Deputy First Minister meets Member of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

Information requested

1. Who requested/asked for the meeting between Deputy First Minister Shona Robison and Colin Smyth MSP on Wednesday 21 February?

2. What was discussed at this meeting?

Response

1. The Deputy First Minister invited Colin Smyth MSP to meet with her and Dr Fossey to discuss the findings of Dr Fossey’s report on Fornethy House. This was due to Colin Smyth MSP having a known interest in this area and his work in supporting Fornethy House survivors. 

2. The meeting on 21 February 2024 allowed Dr Emma Fossey to set out her report and findings to Colin Smyth MSP. Dr Fossey is an independent researcher appointed by the Scottish Government to carry out research on Fornethy House.

The Deputy First Minister explained that, in light of the findings, Fornethy House survivors were most likely not eligible for the redress scheme. The Deputy First Minister also set out that she intended to meet with the Fornethy House survivors to discuss this further ahead of her appearance at the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on 20 March.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.