Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government does not currently hold comprehensive data from tracking or monitoring technologies to measure the spatial extent and intensity of bottom-contact fishing activity across the under-12 metre fleet operating in inshore coastal waters.

Improving the availability of spatial fisheries data is a key commitment within the Scottish Government's Fisheries Management Strategy, including the increased use of inshore tracking devices (I-VMS) on under 12 metre vessels.

Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) systems support comprehensive fisheries data collection through the use of cameras, sensors and Global Positioning System technology to independently monitor fishing activity at sea. While REM is a key component of the Fisheries Management Strategy, the Scottish Government is taking a risk based and proportionate approach to its implementation, recognising that the technology is not necessary or appropriate for all vessel types and fisheries, and that alternative approaches, such as vessel tracking technologies, may in some cases provide the data required.

The Scottish Government understands the important role of the credit union sector in providing access to fair and affordable financial products and services to their members, including those who may be otherwise financially excluded.

The Scottish Government assesses the effectiveness of fisheries management measures using a range of scientific monitoring programmes, indicators and statutory assessments, drawing on evidence collected by the Marine Directorate (MD), NatureScot, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), academic institutions and other partners. Assessments are undertaken at both the site level, including within the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, and at wider scales.

1.Seabed condition is measured through seabed habitat surveys, habitat mapping, and condition assessments, including monitoring of protected seabed features and the effects of physical disturbance.

2.Biodiversity is assessed through monitoring of marine species and habitats including, fish, seabirds, marine mammals, and benthic and pelagic habitats. Data are collated from a range of programmes including bycatch monitoring, seabird monitoring, trawl surveys, plankton monitoring, and benthic habitat monitoring.

3.The status of fish and shellfish populations is determined on a regular cycle for those commercial fish and shellfish stocks which are the subject of quantitative stock assessments, provided either from the ICES or internally from the MD. Data for these are collated from commercial fisheries, and research-vessel or other surveys.

4.Ecosystems are measured using a range of indicators that bring together evidence on habitats, fish populations, plankton, and marine food webs. These assessments draw on several scientific monitoring programmes and contribute to wider assessments of environmental status.

I refer the member to the answers to questions S7W-02383 and S7W-02384 on 1 September 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01802 on 14 August 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found athttps://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01802 on 14 August 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found athttps://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

This information is not held centrally.

Officials are working with Environmental Standards Scotland to look at the need for a definition taking into account current and future policies and guidance.

As the member is aware from my answers to his previous questions (most recently S7W-00613 on 8 June 2026), this work is on-going and is not at a point that it can be shared with Parliament. It is important that the work considers fully the consequences of any policy changes given the potential costs falling to customers of the investment consequences.

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 question S7W-01397 made no specific reference to Barclays Bank, and the answer set out that nine banks had been appointed to a framework to support delivery of its bond programme – with HSBC, Bank of America, NatWest, and RBC appointed as joint bookrunners for the inaugural bond issuance.

The procurement process was assessed against the relevant procurement requirements, including the applicable exclusion grounds and selection criteria.

Motion S6M-18686 calls for a package of boycotts, divestment and sanctions in relation to Israel and companies considered in certain activities. Following the vote on that motion, the Scottish Government announced in September 2025 a comprehensive package of economic and humanitarian measures, within the limits of the Scottish Government’s devolved powers. Support for defence companies involved in Israel halted - gov.scot

In February 2026, Scottish Procurement Policy Note (SPPN) 3/2026 updated guidance on the consideration of human rights and grave professional misconduct in procurement procedures. The guidance reiterates the Scottish Ministers’ view that the exploitation of assets in illegally occupied territories may constitute grave professional misconduct and could provide grounds for exclusion. However, any decision to exclude a supplier must be made on a case-by-case basis, based on all relevant evidence and in accordance with procurement law.

The Scottish Government continues to undertake due diligence in relation to the bond programme and will continue to consider all relevant evidence and market developments as this work progresses.