 Cymru ydydd y cyfle i un cyfle i glref, hon? Wrth gwrs, mae'r ystod yn un mwy o'r ei rwnedd ffordd yn Fodel shouldn. Isg y ddiwedd Gwyrddiad Cymru at edrych i ddefnyddio'n gweithio'r wgffredinol deall i pryd. Rwyf wedi'i gwneud fynd o bod, Michael Matheson. Rwyf wedi gwneud yn gweithio i gyd yn i Majestyaniu Jolygysu Cymru, wrth gwrs, sy'n ei wneud yn gweithio i gweithio a chymru ei gwaith. We have allocated around £100 million of funding to local authorities who work with a range of organisations and partners to help to deliver community sentences, support the rehabilitation of people with convictions and reduce re-offending. That includes an extra £4 million investment in community sentences, which was introduced in 2016-17 and was continued in 2017-18, helping to support local authorities to deliver robust community sentences. The Government is committed to supporting local authorities in delivering robust community sentences. The new funding distribution model for allocating criminal justice social work funding introduced in 2017-18 allows each local authority working in partnership with statutory partners and the third sector the flexibility to target resources to better meet local priorities and needs, which includes community sentences. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that robust community sentences continue to be delivered. I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. Research by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed that hundreds of community payback order work has taken months after sends to actually begin, some taking over a year. Those delays have progressively worsened over the past three years. Can the cabinet secretary commit to ending those delays and tell the chamber how he intends to do it? The details that the member makes reference to do not put the issue of community censing in any context. The reality is that, in 2015-16, there were around 19,500 community sentences issued. Of that, there was a delay in around 6 per cent of the overall community sentences being taken forward within the timescale that is required. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that they comply with the time frames that are set around community sentences and the way in which they are delivered. We are currently reviewing the existing guidance for breaches of community sentences to make sure that that is robust. It is very clear about what sanction should be put in place where there are any breaches of community sentences, but I have also set out my answer. The record funding that we are providing to local authorities is exactly that, to help to support them in delivering robust, effective community sentences across local authorities in Scotland. Rona Mackay Can the cabinet secretary confirm that the funding for criminal justice social work services, which includes the delivery of community sentences, will continue to be ring-fenced? Rona Mackay We recognise the importance of community justice social work funding to make sure that we have effective delivery of community sentencing options and programmes. That is why we have ring-fenced that particular funding to local authorities and we have no intentions to change the existing arrangements. Mary Fee Last week, the cabinet secretary told me in the chamber that the funding formula for the allocation of resources has already been published. Can the cabinet secretary explain to the chamber when and where that formula was published? The information that I have is that, while the formula has been shared with the sector, it has not been placed in the public domain. Can I ask the cabinet secretary to ensure that the formula is published and deposited in SPICE? Rona Mackay If it would help the member, I am more than happy to send a copy of the formula directly to her following question time. I want to reassure the member that it would appear to be implied within her question that this is some form of formula that has been imposed by Government. Nothing could be further from the truth. The formula that has been introduced is one that was agreed by COSLA and is approved by the COSLA leadership group. This is not something that has been forced on local authorities by the Scottish Government. What it is is about making sure that it is a process that puts in place the distribution of funding to criminal justice work teams that is reflective of the demands that their services receive. That is exactly why we have taken it forward in a co-production basis, working with local authorities to achieve that. I want to reassure the member and any members in the chamber that this is not a distribution model that has been imposed by Government, but one that has been taken forward in partnership with local authorities and supported by COSLA and the COSLA leadership group. I assure the member that a copy of the formula is sent on to the member for her information. Liam McArthur The cabinet secretary recall from our exchanges last week that the welcome extension of the presumption against what prison sentences does rely on proper funding of the community-based measures that he alluded to. Does he accept that delivery of such measures in rural and particularly island areas is of necessity going to be more costly? Will he assure the chamber that the funding distribution model that he refers to will take proper account of that and that the need to fund small proportionate island-based services on a year-on-year ring-fence basis is adequate so that those services can be maintained? As I mentioned earlier, we are providing record levels of funding for community sentencing programmes. We have increased that over the past couple of years to support local authorities in developing new programmes. We are considering how we can continue to