I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-34637 on 25 June 2010. All the answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The information requested is not centrally collected.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-34637 on 25 June 2010. All the answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The Scottish Government is leading work with key stakeholders to develop a package of measures designed to reduce demand for temporary medical staff and, where their use is unavoidable, ensure they are both high quality and affordable. These measures are currently under consultation with NHSScotland chief executives and are due to be published later this year. These measures will help boards to prioritise recruitment in specific areas where they have high levels of need.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-34585 on 25 June 2010. All the answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

In March 2010 we reminded NHS boards of the need to comply with the existing code of practice for the management of temporary medical staff. We accept Audit Scotland''s subsequent recommendation that the code of practice should be updated. We are currently consulting with NHSScotland chief executives on a package of measures designed to reduce demand for temporary medical staff and, where their use is unavoidable, ensure they are both high quality and affordable. These proposals, developed by a group which includes key stakeholders including NHS representatives, and the British Medical Association, will address issues around performance management of locums. Final guidance for boards on the implementation of the proposals expected to be published later this year.

This information is not held centrally.

We require special consideration to be given for cyclists in all new trunk road schemes and within improvements to existing trunk roads. The new Scottish Planning Policy also requires that the needs of cyclists and the promotion of sustainable modes of transport are fully considered in land use development proposals that impact on trunk roads.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) transferred the land and assets on Rum to the Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT) in two phases, March 2009 and March 2010. IRCT are now responsible for developing economic activity on the island.

The priorities for Scottish Government funding towards the provision of affordable housing is determined by the relevant local authority, in this case the Highland Council, through their published local housing strategy.

Consequently should IRCT wish to utilise any Scottish Government grants, first contact should be with Highland Council in order to assess the priority for housing investment in Rum, based on key indicators, including housing demand and need.

The Scottish Government recognises the unique challenges that face Scotland''s rural and island communities - including those on the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna - and is committed to ensuring that appropriate support is provided to enable them to seize the opportunities available and allow them to take control of their own development going forward.

Support is available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), a £1.5 billion programme to develop all parts of rural Scotland. The LEADER scheme is one part of the SRDP. It provides a bottom up approach to delivery of innovative approaches to rural problems. LEADER Local Action Groups are based in 95% of rural Scotland and cover all of the remote rural areas. Local Action Groups are a local partnership of local public agencies working in the rural field and private  socio-economic individuals or businesses.

Further to this, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Scottish Government''s economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands, has a Strengthening Communities remit, which recognises that social and economic development are complementary in achieving growth in remote, sparsely populated areas. HIE''s Growth at the Edge/Fas aig an Oir initiative is undertaken across all of HIE''s fragile communities and involves a higher rate of financial assistance, Community Account Management, assistance to social enterprises and voluntary organisations with aspirations to grow into social enterprises, and selective assistance to small private businesses which have clear community as well as economic benefit.

Schools, provide a strong focal point for the whole community, and are a major factor in ensuring sustainability in remote areas. Local access to educational opportunities plays an important role in creating a wealthier and fairer Scotland, particularly in island communities where the range of opportunities and services available locally may already be less than is available in urban areas. That is why the Scottish Government has legislated to update and strengthen the statutory consultation process required when education authorities are considering changes to their school estate and provides for authorities in rural areas to have a special regard to prescribed factors before proposing the closure of one of their schools. This effectively creates a legislative presumption against the closure of a rural school by making such a decision one of last resort and supports viable and sustainable rural communities.