Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has long stressed that any organisation laying down breed standards must give paramount regard to the health and welfare of the dogs, including the need to avoid breed-specific health problems. We are working with partners such as the Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to address this issue, including by supporting the BVA’s current `#BreedtoBreathe` campaign.

Going forward, the Scottish Government is considering how we might act to raise awareness of such welfare considerations to those considering purchasing affected breeds. This may be as part of the communications campaign on the risks of buying puppies advertised on-line that we committed to in the 2017-18 Programme for Government. We are also considering developing guidance on this matter under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) already protects all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) from deliberate or reckless injury or killing.

The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 similarly protects seals from intentional or reckless injury or killing. There are some permitted exceptions but these are strictly limited and regulated.

The trial of electro-fishing for razor clams will be undertaken in 11 specified areas around the Scottish coast. A map of these areas is shown at annex A of the Marine Scotland letter of 27 June 2017, which can be viewed on the Scottish Government website (http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0052/00527863.pdf). These areas are likely to be subject to some further minor refinement as a result of discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage about steps necessary to protect priority marine features. Two areas in particular (Luce Bay and the Sound of Barra) have not been included in the trial from the outset while appropriate assessments are completed in relation to potential significant effects upon the marine environment in those areas.   The total area that is intended to be used for the trial (including Luce Bay and the Sound of Barra) is 5,410 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 8.7 per cent of the total area of inshore Scottish waters (where the inshore is bounded by the area12 miles from the coastline).

Two razor clam surveys were undertaken over the summer of 2017, in the Firth of Clyde and the Sound of Harris. The final report from these surveys will be published shortly. It is intended that the trial will also assist in building information about stock abundance across all the areas.

51 vessels submitted an application to participate in the scientific trial of electro-fishing for razor clams. Of these 26 have so far been invited to participate.

The scientific trial of electro-fishing is being conducted under carefully controlled conditions. Participant vessels are subject to limits on catch and on days at sea. The electrical equipment that may be used in the trial is only that which is specified by the Scottish Government in the trial terms and conditions, and which was subject to independent laboratory and at sea trials by Marine Scotland Science in 2014, where it was shown not to have any short-term lethal effects or prolonged behavioural effects on vertebrate or invertebrate species exposed to the electric field generated. Vessels are also being inspected prior to their participation in the trial. As the trial develops, these starting conditions will be supplemented in due course with further arrangements that may include places where landings may be made, arrangements for monitoring of vessel position and obligations for catch recording in addition to the statutory requirements.

Marine Scotland is also working closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure that particular steps are taken to avoid interaction with priority marine features, such as sea grass, and for such features to be reported where they are encountered. The Scottish Government will provide further updates on the progress of the trial as it develops.

The Scottish Government is developing a shortlist of experts who will be invited to sit on the panel. We plan to announce the Chair shortly along with details of what the panel will be asked to consider, with disposable cups and plastic straws being early priorities.

Decisions on the Regularly Funded Organisations are a matter for Creative Scotland. Details of the 116 organisations in the 2018-21 Network, and their Local Authority areas, are available on the Creative Scotland website http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/latest-information/funded-organisations/regularly-funded-organisations-2018-21/the-regular-funding-network-2018-21. Creative Scotland’s Board are due to review their decisions and I have asked Creative Scotland's Chief Executive Janet Archer to respond to the member with details including about unsuccessful funding applications.