Tory MSP Miles Briggs pivots to the challenges facing mental health services in NHS Highland and particularly CAMHS targets not being met.

Boyd Peters cites additional investment for children and adult services.

"We're committed to improving our stats," he adds.

Across Scotland the number of young people waiting more than a year for specialist mental health treatment has more than trebled in a year, official figures revealed in June.

According to the Scottish Children's Services Coalition, the latest waiting times figures reveal NHS in Scotland failed to meet a maximum 18-week target for children and young people to receive treatment from mental health services.

More than 3 in 10 are waiting over 18 weeks for treatment, with 12 out of 14 health boards failed to meet the 18-week waiting time target.

NHS Highland was one of the boards that failed to meet the target.

Iain Stewart confirms NHS Highland is expected to require £11m in brokerage this year, £8m next year and then for the health board to break even in the third year.

He explains staffing (especially locums), drags and social care are the three main areas of overspending.

We hope to raise £5m worth of savings this year, he adds.

Tory MSP Brian Whittle asks about sanctions or training put in place following the allegations of bullying.

Mr Stewart says it is important not to go immediately to disciplinary action via HR and instead try other solutions, such as mediation.

Mr Stewart moves on to the NHS Highland whistleblowing champion and says he was concerned she resigned after only two months and asks if the toxic atmosphere was the reason for this.

I don't think so, replies Iain Stewart, who says a new whistleblower has been put in place.

The Labour MSP asks how the board addresses issues around recruitment and retention of staff.

The NHS chief executive accepts there has to be improvements in HR at NHS Highland.

"We want to attract the best people we can in NHS Highland," he says.

"We have apologised twice publicly for the behaviour that preceded the Sturrock report", says Boyd Robertson.

Image source, GETTY IMAGES

An advisory body has been set up to promote positive behaviour and workforce practices across the NHS in Scotland has met for the first time.

It was created in response to findings of a review led by John Sturrock QC into allegations of bullying and harassment in NHS Highland.

The review suggested hundreds of health workers had potentially experienced inappropriate behaviour.

The new working group's chairwoman is Health Secretary Jeane Freeman.

Read more here.

Labour MSP David Stewart says he was "genuinely shocked" about the claims which were made.

Iain Stewart confirms counselling, mediation, support and occupational health are all being offered.

"We are working through the recommendations of the Sturrock report," adds Boyd Robertson.

He confirms compensation is being considered but NHS Highland is not yet in a position to make any announcement on this.

Image source, bbc

Health committee convener Lewis Macdonald introduces the witnesses.

"It will not surprise anyone that we start with the issue of bullying," says Mr Macdonald.

NHS Highland absolutely accept the findings of the Sturrock report and will not tolerate any bullying, replies Iain Stewart.

The NHS Highland chief executive briefly outlines the plan that is being pulled together to address bullying, provide support and improve governance.

Image source, Getty Images

NHS Highland's board has "apologised unreservedly" for bullying and inappropriate behaviour experienced by members of its staff.

The apology came during the first meeting of the board sincea report on an independent review of allegations of a culture of bullying at NHS Highland.

The review suggested that hundreds of health workers had potentially experienced inappropriate behaviour.

NHS Highland said the focus was now on "healing and reconciliation".

The review led by John Sturrock QC said staff had described suffering "fear, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour at work".

• Bullying alleged at isles health board
• NHS staff faced 'fear and intimidation'
• 'Hundreds' faced bullying at NHS Highland
• Read more here

Image source, Getty Images

The health committee will shortly discuss NHS Highland.

While this is part of wider scrutiny of all health boards, the recent bullying claims and subsequent Sturrock report will likely be discussed.

MSPs will quiz NHS Highland representatives:

• chair Boyd Robertson
• chief executive Iain Stewart
• chief officer David Park
• interim director of finance David Garden
• medical director Boyd Peters
• depute chief officer George Morrison

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 3 September 2019.

The first day back for MSPs after the summer recess is going to be a busy one, with the Programme for Government the undoubted highlight.

Image source, AFP

However political pundits and anoraks alike may wish to also keep an eye cast on the momentous machinations occurring at Westminster, as MPs return to the Brexit fray.

Nevertheless, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has decided not to delay setting out her plans for the coming year as MSPs return to Holyrood after recess.

Her PfG statement is expected to begin at around 2.25pm in the afternoon, we'll bring you extensive coverage and analysis right here.