The Scots law of succession and executry differs from the law elsewhere in the UK and this is reflected in the judicial process of obtaining a grant of confirmation. The Scottish Government has no current plans to work with other UK nations to reform the confirmation process. However, the Scottish Law Commission has started a review of Scots executry law and the Scottish Government will consider any recommendations for reform made as a result.

The Scottish Law Commission recently started a review of Scots executry law, which includes the need to seek confirmation. The project may review, amongst others, whether confirmation should continue to be a judicial process and whether some or all of the executry process could be simplified through the use of online or simpler processes. The Commission is always keen to engage with stakeholders who might be affected by the subject matter of any project, and who wish to contribute. Further information can be sought at [email protected]. The Scottish Government will consider any recommendations for reform the Commission may make.

Information on the number of men who have received BRCA gene tests since 1999 is not held by Scottish Government but by the NHS services who support this testing across Scotland.

I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government will support the initial implementation of much-needed testing for cholangiocarcinoma, with funding to be released in December and reassurance from NHS National Services Division (NSD), the national commissioner of genomic testing in NHS Scotland, that this will be available to patients across Scotland from February 2026.

This is a single test for a relatively rare form of cancer. However, I want to assure you that the Scottish Government is fully committed to improving access to the full range of genomic testing needed and to building the foundations required to allow Scotland to take full advantage of developments in genomic medicine, including data and digital infrastructure and skilled workforce requirements. This is part of our long-term approach to deliver bold and ambitious action to reform and renew our health and care systems in Scotland within a fiscal position that remains extremely challenging.

Responsibility for providing education and discussing treatment options lies with clinicians, who are expected to ensure that individuals receive clear, accurate information about all available diabetes technologies when considering their care. Decisions on prescribing specific devices are made by the prescribing clinician in line with clinical guidance and in discussion with the individual.

The Scottish Government supports this through a range of initiatives designed to improve access to reliable information and education. We fund digital resources such as My Diabetes My Way, Scotland’s interactive self-management platform, which provides secure access to personal health records, test results, treatment plans and NHS-accredited eLearning resources. We also invest in DigiBete, a digital tool offering age-appropriate education and practical support for people living with diabetes.

Education is central to the National Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme, hosted by NHS Golden Jubilee. This team provides virtual training and support from experienced clinicians and peer support workers, enabling people anywhere in Scotland to start using diabetes technologies without delay and with confidence.

We work closely with the third sector, including Diabetes Scotland, to promote peer support and community-based education. These partnerships help ensure that people living with diabetes have access to practical advice and lived experience alongside clinical guidance.

Finally, through the Scottish Diabetes Group and its subgroups, we continue to deliver the commitments set out in the Diabetes Improvement Plan (2021–2026). This includes work to improve knowledge and confidence in primary care teams, ensuring that clinicians across Scotland are equipped to discuss technology options effectively with their patients.

The Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will look at the scope of a national review of maternity services based on the emerging themes and outcomes of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Inspections of Maternity Units across Scotland, and any other area that the Taskforce might identify. It will also look at the provision of maternity services in rural areas, including in Caithness and Stranraer.

A full workplan will be agreed by the Taskforce once it has been established, and Parliament will be updated in due course.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone living with diabetes can access clinically appropriate, safe, effective and person-centred care. We know that waiting times for access to diabetes technologies, such as Closed Loop Systems (CLS), remain a challenge, and we are taking action to improve this.

Since 2016, the Scottish Government has invested over £50 million to support technology access, including:

• £29.6 million between 2016-2022 for diabetes technologies
• £8.8 million in 2024-25 to expand CLS access
• £14.6 million in 2025-26 to onboard 2,500 additional individuals and cover recurring consumables

These measures increase capacity and reduce delays by enabling virtual onboarding and freeing up local clinic resources. In addition, the National Onboarding Team, hosted by NHS Golden Jubilee, provides virtual education and training, enabling people anywhere in Scotland to start using diabetes technologies without delay. This innovative model supported almost 1,000 people last year with a 100% satisfaction rate.

The National CLS Onboarding Programme has enabled more than 4,200 people to receive CLS since May 2024. As of September 2025, 77% of under-18s with Type 1 diabetes have access to CLS, and every child or young person should have received at least a referral. This paediatric focus helps prevent complications early and reduce future backlogs.

This builds on Scotland’s strong progress in diabetes technology adoption. According to the 2024 Diabetes Survey, insulin pump use has risen to 23.2% of all people with Type 1 diabetes, up from just 6.3% in 2013. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) adoption has increased to 85.7% in 2024, compared to 82.5% in 2023, reflecting Scotland’s commitment in digital diabetes care.

We will continue to work with boards to reduce variation and waiting times through targeted funding and performance-based delivery models that prioritise equitable access for all.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-42484 on 17 December 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

We note the publication of Baroness Amos’ Reflections and Initial Impressions report with interest. The report records issues Baroness Amos has identified from her engagement with families in England and provides updates on her investigation and next steps. The report also describes the five areas of work defined in the Terms of Reference: the local investigation phase, a system wide review, inequalities, a review of the legal framework regarding the role of Coroners in relation to stillbirths and compensation following harm caused by clinical negligence and the development of one set of national standards.

While we recognise some similarities between Baroness Amos’ findings and what Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s independent, ongoing inspection programme is reporting, it is important to recognise that Baroness Amos is conducting a rapid investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England. The Scottish Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will play a key role in ensuring lessons are learned and improvements are made following investigations and reviews in Scotland. It will also define the scope of a national review in Scotland.

We will continue to review outputs from the English rapid investigation as they are published.