Holyrood 454 / 2 November 2020

Follow the science: The pandemic awoke a global interest in science, but are we listening? Including interview with Sir Ian Boyd on science, SAGE and learning lessons from COVID-19; and Q&A with science minister Richard Lochhead

3 Editor’s note
The public is being offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the highest echelons of government, and the view it’s getting is of a chaotic kaleidoscope of incompetence

5 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

6 Talking Point
Making the most of a virtual Christmas

8 In Context
The UK Government’s Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill

9 Political Spotlight: Food fight
The UK Government’s refusal to fund free meals for children during school holidays has prompted a backlash

11 Overview: Science and innovation
Has the COVID-19 pandemic made the world realise the importance of science and research?

15 Focus: University breakthroughs
A snapshot of Scotland’s universities on the edge of science, research and discovery

17 Q&A: Richard Lochhead
Scotland’s science minister on the impact of science, Brexit preparations and ironing out gender inequalities

20 Special Feature: Health Innovations
How innovation test beds are accelerating new technology, treatments and services in the NHS

22 Interview: Sir Ian Boyd
Professor Boyd on COVID, SAGE and building resilience

26 Feature: Creative Industries
The tough time for theatre and publishing looks set to continue for the next couple of years

28 Special Feature: Bòrd na Gàidhlig
An interview with the CEO and the Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig on the role the Bòrd plays in supporting Gaelic

30 Comment
Viana Maya on how reskilling isn’t as simple as some might think

31 Event spotlight
Next Steps for Housing First at Holyrood’s annual homelessness event

32 Diary
Typos, spanking, wild cows, Santa and testing Trump

33 Politicians’ pets
Gillian Martin MSP introduces her dogs, Lucy and Ted

34 Last Word
Douglas Ross wants to nationalise Scotland’s children

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