support them in this area in the years ahead. I can say to the member that the funding model has a particular rurality waiting in it in order to recognise some of the specific challenges that our more rural communities and rural local authorities have in being able to deliver those particular programmes. That is why some of the redistribution that is taking place around that resource is to help to support those specific local authorities. I also want to assure the member that, in taking this forward, we have carried out the redistribution model in a way that is developing it in partnership with local authorities. Alongside that, we have also capped any changes in reduction funding for any given local authority and capped that over a five-year period in order to make sure that no local authority has put a disadvantage as a result of the redistribution model. I can assure the member that the new distribution model has a rurality waiting in it to recognise some of the specific challenges that can be faced by our rural local authorities. 2. Colin Beattie To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to support community policing during the current parliamentary session. The Government is committed to supporting our police service. That is why we are protecting the police resource budget in real terms in every year of the current Parliament and have committed £61 million of reform funding in this financial year to support transformation of the service. The Scottish Government's strategic policing priorities, which were laid before this Parliament last October, seek to further strengthen the focus on community policing and inclusion. We underline our expectation that local communities' needs are understood and reflected in the planning and delivery of policing, and that our police service is accessible and responsive to the needs of all people in Scotland. That focus is reflected in policing 2026, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority's 10-year strategy, which seeks to develop local approaches to policing in partnership with communities across the country. Colin Beattie Does the cabinet secretary agree with me that the Tories' outrageous rules, which lead Police Scotland, the only territorial police service in the UK, having to pay millions of pounds in VAT, which cannot be reclaimed, needs to end, just as the Tories managed to do for the highways, England and academy schools, in order to ensure that Police Scotland can provide the best service possible? Cabinet secretary I completely agree with the member that Police Scotland is the only territorial police force in the UK that is not able to reclaim VAT, as is the case for the Scottish Fire and Rescue service. When it has suited the Conservative Government at Westminster, it has changed the VAT rules in order to suit those particular organisations. For example, it changed the rules in order to suit highways in England when it was turned into a national organisation. Also, for a number of non-departmental public bodies, when it has suited the UK Treasury to change the VAT rules, it has sought to change the VAT rules in order to allow them to reclaim VAT. The UK Government is disadvantaging our fire service and our police service here in Scotland by the discriminatory way in which it is going about continuing to prevent Police Scotland and the fire and rescue service from being able to reclaim VAT. That could cost the Scottish public purse £280 million by the end of the Parliament alone. £200 million for our police service and £80 million for our fire service. It is about time that the Scottish Conservatives started standing up for their police officers and firefighters in Scotland, because that is money that should begin into our police and fire service, not into the pockets of the Treasury. Liam Kerr Thank you, Presiding Officer. In light of reports this week, headlined IT system threatens safety of Police Scotland staff. What support are the Scottish Government giving Police Scotland to improve their IT system and ensure that there is an integrated network allowing safety delivery of community policing? The short answer, Presiding Officer, is that the member should not believe everything that he reads in the Daily Mail. As he will be aware, the issue of taking for the IT system within Police Scotland is a matter for Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, but that is why we are also providing them with an additional £61 million of reform funding this year in order to help to support them in making investment into key areas that can support the service. I do hope, though, that the member will stand up for Police Scotland and allow them to be able to reclaim the VAT so that they can use that money to invest it in front-line policing services, including their ITC system. I have been raising the issue of the legal use of quad bikes and off-road bikes for a number of years in public parts and public paths in Fife, and I would like to recognise the proactive response that we have had from the community police in tackling the problem. It has been supported by the excellent work of Kingdom Off-Road Motorcycle Club, which can help to achieve behavioural change in that area. What assurances can the cabinet secretary give that such collaborative working can be delivered with the community police throughout Scotland? The member raises what I believe is a very good example of the collaborative way in which Police Scotland, particularly at a local level, is working with a range of partners to tackle those types of unacceptable behaviour. That was one of the key areas that we set out in new strategic policing priorities, which is to ensure that there is a greater focus on inclusive and proactive local work through the police service. That