesses give pre-recorded evidence to specially trained police officers in purpose-built centres.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Liam Kerr says his party back this bill and all parties have united behind its principles.

Mr Kerr points out Children 1st called the current system for children giving evidence "Victorian".

He says: "At its core the bill is about improving the experience and evidential strength of children and vulnerable witnesses in the criminal justice system."

"This absolutely is a step in the right direction, but that is what it is, a step."

Ms Denham tells the chamber concerns were raised that the reforms may prevent the cross examination of child witnesses, but these were successfully addressed via a Stage 2 amendment.

The minister says the focus of attention during this process has been on the development of the Barnahus concept in Scotland.

She says: "There is clearly much more to do but I think we now have a great basis for us all to work together to continue to progress this vital area of work."

The community safety minister concludes: "This bill marks a major milestone of which I believe we can all be proud" and she calls for MSPs to pass it.

Children and rape victims will no longer have to give evidence in a courtroom under plans unveiled by the Scottish government.

A draft bill would allow vulnerable victims in the most serious cases to give pre-recorded evidence instead.

It follows a call from Scotland's most senior judge to introduce such a change.

The bill also includes a power to extend the new rule to adult witnesses deemed to be vulnerable.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Ms Denham tells the chamber the reforms in this bill will make important improvements to how children, initially in the most serious cases, are able to give evidence on often distressing and traumatic experiences.

It will lead to many more now being able to record their evidence at an early stage and not having to await the actual trial, adds the minister.

She goes on to says it is important to ensure the right balance for victims, witnesses and accused persons is established.

Image source, bbc

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham says: "I am here today because the cabinet secretary’s paternity leave started unexpectedly early… and I know Parliament will want to join me in congratulating him and his wife on the birth of their daughter."

The chamber applauds warmly.

MSPs are debating the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, external for the final time.

MSPs vote to reject amendment 7 from Margaret Mitchell on the process for taking evidence from child witnesses in criminal proceedings. 29 MSPs backed it, but 82 voted against.