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Visiting the museum does not cost anything, which brings us back to what we were discussing.

You said earlier—I am quite excited about some of the things that you are saying—that you would be willing to work together on making changes to the sector. How do you see that working, and what would be needed to do that?

My daughter and her partner had their first date at the Riverside museum, and we are now four grandchildren later. It is clearly a national iconic building.

In summary, we are talking about possibly having a national conversation about the importance of culture and how it affects every part of life, so that we have confidence in the sector and understand what it gives back. Have I got that right?

It is for anyone—but go for it.

In my case, you are preaching to the converted, because Paisley’s bid to be the 2021 UK city of culture was all about that. I thank God that we did not win, because we were in lockdown in 2021—it was a shame for Coventry. The bid was made because we wanted to say that culture could make a difference to the challenges that the town faces, so I understand what has been said.

I will continue with that, because you mentioned something else, as well. Another on-going issue during my time on the committee has involved the Government’s commitment to widening access, especially for those from areas of deprivation. We seem to have got to the stage at which there is good news to be given on that, because the situation has got a lot better. Can you give me some more detail on that? From my perspective, it is important that young people in my constituency are getting the opportunities to be all that they can be and to do whatever they want in their life.

I am pleased to hear that because, in the past, I had always heard that Scottish index of multiple deprivation figures were a blunt instrument to use, and that we needed to find other ways to access particular areas.

The pilot is interesting—perhaps we can get more detail on that, or perhaps the committee already has some information on it; I have just joined recently, so I have not seen it. Apart from that, are there are any other ideas that we are looking at and encouraging in order to ensure that people are getting those opportunities?

Good morning, minister. As you will be aware, I have been on and off this committee for the past 10 years, if not longer, and it is clear that, when we come to this time of year, some of the challenges and difficulties that the Government faces on education remain the same. One particular issue that I want to talk about is student numbers, because some of those challenges are the same.

I did not take part when the committee was taking evidence, but from what I am reading, it seems that there is still an on-going debate about Scottish students and international students getting university places, and, in some cases, marketing by universities to try to get more international students as a way forward.

How do we get around that? It is an on-going discussion: every year, constituents come in who want their children to go to various universities, and who believe—the belief is not necessarily always correct—that there are more international students, so they cannot get their child into a certain course. How are you going to deal with that? If there is a solution, what is it?

Finally, have you thought about the idea of looking at universities and institutions that do things differently, such as the Open University in Scotland? A number of people who come from a mix of backgrounds end up accessing higher education through the Open University.

I have no relevant interests to declare.