1. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with the executive chief officer for education and learning at Highland Council, and what was discussed. (S6O-03232)

Scottish Government officials last met the executive chief officer for education and learning at Highland Council on Thursday 5 October 2023 to discuss a range of education matters, including attainment.

I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, and it is interesting that no one seems to have seen her since. Does the cabinet secretary believe that members of this Parliament should be allowed to visit schools in their constituencies and/or regions, or should councils such as Highland Council obstruct and deny such visits?

As a general point of principle, I believe that MSPs should be able to engage with the schools in the areas that they represent. I do so regularly in my constituency. I do not know the specifics of the issue that Mr Mountain has raised. If he would like to share more information with me, that would be welcome.

I am aware—as members will be—that, during election periods, local authorities put rules and restrictions around when elected members might visit schools. However, if the member wishes to share more detail with my office, I would be more than happy to consider it.

Proposals from the University of the Highlands and Islands are set to cut some science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects at the Moray campus. That will have a negative impact on senior pupils who study there in addition to attending school. Given the importance of that model of delivery of school subjects, the rurality of the area and the impact on pupils, what can the cabinet secretary do to ensure the continued provision of those subjects to pupils in the area?

I thank the member for her question. I might ask the Minister for Higher and Further Education to engage with her directly on the substantive point. I have seen reports in relation to some of that challenge. The Government supports the provision of additionality, through funding for bursaries for STEM subjects for example, in recognition of the challenge in that subject area. However, I will ask the minister to write to the member with more specifics in that regard.