Meeting of the Parliament

Time for Reflection Rev Linda Haggerstone, National Interfaith Officer, Scottish Pagan Federation followed by Topical Questions Stephen Kerr S6T-01736 1. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an assessment of the state of readiness of Scotland’s frontline services in response to the yellow warnings in place for freezing temperatures over the next 10 days. Mark Griffin S6T-01731 2. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to bring more homes back into use, in light of reports that the stock of empty homes is valued at an estimated £3.4 billion. followed by Ministerial Statement: Horizon IT Prosecutions followed by Stage 1 Debate: Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill Tom Arthur S6M-11871 That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill. followed by Decision Time followed by Members' Business — S6M-11589 Kevin Stewart: Languages at the University of Aberdeen That the Parliament notes the concern expressed at proposals by the University of Aberdeen to reduce its language provision; understands the challenges that the languages department faces, including running a projected deficit of £1.6 million in 2023-24, and that the student intake has reportedly fallen dramatically following the UK’s exit from the EU; believes that languages offer significant value to individuals, to communities across Scotland, and to building relationships across the globe; recognises what it sees as the widespread support for retaining language teaching at the University of Aberdeen, including, it understands, from students, staff, alumni, Gaelic organisations and the consulates of several nations, and notes the calls for the University of Aberdeen to explore every possible option to retain language learning, including an expanded language offering for all interested students and degree courses.