FOR some people, the state of Scotland's canals is an issue close to their heart. For others, it might seem a bit niche to be one of the most heated clashes of First Minister's Questions.
But Nicola Sturgeon was having none of the Tory nonsense on the issue.
Tory MSP Edward Mountain asked the First Minister about the financial situation of Scottish Canals.
The Scottish Government is the main source of funding for the organisation.
Sturgeon said that in this year's budget, funding was increased from £10m to £11.6m, with capital allocation also up by £500,000 to £3.5m.
In addition, the First Minister announced another £1.6m of capital grant in aid, to facilitate repairs.
Mountain wasn't satisfied though, and went on the attack – the First Minister hit back harder, pointing to the Tory budget recommendations.
Below is the transcript of their follow-up exchange. We've included the video clip under that.
--------------
Edward Mountain: “I thank the First Minister for that answer, and for ensuring extra investment. But the problem is Scottish Canals still faces a shortfall of some £70m of outstanding repairs.
"Recently, Scottish Canals have been more interested in investing in shops, holiday lettings and commercial ventures than in repairing waterways. If you don’t agree with me, just look at their asset management budget which highlights this very fact. The last thing they quote as a priority is, when funds allow – and I quote – to facilitate navigation.
"Will the First Minister ensure that Scottish Canals keep our canals open across all of Scotland, including the Highlands?"
Nicola Sturgeon: Well, I think the member should look at the resurgence of canal traffic in Scotland – he should perhaps visit Falkirk or indeed parts of Glasgow, and then he will see that the premise of his question is completely misguided and, frankly, utterly wrong.
"Of course Scottish canals – like many parts of the public sector in Scotland – are under financial pressure. I have to say, if we’d followed the Tory recommendations in the Scottish budget, we wouldn’t have been able to announce the additional money for Scottish Banals – because we'd have been looking for £500m of cuts.
"The member also complains about the other activities of Scottish Canals. That is partly about bringing in additional commercial revenue and is all activity that I think should be welcomed.
"I think Scottish Canals have actually done a very good job – yes, they do face financial pressures, but this government will continue to work with them to ensure that they can address these pressures ... just as I’ve demonstrated with the announcement of additional money today – money that would not have been available had we followed the advice of the Scottish Conservatives."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel