Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including information relating to the members of Historic Environment Scotland’s HistoricScot Youth Forum, are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a full reply to his question in writing.

Scotland needs a system that supports our higher education sector to deliver the best learning, research and experience for those who choose to study in Scotland. The reinstatement of the Graduate Route was welcome but the scope must also be widened to include HND qualifications from Scottish institutions as was under the previous post-study work scheme and Fresh Talent. it remains clear that UK immigration system still does not address Scotland’s economic, demographic and social needs. We will continue to push UK Ministers to engage meaningfully on these issues.

The Scottish Government expects all women at all times, to receive high-quality, person-centred maternity care, tailored to their needs, with quality and safety for mothers and babies central to decision-making. Implementation of The Best Start is driving transformation in maternity care in Scotland, with women receiving continuity of carer throughout their pregnancy, resulting in improved relationships and outcomes. All women are asked as part of their booking process a variety of wellbeing questions in order to assess for additional care needs to assist women, and their families, to prepare for parenthood and facilitate positive maternal health.

The work of the primary midwife is likely to be particularly important for women with additional needs, including those related to mental health and learning disabilities. This is why we have prioritised the introduction of continuity of carer for the most vulnerable women and their families, as we know that, for women with a range of medical, social and psychological complexities, early intervention and coordinated multi-agency care can make a real difference to outcomes.

The pool has been shut since the start of Jan 2020.

It has been used 0 days in 2020, 21 and 22 and was available for use throughout 2018 and 2019.

Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited has advised us that it has reached agreement to second some of its staff to work for BAE Systems on fabrication work for the Type 26 Frigate programme. The precise details are subject to ongoing commercial discussions between the two companies.

The Hill, Upland and Crofting Group last met in March 2021 and the work of the group is completed. I am grateful for the work they undertook in very short order which has informed our work on Agricultural Reform, the National Test Programme and issues being considered by the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board.

The costs for maintenance of the swimming pool at the Scottish Government's Victoria Quay property in each of the last five financial years is:

2018-2019 - £31,365 - inclusive of Facilities Management planned preventative maintenance costs and sub-contractor specialist costs.

2019-2020 - £31,365 - as above.

2020-2021 - £30,345 - pool closed to staff for part of the year due to COVID and ppm maintenance reduced.

2021-2022 - £26,945 - pool closed for entire year and ppm maintenance reduced.

2022-2023 - £20,862 - pool closed for entire year and maintenance paid to date in the current financial year.

Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including information relating to the status of sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland and previously by Historic Scotland, are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a full reply to his question in writing.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12811 on 12 December 2022. 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

Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including information relating to the resolution of complaints made to Historic Environment Scotland are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a full reply to his question in writing.