Ministerial Statement: Investment in ‘Our Union Street’ and the People’s Palace - 16 June 2026

[00:00:00]Quietly, please.

[00:00:01]As has been said, our next item of business is a statement by Tom Arthur on Scottish Government investment in Our Union Street and People's Place. So, I call on Tom Arthur up to 10 minutes, please, Minister.

[00:00:16]>> Presiding Officer, I welcome the opportunity to update Parliament on progress and further investment in two significant projects, Our Union Street in Aberdeen and the People's Palace in Glasgow, both of which will support wider regeneration of their local communities.

[00:00:33]These commitments were set out in our manifesto and form part of our first 100-day commitments.

[00:00:40]I will be leading the statement reflecting both on the Our Union Street project and on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, the People's Palace commitment which sits within the culture portfolio.

[00:00:53]While located in different cities, both projects play an important role in driving place-based regeneration and supporting the physical, economic, and social renewal of local communities.

[00:01:06]Through our regeneration strategy and targeted investment programs, we are supporting thriving places and regions which are central to Scotland's long-term economic success.

[00:01:18]This is reflected in our commitment of up to 52 million pounds in the 2026-27 budget to accelerate regeneration across the country.

[00:01:28]Presiding Officer, I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government will provide up to an additional 600,000 pounds for the Our Union Street campaign building on our existing funding of 400,000 pounds.

[00:01:42]This will bring total investment of up to 1 million pounds.

[00:01:46]This funding will complement wider Scottish Government investment in the northeast, including 125 million pounds over 10 years through the Aberdeen City Region Deal, and £13.4 million in regeneration capital investment since 2014.

[00:02:04]Union Street has long been the heart of Aberdeen, and like many towns and city centers, it has faced significant challenges in recent years.

[00:02:13]In response, local businesses and communities came together in 2023 to form Our Union Street, a volunteer-led movement aimed at tackling vacancies, improving streetscape, supporting new businesses, and rebuilding civic pride.

[00:02:29]A defining feature of this initiative has been its strong community engagement. More than 70 local groups were engaged, with over 500 people attending a major public meeting, and more than 10,000 ideas were generated to help shape the future of the street.

[00:02:47]Three years on, there has been a reduction of vacant units. With support from our £400,000 of investment to date, the project has delivered tangible outcomes, including shop front improvements, cleaning and maintenance, volunteer mobilization, and stronger partnership working with local organizations and businesses.

[00:03:09]The Our Union Street team has worked closely with landlords and agents to bring vacant units back into use. Simple interventions, such as cleaning empty premises, have helped attract new tenants and created opportunities for new hospitality and commercial activity.

[00:03:27]There have also been visible improvements to the street itself, including exhibits and makeovers of vacant units that have drawn people back into the center.

[00:03:36]I was particularly impressed by the efforts to work with local artists, including the Graffiti Grannies, a local street art group of over 60s, which has not only helped to tackle social isolation, but also reinvigorated their neighborhoods with local art.

[00:03:53]Our investment has supported innovative digital solutions in reimagining the city, particularly the introduction of a smartphone app, which is helping people engage with the city center in new ways.

[00:04:06]Launched last month, the app acts as a guide to local events, gives users exclusive deals at independent shops, and has interactive trails uncovering Aberdeen's lesser-known history and heritage.

[00:04:20]These are practical interventions that are making a real difference on the ground.

[00:04:25]Increased occupancy and footfall have helped reinforce confidence in the city center as a place to live, work, and invest.

[00:04:35]Presiding Officer, my officials have already met with the Our Union Street team and Aberdeen City Council to discuss delivery of this commitment. And we will ensure this additional funding builds on existing investment and momentum in revitalizing the city center.

[00:04:52]Crucially, the project can complement further action led by the Aberdeen Inspired Business Improvement District, another key player in driving the economic and cultural vibrancy of Aberdeen city center through initiatives like the new Aberdeen Art Festival and biannual Aberdeen Restaurant Week.

[00:05:10]In parallel, initiatives such as the award-winning Upper Floors project, delivered by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired BID, are addressing the long-standing challenges by converting underused upper floor spaces into homes, workplaces, and creative hubs. Together, these efforts are helping to revitalize Union Street and breathe new life into Aberdeen's city center.

[00:05:36]They reflect a a town center first approach that we are committed to supporting across Scotland. The work of Our Union Street is something others can look to and take learning from.

[00:05:48]Presiding officer, this additional investment in Our Union Street is about more than physical change. It also sends a clear message that Aberdeen city center is open for business and committed to attracting investment, talent, and new enterprises.

[00:06:05]It is about supporting communities, strengthening the local economy, and fostering a strong sense of place.

[00:06:12]Our Union Street has already played a key role in that progress, and I look forward to seeing what more can be achieved next.

[00:06:20]Moving to the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the project aims to save a cornerstone of Glasgow's cultural heritage.

[00:06:30]The People's Palace opened in 1898 at the iconic Glasgow Green with the pioneering vision to create a cultural, educational, and recreational community space for the working-class residents of the East End.

[00:06:44]At the heart of the People's Palace redevelopment project as is an ambitious vision for the local communities in the East End of Glasgow, the project will use a community-led approach to create a museum by the people, for the people.

[00:07:00]Inclusion, access, and participation will be increased through this approach, and the project will focus on local and national priorities, including supporting learning, well-being, skills development, and net zero.

[00:07:15]It will reimagine the People's Palace to create one of the world's most socially engaged and internationally significant local museums.

[00:07:23]The restoration project will also demonstrate the benefits of reusing and adapting historic buildings to ensure that they can thrive again and support the well-being of Scotland's people and the economy.

[00:07:37]A significantly improved and accessible cultural venue will also make the local area a better place to live and will support local businesses and jobs. It will create new employment opportunities during the redevelopment and beyond.

[00:07:52]The project aims to build on the success of the redeveloped barrel collection, which generated over 21 million pounds in economic value in its first year of reopening and almost 25 million pounds in its second year.

[00:08:06]It is clear that the renewed People's Palace will play a pivotal place-making in one of Glasgow's most deprived neighborhoods.

[00:08:14]However, the Grade A listed museum is now at risk of permanent closure.

[00:08:20]But we must ensure this does not happen.

[00:08:24]Which is why I'm pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government will establish a partnership group to support the redevelopment of the People's Palace, recognizing its status as a building of national cultural and historic significance and its role in the regeneration of Glasgow's East End.

[00:08:41]This group will bring together key partners, including Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow Life, Museum Galleries Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, alongside wider sector expertise to work collaboratively with Glasgow City Council in progressing the refurbishment of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens.

[00:09:02]The partnership group will facilitate the sharing of expertise, support the achievement of value for money for the public purse, and seek to agree a viable and deliverable funding package, including appropriate match funding arrangements.

[00:09:19]Presiding Officer, investing in our Union Street and the People's Palace demonstrates our clear commitment to regeneration that is locally led, nationally supported and focused on delivering real change.

[00:09:33]By investing in our places, we are investing in people, opportunity, and long-term prosperity. I am confident that together we will continue to build stronger, more resilient communities across Scotland. Thank you.

[00:09:50]>> [applause] >> Thank you, Minister. We will now have questions and I intend to allow about 20 minutes for questions, after which we must move to next item of business. So, it would be helpful if members could press the request to speak buttons if they wish to ask a question. And I call Thomas Kerr.

[00:10:13]>> Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. And can I draw members to my register of interest as a sitting counselor in Glasgow City Council? And can I start by thanking the Minister for advanced sight of his statement and I'll be focusing my question on the People's Palace in Glasgow. Now, we in these benches welcome this announcement, although as a Glaswegian I regret it has taken so long. The images that we've seen leaked a few years ago from inside the Winter Gardens was devastating for Glaswegians.

[00:10:35]This museum is a pillar of working-class history and heritage for our city and is vital. So, can I ask the Minister if in this announced partnership group that the local community will be involved, particularly the hard-working and dedicated local activists from the Friends of People's Palace and Winter Gardens? And lastly, unless I'm mistaken, there is no solid announcement of funding. But then, we don't have a by-election coming up in Glasgow. So, will he tell Glasgow how much this government will cough up and to help with this redevelopment go forward?

[00:11:04]>> Minister.

[00:11:05]>> I can I thank the member for his question. I would want to highlight that the commitment in Aberdeen was a manifesto commitment.

[00:11:11]Um, just to put that on the record to avoid any dubiety or misunderstandings that members may innocently stray into.

[00:11:17]But I do welcome his question, um, recognizing, um, the importance of the People's Palace and Winter Garden, and recognize that it is cherished by not just many across the East End of Glasgow, but many across Scotland. Indeed, many people here will have had memories in in their childhood of visiting as part perhaps of a school outing. The two central points with regards to the funding of the Scottish government will bring forward and indeed securing ongoing community engagement. I want to be clear that this has to be community led and I sought to reflect that in my statement. So I want to ensure the work of the partnership group that we bring together complements that, provides that national support for something that is community led and I'm open to all suggestions from sub members to ensure that the voices of communities are led.

[00:12:00]Too often communities, particularly those in places like these end up last who had things done to them, not with them. This is their people's palace and I want to make sure that their voices aren't just heard, but integral into what comes next. With regards to funding, of course there has been challenges and that has been covered in the media and has been recognized. What I want us to be able to do is to sit down and work with a range of partners recognizing that there are many shared interests and funders to identify an appropriate funding package to make sure that this can be delivered. And with regards to the commitments from the Scottish government, I will endeavor to keep Parliament up to date.

[00:12:34]>> Thank you, Minister. I call Michael Marra to be followed by Jackie Middleton.

[00:12:39]>> Thank you, Presiding Officer. I welcome the hard work that our Union Street are doing to re-energize Union Street in the center of Aberdeen and they are working along with partners to bring together a shared vision of the future of the city center. Can the Scottish government say a little bit more today about how they will help and assist in the funding of that regeneration and actually the delivery of the shared division that these partners are developing?

[00:12:59]>> Minister.

[00:13:01]>> Well, can I thank uh Mr. Marra Mr. Marra for his question and I would join him in recognizing the hard work of all those involved in our Union Street.

[00:13:09]We have today committed 400,000. This is now an additional commitment of up to an additional 600,000, so up to 1 million pounds in in total. My officials, as I touched on in my statement, have already met with local partners and we will continue to engage.

[00:13:24]What I and it's a reflection I have from having covered rejoined the regeneration portfolio, but having previously covered it. It what is of the utmost importance is not what ministers or necessarily even what we think in this place should happen.

[00:13:39]It's about utilizing that expertise of local communities. And I think when you look at our Union Street as a model with the partners involved, chambers, bid, that is I think integral to the success of this project. And we see that in other examples elsewhere in Scotland of successful regeneration. What is at the heart of it it was community voices, those business voices as well. So, I want to ensure that we're not just focused upon the quantum funding, but also in maximizing the impact. And that's about ensuring that we work constructively with local partners to ensure every pound that is invested has the maximum impact. And that will be achieved by having that close ongoing engagement on the ground. But again, happy to keep members updated and deep to engage with any members who want to discuss the matter further.

[00:14:25]>> Call Jackie Middleton to be followed by Maggie Chapman.

[00:14:28]>> For too long Aberdeen has paid the price for Westminster mismanagement of our energy industry. My constituency is the energy capital of Europe. It should look and feel like it. So, I welcome this significant SNP regeneration package for Union Street. But can the Minister outline for me today the wider benefits he hope it delivers in terms of high street football and Aberdeen's wider economy?

[00:14:56]>> Minister.

[00:14:57]>> I can I thank uh Mr. Middleton for his question.

[00:15:01]Um the the benefits that will be conferred by this um are significant.

[00:15:05]They're significant in and of themselves because they can have an immediate impact simply by improving the appearance of an area. For example, dressing a shopfront can significantly change attitudes and perceptions. Simple small interventions like that that like such as that can be impactful for example in catalyzing investment. And I highlighted some of the some of these small interventions and my remarks the shop front improvements, cleaning and maintenance of the street and the digital innovation as well. All of that cumulatively can help to boost confidence but it creates a multiplier effect because when one shop becomes occupied and starts trading that acts as a catalyst for shops next door to become occupied. It draws more people into the center and this can help to encourage more residents to move into the center as well. So this investment over the last few years working in partnership is having that positive impact and we're keen to accelerate it which is why we're going to provide that additional investment of up to an additional 600,000 pounds.

[00:16:07]>> Maggie Chapman to be followed by Liam Kerr.

[00:16:11]>> Thank you and I thank the Minister for his statement. This welcome investment in our Union Street should not simply regenerate buildings but must empower communities and ensure the wealth created by Union Street's revival is retained locally for the benefit of the people of Aberdeen. Will the Minister commit to ensuring that this investment in our Union Street is accompanied by practical support for community asset transfers, cooperative enterprise and social economy initiatives so that the town center first approach delivers not only physical regeneration but also democratic ownership and community wealth building in the heart of the city?

[00:16:49]>> Minister.

