Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick (pictured) has called for meaningful improvements to British Sign Language access across Scotland, warning that Deaf people in the Highlands are still struggling to access even the most basic public services.
Ms Roddick was speaking during a parliamentary debate on a new report by the Equalities, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee examining the provision of BSL across Scotland.
She told Parliament that much of the casework coming into her office from Deaf constituents centres not on specialist support, but on fundamental access to everyday services that most people take for granted.
Ms Roddick highlighted barriers faced by BSL users in accessing emergency services, mental health support, education, and employment, particularly in rural and island communities where services are already stretched.
She drew attention to the committee’s findings on the lack of BSL users working within public services, including audiology departments, despite these being among the services Deaf people are most likely to rely on.
Concerns were also raised about the availability of interpreters for mental health appointments, where delays or a lack of access can have serious consequences.
Ms Roddick said:
“I want to be very clear to BSL users in the Highlands that I am here to help.
“The scale of the challenges they face, from accessing emergency services and mental health appointments to education and employment, is enormous.
“We need to see more interpreters and BSL users working in our public services, and acceleration of BSL education to meet the demand.”
She welcomed the publication of the committee’s report and praised its focus on the lived experience of Deaf people, including its examination of access to support for those experiencing domestic abuse.
Ms Roddick noted that the committee’s Convener, Karen Adam MSP, is a child of a Deaf adult, and said this perspective had positively shaped the inquiry and its conclusions.
In a moment that drew attention in the chamber, Ms Roddick concluded part of her remarks by signing in British Sign Language to demonstrate her commitment to Deaf constituents.
She said:
“I am very happy to arrange interpreter services for surgeries, work around the availability of those interpreters, and ensure that my office is as accessible as possible for anyone.
“Even when it may take a long time, I am here to support BSL users to make the case for better support and access.”
Ms Roddick said progress on BSL provision must now be seen at local level, with improvements translating into real changes in how services are delivered on the ground.
She stressed that reports and strategies will only matter if they lead to Deaf people being able to live independently, access care when they need it, and participate fully in their communities.
The committee’s report is expected to inform future policy and funding decisions around BSL education, interpreter training, and accessibility standards across Scotland.
