Chamber and committees

There are currently 25 redress case workers employed by the Scottish Government. Case workers are responsible for communicating with applicants throughout the application process and assisting applicants to complete applications. Case workers can refer applicants to the Redress Support Service who provide support to complete the application, obtain records and non-specialist emotional support.

The 2026-2027 Scottish Budget includes an increase in funding for the Scottish Government Redress Division. This will allow for the recruitment of additional caseworkers and an increase in operational capacity. Recruitment of 8 additional case workers is underway, with 3 already appointed and due to start with the Redress Division by 27 July 2026. A further 10 contingent workers are being recruited to assist with case work functions.

When the ongoing recruitment is completed, the total number of operational staff will be the highest the Scheme has ever had.

Redress Scotland currently has 53 appointed panel members.

Recruitment activity is ongoing to further expand this capacity, with an additional 15 to 20 panel members expected to be recommended to Scottish Ministers for appointment over the period July to August 2026. This reflects a continued effort to ensure that Redress Scotland has sufficient resource to manage increased demand and support the timely progression of applications.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01113 on 15 July 2026. 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.

It was recognised when Scotland’s Redress Scheme was designed that some survivor applicants may be advancing in age or suffering ill health. Therefore, priority is given to applicants with a terminal illness and those over 68 years of age.

The Scheme enables applicants, should they wish, to nominate a beneficiary to receive the full amount of redress payment in the event that the applicant dies before payment is made. A nominated beneficiary is only permitted to take over the application in specific circumstances.

Alternatively, a £10,000 next of kin payment may be possible where a survivor, who met the eligibility criteria for the Scheme, dies before a payment was made to them, their estate or a nominated beneficiary.

The Scottish Government released relevant information in response to an FOI request in December 2025. The link to the response can be found here - Number of applicants who passed away whilst awaiting a decision on redress: FOI release - gov.scot.

Scottish Ministers wrote to the previous UK Government to raise the issue of decapod welfare, including highlighting concerns about live transport through the postal service, and proposing joint working to address these issues.

In its statutory review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 the Scottish Government committed to undertaking, in collaboration with Defra and other devolved administrations, a gap analysis to identify the specific welfare challenges faced by decapods (including live transportation), what evidence there is to inform potential solutions to these challenges, and where further research may be needed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01338 on 10 July 2026. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01338 on 10 July 2026. 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.

The Scottish Government takes the welfare of all animals extremely seriously at all stages of their lives. The killing of surplus chicks which are less than 72 hours old, and embryos in hatchery waste is regulated by Schedule 11 of The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 ("the 1995 Regulations"). The 1995 Regulations permit only three methods of killing, which the Scottish Government considers to ensure the welfare of the chicks during the killing process:

• Use of a mechanical apparatus producing immediate death;
• Exposure to gas mixtures; or
• Dislocation of the neck.

Under the 1995 Regulations any mechanical apparatus used must be used by a skilled operator and be designed so as to produce immediate death without any unnecessary suffering caused to the chicks.

The current methods of killing chicks, such as Maceration/Instantaneous Mechanical Destruction, are considered to be acceptable by the Humane Slaughter Association and we will continue to work with industry to ensure that the current regulations still meet their objectives.

Very little routine killing of male chicks takes place in Scotland, with the main commercial hatcheries supplying Scotland’s egg industry being located in England. The current methods of killing chicks, such as Maceration/Instantaneous Mechanical Destruction, are considered to be acceptable by the Humane Slaughter Association and we will continue to work with industry to ensure that the current regulations still meet their objectives.

No discussions have been had at this time. We will, however, continue working with industry and to review updated scientific evidence in order to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are met.