Chamber and committees

The project team did not consider the Woodland Carbon Code, green finance or Biodiversity Net Gain when developing the project scope, (noting that Biodiversity Net Gain does not apply in Scotland). However, the team will consider how these factors affect the protection of ancient woodlands as it develops the Register and engages with stakeholders and users.

The project team has not yet determined the methodology, format or update frequency for ancient woodland condition reporting. Developing these elements will form a substantial part of the project's work. The Register will provide outputs, including the spatial data layer, in an open, accessible, updatable and machine-readable format to maximise their usefulness. The team will follow the FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable—and use recognised UK geospatial standards when developing the specification.

The views of communities and other key stakeholders will be sought during the consultation outlined in the answer to question S7W-01577 on 23 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.

The Register of Ancient Woodlands will present location data, condition assessments and restoration requirements for all recognised ancient woodlands in Scotland. The Register will help decision-makers prevent further loss or reduction in the extent of ancient woodlands through development or inappropriate management, and it will support efforts to bring all ancient woodlands into acceptable condition.

The Register of Ancient Woodlands will provide up-to-date information on the location and condition of ancient woodlands, enabling decision-makers, including planners, to make effective decisions that support their protection. The Register will also help land managers identify ancient woodlands that require intervention and target management support more effectively.

NatureScot and Scottish Forestry will lead consultation with stakeholders to examine how they use the existing Ancient Woodland Inventory and identify barriers to its use. This work will inform a stakeholder requirements catalogue, which will guide development and delivery of the Register.

A total of £75,000 has been committed to this project, £50,000 by NatureScot split over 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, and £25,000 from Scottish Forestry for 2026-2027. Future budget beyond 2027-2028 has not yet been committed.

As per answer for S7W-01554 The Loch Lomond Byelaws, which came into force on 1 November 2024, contain the following powers in relation to jet skis and powered vessels:

• Mandatory User Registration – any person in charge of a powered vessel (including jet skis) must register their personal details and vessel with the National Park Authority. Registered vehicles must display the unique, highly visible identification stickers;
• Low Speed Zones – Vessels (jet skis) must stay below 6 kph in Low Speed Zones to avoid generating a wake and prevent collisions with paddleboarders and swimmers. These are located in high-traffic or mixed use areas of the loch at Balloch Castle Country Park, Duck Bay, Manse Bay, Milarrochy Bay, Luss, Sallachy and Rowardennan. There is also a speed limit of 11kph around the southern islands;
• If an alleged byelaw contravention is assessed to be worthy of charging an individual, LLTNPA will report the case directly to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which can result in a defendant gaining a criminal record if they are found guilty.

The Loch Lomond Byelaws, which came into force on 1 November 2024, contain the following powers in relation to jet skis and powered vessels:

• Mandatory User Registration – any person in charge of a powered vessel (including jet skis) must register their personal details and vessel with the National Park Authority. Registered vehicles must display the unique, highly visible identification stickers;
• Low Speed Zones – Vessels (jet skis) must stay below 6kph in Low Speed Zones to avoid generating a wake and prevent collisions with paddleboarders and swimmers. These are located in high-traffic or mixed use areas of the loch at Balloch Castle Country Park, Duck Bay, Manse Bay, Milarrochy Bay, Luss, Sallachy and Rowardennan. There is also a speed limit of 11kph around the southern islands;
• If an alleged byelaw contravention is assessed to be worthy of charging an individual, LLTNPA will report the case directly to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which can result in a defendant gaining a criminal record if they are found guilty.

As of June, there has been 51 cases raised with the Procurator Fiscal in 2026. There were 26 cases reported in 2025 and 14 in 2024.