Chamber and committees

The programme guidance and qualifying criteria for applications to secure funding as part of the European Social Fund Operational Programme 2014 to 2020 does not propose to exclude SCQF level 5 and 6 courses. Each application for funding will be carefully assessed to ensure that the skills that are proposed to be delivered align with the objectives of the programme and adequately tackle skills shortages and key sector needs in each region of Scotland.

It is the responsibility of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to submit applications for access to European funding as part of the Developing Scotland’s Workforce Strategic Intervention. SFC and SDS must ensure that their applications align with the thematic objectives and priorities of the European Social Fund Operational Programme 2014 to 2020 and adequately tackle skills shortages and key sector needs in each region of Scotland. The Scottish Government can confirm the continuation of SCQF level 5 and 6 courses as part of the Developing Scotland’s Workforce Strategic Intervention.

The contract notice for the town centre Gourock to Dunoon Ferry Services was submitted to Public Contracts Scotland today for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This is the first formal step in taking forward a competition for the next Gourock to Dunoon Ferry Services contract. The Contract Notice invites potential operators to provide evidence of their suitability to tender for the public service contract to operate these services for a period of up to twelve years, effective from 30 June 2017.

William Swann submitted his resignation direct to Scottish Ministers. The reasons for his resignation are a private matter for Mr Swann.

The Scottish Government is aware of these comments, which were made supplementary to a debate on an amendment. That amendment was not supported on the grounds that it would take what was a matter for the will of individual crofters out of their hands. The amendment was not voted on and was withdrawn.

The Scottish Government also notes that in the debate the Minister of State for Scotland, Lord Kirkhill, was of the view, separately from the statutory provisions on apportionment of shares in a common grazing forming part of land that is resumed, that individual crofters might agree voluntary arrangements regarding their share being mandated to the grazing committee and that this would be a matter for the individual crofters and subject to being acceptable to all parties concerned.

A framework document, April 2016 to March 2018, has been established and agreed with the Crofting Commission. This defines key roles, responsibilities and accountabilities which underpin the relationship between the Crofting Commission and the Scottish Government. Amongst other things the framework document highlights the need to demonstrate high standards of corporate governance, including openness and transparency in its decision making. The framework document can be found at: http://www.crofting.scotland.gov.uk/userfiles/file/Act_and_Policy/Framework-Document-April-2016-March-2018.pdf

The Scottish Government holds regular meetings with the Crofting Commission as part of its normal arrangements in building and maintaining effective relationships. During such meetings a range of matters are discussed including corporate governance and current issues.

The Scottish Government is in discussions with crofting stakeholders including the Scottish Crofting Federation, with whom it had a very useful meeting just recently. The Scottish Government has asked the Crofting Commission to contact Michael Russell, MSP, directly on this point.

The final decision on the proposed windfarms at Glenbarr in Kintyre (Section 36 Creggan Wind Farm application and the Blary Hill Wind Farm planning appeal) will be made by Scottish Ministers, who will consider the reporters’ reports of findings and recommendations. The reporters aim to complete their reports for submission to Scottish Ministers during July. The reporters’ reports will be published alongside the Scottish Ministers determinations on these windfarms.

Part 4 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 does not set out a procedure for public objections to the inclusion of a body or company in the register of letting agents. However, it does require Scottish Ministers to have regard to all the circumstances of the case when deciding if an applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to the register. We are therefore working with a variety of stakeholders to see what administrative procedures can be put in place to deal with matters raised by members of the public.