 The first item of business this morning is the consideration of business motion number 14483. In the name of Delford's Patrick, on behalf of the parliamentary bureau, setting it a revision to the business programme for today. Any member who wishes to speak against the motion should press the request-to-speak button now, and I call on Delford's Patrick to move motion number 14483. Thank you. No member has asked to speak against the motion, therefore I now put the question to the chamber. The question is that motion number 14483, in the name of Delford's Patrick, would be agreed to. Are we all agreed? The motion is therefore agreed to. We may now move to general questions question 1. George Adam. To ask the Scottish Government how plans are progressing to build a national film studio. The Scottish Government and our partners Creator of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise who form the film studio delivery group are fully committed to finding the best way to ensure that a film studio is developed in Scotland. The Scottish Enterprise, on behalf of the film studio delivery group, has received proposals from a private sector developer. That bid is currently at a critical stage of consideration, but the need for commercial confidentiality means that we are currently unable to provide any more detail. George Adam. As the cabinet secretary may recall, during a recent debate I suggested Paisley as a location for the national film studio. Now my intervention may be late in the day, but the excellent transport links via road, rail and air, and with a former industrial site next to Fergusley as an ideal location, would the cabinet secretary not agree that Paisley is a viable location for the studio? Cabinet Secretary. We are currently still considering, as I said, the bid received by the Scottish Enterprise, but it continues to be open to any new proposals from the private sector in the short term to provide studio infrastructure in Scotland. Any new proposal would be assessed on individual merit, on the criteria that we have set out and which does not expect 100 per cent public sector funding. Proximity to an airport has advantages of connectivity, but disadvantages regarding noise if you look at the March 2014 report and the assessment criteria in it. Clare Baker. Thank you, Presiding Officer. At the last debate on the committee report, there were concerns raised about the relationship between Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland and the lack of progress on a memorandum. Can the cabinet secretary go and update on that relationship? Cabinet Secretary. I met with the chief executive of Creative Scotland yesterday and she assured me that there are further meetings this week to finalise that. The issue might be the degree of detail that's in that, but I think it's very important that that's progressed and I will be meeting with the film studio delivery group this evening. Thank you. Question 2. Jamie Baxter. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to fill consultant vacancies in NHS Fife. Minister, Jamie Hepburn. I currently have the highest level of medical staffing ever, with record numbers of consultants working in NHS Scotland. In NHS Fife, the number of medical consultants has increased by over 50 per cent during the lifetime of this Government. Any fluctuation in consultant vacancies is linked to our efforts to increase capacity by recruiting even more staff. We're working with boards including NHS Fife to support their staff recruitment efforts, for example by delivering a number of successful international recruitment exercises with more planning in the future. Jamie Baxter. I thank the minister for that response. Following the release of recent figures from the NHS showing an increase in the number of cancelled operations across Scotland, specifically an increase of operations cancelled for capacity or non-clinical reasons, what action will the Scottish Government take to ensure that the NHS is adequately equipped to prevent this increase in cancelled operations further increasing across Scotland? Minister. Of course we know that in many cases operations and procedures can be cancelled by patients themselves. The issue of staffing is one that we of course take very seriously recruitment of staff. It is of course a matter for each NHS Scotland board as an employer. NHS Scotland boards are required to have the correct staff in place to meet the needs of service and ensure high quality patient care. That of course includes operations. We work very closely with boards to support their staff recruitment efforts and will continue to do so. Question number three, Jamie Baxter. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding the development of the rail investment programme beyond 2019. Minister, Eric Mackay. The Scottish Government has regular ongoing engagement with Network Rail and the broader Scottish rail industry on a wide range of operational and planning matters. This includes quarterly meetings of the Scottish rail industry planning and advisory group chaired by Transport Scotland whose specific remit includes consideration of the priorities for Scotland's railways from 2018-19. Jamie Baxter. The minister will be aware that there has been a consistent demand over the past 30 years to reinstate the south Edinburgh suburban railway which would run from Waverley through Gorgie, Craig Lockhart, Morningside, Blackford, Newington, Craigmiller and Portobello. We have seen new innovative methods of transport in other parts of Europe such as the hybrid tram train in parts of Germany and soon to be piloted in Sheffield and Rotherham. Does the minister agree with me that, given current capacity pressures at Waverley, the Scottish Government should monitor the tram train pilot scheme in Sheffield so all possibilities for new sustainable rail links can be explored for the benefit of the people of Edinburgh? Minister. Mr Eide has certainly made me aware of these issues. I can say that the Scottish Government remains open to considering all viable options that could improve connectivity and accessibility to the rail network across Scotland, but around Edinburgh. We would welcome further details from promoters and relevant regional transport partnership on any proposals and potential economic and social benefits. However, at any general level, any future investments to improve the capacity and capability of the rail infrastructure in Scotland will be subject to a suitable business case being identified and, of course, sufficient resources being available to support their delivery. David Stewart. Thank you, Presiding Officer. When the minister next meets Network Rail, can you raise the problem of the congested 20-minute-long single track section between Inverness and Reward, which has led to cancellations and severe delays in services? This frustrates further expansion of passenger freight and charter train traffic