Chamber and committees

There is a significant Business Continuity component to the solution, which was validated as part of the overall system functionality accreditation and validation process in 2022, and then further evaluated as part of each health board area's local mini-competition award process. This includes local training and processes being enacted. The Vision Anywhere product is available to clinicians to provide access to patient records during any down time and an Appointment backup is taken for access in the same circumstances.

The telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, regularly publishes information in relation to full fibre and gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Scotland as part of their Connected Nations updates. The most recent update was published on 13 May 2026 showing coverage figures for January 2026. An interactive report is published alongside, including local authority area breakdown of full fibre coverage, which can be found at: Connected Nations update: Spring 2026

Transport Scotland is not currently able to approve the opening of the M80 overbridge at Robroyston. This is because the developer has still to complete all outstanding construction works, carry out a Principal Bridge Inspection, and finalise a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit. Responsibility for completing these actions, and therefore enabling the footbridge to open, rests with the developer.

The Scottish Government has made continued progress on its review of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Work has focused on engaging with key stakeholders to identify current strengths and opportunities to support the development of the AKIS. This includes activities to better support knowledge exchange and the flow of knowledge and innovation between stakeholders in the AKIS and to understand how to better co-ordinate the AKIS in Scotland.

The remit of the Major Projects Office will focus on nationally significant projects that support sustainable economic growth. Further details will be set out in due course.

The Scottish Government is developing the scope and function of the Major Projects Office, including how it will work with the wider system. Further details will be set out in due course.

The Scottish Government’s Strategic Action Plan on Wildfires sets out a coordinated approach to preventing, preparing for and responding to wildfires, including through national initiatives to strengthen resilience to all climate-related hazards as outlined in the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, such as peatland restoration.

Through our world leading Peatland ACTION programme, we have carried out restoration on over 59,000 hectares of peatland since 2020, including a record 15,448 hectares in 2025-26. This work will continue in 2026-27, investing a further £28 million to deliver at least another 10,000 ha of peatland restoration, towards our aim of restoring more than 400,000 ha of peatland by 2040.

Our recently published Peatland Action Partnership Plan commits to working with our delivery partners to strategically prioritise peatland restoration where it can maximise the multiple benefits for climate, nature and people. Understanding which parts of Scotland face the greatest risk from wildfire as the climate changes, and which could benefit most from rewetting degraded peatlands, will be part of this work.

Scotland is a high confidence, stable and attractive destination for investment. Building on these strong foundations, the Major Projects Office will coordinate, package, and accelerate nationally significant projects involving private sector investment, serving as a single point of contact to identify projects that are in the national interest and assist with ensuring that these are built faster. The Major Projects Office will commence operation later this year, with further detail on project criteria and engagement with relevant delivery bodies to follow.

The former Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, met Juergen Maier, interim Chair of GB Energy, and Dan McGrail, CEO of GB Energy, on 14 May 2025. A range of matters were discussed, focusing on how the Scottish Government, public bodies and GB Energy can work together to progress opportunities for Scotland’s businesses and communities.

I met Dan McGrail at the Global Offshore Wind conference on 17 June and we discussed GB Energy’s priorities in Scotland, the need to align with existing delivery mechanisms and the importance of support for our supply chain.

Coastguard Rescue Officers do a vital job in keeping people safe, and responding to incidents and casualties in some of the most demanding environments. Shipping safety, including coastguard cover, is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is responsible for establishing maritime safety protocol and legislation, and providing an effective response to maritime incidents in UK waters.

My officials have liaised with the MCA on this issue. I am advised that changing the Coastguard Rescue Service operating model is a consequence of the Court of Appeal ruling. I have been assured that public safety remains the priority and careful consideration was given to the options for a revised operating model.

The Scottish Government expects the highest shipping safety and crew welfare standards, and for these to be applied in the case of those vessels and crews accessing Scotland’s waters, including for the Coastguard Rescue Officers protecting our seas. My officials will continue to liaise closely with the MCA as this issue progresses.