Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is pleased to note the UK Government’s call for evidence on gamebirds. We have a Programme for Government Commitment to consult on phasing out cages for gamebirds and had originally intended to work jointly with the UK Government on this issue via the Kept Animals Bill. Unfortunately due to upheaval in the UK Government at the time, the Bill failed and joint work on a number of welfare issues was not progressed. We therefore issued our own call for evidence in 2024 and are considering our next steps.

The Scottish Government is pleased to note the UK Government’s call for evidence on gamebirds. We have a Programme for Government Commitment to consult on phasing out cages for gamebirds and will consider carefully any future policy proposals from Defra before deciding whether to consult jointly on the issue.

Marine Directorate recognises that this matter has attracted significant interest and that a number of people have been waiting for the outcome of the investigation. It is also acknowledged that the investigation has taken longer than originally anticipated. This was to ensure that all reasonable lines of enquiry were fully considered before a final decision was reached.

Marine Directorate carried out local investigations, including interviewing witnesses and seizing evidence. Witnesses described dead and discoloured prawns and reduced creel catches. One witness reported seeing a large vessel in Loch Hourn, but could not identify it. Marine Directorate undertook aerial surveys, which found no signs of pollution, no visible marine mortality and no costal contamination. AIS, Themis and Telesto vessel tracking analysis was conducted and did not identify any vessels in the area of the suspected pollution incident. A number of vessels were identified operating further away in Loch Hourn and the operators of those vessels were identified. Vessel movement information was provided, operators confirmed that AIS had been active at all times and denied that that any cleaning, disinfection or discharge activity had been undertaken.

In collaboration with SEPA, MRV Sir John Murray visited the location and undertook sampling and camera transect analysis of the seabed at the locations of the affected creel fleets and trawl grounds. The survey found isolated dead sea urchins, but could find no evidence of significant or widespread contamination. Further, there was no evidence of unusual odour, contamination or widespread mortality in the sediment samples.

Having completed those enquiries, the Marine Directorate has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish either that an offence was committed under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, or to identify any person or organisation responsible. As a result, the investigation has been closed with no further enforcement action possible.

We appreciate that this outcome may be disappointing for those who reported concerns or consider that they were affected by the events observed within Loch Hourn. However, decisions on enforcement action must be based on the available evidence, and the evidential threshold required was not met in this case.

As I have set out in response to previous queries on the matter of Environmental Standards Scotland’s (ESS) report Protecting Scotland’s Seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers’ implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, the Scottish Government is carefully considering the findings and recommendations and is engaging closely with ESS to seek to agree an appropriate action plan. The Scottish Government’s position on the report’s findings and recommendations will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.

As this work is under active development, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the details of that work at this stage.

The Scottish Government recognises the significant impact that long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and similar conditions can have on people’s lives.

The 2025-26 Scottish Budget included an additional £4.5 million to support the development and delivery of specialist support across Scotland for people with long COVID, ME/CFS and other similar conditions. This funding has been confirmed on a recurring basis, providing NHS boards with longer-term certainty to develop services sustainably and support the recruitment and retention of the skilled staff required to deliver them.

Responsibility for the planning and delivery of healthcare services rests with individual NHS boards. We have therefore provided boards with flexibility to develop and deliver models of care that reflect local population needs and circumstances, while following relevant clinical guidance.

While NHS Highland establishes its Post-Infection Recovery Service, patients with long COVID, ME/CFS and similar conditions continue to be able to access assessment, treatment and support through existing NHS services, including primary care and other appropriate local pathways and services based on their individual clinical needs.

The Scottish Government continues to engage with NHS boards on the development of specialist support for people with long COVID, ME/CFS and similar conditions.

The Scottish Government continues to work with the other governments of the UK to implement and review measures intended to support progress towards Good Environmental Status in UK waters.

The findings of the 2026 assessment of Good Environmental Status will inform the next review of the Programme of Measures developed under the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010. The Programme of Measures is kept under periodic review through the cyclical process established under those Regulations.

The Scottish Government has provided funding to NHS Highland, NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isles to support the development of specialist support for people with long COVID, ME/CFS and other similar conditions.

We have encouraged NHS boards to consider opportunities for collaborative working to ensure appropriate population coverage and make best use of available expertise and resources. Discussions between boards have continued; however, service delivery and partnership arrangements are matters for individual NHS boards.

No formal partnership agreement has been reported to the Scottish Government between NHS Highland, NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isles for the delivery of these services. Each board has received its allocation of funding and continues to consider how best to develop support for its population, including through collaborative approaches where appropriate.

The Scottish Government has no plans at present to undertake such an assessment. Relevant evidence needs will continue to be considered as part of ongoing work to manage Scotland's seas.

Allegations relating to the burial of salmon mortalities at the Whiteshore Cockles Ltd site in North Uist are being investigated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) .

Whilst the Scottish Government does not hold the information requested, I understand that SEPA may be able to assist and I would encourage the member to contact the agency directly.

The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate is responsible for the enforcement of fisheries regulations in the Scottish zone. Officers investigated the incident, including analysis of the Remote Electronic Monitoring system (REM) from a vessel identified in the area at the time, no illegal fishing activities were identified and the investigation was closed.

There are no plans introduce an urgent Marine Conservation Order, the area is included in the Scottish Government’s consultation on proposed Fisheries management measures within Scottish inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas, which opened recently and runs until 18 January 2027. The Scottish Government encourages interested parties to contribute to this.