Before the pandemic, Scotland’s historic environment contributed £4.2 billion to our national economy, and Historic Environment Scotland cares for more than 300 properties that are of national importance. However, to maintain its estate, HES needs to tackle a serious shortage of traditional skills such as stonemasonry and carpentry.

I know from experience, after visiting the reBUILD project in Whithorn, how vital it is to attract and retain fresh young talent to work in Scotland’s heritage sector while, crucially, creating jobs at the same time. I am sure that the minister agrees about the importance of the new five-year skills investment plan that was launched earlier this month, which will create a better-skilled workforce across Scotland. How does she envisage that HES will work with organisations such as Whithorn reBUILD to maintain our historic buildings and create jobs in rural areas?