Holyrood 439 / 10 February 2020

Scotland's larder: Food and drink are booming industries but diet is still a struggle. Including interviews with Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, and chef Nick Nairn.

3 Editor’s note
There is no excuse, no justification, that can be applied to the obscenity of what Derek Mackay has done.

6 Roundup
Highlights from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
How can we better protect adults from the growth of fake news?

9 In Context
What are tied pubs and why is Neil Bibby putting forward a bill on them?

10 Political spotlight: Scandals and polls
Nicola Sturgeon needs to ensure the SNP delivers if she wants to win that crucial extra support for independence

12 Overview: Food and drink
Scotland’s unique food and drink is renowned across the world, so why are so many people poorly fed?

16 Interview: Fergus Ewing
The Rural Economy Secretary on the “clear and present dangers” to Scottish food and drink

19 Comment: Mairi Gougeon
The Rural Affairs Minister discusses creating a sustainable food and drink industry

20 Comment: Opposition voices
The Scottish Greens on agriculture in the climate emergency and the Scottish Conservatives on the opportunities Brexit could provide

22 Interview: Nick Nairn
The celebrity chef talks about the changes Scotland needs to make to improve diet and lifestyle

25 Feature: Care Review
After three years, the review has finally delivered its verdict

28 Feature: New Scots
Meet the ‘new Scots’: men, women and children from overseas who are making Scotland their home

31 Feature: Citizens Assembly
The Citizens’ Assembly offers a new model for Scottish politics, but will politicians listen?

34 Event Report
The benefits of ‘risky play’ are far-reaching

36 Getting to Know You
The SNP’s Stephen Flynn on some of the big changes in his life

38 Comment
Drug deaths are not inevitable – but stopping them will take bold action

39 Plates
Mark Ruskell shares his omelette

40 Diary
Fergus Ewing gets ticked off and Tim Farron disses Tennent’s lager

42 Last Word
Sketch: The Michelle Ballantyne School of Aspirational Policy Development

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