Today marks 15 years since the official opening of the Scottish Parliament. A lot has been learned in that time and a great deal has been achieved.
Around 60 per cent of Scotland’s public spending is now devolved to the Scottish Parliament or Scottish Government and the Scotland Act 2012 will deliver even greater powers over the next few years – including substantial tax raising powers.
Devolution has enabled Scotland to seek Scottish solutions for Scottish problems; to tailor policies to fit our needs and to prioritise what matters to us. For instance, Scotland led the way on the introduction of a smoking ban.
I remember taking my then baby son with me when I went to vote in the referendum. Now a seventeen year old, he will have a vote in this year’s referendum. He has no memory at all of a time without a Scottish Parliament. For him and his generation it is an accepted part of our political landscape.
Free personal care is another area where we have been a leading light for the rest of the UK and there have been many more achievements. So, to mark 15 years, of the Scottish Parliament, here’s my list of 15 of the significant achievements:
- Scotland was the first part of the UK to ban smoking in public places. The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 was subsequently replicated in other parts of the UK. A ban on cigarette displays in shops is currently being rolled out.
- The Mental Health (Public Safety and Appeals) (Scotland) Bill was the first piece of legislation passed by Scottish Parliament on 8th September 1999. This Act reformed the law relating to mental incapacity in Scotland.
- The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 established Scotland’s first National Parks. At present Scotland has two national parks: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park created in 2002 and the Cairngorms National Park created in 2003.
- On 1st May 2012 the Scotland Act 2012 received Royal Assent. This Act gives the Scottish Parliament substantial new powers, in particular new financial powers. It was passed unanimously by the UK and Scottish Parliaments.
- Prescription charges were abolished in Scotland in 2011.
- On 28th June 2013 the 200th Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed. The Forth Road Bridge Act 2013 paved the way for coordinated approach to the management and maintenance of the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge.
- Free personal and nursing care was introduced in 2002, benefiting over 65s and those who need nursing care.
- A ban on hunting with dogs was passed in 2002.
- Concessionary bus travel – all pensioners have enjoyed free bus travel since 2006.
- A bill to introduce equal marriage – the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act - was passed in 2014 with the first ceremonies expected to take place later this year.
- Free eye and dental checks were introduced in 2006 to improve the nation’s health.
- Bridge tolls were scrapped in 2008.
- Council tax rates have been frozen in Scotland since 2007/08.
- Scotland’s health board system was reformed in 2004 thanks to the National Health Service Reform (Scotland) Act.
- Every three and four year old in Scotland benefits from a free childcare place.
But devolution also allows people in Scotland to have the best of both worlds. We have control of our own education, healthcare, policing, transport and much more - but we are also backed by the power and influence of the UK Government, keeping Scotland safe and helping us punch above our weight on the world stage.
With more powers in the pipeline, I’m confident that devolution will serve communities across Scotland well in the years ahead - decisions that matter to Scots, taken in Scotland backed up by the strength, stability and security provided by being part of the UK.
