Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government does not have the figures requested by the Member and does not hold any such comparison.

Work is underway to progress the appointment of the Land and Communities Commissioner. The appointment is subject to Parliamentary approval, and we will engage with the Rural Affairs Committee as part of this process. We anticipate launching the formal recruitment stage later this year.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01261 on 9 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.

While the Scottish Government has no policy to reduce herd numbers, we do not set targets for livestock numbers, including breeding pigs, as these are primarily driven by market conditions and individual business decisions. However, we recognise the reported 7.3% decrease in pig numbers in 2025 when compared with the five-year average and the importance of a resilient domestic supply. The Scottish Government will invest more than £1 billion in the rural affairs budget during 2026-27, and we continue to provide certainty to the industry. We have a proud record of supporting and investing in farming and food production and are wholly committed to continuing to support active farming and maintaining a secure and sustainable food system for the future.

I have overall responsibility for Life Sciences policy and delivery, as part of my wider remit for economic policy, including business, industry, manufacturing support and entrepreneurship.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the Life Sciences sector as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and improved health outcomes, as reflected in Scotland’s Life Sciences Strategy and its associated delivery plan.

The design and build fixed price contracts are covered by Builders Refund Guarantees.

Whilst the Scottish Government expects ScotRail to allocate its rolling stock in a manner that maximises operational efficiency and meets passenger needs, responsibility for these operational decisions rests with ScotRail as the train operating company, drawing on its in-house expertise.

Information regarding the annual subsidy level for the public contract for the Northern Isles Ferry Services is available on the Transport Scotland website under ‘Transport Scotland Section 70 return – 2013-2014’ and ‘Transport Scotland Section 70 Return – 2024-25’.

The individual subsidy levels from these documents for the Northern Isles Ferry Services have been reproduced in the following tables.

 Web addresses:

http://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/transport-scotland-section-70-return-2013-14/

http://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/transport-scotland-section-70-return-2024-25/northern-isles-ferry-services/

The Scottish Government has not made an assessment of the impact of a ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk. The decision to introduce an international ferry service is a commercial consideration for the ferry operator and relevant port authorities.

The Scottish Government and its agencies continue to support the wider development of our ports and the potential for new direct freight and passenger ferry services linking Scotland to Europe. We are happy to work with any ferry operator to explore opportunities to promote a new service.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01261 on 9 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.