We absolutely recognise the value of community link workers, which is why we have invested in them. They have a record budget this year. The mental health directorate’s programmed budget has more than doubled since 2021 to more than £260 million. In fact, our NHS boards’ investment in mental health services has also increased, despite the difficult situation that we face.

I welcome Tim Eagle in making his first speech as a new representative for the Highlands and Islands region. I have had the privilege of representing the region, and I wish him all the best in his work.

Mr Ewing raised the issue of whether a bond can be applied, particularly in rural practices. A form of that already happens in the successful ScotGEM—Scottish graduate entry medicine programme—initiative that was introduced in 2018-19. Bursaries are available, with conditions attached that can trigger repayment.

I absolutely agree with Mr Rowley that we need to value social care staff. That is why I am very proud to serve in a Government in Scotland that has ensured that our social care staff are the highest paid in the UK—not only that but, thanks to our progressive tax reform, they pay the lowest level of taxation in the UK. I share Mr Rowley’s wish to go further and faster, but I am pleased that we are on a path to improvement.

I am certain that Mr Rowley would join me in opposing the appalling treatment of care workers that is being proposed by the UK Government. Those people who come to this country to care for our most vulnerable people are being singled out and denied family life. That is absolutely brutal and disgraceful, and it should shame each and every one of us.

This Government sees primary care as the foundation of our health and social care system. The cabinet secretary covered the work that is under way to increase and retain our GP workforce in Scotland. We are also committed to reforming the way in which general practice works through expanding the wider multidisciplinary team in general practice, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, community link workers and mental health practitioners, to name but a few elements of that team. That additional capacity is allowing GPs to move into the expert medical generalist role, focusing on more complex care in the community, as intended through the 2018 GP contract changes.

We are further taking forward the work to develop multidisciplinary teams through the establishment of a phased investment programme over the next 18 months, with four demonstrator sites across Scotland showing us what the next phase of multidisciplinary team delivery would look like.

I turn to mental health, in particular. We have exceeded our commitment to fund more than 800 additional mental health workers, many of whom are working in primary care and community settings. To develop a culture of mental wellbeing and prevention in local communities, we have invested £51 million in our communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults since 2021. We have also ensured access to counselling services in every secondary school and continue to support local authorities with funding for that. Following our record-breaking investment in CAMHS, 13 out of 14 CAMH services in NHS boards in Scotland have, in effect, eliminated their long waits. That is to be celebrated.

I know that we need to further enhance the support that is available in the community for both mental and physical health. Primary and community-based care are priorities for this Government. We are committed to continued partnership working with our professional bodies to ensure that reform and our committed investment in the draft budget are configured for the needs of our communities.

I hope that members can see that this Government is delivering on its ambition for a thriving and sustainable primary care system that is focused on both mental and physical health at the heart of our healthcare service.