Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government understands that distance to an abattoir can be a challenge in some places. There are a number of factors at play, including Scotland’s geography, reflected in the fact that Scotland’s population density is 70 per square kilometre and 9.2 in the Highland council area, compared with 395 in England and Wales. Travel from Scotland’s islands to a mainland abattoir is also a consideration. We recognise these challenges which is why our Small Producers Pilot Fund plays a key role in facilitating access to abattoirs across the country and especially in rural and island areas. This has included funding for private kill coordinators to support the efficient transport of livestock, as well as support for groups seeking to undertake feasibility studies. Throughput is of course vital in this regard to ensure that plants are fit for purpose and have a viable future.

Since its launch in December 2023, the Small Producers Pilot Fund (SPPF) received £180,000 in initial funding, followed by £1 million allocated for both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

To date, £581,488 has been distributed: £273,209 in 2023–2024, £274,657.74 in 2024–2025, and £33,621.26 so far in 2025–2026.

This year, we have committed additional allocations including £200,000 for the Practical Training Fund, £500,000 in capital investment, and £55,000 to support the Small Producer Info Hub. Applications have already been received from several abattoirs, with combined value of £236,000, and ministers remain open to further submissions.

None.

Since its launch in December 2023, the Small Producer Pilot Fund (SPPF) has not provided direct funding for the construction of new small-scale abattoirs. Instead, it is designed to support small producers by offering flexible financial assistance and connections to local food supply chains, abattoirs, and small businesses across Scotland.

The SPPF is a pilot support mechanism co-designed with the Ministerially appointed Small Producer Steering Group. It aims to strengthen local supply chains and improve access to private kill services, by empowering small producers to play a key role in realising our Vision for Agriculture.

The Marine Directorate is currently undertaking a project to replace the two oldest vessels in its fleet: the Marine Research Vessel (MRV) Scotia and Marine Protection Vessel (MPV) Minna, both of which are approaching the end of their operational service lives.

A procurement Prior Information Notice (PIN) was issued in June 2025 signalling the Scottish Government's intention to initiate a formal procurement process. Further details will be shared as the project develops.

The Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government currently owns a total of three Marine Protection Vessels (MPVs) — Hirta, Jura and Minna — which form the core of Scotland’s offshore marine protection fleet.

In addition, the Directorate owns nine rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) assigned to these protection vessels and two inshore RIBs, Ailsa and Iona, which are used within the Inshore Protection Programme.

For scientific and monitoring work, the Directorate owns two Marine Research Vessels (MRVs) — Scotia and Alba na Mara — supported by four smaller research and survey craft: Dignity, Temora, Kit Kat and Teip Dearg.

The Marine Directorate currently has three Marine Protection Vessels (Hirta, Jura and Minna) in service. None of these large protection vessels are presently out of service, although individual rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) that support them are subject to routine maintenance and rotation. At present, one RIB (RIB7) is undergoing repair at McKay Marine in Aberdeen, and one other (RIB9) is held in reserve awaiting redeployment.

Of the Marine Research Vessels, Scotia and Alba na Mara are both operational, supported by four smaller survey craft (Dignity, Temora, Kit Kat and Teip Dearg), all of which are in service.

(a) Details of Scottish Government spend on promotion through social media influencers in each year since 2021 to date are as follows.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects data on the destinations of graduates 15 months after graduation via the Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey is voluntary and hence does not represent the outcomes of all graduates from each year.

The following table now includes NHS Western Isles which was excluded previously due to the rounding policy. The HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey had no responses from graduates who were working for NHS Western Isles.

Scottish NHS Health Board of Clinical Medicine graduates, from Scottish providers, who said they worked in the NHS 15 months after graduating, 2020-21 to 2022-23

There are no funds aimed specifically at improving farm security. Farmers and Crofters can choose how to invest in their business from existing funding mechanisms, for example the Basic Payment Scheme which is worth around £282 million annually. Investment which could include measures for improving farm security.

Penalty clauses are not enforceable in Scots law and, as such, there are no penalties in the R100 Contracts.

However, Openreach is only paid for build once it has been completed and figures have been audited. This action incentivises Openreach to build as quickly as possible.