work has been taken forward largely at a national level by DCC. If it is Patrick, who has made it very clear that working in partnership with a range of agencies at a local level to tackle those types of issues is absolutely key to helping to prevent them. However, it is not only taking a law enforcement approach to deal with those issues, but it is about looking at how you can work with other partners in the local community that can help to support young people who may be engaging in this type of unacceptable behaviour to get into a more productive way in which they can participate in what they want to do, but it is not causing a disruption or a risk to the rest of local community. That is exactly the type of work that Police Scotland takes forward, quite frankly, on a day-in, day-out basis, because the standard of policing that we receive in Scotland is of a very high standard. I assure the member that that is exactly the type of approach that Police Scotland is determined to make sure that it continues to take where across the country as and when it is appropriate. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of mosquito devices to deter the gathering of young people. The Scottish Government is opposed to the use of mosquito anti-loitering devices. We do not believe that its use is consistent with our approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, and note that the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has expressed concerns over the use and children's right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly. I thank the minister for that reply. Obviously, the Scottish Government is aware of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to prohibit the use in public spaces of acoustic devices used to disperse gatherings of young people and in brackets, so-called, mosquito devices. Can I therefore ask what measures the Scottish Government is taking in regards in light of the UN conclusions? I thank the member for her supplementary question. I have been taking a number of actions in this regard. I have written to all local authorities and, indeed, other public bodies such as Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and COSLA to emphasise the Government's opposition to the use of mosquito devices. I have asked for information as to their policies on mosquito devices, and I await their replies. I am not unsympathetic to those who would take the view that we should look to an outright ban on mosquito devices, but I would say, at the present time, that there are simply no reliable figures on how widespread or otherwise the use of mosquito devices is in Scotland and to proceed successfully down a legislative route, we would, of course, need to show that any legislation is justified as a proportionate response. However, we will continue to work in this area and to gather all the information that is available to us. To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent comments by the Lord Advocate on what role community payback and direct reparation with the victims of crime will play in its future plans for the justice system. Cabinet secretary. Paying back to the community is at the heart of our approach. Community payback orders deliver real benefits for their communities. Over 1.8 million hours of unpaid work were imposed on offenders as part of their CPOs in 2015-16. In addition, prosecutors have the option of imposing direct measures such as financial penalties, including compensation to victims and unpaid work. That approach is in line with our national strategy for community justice, which sets out our commitment to shifting criminal justice interventions upstream using the least intrusive intervention at the earliest point. Our vision and priorities for justice in Scotland laid out this Government's intention to adopt a more progressive, evidence-based approach that is designed to prevent and reduce further offending and underpinning our determination to ensure that we live in safe, quiesive and resilient communities. Clare Adamson. I recently attended the apex lecture by the Lord Advocate and witnessed a positive reaction in the room to the presumption against custodial sentences up to 12 months. Does the cabinet secretary agree with the Lord Advocate when he says that prosecutors and courts looked for decisions that were appropriate and proportionate, and that was not the same thing as soft touch? Cymru. I recognise that, since we have announced our decision to seek Parliament's agreement to increase the presumption of short sentences to 12 months, there has been a wide range of support from right across the criminal justice sector to the approach that we are taking. One that is founded on making sure that we do not get ourselves caught up in the false dichotomy of what is tough and what is soft justice, but we make sure that we take an approach that is informed by smart justice, and an approach that is based on evidence that we know is much more effective in addressing and offending an offender's behaviour and underlying causes that can drive an offender's behaviour. In that note, I very much agree with the Lord Advocate that a proportionate approach that is appropriate in the circumstances is about dealing with those issues effectively. I can also say that the whole issue of sentencing, even with a change in the presumption, is precisely that. It is a presumption. The option for the court to impose other measures, including a custodial sentence, will remain in the hands of sentincers, and they will continue to have the discretion to pass what they see as being the most appropriate sentence. I can assure the member that we are determined to make sure that we use an approach that is informed by evidence that can help to deliver safer communities by reducing the risk of individuals committing offences again in the future, and that is informing the approach that we are taking around the presumption against short sentences. 