Chamber and committees

The Visitor Levy is a discretionary power for local authorities to use. In doing so, a local authority will have to comply with its duties under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. Additionally, Local authorities have the power to charge different rates and exemptions for different geographical areas .Each local authority has a responsibility to publish assessment of the impacts of introducing a Visitor Levy, and they have a statutory requirement to consult with local communities, businesses, and the public, prior to the introduction of a Visitor Levy.

Recommendations and key outputs will be made available via a public information document shortly after the study’s conclusion, expected in the coming weeks.

The Mobile Homes Act 1983 controls the consumer rights of mobile home owners in relation to their pitch. The terms of the Written Statement, set out under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, include a number of provisions to encourage communication and consultation between residential mobile home site owners and residents. For example, there is a requirement for site owners to provide documentary evidence in support and explanation of fees. There is a requirement for site owners to consult occupiers about improvements to the site in general and in particular about those which the owner wishes to be taken in to account in determining the new pitch fee. There is also a requirement to consult a qualifying residents association, if there is one, on all matters which relate to the operation and management of the site, or improvements to the site, which may affect occupiers directly or indirectly.

The Scottish Government does not have any immediate plans to develop further legislation in relation to the welfare of farmed fish. The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 protects farmed animals from ‘unnecessary suffering’ and places a duty of care on those caring for animals to meet their welfare needs.

Scottish Government recognises the importance of protecting the welfare of farmed fish, including at the time of slaughter and is considering the UK Animal Welfare Committee report and recommendations published in 2024. We are currently developing guidance based on the report’s recommendations to protect the welfare of farmed fish at the time of slaughter. When this work has progressed to an appropriate stage, we will be engaging with the industry and other stakeholders, including animal welfare organisations. Scottish Government is also contributing to the Devolved Administrations Trout Working Group to assist with the development of voluntary guidelines for the trout sector.

Both the drafting of the proposed Nature Conservation Order for Achnabobane, within the Parallel Roads of Lochaber Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the associated Land Register of Scotland and General Register of Sasines searches, are at an advanced stage. Once completed, interested parties will be notified as soon as possible, following Ministerial approval.

The Scottish Government engages regularly with Ofgem and NESO to ensure transmission infrastructure delivers for Scotland. This includes exploration of the TIA threshold, and consideration of the impact that this has on energy users in Scotland.

While, to date, the Scottish Government has not carried out an assessment of the potential impact on Scotland’s net zero targets of maintaining the 200kW threshold for transmission impact assessments, it is aware of this issue. As detailed in responses to S6W-34389 and S6W-34390 on 19 February 2025, Scottish Government officials are engaging with stakeholders to develop an understanding of the issues the difference creates and to explore options which may mitigate any negative consequences.

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 and UK Government have jointly funded the ‘Project Willow’ cross site study. This has been commissioned by Petroineos and supplied by Ernst and Young Parthenon.

Recommendations and key outputs will be made available via a public information document shortly after the study’s conclusion, expected in the coming weeks.

Through the work of the Scottish Government funded Scotland Food & Drink Export plan, Scottish Development International (SDI) will be organising a learning journey to Saudi Arabia & Qatar for Scottish food & drink companies later in 2025, including those in the seafood sector, who are looking to enter or grow their business in the Middle East region.

The purpose of the mission will be to raise the ambition of the companies and their awareness of the opportunities in these emerging markets, as well as help them to identify routes to market. SDI will be arranging a programme of activity that will include attending in-market events, stakeholder/meet-the-buyer meetings and receptions that will allow companies to showcase their products.

More generally, SDI and Seafood Scotland will continue to work with key partners to monitor any potential emerging opportunities for Scottish Seafood companies in the Middle East.

Recommendations and key outputs will be made available via a public information document shortly after the study’s conclusion, expected in the coming weeks.