Chamber and committees

The £1.3 million allocated in the 2026-27 Budget is supporting the development of skills needed for the transition to sustainable and regenerative farming and food production. We are targeting that funding, on provision of training, advice and knowledge exchange for farmers, crofters, new entrants and rural businesses. The aim is to encourage businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them to adopt sustainable practices aligned to the principles contained in the Code of practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Practice. Final decisions on any adjustments to allocation will be taken in due course.

The Marine Directorate continuously reviews to ensure that its duties and functions are being discharged in accordance with all relevant existing regulatory regimes and legislative requirements. This includes all requirements under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. No dedicated review or reform of the Directorate is therefore expected in this regard as it is already considered as part of the Directorate’s business as usual approaches.

The Scottish Government has not given the matter consideration and as per my answer to S7W-01396 on 13 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.

There are a number of reasons as to why an organisation may withhold the release of information under Freedom of Information or Environmental Information legislation. However, the public can find the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s released reports at the following link - FFOI/EIR responses published by APHA - GOV.UK

Scotland's Fisheries Management Strategy highlights the importance of working in partnership with stakeholders and coastal communities to support sustainable fisheries and strengthen the communities whose livelihoods and wellbeing are closely linked to the sea. Building on the Scottish Government’s 2025 Call for Evidence, our consultation on the Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI) Programme will explore a more regional model of inshore fisheries management, designed to support sustainable fisheries, thriving coastal communities and greater local involvement.

In developing the updated Scottish National Marine Plan (“NMP2”) we have been listening to the diversity of views shared to shape the draft plan and gather information on the different issues, opportunities and priorities for planning around our varied coastline. This is summarised in the Howell Marine Consulting NMP2 Community engagement analysis report: We are considering the recommendations from the report and exploring how an updated planning framework can support consideration of views from communities in decision-making as well as working to build a stronger evidence base to inform future spatial planning and management where possible.

The Scottish Government undertakes work to improve public awareness and knowledge of animal welfare matters on an ongoing basis and recognises the importance of continuing to educate and inform the wider public on the best practice for animal welfare.

Recent examples include the publication of updated welfare guidance for pigs and ongoing work on updating welfare guidance for equidae, cattle and sheep, and funding support for Farm Advisory Service events providing education on new tail docking and castration techniques for lambs, among a range of other education and awareness work.

The Scottish Government takes its legal responsibilities seriously and considers the requirements of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and other relevant legislation when developing marine policies, plans and management measures.

Please find the following tables setting out Environment and Forestry Directorate research funding provided by Scottish Government to our Main Research Providers, The James Hutton Institute, Moredun Research Institute, Scotland's Rural College and The Rowett Institute in each of the last 10 years. Also provided is proposed allocations for the Scottish Government’s 5 year Strategic Research Programme 2027-32. It should be noted that additional Scottish Government funding has and will be available in future to agricultural institutes through wider initiatives including, but not limited to, City Deals and the Just Transition fund.

Strategic Research Funding 2016-26 (£)

Scottish Government Ministers have raised the unfair distribution of funds from the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund with UK Ministers on many occasions, most recently in the letter of 28 July from the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Regrettably, UK Ministers have shown very little interest and have indicated they believe the matter is closed.

However, Scottish Government Ministers will continue to raise this topic until a satisfactory resolution is achieved.

Marine Directorate - Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT) has concluded enquiries into the possible pollution incident at Loch Hourn. The outcome is currently under review and findings will be confirmed by the end of August 2026.