5. Jackie Baillie To ask the Scottish Government what action is being taken by the police to deal with antisocial behaviour at Helensborough Central train station. Minister Annabelle Ewing Police Scotland has been involved in a number of multi-agency meetings with partners, including British Transport Police, children and family social work departments and the rail unions to deal with the antisocial behaviour at Helensborough Central train station. Police Scotland has applied a combination of prevention, education and enforcement measures, including instigating additional high visibility officer patrols of all train stations in the area and deploying trained youth engagement officers in an effort to engage with the young people involved and to positively influence their behaviour. Where acts of disorder or antisocial behaviour have amounted to contraventions of criminal law, Police Scotland has taken appropriate enforcement actions against the persons involved. Jackie Baillie I am sure that the minister would want to join with me in thanking all the agencies involved in tackling the antisocial behaviour and equally joining with me in condemning the abuse of railway staff who have been verbally and physically assaulted as have passengers too. Will she therefore commit today to reviewing the Emergency Workers Scotland Act of 2005 to ensure that transport workers are now covered within the terms of that legislation? I do join with Jackie Baillie in indeed thanking all the agencies. It is clear to me that there has been a tremendous effort put in by everyone and I commend all of their actions. I do condemn any abuse of rail workers or anybody else. I would say to the member, as regards the question about extending the Emergency Workers Act of 2005, that I am aware that the member has written to the minister for transport, Mr Hamster Yousif, about the matter. I understand that Mr Yousif is in the process of replying to the member and that he will say that he is asked as officials in Transport Scotland to review the practicalities of including rail workers under that legislation. I also understand that Mr Yousif is meeting with the RMT shortly and is hoping also to meet with the member to discuss those important matters further. Iain Gray To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take on sentencing and stronger controls in the sale of corrosive chemicals to tackle the use of acid as a weapon. Our criminal laws are clear in that anyone using corrosive substances to attack another person can be convicted of assault and receive up-to-life imprisonment. Sentencing in any given case is of course a matter for the court. Scottish Government officials have discussed with UK Government officials the steps being proposed in this area following the UK Government's announcement in July of an action plan to tackle the use of acid or other corrosive chemicals in violent attack. That dialogue will continue, including to assess what steps might be required in respect of retailers and how they sell corrosive substances, including age limits on the sale of such substances. Iain Gray The minister will be aware of the case of my constituent, Mollie Young, who was attacked in school by a fellow pupil using acid. The crime was carried out using drain cleaner, but freely online. The product was, in essence, a powerful concentration of sulfuric acid. Indeed, the sale of some corrosive substances is regulated, but not this one. Does the minister agree that that cannot be right? What, beyond these discussions, will she do to correct the situation? I am not sure that the case is subjudici, but the minister is slightly careful. I am aware of the case that the member has raised, and he has raised that in correspondence. I would say in general terms that the fact that we are engaged in dialogue with the UK Government on this matter is very important, because, of course, for certain, at least, of these areas, there may be questions as to the legislative competence of this Parliament to deal with. Even if that were not the case, it may also be considered, particularly as far as, for example, online sales are concerned, that it may be better to adopt a consistent approach across the nations of the UK, so that we can ensure that we avoid any potential loopholes being taken advantage of. We will now turn to culture, tourism and external affairs questions. We will start with question 1 from Andy Wightman. To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the financial arrangements governing the management and maintenance of the Palace of Holyrood house are fair and equitable in terms of public funding. As the member is aware from answers to written questions, there is a long-standing memorandum of understanding dating from 2000 that governs the management and maintenance of the Palace, which is now due for review. The financial arrangements will be considered during this review by all parties to the memorandum. Andy Wightman. Last year, historic environment Scotland incurred £190,000 in staffing costs, partly to reimburse the royal household for staff employed by the royal household. Can the cabinet secretary explain why funds voted by this Parliament are used to pay for members of staff employed by the royal household? Last year, the royal collection trust received all of the £4.2 million in income from visitor charges, given that this income was historically a portion between the secretary of state for Scotland on the one hand and the royal household on the other. Can the cabinet secretary explain why her department is now spending public funds on the