Chamber and committees

We fully appreciate that and, all else being equal, I do not think there would be any argument at all against it. However, we must look at the budget, at teacher numbers and at the cost of outdoor provision. Where do you sit on that?

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has said that the timescales are not possible to meet without a detailed and well-informed financial memorandum that takes account of the costs that are required to deliver on all the aspirations. It has said that many costs are dependent on third parties such as transportation providers and, of course, the outdoor education providers.

Thank you. I will open questions to colleagues around the table, beginning with Craig Hoy.

Good morning and welcome to the 32nd meeting in 2024 of the Finance and Public Administration Committee. We have received apologies from Michael Marra.

Agenda item 1 is evidence taking on the financial memorandum for the Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill from Liz Smith, who is the member in charge of the bill. Liz is joined by Nick Hawthorne, senior clerk at the Scottish Parliament’s non-Government bills unit. I welcome you both to the meeting, and I invite Liz to make a short opening statement.

Of course.

It is time to open out the questioning.

Sorry, I was being a bit sneaky there. I just thought that I would try to catch you unawares, early on.

Great minds think alike.

You could always have an exhibition outside the chamber at the bottom of the members’ block. It does not cost anything.

I know. That is because it does not cost anything. [Laughter.]