[00:16:51]>> Well, can I can I thank the the member for her question she raises very important points. I think one of the lessons of regeneration in previous decades has been that while it's possible to come in with significant capital investment to improve infrastructure and buildings if there's not accompanying work to go and rewire the local economies sometimes we can find ourselves 10, 15, 20 years later back at square one. So regeneration has to be about more than just coming in and improving the uh facade and appearance of an area. It has to be something that is sustainable. And the points that were made with regards to the retention of the wealth that's generated within a place staying within a place are absolutely crucial to that. There is a Scotland Loves Local Week. And those small local businesses that will be populating Union Street and many other high streets the length and breadth of Scotland, we know that disproportionately they employ locally, they procure locally, and as such, the wealth that they generated they generate remains within the community. So, an initiative such as this, working in partnership and particularly with the full involvement of the business improvement district, I think is absolutely consistent with community wealth building. And of course, we now have community wealth building on the statute book and can look forward to its implementation over the course of this parliamentary session.

[00:18:10]>> I call Liam Kerr to be followed by E Peters Harvey.

[00:18:14]>> Thank you, Presiding Officer. Presiding Officer, the deeply cynical timing of this statement, re-announcing money promised months ago, £400,000 of which is repackaged from 3 years ago, 2 days before the Aberdeen South by-election, will fool absolutely no one. Because we all know that it's because the SNP are hearing on the doors that it's the Scottish Conservatives who stand against the SNP's catastrophic presumption against oil and gas, who found £10 million for Tory Iraq victims, and who defend the people of Aberdeen against the disastrous LEZ and bus gates.

[00:18:51]But Minister, the chair of Our Union Street, Bob Keiller, has argued that the SNP's sky-high business rates regime is a significant obstacle to Union Street's regeneration. Does the Minister agree?

[00:19:04]And if so, what concrete action will he actually take?

[00:19:08]>> Minister.

[00:19:12]>> I don't know if the uh Minister uh sorry, the member misheard me. Maybe I I'm surprised. Just in case he missed it, we're We've announced investment into Aberdeen today, and an additional investment as up to 1 million pounds from the SNP Scottish Government into the center of Aberdeen. Let me say that again. I don't think he caught it the first time. Up to 1 million pounds of investment into the center of Aberdeen from the SNP Scottish Government. He could at least show some cheer and support that.

[00:19:42]>> Absolutely.

[00:19:44]>> I call Yip Thank you, members. Can I call Yip Choong Terry followed by Jackie Dunbar?

[00:19:54]>> Yeah. Thank you. I thank the Minister for the oven side of his statement.

[00:19:58]Union Street is vital to the local economy of Aberdeen and the wider northeast of region region. And we wanted to see it full of life once more.

[00:20:06]Let the granite shine.

[00:20:09]I do welcome the government's announcement of the investment.

[00:20:12]But I do agree with Mr. Kerr. We have to ensure that it does not become too expensive to remain on Union Street and in all of our high streets, which why we need an action on non-domestic business rates and build on the rate relief that the Liberal Democrats secured in the last Parliament.

[00:20:28]Can I therefore ask the Minister if the Scottish Government will look to reform business rates to ensure shops and businesses have a secure future?

[00:20:38]>> Minister?

[00:20:39]>> The member raises a very important point around non-domestic rates, and in fairness, Mr. Kerr did so as well. What I would say is that we we recognize some of the challenges that have arisen following the revaluation, and that was reflected in the package of relief that were brought forward as part of the budget process. I think for memory, that package now totals in excess of 870 million pounds. That's an 870 million pound tax cut from this government to businesses. But we recognize there's more work to do. So we're committed to engaging constructively, including that process of reviewing our rate system.

[00:21:11]And of course, it is open to all members ahead of the annual budget process to make representations to the Scottish government on these matters.

[00:21:19]>> Thank you. I call Jackie Dunbar to be followed by Duncan Massey.

[00:21:24]>> Thank you, Presiding Officer. Folk tend to go into city centers, not because they're city centers, but because of the businesses that occupy them and the events that happen there. So, can the Minister share how the Scottish government is supporting Aberdeen to tell the story of Union Street and what's happening in the city center?

[00:21:45]>> Minister.

[00:21:46]>> I think this is a a really really important point that Jackie Dunbar Jackie Dunbar raises.