palace while receiving none of the visitor income that is historically kept offset to the expenditure and why those financial matters are not covered in the memorandum of understanding? I think that it is appropriate that the memorandum is reviewed. Now we have historic environment Scotland, a new agency and a new NDPB responsible. In terms of the route of financing, the responsibility for providing the official residence of the sovereign, in terms of the maintenance of that, there is a responsibility of ministers and the HHS carries that on our behalf. In terms of the income that is generated by Holyrood palace, that, as has been the case for many years, is the surplus to the income from the crown of state, is then provided back to the UK treasury and the costs are then reimbursed to Scotland via the Scottish block. That is maybe not as transparent as he or I may like, but that is the current situation that has been for a number of years regarding staffing. Staffing is primarily for industrial staff and stonemations, joiners, plumbers and electricians. There may be instances in relation to security. I will understand that. I might not want to go into that in detail, but all those are subjects that I am sure the chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland can discuss with the member. I understand that there is a meeting arranged for the 25th of September and that those issues can be explored further with the appropriate organisation. In relation to Holyrood palace and other issues relating to the royal family, why is it that the Scottish Government has gone way beyond what the information commissioner suggests is appropriate in relation to freedom of information requests, how they are handled and how information is provided to the public? I am not really sure that that is a question. It is not really a supplementary question about the palace of Holyrood house. It is important because it relates to the issues around Holyrood house or any other policies or any other issues relating to the royal family. I do not doubt that it is important, and the comments that you made are on the record. However, it is not a supplementary question. To ask the Scottish Government how it can support people to repatriate the bodies of family members who have died abroad. As consular assistance, including advice to bereaved families who wish to repatriate their loved ones from abroad, is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government would ordinarily refer individuals to the Foreman Commonwealth Office so that they can be put in touch with the consular affairs department. The consular affairs department would then advise on matters of repatriation. The Scottish Government is unable to offer any repatriation services above and beyond those offered through the consular affairs team with that being a reserved policy area. Consular assistance being provided at a UK level through local embassies and consulates. Following repatriation, several organisations in Scotland are equipped to provide bereavement support for individuals, in addition to the work of community support groups. Bob Doris. Minister, my constituent Julia Lovern recently met Colin Bell, who followed the tragic death of his son, established the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in Ireland. The trust pays the repatriation cost for all those from Ireland who die overseas using a global network of fundraising groups. I asked the minister to meet myself and Julia, whose own son tragically died overseas, to discuss how a similar initiative could be supported in Scotland. I am also delighted to say that Colin Bell has agreed to attend any such meeting if secured. I am, of course, very willing to meet the member and his constituents about this very sad matter. As I mentioned, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provided a notification of the death and then outlined the opportunities for bereaved individuals to have access to support. I am aware that charities such as Death Abroad are not alone provide valuable support to those who have lost loved ones abroad. I am aware of charities elsewhere, including I believe Ireland, such as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which, in addition to the above work, also supports repatriation costs. If such an organisation were to establish itself within Scotland, I am sure that this would be very welcomed in communities across the country. However, I reiterate that I am very willing to meet the member and his constituents. Rachael Hamilton To ask what the Scottish Government has done to co-operate with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure the safety of Scots caught up in Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Well, I am not entirely sure that that is quite—this is about repatriating bodies of family members, again. It is not entirely supplementary. Alexander Burnett To ask the Scottish Government what efforts it is making to support the winter tourism industry. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the winter tourism industry in Scotland in the last five years. The Scottish Government has allocated nearly £11.5 million to the development of winter tourism. In addition to the Scottish Government's financial support, our enterprise agencies—High, Scottish Enterprise—provide business advice to and account manager, a number of enterprises that operate in the winter tourism sector. VisitScotland has been working with the winter tourism sector to extend the tourism season and encourage visitors to travel to Scotland during the winter months. In the news this week, we have seen reports that the longest lasting patch of snow in Scotland, known as the Sphinx, is about to melt away from the Highland hillside for the first time in more than a decade. Although beyond the control of the Scottish Government, can I ask if it will be bringing in place specific support measures for the winter tourism industry for when snowfall levels are poor? I would also note that the member has notified the chamber of his register of interest here. Thank you. I also saw that. It is concerning as the climate change impacts can have effects on a number of areas. Obviously, there has been variability in the level of snow over recent years. Therefore, looking at diversification is important, and that is part of the engagement. For the first year, VisitScotland has worked with North American travel agencies in particular to bring forward tourism and visits that encourage people to come at different times of the year. However, there are variations in what can be done in relation to artificial snow as a matter for the industry. However, I am enthusiastic that we can continue our winter sports. Unfortunately, snow and weather are reserved, and I cannot take account of that. However, I think that there has to be active responsibility for what we can do in terms of diversification and the work that VisitScotland is carrying out to encourage visitors, particularly from the North American, to come and encourage them to come, not just in the summer months but in the winter months as well. Lewis MacDonald, despite the cabinet secretary's view that the weather is reserved, will she accept that there are opportunities for diversification both in promoting alternative outdoor activities in areas that have a strong existing offer in winter sports, but in terms of promoting city breaks, she might have seen today that both Edinburgh and Aberdeen featured among the top 10 city breaks that were identified by laterooms.com in a survey published today. Will she tell us what more can be done to promote city breaks in Scotland during the winter months in the years ahead? Clearly, city breaks are a great opportunity for Scotland. That is why some of the support for the winter festivals in particular has embraced not just Edinburgh but other cities and elsewhere, and extending the season and looking at what we can do from St Andrew's Day right through to Burns Night as well. In terms of what we can try and do with active sports that are not necessarily snow-related, I visited the Seven Steins down in the south of Scotland looking at some of the mountain biking opportunities. Clearly, in terms of the attractions of Scotland, we have just been voted the most beautiful country in the world by rough guide voters. Our country is not just beautiful in the summer but all year round, and there is a sheer drama of some of our locations, particularly during the winter period. It can also be promoted, particularly for many visitors who come because we do not have all-year sun, and they are trying to get away from what can be very oppressive circumstances in their own country. To ask the Scottish Government what funding it provides to encourage young people to participate in art, drama and music in South Lanarkshire. Through the Scottish Government's Youth Music Initiative and Cashback for Creativity, we are providing opportunities for young people in this area. Over £400,000 of funding from the YMI in 2017-18 is supporting seven high-quality music-making projects, and ensuring that every primary school in South Lanarkshire is offered a year of free music tuition. That engagement has reached 6,800 young people, and specifically Gale Music, based in South Lanarkshire, is an example of how we can fund projects that are developed locally. £24,000 of support for Gale Music has developed new regional folk music academies and ensembles that are dedicated to collecting and learning and sharing of traditional music. James Kelly I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. Art, drama and music are important public services. Therefore, does the cabinet secretary support the use of increased taxation to provide greater support to public services? In terms of those issues, there are debates about commencing engagements and a process of dialogue. That is the responsibility of the finance secretary in particular, but I can say that we are using the funds that we have available to help to protect public services and in particular culture. Despite the fact that culture is not a statutory responsibility of local government over recent years, the spend on culture has been protected by local government. However, a lot of the responsibility that he talks about is for local government. We can fund that and support that as we do for our different agencies. However, I am particularly pleased that, in South Lanarkshire, young people are benefiting for the current funds that we have available, but there is time for the debates that he wants to have. Brian Whittle Does the cabinet secretary agree with me that access to art, drama and music, and may I just throw in sport as well, allows the opportunity for participation, integration and activity, all of which Sam H suggests will help to tackle poor mental health? Will the cabinet secretary therefore commit to collaborating with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and the Preventative Health Agenda to ensure that her portfolio and health spend reflect that approach? The member is absolutely right. I think that the sense of health and wellbeing that can be achieved through all those areas is something that I feel very strongly about. He will be pleased to know that, in terms of our current debate on the culture strategy for Scotland, which is about embedding and having relationships on health and justice and education through the medium of culture, that precise point was a key part of our discussions in Paisley yesterday afternoon as part of our consultation. I already work with the health secretary, but I think that, as he knows, we all can do more to make sure that that is embedded, because that sense of health and well-being can seriously be reinforced for real transformation in people's lives through the medium of art, music, drama and indeed sport. To ask the Scottish Government what role sport has in attracting tourism to Scotland. Cabinet Secretary? A very important role, and Scotland has a strong reputation as the perfect stage for major events, and we are proud to host a number of high-profile events. 