Chamber and committees

At this stage, it is not possible to confirm the precise level of cycle space provision on the new trains, as these details will be informed by manufacturers’ bids. The specification for new rolling stock will fully reflect the requirement for appropriate and accessible cycle storage.

In developing the specification, Transport Scotland and rail industry partners will balance provision for cycles alongside other essential passenger requirements, including seating capacity, toilets, wheelchair spaces, priority and family-friendly seating, door layouts and luggage storage. This balanced approach ensures that the overall configuration of new trains best meets the needs of passengers across the network.

ScotRail regularly engages representative groups, including those representing cyclists, to understand and balance customer needs.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

A robust analytical process is underway to evaluate the impact of removing ScotRail peak fares. It will take some time to be able to meaningfully analyse the impact of this £35m Scottish Government investment.

We anticipate that we will be able to share emerging findings after the policy has been in place for at least 6 months, with further reporting towards the end of the year due to how sensitive patronage and revenue are to external factors such as pricing and weather.

While an operational matter for ScotRail, the Scottish Government expects ScotRail to ensure that the services it provides meet the passenger demand.

In Scotland Under The Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016 all owners are legally obligated to ensure their dog’s microchip details are recorded on a compliant database, and to keep their dog’s microchip details up to date.

Any owner who has not microchipped their dog in accordance with the 2016 Regulations could face a fine of up to £500.

Under the 2016 Regulations all dogs in Scotland must be microchipped and the details recorded on a compliant database, regardless of breed. If a dog is not microchipped or that chip is registered with a non-compliant database the owner could be fined up to £500.

The Scottish Government has not made an estimate of the number of jobs that could be created by a ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk. This is a commercial consideration for the prospective ferry operator and port authority.

Any new ferry service will be required to comply with UK employment laws, including the Seafarers’ Wages Act 2023. Until such time as employment law is devolved, we will continue to do whatever we can with the levers we have to promote trade union recognition and collective bargaining, at both local and sectoral levels, to achieve improved conditions and enhance effective voice.

The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution the Iain Findlay Path Fund has made in supporting local path improvements across Scotland. While this fund comes to an end in 2025- 26, we will continue to support the delivery of paths and other active travel infrastructure through our tiered Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. This model enables local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and National Park Authorities to develop and deliver the infrastructure that best meets local and regional needs.

In addition to this there are a number of funds throughout Scotland that contribute to access and recreational use pathways, including the Forestry Grant Scheme, the Historic Environment Grants Programme, and funding managed through our National & Regional Park Authorities.

The Scottish Government has not made an estimate of the level of public funding required for a ferry service between Scotland and continental Europe. The costs of any such service are a commercial matter for ferry operators to consider. The Scottish Government is open to discussions with ferry operators and other stakeholders about proposals for new ferry services. However, the possibility of public support would depend on the strength of the business case, the availability of funding and compliance with subsidy control rules and other relevant regulations.

As set out within our NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan, we are committed to improving patient flow throughout the system, reducing delays for admission to and discharge from acute settings and bring down length of stay for patients. This is being done through, for example, optimising alternatives to hospital admission, ensuring discharge planning takes place from the point of admission, reducing delays to inpatient investigations and developing remote investigation services. The development and expansion of Hospital at Home and front door frailty services are playing a central role in supporting this shift in the balance of care and reduce hospital occupancy.