Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government did not reject any of the recommendations from the Transvaginal Mesh Case Record Review.

Recommendations 1, 2 and 5 were about how similar case record reviews might be conducted, and in particular how they might be conducted in a more cost-effective fashion. The Government has no plans to conduct further case record reviews.

Recommendations 3 and 16 were about training of General Practitioners and surgeons. Training about transvaginal mesh and possible complications has been made available to GPs in Scotland, and we continue to support the introduction of a GMC credential in mesh removal surgery.

Recommendation 4 was about a registry. It is being implemented by the establishment of a Scottish Pelvic Floor Registry and Audit Programme by Public Health Scotland. It will collect, understand, and measure data to improve pelvic floor services for women in Scotland, and contribute Scottish data to the UK-wide registry being progressed by NHS England. The SPFRAP will begin collecting data in 2026, with the first report expected in 2027.

Recommendations 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18 were about communication to and decision making with patients. NHS Scotland seeks to exemplify the implementation of these recommendations through the operation of the NHS Scotland Complex Mesh Surgical Service (CMSS). The CMSS forms part of a national, published patient pathway and its services are explained on a dedicated website and through other information resources. It places patient-centred decision-making at its core, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality decision aids, sufficient time to consider their options, and support in reaching a final decision about their treatment. Patients are contacted in advance of attending the service, encouraged to bring a companion, and invited to record consultations. All decisions are documented to ensure clarity between patient and clinician, and patients are offered postoperative photographs showing the mesh that has been removed. The service is committed to continuous improvement and regularly surveys patient experience. More generally, the Chief Medical Officer wrote, on October 2023, to Health Boards highlighting the report and emphasising the importance of fully informed consent in all circumstances. With respect to patients returning from the independent sector surgeons, these individuals will receive two follow-up telephone or video calls from their surgeon or specialist nurse post-operation. Any further aftercare will be provided by the patient’s local Health Board.

Recommendation 19 was about guidance on significant adverse events. Healthcare Improvement Scotland continues to improve guidance on significant adverse events.

Recommendations 20 and 21 were about collaboration between mesh centres in the UK. The CMSS in Glasgow continues to collaborate with other UK mesh centres to share and disseminate best practice.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-41296 on 10 November 2025. 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 S6W-41574 on 7 November 2025 . 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 Carer’s Assistance (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments, Revocation, Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 were passed by Parliament on 5 November 2025. From 15 March 2026, they extend entitlement to Carer Support Payment, Scottish Carer Supplement, and Carer Additional Person Payment for 12 weeks after the cared for person dies. As a result, unpaid carers in Scotland will get over £350 in extra support when compared to people receiving Carer’s Allowance, which is paid for 8 weeks after the cared for person dies, in the rest of the UK.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-41513 on 7 November 2025. The Taskforce currently plan to publish a strategic plan bringing together work from across Scottish Government to protect children and young people from online harms and promote positive online behaviours at the turn of the year. 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.

A total of £80,147 has been provided to fund the test cases.

A ‘South Asian production’ is a broad term which could span various languages, countries, art forms, and cultural contexts.

Generally the region is defined to include: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Regarding organisations and individuals that specifically described their project as ‘South Asian’ or referred to one of the countries that form South Asia, the following is a breakdown of the funding awards since 2022-23:

2022-23

• 19 approved awards for combined value of £413,653
• 10 unsuccessful applications requesting combined value of £229,635

Of these unsuccessful applications, 2 were recommended for funding (requesting £33,092)

2023-24

• 15 approved awards for combined value of £470,229
• 19 unsuccessful applications requesting combined value of £326,521

Of these unsuccessful applications, 12 were recommended for funding (requesting £203,081)

2024-25

• 19 approved awards for combined value of £367,359
• 27 unsuccessful applications requesting combined value of £1,087,174

Of these unsuccessful applications, 8 were recommended for funding (requesting £246,983)

2025-26 (to date)

• 6 approved awards for combined value of £91,199
• 4 applications that are pending decision for combined value of £202,882
• 8 unsuccessful applications requesting combined value of £138,302

Of these unsuccessful applications, 3 were recommended for funding (requesting combined value of £70,682)

Scottish Government funding and grant making is allocated across portfolios to various parts of the third sector to improve a wide range of outcomes. Some Scottish Government funding will be issued through third sector intermediary organisations.

Funding allocated to the third sector is not always specifically classified as such. Consequently, the information requested is not available.

Planning Circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans (LPPs), provides advice to community bodies on preparing Local Place Plans (LPPs). Our Local Development Plan Guidance (May 2023) clarifies the role and requirements of a LPP in the preparation of the local development plan.

The Place Standard Tool is an easy to use method for communities to engage on issues and assess the quality of their local place, including physical and social aspects, which can inform LPPs. The Scottish Government also provides grant funding to Planning Aid Scotland to support community engagement and participation in planning across Scotland, including preparation of LPPs. Wider sources of support are also available for example through the Strengthening Communities Programme.

Online resources and guides to support communities to prepare local place plans are available at Community-led Plans - Planning Aid Scotland.

CMAL, as vessel owner, sought competitive quotes on the open market for the recycling of the MV Hebridean Isles. Quotes were received from UK based suppliers which would have seen CMAL pay significant costs for the vessel to be recycled domestically.

Two notes of interest and one firm offer were received from EU bidders. CMAL confirmed the specialist knowledge, sustainable approach to recycling and track record of Smedegaarden A/S which is a dedicated recycling yard in Denmark. CMAL signed the contract with Smedegaarden A/S who have bought the vessel from CMAL ahead of recycling activity, providing guaranteed decommissioning work to the highest standards and better value to the public purse.