[00:21:53]And it's about in terms of how we how we utilize retail, how we utilize hospitality. Yes, on a a day-to-day basis, there can be a functional element. You need to pop out for that a pint of milk and a loaf of bread, so you go into the shop and you you buy it. But there's also the experiential element, and that's the range of shops, particularly if they're unique shops specific to a place. It's about the environment. It's about the interaction of the retail hospitality offering. And that is extremely important. But the other aspect as well is the intangible heritage of cultural history, the stories of a particular place. And that's why community-led regeneration is so important because they bring these stories and that that shared experience to bear in shaping projects around regeneration. And if we just take one example of what our Union Street team have been involved in, is the Aberdeen app, which is an innovative digital tool that has helped engage the community and showcase the wide range of activity happening across the city center. So, that's a a really you know, outstanding example of marrying marrying contemporary technology in a digital app to enable people to fully explore the heritage of an area and also to identify the fantastic range of shops and services that are on offer.

[00:23:08]>> Thank you. Uh Duncan Massey to be followed by Don Black.

[00:23:14]>> Thank you, Presiding Officer. I would just uh firstly draw members to my register of interests as a member of Aberdeen City Council.

[00:23:22]Uh and yes, I am pleased to see the Scottish government supporting the Our Union Street campaign in Aberdeen.

[00:23:30]Uh Our Union Street is a tremendous community-led organization, which has become really essential in helping to regenerate and reinvigorate Aberdeen City, but especially as we've seen the the the backdrop of the downturn in the oil industry, but also many uh negative footfall impacts from SNP policies such as the LEZ zone and bus gates.

[00:23:55]But in particular, my understanding is that the SNP manifesto specifically promised 600k extra funding um specifically, but this statement seems to water that down somewhat by suggesting that the funding >> please?

[00:24:10]>> Yes, the funding is only up to 600k. Can the Minister confirm that Our Union Street will get the full 600k, or does the Minister see this as contingent a contingent number? And if so, what is the contingency based on?

[00:24:26]>> Minister.

[00:24:27]>> Um for the for the avoidance of doubt, the total investment is up to 1 million pounds. Well, that will of course be determined by engagement with Our Union Street um and ensuring is a an effective, you know, systems in place for project management ensuring that the money has the maximum impact, but that is what we have committed to and that's what we're committed um to delivering. That up to 1 million pounds total investment, that's what's on the table for the Our Union Street campaign.

[00:24:54]>> Come on, Presiding >> Paul Don Black to be followed by Paul Sweeney.

[00:24:58]>> Thank you, Presiding Officer, and I welcome the Scottish Government's ongoing support for the regeneration of Aberdeen and the northeast. Does the cabinet uh the Minister share my view that community-led regeneration initiatives like our Union Street campaign demonstrate the power of local people to shape the future of their neighborhoods and that they deserve our full backing both here and elsewhere?

[00:25:21]>> Absolutely, I I I concur entirely with Don Black and so I think a really powerful point that cannot be stressed enough is the importance of community-led regeneration. Empowering communities, giving them that national support. That is a fundamentally different approach to what prevailed in decades past where things were done to communities. And it's not just good in terms of being able to engage communities in the here and now, it leads to better outcomes. No one knows their places as well as the people who live there and by harnessing that expertise as the Our Union Street campaign is doing is leading to the excellent tangible results that we're seeing.

[00:25:56]>> I remind members who wish to ask a question to press the respect uh press the request to speak button.

[00:26:03]Today, I call Paul Sweeney to be followed by Clare Haughey.

[00:26:07]>> Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. In 1898, when the People's Palace was opened, it was declared open to the people forever and ever, but sadly it's been closed for 2 years now and I do pay tribute to the Friends of the People's Palace who kept the spirit of it alive, particularly the pioneering creator, Dr. Elspeth King, who passed away in November. Um we've been waiting 2 years, Minister, and it was due to reopen next year, but a 12-million funding gap that the Scottish Government refused to fill has left the project stalled indefinitely. During the election, the SNP promised Glasgow all the funding it needed to complete the restoration, but now the votes are counted, that promise seems to have shrunk to get another partnership group with no sign of the remaining 12-million capital funding that Glasgow City Council needs to get the restoration project underway. So, can the Minister guarantee this won't be just another talking shop that covers for more delays and can you upgrade the appropriate match funding to a guarantee that all necessary capital funding will be found and set a firm reopening date for this key Glasgow cultural institution that has been largely closed to the public for nearly a decade now.

[00:27:02]>> Minister.

[00:27:03]>> Well, I thank the member for his question and would recognize his significant and long-standing interest in this area. And he is right to draw attention to what was promised when this palace was opened in 1898.

[00:27:16]And that is a commitment we have a collective responsibility to keep. So, I would want to assure them that there is no watering down. What I want to do is to ensure that we are working collaboratively recognizing there's a range of partners involved, most importantly the local community in the delivery of this project, but also a range of funders as well. So, I recognize the member's interest in this and I'm happy to engage with him closely on it, but I want to assure them of the Scottish government's commitment to working constructively with partners to ensure that the palace and the winter winter gardens is reopened.

[00:27:46]>> I call Clare Haughey to be followed by Alison Johnstone.

[00:27:49]>> Thank you, presiding officer. In the 1970s, the then Labour Glasgow City Council proposed demolishing the People's Palace building to put in a motorway. Potential historic vandalism of epic proportions. And this was then followed by decades of the Labour Council not adequately investing in the building or the Winter Gardens allowing one of the most precious buildings in Glasgow to go to wreck and ruin. So, I welcome this Minister's statement and commitment to forming a partnership group to ensure the survival of the People's Palace.

[00:28:20]>> Can I question?

[00:28:22]>> Certainly. Can the Minister assure my constituents and the people of Glasgow that the People's Palace will reopen and give a timescale for this work to be completed?

[00:28:33]>> Well, I do want to give that assurance to Clare Haughey and to her constituents of the Scottish government's commitment.

[00:28:39]I'm not in a position to go and give a definitive timescale for reopening. But, naturally, I would want that to be as quickly as practically possible.

[00:28:50]Clare Haughey draws highlights to the chamber another important point, and that is the value of learning the lessons from history, particularly in the post-war era, where we saw many treasures um uh in our architectural heritage, and not just in Glasgow, but more widely across Scotland, lost to post-war planning, and that is a mistake we must never repeat.

[00:29:12]Um People's Palace Winter Gardens is a treasure. It's a national asset. It's really is a an asset for the East End of Glasgow, and we have to work constructively and collaboratively to see that, and that is what the Scottish Government is going to do in partnership.

[00:29:26]>> We're hoping to squeeze in two more questions. Can I call Adam Tomkins, to be followed by Colin Smyth?

[00:29:32]>> Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and I'd like to thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement before this debate. I also share the concerns of my fellow regional MSPs uh when it comes down to talk about funding, but I'm thankful that you've recognized the People's Palace as a cultural icon in Glasgow. It's quite disappointing, however, to hear that the Scottish Government is only using convening powers, which it could have and should have used before now. Can the Minister confirm whether or not funding from the Scottish Government will be forthright as part of this collaborative package that he speaks of? And in the scenario where a funding partner is not found, that they are willing to shoulder the cost. Thank you.

[00:30:06]>> Minister.

[00:30:08]>> I I appreciate the uh question that the member um raises. What I want to provide an assurance on of the is a government's commitment to working constructively towards the reopening of the Palace and Winter Gardens. Uh I don't want to pre-empt what these discussions will lead to, and the specific funding package that will be brought together, and that can include elements of match funding as well. But we are committed to working constructively. I have come to the chamber proactively to make a statement in the back of a manifesto commitment, and the government's commitment to working for for reopening of the People's Palace. So I hope that provides members with free assurance.

[00:30:44]And again, as these discussions progress, I'm happy to keep members updated and indeed the way the chamber should it be so interested on the nature of these discussions and the progress we're making, including specifically about the financing of the project.

[00:30:57]>> Colum Meareg Like many across Glasgow will be today, I'm delighted to welcome support for the People's Palace. As its name suggests, the People's Palace has always been at the center of the community and holds a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians. Therefore, can the Minister say what assurances the Scottish government can provide to Glaswegians that their voice will be at the heart of these plans to ensure it has a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible future for generations to come.

[00:31:29]>> Minister >> Yeah, I touched on I thank Mr. Meareg for his question and I think I've I've covered some of these points in previous answers, but I would just note that community voices have been central to shaping the project with more than 6,300 people contributing their views, stories, and lived experiences. And this extensive engagement has directly informed the refurbishment designs ensuring the museum reflects the diversity and identity of the city. So, this is a a very significant project, but um I would reiterate again the government's commitment not just to working with partners to deliver it, but ensuring it it reflects the priorities and views and values of the people who live in the area, too.

[00:32:12]>> That concludes questions