Chamber and committees

We have aimed to strike a balance between introducing restrictions, while still enabling fireworks to be used safely in appropriate circumstances. We have already implemented four out of the six key measures provided for within the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. These include:

• A prohibition on providing or making available fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to children;
• A statutory aggravation for courts sentencing offenders where fireworks have been used to attack emergency workers;
• Discretionary powers for local authorities to designate firework control zones; and
• New offences of possession of pyrotechnics in public places and at designated venues and events.

After careful consideration and assessment, the introduction of a licensing scheme and restricting sales days were paused due to significant financial and resource implications. We are, however, keeping the pauses under review, and will continue to assess how existing measures are having an impact.

The Scottish Government continues to work with partners throughout the year in addressing the misuse of fireworks. I welcome that Police Scotland reported a more peaceful and safe Bonfire Night period in comparison to recent years and that they recorded an almost 37 per cent reduction in calls relating to fireworks offences compared to the previous year. I commend the important preparatory and preventative work of Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local authorities, including the introduction of firework control zones, which all contributed to a safer Bonfire Night.

We continue to keep the operation of the legislation under review. As the sale of fireworks is a reserved matter, I also continue to engage with UK Ministers to ensure that the Scottish Government is kept closely updated on the UK Government’s plans in relation to fireworks, including on its consideration of a Private Members’ Fireworks Bill which calls for stricter rules for fireworks sellers and a reduced noise limit from fireworks.

The pilot committed to in the Population Health Framework (PHF) will represent the first phase of the roll out of a national programme. The Scottish Government has commissioned Screening Oversight and Assurance Scotland to plan and implement this. Due to the size and scale of the programme and the complexities involved, a multi-disciplinary Programme Board has been established to ensure that the roll out both improves outcomes while remaining sustainable for the wider NHS.

The Board met for the first time on 12 December, and will act as the vehicle to plan the scope and timing of the first phase. It is anticipated that the initial roll out will focus on inviting eligible individuals in areas experiencing the highest levels of socio-economic deprivation, as evidence shows that they are at higher risk of lung cancer, and have poorer outcomes.

This first phase is currently estimated to cost approximately £3.5 million, although this is subject to change depending on further planning discussions.

The lung screening Scottish Expert Advisory Group estimated that full implementation could take 7-10 years due to the complexities of establishing a screening programme of this size, which is also recognised by the UK NSC.

The link below shows the number of ongoing waits for Cardiology for Inpatient/Daycase Admission and New Outpatient Appointments at 30 June 2025 (latest) latest published statistics – this can be found under the 'data files' heading.

The first table is the waiting list size at month end for Cardiology Inpatient/Day case Admission and New Outpatient Appointments along with the median waiting time (days) at 30 June 2025 (latest). This information can be found at latest published statistics.

The second table shows the whole time equivalent and headcount of cardiologists at 30 June 2025 (latest). This information is available at NHS Education for Scotland NHS Scotland workforce | Turas Data Intelligence.

Whilst the Scottish Government sets the strategic policy direction for the NHS in Scotland, operational matters including staffing to dermatology services are in the first instance the responsibility of the relevant NHS board.

NHS Boards are required to undertake workforce planning to ensure a full range of services are provided, including dermatology. These plans should align with the National Workforce Strategy.

In addition, they are asked to provide findings to us with regards to particular workforce shortages, where dermatology was identified.

In response, and as part of the £200 million additional funding announced as part of the Programme for Government to deliver reductions to waiting lists and improve patient flow through hospitals, we have allocated an additional £4 million funding to Health Boards to increase capacity for dermatology services, improving access to services and helping to reduce long waits. We are also implementing digital innovations such as image-based referrals to reduce face-to-face demand.

In addition to the previously announced £106 million investment to address long waits for planned care, the Government has committed a further £4 million to deliver extra dermatology activity. This will help to increase capacity for dermatology services and reduce long waits, and will primarily be focused on introducing additional workforce, extra clinics in evenings and weekends.

This will support a planned:

4,100 new outpatient appointments; and

1,500 ‘see and treat’ appointments.

This funding will also provide photo-triage of up to 8,300 digital images, allowing clinicians to triage, diagnose and assess some skin conditions, leading to a better and quicker service for patients.

This builds on our investment of £1.8m for our national digital dermatology programme which helps reduce long waits for outpatient appointments in dermatology.

All Territorial Boards can now provide their GPs with access to the new Digital Dermatology Pathway. Supplier data suggests that as of Friday 18th July, 627 GP practices (71%) across 13 Territorial Boards have access to the pathway, of which 423 have used this to capture images as part of a referral to secondary care. The remaining Territorial Board has an existing pathway in place.

The Scottish Government is responsible for setting the strategic policy direction for NHS Scotland and its workforce. Operational matters, including the staffing of individual services, are the responsibility of each NHS Scotland Health Board.

Workforce statistics, including statistics on certain roles within dermatology services across NHS Scotland, can be found at: NHS Scotland workforce | Turas Data Intelligence

The Scottish Government works with a stakeholder group (which includes NHS Education for Scotland, the British Medical Association, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and various Health Board representatives including regional workforce planners) to undertake annual reviews of the number of specialty training places (for resident doctors) needed across all specialties (including dermatology) in order to meet anticipated future service demand and consultant need.

At a local level, the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 places duties on Health Boards to ensure that at all times suitably qualified and competent individuals are working in such numbers as are appropriate for the health, wellbeing and safety of patients, the provision of high-quality care and the wellbeing of staff.