The way we were – workers at Denny’s Dumbarton and John Brown’s shipyard, Clydebank.
by BILL HEANEY
What is the appropriate compensation for former Clydeside shipyard and factory workers who have suffered from asbestos-related diseases picked up in their workplace?
Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) asked the Scottish Government what its estimated timescale is for introducing the Damages (Scotland) Bill, as committed to in the programme for government 2026-31.
The Minister for Victims and Community Safety (Kirsten Oswald) said it was their intention to introduce a bill before the end of this year that would give effect to the Scottish Law Commission’s recommendations for reform.
She added: “Significant social and legal changes have taken place since the general law of damages for personal injury was last considered, including several new statutes and important court decisions.
“The bill will make changes to the law so that it is fit for the 21st century, seeking greater fairness in the context of awards of damages for personal injury.
“One of the reforms that we will introduce applies to the law of limitation in relation to certain asbestos-related conditions, which I know Marie McNair is interested in. Once the bill is introduced, I will be happy to meet her to discuss it.”
Marie McNair replied: “I am glad to have secured the bill’s place in the programme for government and that it features early in this parliamentary session.
“Through my long-standing work for Clydebank Asbestos Group, I know the difference that the reforms could make to asbestos victims and their families.
“Many people who develop asbestos-related illness decades after exposure face additional distress because of the current time bar, and the uncertainty can mean financial hardship and added anxiety at a time when families are trying to focus on spending precious time together.
“Will the minister set out what support will be made available to assist asbestos victims and their families to finally access compensation and the justice that they currently are being denied?”
The Minister said: “I am very grateful to Marie McNair and campaign groups such as Clydebank Asbestos Group for all their work in making clear the real-life consequences that the current law can have.
“That is why the Government is introducing legislation that aims to fix the problem and to make sure that those suffering from an asbestos-related health condition are not time-barred in relevant situations.
“I am open to suggestions that Ms McNair or campaigners might have about what particular support is needed, and I am happy to consider those as the bill progresses through the Parliament.
“I give the assurance that the Scottish Government will do what it can to ensure that any legislation that is agreed to by the Parliament is implemented as soon as possible.”
The bill will cover mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related conditions.