on both the Kyle and Far North lines. Will the minister support reinstating the six-mile section through Lentran to double track, which would solve the problem? Minister. I fear that the member may have pre-empted the next question, but in any event I'll answer as requested. We're looking at the current control period to try and maximise what we can do through both timetabling and deployment of resources, and some of the issues have been around deployment of staff as well, which I believe is resolved. As of longer-term investment, we'll look at the next control period, but I have to say that there's two major issues. First of all, it will be the availability of resources, and then the potential restructuring of Network Rail itself. That's why I'll participate in any review that's being undertaken on the UK-wide Network Rail issues. Both looking at resources and potential restructuring, of course I will bear those suggestions in mind. Liam McArthur. I thank the minister for that response. I'll be aware that this is of concern, not just to the Inamory Firth area, but also to my constituents who rely on the line north of Inverness. I would certainly encourage him to look very seriously at the option of twin-tracking, not just in terms of benefitting the passenger service, but also, crucially, as David Stewart indicated, a movement off-road on onto freight on that. Will he give that serious consideration? John Finnie. Of course we'll give it serious consideration, but we are constrained by available resources. The control period is going forward, but it will be as creative as we can to maximise the potential of other railways. John Finnie, now. Minister, I was similarly interested in the far north line and the representations that are being made to you. Will you look actively at how the city deal could perhaps be involved in funding the Lentrin look, and indeed the signalling challenges that prevent movement on the far north line? Minister. Available to local authorities in the collaboration, such as city deals, to come up with transport projects, and it's for them to prioritise what they think are the local priorities. Of course I would welcome any potential bid coming from city deal alliances, whatever they may come, that support transport infrastructure investment. Clare Baker. Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. The minister, I believe, is aware of the long-running campaign for the leaving-mouse rail link. Can he give a commitment that he will do all he can to support the campaigners, and we will try to see this project realised? Minister. People have raised that campaign with me, including the Presiding Officer herself, so I'm well aware of the campaign, the issues, the demands, and again we'll be informed by the STAG report that will inform options. I'll look at potential funding options, but I say again in the answer to an earlier question around the availability of resources being critical and the future structure of Network Rail. Of course, I'll spare that campaign in mind as we look at the control period going forward. Question 4, Rob Gibson. Thank you, Presiding Officer, to ask the Scottish Government what progress Abelio has made on behalf of the users of long-distance Scottish rail routes. Minister. I'm pleased to report that ScotRail remain on track to deliver significant improvements for long-distance rail users in Scotland on December 2018. 27 fully refurbished high-speed trains will serve routes between Scotland's seven cities, providing a step change in quality for passengers with increased capacity, reliability, quicker journey times and improved catering offerings befitting our growing rail network. Alongside that, an ambitious refurbishment programme for trains serving our rural routes is now underway, with exciting initiatives including ScotRail's launch of the scenic rail package between now and by 2018. It will also be seen on services covering the Highlands, the Borders and South West Scotland. Rob Gibson. Thank the minister for that answer. Two current customer issues that I wonder if he'd address, can he assure us that Abelio will make sure that passengers transferred to buses during rail maintenance or line closures are certain to get to the destinations that are advertised without undue delay, as has happened recently. Also, as the Presiding Officer knows that train traveller, platform management at Waverley station means that the Inverness service in the evening has only three minutes to board because the train in front at the same platform goes to Aberdeen. To avoid any kind of confusion for passengers, that has to be changed because it is a disgrace. Minister. There were some operational matters, for example having available locally based drivers and impact on services. That matter has been addressed. We've looked at timetables also to address some of the issues and these have been improved and I think will improve reliability and performance. I'll look further at messaging around any disruption but there has been very successful works over the summer period that we can learn from including the Winchborough tunnel works and I'll make the point to the operators around transfer where that disruption is from rail to bus and finally I do believe I'm making progress on wider integrated transport which I'm sure all members would welcome. John Scott. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Minister is aware of a shortage of carriages and capacity on several routes at the moment particularly for example between here in Glasgow and also in Fife and the impact is having on long distance routes. Does he have any plans to encourage Abelio to source more carriages for trains online where current overcreading exists due to a lack of available carriages? Minister. Yes I do. Thanks to the franchise secured by Keith Brown there are plans for new trains to come to Scotland. The 70 high attaché electric trains as well as refurbished trains and so in due course we will have far more trains in Scotland which improves capacity and particularly capacity at peak times as well. The operator at Abelio is maximising the use of all available carriages at the moment to address them and such is of course the very popular border railway opened by this Government but there are more and bigger and faster trains to come to Scotland in due course. Question 5 in the name of Ian Gray it's not been lodged the member has apologised. Question 6 Rod Campbell. To ask the Scottish Government what he's doing to help to increase take up of the flu vaccine. Minister Morumot. The Scottish Government runs an annual campaign to promote and support the seasonal flu vaccination programme. This aims to raise awareness and encourage uptake in those most at risk from flu. Over 2 million people in Scotland will be offered the vaccine. The campaign includes television, radio and newspaper advertising a range of leaflets and posters targeting the