2014 Commonwealth Games welcomed visitors from across the world and estimated 600,000 ticket buyers from outside Scotland. The world gymnastics championships were a great success in 2015. Just last month, 17,000 spectators enjoyed the world badminton championships in Glasgow. There are more than 200,000 tickets for next year's European championships on sale, and a potential television audience of more than 1 million, sorry, 1 billion, I should correct myself, 1 billion will see what Scotland has to offer from the streets of Glasgow. Also, three days of road races, stunning Loch Lomond for the open water swimming and the renowned Glen Eagles for golf. Obviously, as a home of golf, golf tourism itself is worth 286 million pounds annually, and the Scottish Government supports events such as the Ladies' Scottish Open and the Open Championship. Gordon Lindhurst I think the cabinet secretary for that answer. If I might focus on one aspect of it, the Barclay review on business rates has called for rates relief to be removed from some of Scotland's golf courses that currently receive rates relief, including ones that attract tourists to Scotland. The cabinet secretary for finance will be considering this option. Is the cabinet secretary concerned about the potential effects on tourism to Scotland if business rates are dramatically increased for some of those courses, which could lead to higher green fees and, indeed, closure of courses altogether? The cabinet secretary for finance is sitting next to me. He has responded in part to the Barclay review and will also be considering other aspects in relation to golf. People come for the quality of our golf. High net travellers come to participate in golf tourism. It has, as I said, 268 million pounds in terms of the net value that it provides. Clearly, Barclay has assessed this. The member himself can make representations himself, but clearly, in terms of what we can have on offer, we have to drive forward that agenda for tourism. However, I would think that he has to reflect on the equity and the equitable responses when Scotland has got challenges on business rates and what is fair and what is appropriate. Richard Lyle Can the cabinet secretary outline what value the Scottish Government places on Scotland hosting major sporting events and what impact that has had on the tourism industry and what other events do we have to look forward to in the coming years? Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, I did reflect earlier on the economic impact. Looking forward, we have the European Championships, as I said, in 2018 and the world junior curling championships. In 2019, the Soulheim Cup and the European indoor athletics championships. A lot of hard work goes into securing those bids and those events, but it has an impact on tourism as well. Johann Lamont Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government how the national tourism strategy will increase the number of visitors to Glasgow and attract investment. The industry-led national tourism strategy, Tourism Scotland 2020 and the Glasgow Life Glasgow Tourism and visitor plan 2020 are wholly aligned. They share ambitions for sustainable growth and showcasing Scotland and Glasgow. Delivering sustainable growth in the tourism sector will be supported by all the different government agencies that are involved and, of course, Glasgow Life. I already and I would hope to have continued discussions with Glasgow Life on the tourism aspects. Johann Lamont I am sure that the cabinet secretary will want to join me in congratulating Glasgow City Council, local voluntary sector organisations and businesses, who have had division ambition over many years to establish Glasgow as a highly popular tourism destination. I am sure that the cabinet secretary also recognises in particular the significant achievements in establishing Glasgow as a business conference venue and, even more successfully, she referred to as a global competitor for international sporting events. As she said, most recently the world badminton championships. What will the Scottish Government do to ensure that Glasgow is sufficiently resourced to continue with such ambition and vision? Will she recognise a particular role of Glasgow in delivering such a massive change, given and also ensure that they are properly resourced, given the impact of such tourism on the economy of Glasgow and in Scotland as a whole? Johann Lamont I share her congratulations of all those that were involved in transforming Glasgow as a tourism offer. We were referred to city breaks earlier, but indeed the offer of Glasgow is very strong, particularly around events and indeed in business conferences. Glasgow is a gateway to the rest of Scotland and allows that strategic work that is not just about the benefit of hotels in Glasgow. A lot of what she is talking about in terms of support investment, yes, some will come from the Scottish Government, but also how we ensure and help encourage private investment, particularly in the hotel infrastructure in Glasgow, will be very important to reap the rewards that I know Glasgow can have in the years ahead. I thank you very much and that concludes the portfolio.