Chamber and committees

Thank you.

Mr Ranson, do you want to add anything?

I presume that in updating, we need to make sure that there is continuing professional development for staff in that space.

So, we need creativity across the curriculum but with ICT skills. I remember that, when I was at school, we learned the basic operation of Mac and Windows systems. Do we need to teach ChatGPT in secondary 1, for example? I do not mean to pin you down, but where and when should we bring this teaching in?

On education in the era of AI, what are the implications—not just for schools, but for colleges and universities? Is there, in your view, enough cross-thinking on Government policy on an AI strategy through connections between employers, Education Scotland and other Government departments? Are we collaborating enough in considering the next stages for our young people?

By the time every student who is in S1 at the moment leaves school, whatever age they are and whatever jobs they go into, they will need creative thinking, but AI will be in almost every, if not every, work setting. Are we moving quickly enough to equip our young people with understanding of AI, or do we need to step up the pace? Judy Robertson is nodding.

I have a quick question about the points that Dr Cavers raised earlier, and they will also relate to Mr Duncan. When I do beach cleans in my constituency, not too far from here at Wardie bay, for example, the prevailing issue over and above human litter and pollution is nurdles. Dr Cavers, you mentioned the prevalence of plastic pellets on the beaches of South Queensferry. In our considerations today and also, if relevant, in our considerations on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, would either of you like to add anything further about pollution from plastic pellets, otherwise known as nurdles? What is the situation, and what can and should we do about it?

Have you anything to add, Mr Duncan?

Absolutely.

Thank you for that feedback and information. Does either of you see the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill making a difference in that regard?

Is there anything more that we can and should do legislatively on plastic pellets specifically, or is the Government required to act here in other ways?