eligible groups engagement with stakeholders and a suite of digital assets which promote the programme online. Rod Campbell. I thank the minister for that answer but she may be aware that it's been reported that this year's strain of flu could be particularly virulent. Last year's statistics show that the uptake rates from people at risk, particularly pregnant women and those under 65 considered at risk were below the 75 per cent target. Can she tell us what's being done to particularly target this group this year? Minister. To help boost uptake rates among the at risk groups, the resources for the seasonal flu programme posters, leaflets and digital assets aimed at this audience were refreshed this year to include the bold messaging flu, I'm ready for you and the best defence against flu is this year's vaccine. The new creative approach takes a bolder, more empowering tone featuring a nurse, pregnant women and at risk male celebrating the fact that they've been vaccinated a positive message to the radio, media and digital assets that support the overall campaign. GP practices were sent copies of the campaign materials to help them raise awareness amongst their at risk patients. They also receive a template letter which they can use to contact patients encouraging them to make an appointment to get their vaccination. This year we're also undertaking two small pilots in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Grampian area where localised awareness raising activities will test the media and messaging aimed at those with health conditions such as asthma. We will evaluate uptake rates in those areas to see if this localised activity has made any difference to the programme. Question 7, Idle Dawn. To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve the effectiveness of the planning system in cases where developers do not adhere to agreed plans or start work without permission. Secretary, Alex Neil. I recently announced a system branch review of the planning system and appointed an independent panel to take this forward. It will now be for the review panel to decide whether enforcement should be a priority area for improvement. Idle Dawn. I thank the cabinet secretary for that response. I have a particularly difficult and frustrating case in St Cyrus within my constituency where a traveller's site has been built completely without planning permission. The local authority has served all manner of notices with absolutely no effect and the local community is wondering why on earth they cannot be stopped. I am wondering whether the route and branch review might consider whether a planning authority might not just have a power to stop something but actually a duty in particularly bad cases to prevent further work. I cannot comment on any individual case but there is no reason why the review panel could not look at this general issue that the member has raised and I would encourage him to make a submission to the review panel who will be calling for evidence fairly soon. Thank you, question number eight in the name of Jackie Baillie has not been lodged the member has apologised. Question number nine Bruce Crawford. Thank you, Presiding Officer. To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Stirling Council regarding the provision of sporting facilities and opportunities. Minister, Jamie Hepburn. The Sports Scotland and Stirling Council are currently in discussion on how to enhance the Stirling Sports Village, the Peak, situated at 4thside. The Peak is the biggest single development for sport and leisure in Stirling for over 30 years with an investment totaling £27.3 million. I thank Minister for his response. I guess the minister will agree that he is pleased that he is not the minister for railways given the number of bids that have been made around railways today and the deep pockets that Derek Mackay must have. In the meantime, can he tell me what progress there will be in Stirling to get away from the issue of railways? Minister. I do not know about the first, because there are a few real projects in my area. I would like to discuss them with Mr Mackay. Stirling Council and the active Stirling are continuing to work with British Culling Sports Scotland and the Royal Caledonian Culling Club to provide a national performance at the Peak. A design review is coming under way with the Council then to undertake a procurement exercise before the project will be significant new investment into the Peak. I will not only provide a national Culling centre for performance athletes but will increase accessibility for local communities supporting both elite and grassroots sports, something that is always important to this Government. Question 10, Clare Adamson. To ask the Scottish Government what support it is giving to build the economy in central Scotland region. Cabinet Secretary, John Swinney. Our economic strategy reaffirms our commitment to delivering sustainable economic growth for all of Scotland. Our continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity, business growth and regeneration is helping to build the economy in the central Scotland region. Initiatives such as the new enterprise area that we intend to establish at Biocity North Lanarkshire and yesterday's announcement of a £1.9 million spruce investment in commercial units at the Strathclyr Business Park demonstrate the commitment we have to growing the region's economy. Clare Adamson. For his answer, he will be aware of the recently announced changes to the regeneration master plan at the former site at Ravens Creek Steelworks. As I understand it, these changes mean that the vision of creating Scotland's first new town of 50 years will not be realised and the plans for a new town centre will be put on hold. Instead, there will be a housing with an element at retail. What is the Scottish Government's view of the potential impact of the local economy of these changes to the regeneration master plan? I am aware that the developer selected by North Lanarkshire Council has announced that it is to bring forward revised plans in connection with the site. Obviously, the Government's strategic decision to allocate tax-incremental financing status to the Ravens Creek development was designed to unlock future economic growth and the Government remains absolutely committed to that opportunity. The Scottish Government will work with North Lanarkshire Council and other parties on options for the further redevelopment of the Ravens Creek site and acknowledge the shared responsibility that we have to work with local partners to ensure that an area that requires further economic development is able to receive that by the combined efforts of the Government and other partners working together. Thank you. Before we move to the next site of business, members will wish to join me and welcome to the gallery the Hon. Kezia Purek, MLE, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory.