Photo © Scottish Parliament
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament
Brian Whittle
Unknown party
At a glance Brian Whittle was a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
Attendance is votes cast as a share of the 2,903 Holyrood divisions on record; Brian Whittle did not vote in 102.
Voting record
The most recent divisions Brian Whittle voted in. For, Against and Abstain are as recorded.
| 24 Mar 2026 | Railways Bill - UK Legislation | Abstain |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill | For |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s 8th Report, 2026 (Session 6) | For |
| 18 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | Against |
| 18 Mar 2026 | Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill | Against |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill | Against |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill | Against |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | Against |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Approval of SSI | For |
Questions
Brian Whittle has tabled 810 questions in the Scottish Parliament.
To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any impact on the NHS arising from report…
To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any impact on the NHS arising from reports that the number of consultants working in the private healthcare system is the highest on record.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s statement on 3 September 2025 regarding defence f…
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s statement on 3 September 2025 regarding defence firms linked to Israel, how this policy is being delivered by (a) its relevant departments, (b) its enterprise agencies and (c) the Scottish National Investment Bank; whether the review of the policy has now taken place; if (i) so, by what date it was completed and the findings published and (ii) not, by what date it will do so and when this will be completed and the findings published, and what other similar policies it has since implemented or is considering.
Answer · Kate Forbes · 16 Mar 2026
The policy was implemented on 3 September 2025 after the First Minister’s statement to Parliament. Scottish Government officials have undertaken consultation with stakeholders and full operational guidance was issued in December 2025. This operational guidance outlined the applicable defence related sectors. This policy is under continuous review because it is a pause, but remains in place at the present time.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the most recent Public Health Scotland data, what assessment it h…
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the most recent Public Health Scotland data, what assessment it has made of the likelihood of meeting the March 2026 diagnostic waiting times target for radiology.
Answer · Neil Gray · 5 Mar 2026
The latest statistics show that as at 31 December 2025, of those waiting for Radiology tests, 62% had been waiting six weeks or less; higher than 30 September 2025 (58%) and December 2024 (57%). The radiology list size also decreased by 18.1% compared to last quarter. We are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.Throughout 2025-26, all Boards were expected to incrementally ramp-up activity as the capacity provided by the £22 million additional funding operationalised, with some high volume initiatives commencing in the latter part of the year.
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the existing CT and MRI scanner stock across NHS boards, what conversations i…
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the existing CT and MRI scanner stock across NHS boards, what conversations it has had with NHS boards and what assessment it has made of whether it is sufficient to meet present and future demand.
Answer · Neil Gray · 5 Mar 2026
I refer the member to the answer to S6W-43945 on 5 March 2026, National Radiology Lead from the Centre for Sustainable Delivery meets regularly with Health Boards to discuss imaging performance, staffing levels and scanner stock. NHS Boards have been asked to provide plans to support delivery of the 95% target of patients seen within 6 weeks throughout 2026-27.Furthermore, we are looking at options to increase the amount of CT and MRI scanners as well as more robust replacement plans of the current stock to ensure technology advances are optimised which in turn can improve throughput, reduce radiation dose and improve energy efficiency.All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.
To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has undertaken of any impact of radiographer and clinical radiologist…
To ask the Scottish Government what evaluation it has undertaken of any impact of radiographer and clinical radiologist staffing levels on timely access to CT and MRI scans.
Answer · Neil Gray · 5 Mar 2026
We have increased Radiography staff from 2,248.2 WTE to 2,773.0 WTE a 23.3% increase (Dec 2015 – Dec 2025). This includes:24.1% increase in Diagnostic Radiographers (from 1,978.8 WTE as at Dec 2015 to 2,455.9 WTE as at Dec 2025).17.7% increase in Therapeutic Radiographers (from 269.4 WTE as at Dec 2015 to 317.1 WTE as at Dec 2025).The National Radiology Lead from the Centre for Sustainable Delivery meets regularly with Health Boards to discuss imaging performance, staffing levels and scanner stock. NHS Boards have been asked to provide plans to support delivery of the 95% target, of patients seen within 6 weeks, throughout 2026-27.
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve timely access to CT and MRI scans, and how the impact…
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to improve timely access to CT and MRI scans, and how the impact of initiatives, including seven-day services and mobile scanning units, is being evaluated.
Answer · Neil Gray · 5 Mar 2026
In 2025-26 we allocated more than £22 million additional funding to Health Boards to help tackle the longest waits for Radiology. The latest data shows that the Radiology list size decreased by 18.1% compared to last quarter. We are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.We have also provided additional funding of more than £12 million for 13 MRI mobile scanners and 4 CT mobile scanners, this will provide capacity of almost 90,000 additional scans throughout 2025-26.The Scottish Government commissioned Centre for Sustainable Delivery who routinely monitor planned and actual diagnostic performance, and work with Boards towards the delivery of the 95% of patients seen within 6 week target. Their evaluation of this work will help inform plans for 2026-27.
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the gap between secondary school leavers from the m…
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the gap between secondary school leavers from the most deprived and least deprived areas going to a positive destination widened to 4.7 percentage points, which is the largest since 2020-21.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's escalation to stage 4 of the NHS Scotland Support …
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's escalation to stage 4 of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework, what discussions it has had with the board regarding whether it is seeking to sell the Carrick Glen National Treatment Centre, and whether the board has formally made such a request, including whether the board asked that the sale takes place after 7 May 2026, following the Scottish Parliament election.
Answer · Neil Gray · 3 Mar 2026
The escalation of NHS Ayrshire and Arran to level 4 of the framework has no impact on decision making around the National Treatment Centre or the Carrick Glen site.Carrick Glen Hospital has not yet been disposed of because the necessary service-planning and asset-surplus processes are still ongoing, and it would be inappropriate to bring a site to market before those steps are complete. Also, no request has been made regarding the timing of any sale in relation to the Scottish Parliament election.We are currently working with all health boards to develop an NHS whole system infrastructure plan for Scotland. This will support continued safe and effective use of existing facilities as well as informing future investment priorities based on assessment of need across the whole of Scotland.
Motions lodged
| 11 Mar 2026 | NHS Ayrshire and Arran Nursing Director’s Award recognises John and Sheena Thomson | 25 sig. |
| 27 Jan 2026 | The Role of Political Decision Making in NHS Scandals | 0 sig. |
| 20 Jan 2026 | Sport and Activity as a Force for Good | 30 sig. |
| 12 Dec 2025 | Women's Shed Kilmarnock Secures Grant from the National Lottery | 20 sig. |
| 12 Dec 2025 | Roberton Show Society Benefits from a National Lottery Award | 22 sig. |
| 12 Dec 2025 | Galston Community Development Trust Receives National Lottery Funding | 22 sig. |
Speeches
Recent things Brian Whittle has said in the chamber and in committee, from the Official Report.
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time
I place on record my thanks to all the hard-working NHS staff, including those in A and E. The excess deaths that are associated with long waiting times in A and E departments do not lie at their door but are the fault of the system that h…
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time (draft)
I place on record my thanks to all the hard-working NHS staff, including those in A and E. The excess deaths that are associated with long waiting times in A and E departments do not lie at their door but are the fault of the system that h…
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time
That was an interesting question from Mr Harvie, as the Scottish Greens have spent the majority of this session of Parliament demonising our farmers and food producers.Rather than relying on imported food, which increases our carbon emissi…
25 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time (draft)
That was an interesting question from Mr Harvie, as the Scottish Greens have spent the majority of this session of Parliament demonising our farmers and food producers.Rather than relying on imported food, which increases our carbon emissi…
25 Mar 2026 Remote, Rural and Island Communities (Sustainability) (draft)
It is a pleasure to follow Beatrice Wishart, who, as we all know, has been a real champion for her communities in the time that she has spent here. I also pay tribute to my friend and colleague Oliver Mundell, who has shown us what a const…
25 Mar 2026 Remote, Rural and Island Communities (Sustainability)
It is a pleasure to follow Beatrice Wishart, who, as we all know, has been a real champion for her communities in the time that she has spent here. I also pay tribute to my friend and colleague Oliver Mundell, who has shown us what a const…
25 Mar 2026 Mobile Phone Use in Schools (Ban) (draft)
I thank my colleague Pam Gosal not only for bringing this important debate to the chamber, but for telling me what I need to speak about for the next four minutes.We are all very aware of the significant impact on health that the use of so…
25 Mar 2026 Mobile Phone Use in Schools (Ban)
I thank my colleague Pam Gosal not only for bringing this important debate to the chamber, but for telling me what I need to speak about for the next four minutes.We are all very aware of the significant impact on health that the use of so…
25 Mar 2026 First Minister’s Question Time (draft)
The First Minister will know about my passionate belief that sport is a force for good in our communities. Declining physical literacy levels among our children are directly linked to increasingly poor health outcomes in Scotland, and I sa…
25 Mar 2026 First Minister’s Question Time
The First Minister will know about my passionate belief that sport is a force for good in our communities. Declining physical literacy levels among our children are directly linked to increasingly poor health outcomes in Scotland, and I sa…
24 Mar 2026 Sport and Activity as a Force for Good (draft)
I have been warned.My passion lies in the firm belief that education is the solution to health and welfare issues. By education, I mean not only academia but coaching in sport, the arts, drama, music and any activity that can engage, enthu…
18 Mar 2026 Point of Order
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I apologise to members for raising this point at this late hour. During finance and local government portfolio question time today, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government stated:“If t…
18 Mar 2026 Portfolio Question Time
As we have heard, East Ayrshire faces a staggering £10 million health and social care budget gap next year. To mitigate that, the council will be forced into management actions, including reducing care home capacity and re-evaluating care …
17 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill (draft)
On a topic on which many members are either vehemently opposed or passionately supportive, we have seen both sides seek to have a genuine, constructive and respectful debate on the substance of the bill. I commend colleagues across the cha…
17 Mar 2026 Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
On a topic on which many members are either vehemently opposed or passionately supportive, we have seen both sides seek to have a genuine, constructive and respectful debate on the substance of the bill. I commend colleagues across the cha…
17 Mar 2026 Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill
I rise to close the stage 3 debate on the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives. This is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to bring much-needed order …
17 Mar 2026 Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill (draft)
I rise to close the stage 3 debate on the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives. This is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to bring much-needed order …
17 Mar 2026 Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
A number of businesses currently operate without a Healthcare Improvement Scotland licence. The bill will require such a licence for certain procedures, in relation to which one was not previously required. The concern is that there will b…
17 Mar 2026 Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
A number of businesses currently operate without a Healthcare Improvement Scotland licence. The bill will require such a licence for certain procedures, in relation to which one was not previously required. The concern is that there will b…
17 Mar 2026 Topical Question Time
Despite targets in the NHS Scotland recovery plan following Covid, tooth decay remains the primary reason for child hospital admissions, with more than 6,500 extractions under general aesthetic annually costing the NHS £8.4 million. That i…
Seat & career
- South Scotland (region) Regional MSP · Dissolution 6 May 2021 – 8 Apr 2026
- South Scotland (region) Regional MSP · Dissolution 5 May 2016 – 4 May 2021
Allowances
2025 (latest published)
Source: Scottish Parliament (published ~1 year in arrears)
Contact & offices
Source: this MSP's official Scottish Parliament profile. Last updated 26 Jul 2026.