Chamber and committees

Removing the stigma attached to problem drug use and harmful drinking in Scotland is a key part of our alcohol and drug strategy.

In January 2023, we published the Stigma Action Plan as part of the cross-government response to the Drug Deaths Taskforce final report, aimed at tackling the stigma of substance use. The Action Plan has multiple strands of work to tackle public stigma and the institutional barriers that people face in accessing services and support, including in entering education and employment and in being able to achieve the best level of health and wellbeing.

We will shortly begin a co-design phase on the details of the actions outlined in the plan and will be engaging with partners and stakeholders in the drug and alcohol sectors.

We are supporting the development of the forthcoming UK-wide alcohol treatment guidelines, led by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. The guidance will look to introduce new approaches to treatment, including non-stigmatising service delivery.

Scottish Government has not undertaken any recent assessment of the impact of health inequalities in relation to liver disease patients. However Public Health Scotland (PHS) published a report in November 2022 that examined average mortality rates from liver disease in Scotland, including analysis by deprivation levels.

The risk of liver cancer and liver disease is increased by the impacts of harmful behaviours such as alcohol use. The Scottish Government is determined to do all that we can to reduce alcohol-related harm, which continues to be one of the most pressing public health challenges that we face in Scotland.

The PHS evaluation of Minimum Unit Price published on 27 June 2023 shows around 150 alcohol attributable deaths and 400 alcohol attributable hospital admissions each year have been averted since the policy was introduced. The policy also contributes to reducing health inequalities, with the study showing that the largest reductions in deaths and hospital admissions wholly attributable to alcohol consumption were seen in men and those living in the 40% most deprived areas.

The Scottish Government recognises the invaluable contribution of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) to Scotland’s research and innovation. As Scotland’s National Academy, the RSE meets regularly with a wide range of Scottish Government ministers and officials. Given the number of these meetings that take place across Government it is not possible to detail the outcomes of every meeting.

In recent months, however, I have met with RSE’s Chief Executive and RSE researchers to discuss shared priorities for Scottish research and innovation and the contribution of our Further and Higher Education sector.

Woodland expansion alongside protecting and restoring peatlands are critical elements of our plans to address climate change and help achieve net zero. Public funding of woodland creation requires high standards of forest practice in line with the UK Forestry Standard: the UK framework to deliver sustainable forest management. The Standard provides requirements and guidelines on planting and managing woodlands in ways that maximise carbon removals and minimise emissions. Planting on deeper peats (over 50 cm depth) is prohibited in Scotland.

Further guidance on ground preparation for woodland creation was strengthened in 2021 to require the use of less disruptive techniques on peaty soils, helping protect these important carbon sinks. Ploughing in preparation of tree planting on peaty soils is limited to less than 10 cm depth to protect peatlands as they are important carbon sinks.

Scottish Government are aware of an ongoing complaint in relation to works being carried out by Morrison Construction at the site of the new Women's National Facility, near Stirling.

Residents living adjacent to the site have made claims alleging vibration damage to their properties resulting from the works. Scottish Prison Service are liaising with residents, local Councillors and the local MSP to investigate and resolve this issue. A structural report has been carried out and an offer to conduct a further independent report has not as yet been taken up by the residents.

At this point, there is no link shown that the works being carried out at this facility are the cause of any damage to neighbouring properties. Scottish Prison Service will remain in dialogue with the residents, local Councillor and local MSP to resolve this matter.

Morrison Construction is a reputable contractor who have approached previous works carried out for the public sector in a responsible manner and address complaints promptly. Other than the above, Scottish Government are not aware of any other complaints or issues of note in relation to Morrison Construction.

The Year One report for the National Transition Training Fund (NTTF) was published in February 2022 and can be found here: National Transition Training Fund (NTTF): year 1 report - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) . This shows that 9.482 individuals were supported in academic year 2020-21 across a diverse range of projects.

In Year Two (academic year 2021-22), 22,266 training opportunities were provided. Across both years of the fund, data on those who were unemployed or in work was not collected across all projects, although some specific projects in each year were designed to support people who were either in work or not. For example, the Aviation Covid Recovery Fund managed through Scottish Union Learning and delivered by Unite the Union, was aimed specifically at those in work to help them retain their jobs in a sector significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Skillsboost Programme which ran in both years across Scotland’s colleges was aimed at those who were out of work or at risk of redundancy.

A report summarising the impact of NTTF’s second year will be published in the coming weeks.

The Scottish Government is progressing the Fair Fares Review to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the future long term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available and affordable for people throughout Scotland – including our ferry services. The Fair Fares Review will report by the end of 2023 and we will continue a meaningful and constructive approach to engaging with stakeholders throughout the process.

Information about Ministerial engagements is proactively released on the Scottish Government website . The spreadsheets include a wide range of information including details of the organisation/individuals Ministers met along with the subject discussed.

Scottish Government Officials from the Directorate for International Trade and Investment have regularly met with the SDI since May 2021 as key partners to showcase Scotland’s strengths globally, boost inward investment and to achieve our export growth ambition. In addition, officials across a range of portfolios engage with the SDI as part of the policy development process and this will continue.

The Scottish Government has not held any meetings with the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland since May 2021.

The programme will be delivered via a grant-funded partner. The initial funding will be used for global consultation on selection criteria and methodology with the aim of presenting it in draft at COP28. Grants will then be disbursed on the basis of these criteria to global communities most in need. Officials will also seek to leverage matched finance from other sources to increase the impact and value of this funding. This approach was tested with global stakeholders at an event in March to ensure that it upholds the principles identified at SG’s loss and damage conference last year, demonstrates best practice and ensures the maximum contribution of equitable funding goes to global communities most in need. Parliament will be updated accordingly when a decision has been reached on a grant-funded partner, in advance of a public announcement.