Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government expects primary care clinicians to refer to the Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer (SRGs) when reviewing an individual with any suspected cancer symptom.

The Scottish Government's position is that animal use in scientific research and testing should be minimised through the adoption of the 3Rs principles - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. We encourage the adoption of alternatives to the use of animals and believe that these alternative approaches should be prioritised whenever possible.

Public Health Scotland published data on 28 July, this can be accessed online- General practice walk-in centres - month ending 30 June 2026 - General practice walk-in centres - Publications - Public Health Scotland.

The Scottish Government does not hold any information beyond that published annually by the UK Government on the Animals in Science Regulation Unit web site.

The Scottish Government has received a range of advice over the course of the bond programme to support careful development of its borrowing plans.

The Scottish Government would act responsibly and honour its obligations in the event of constitutional change.

Publishing any indicative credit spread prior to an inaugural issuance risks compromising the final pricing that could be achieved. For these reasons, the Scottish Government will not publicly comment on the potential spread of the first bond issuance.

The Scottish Government has a total programme budget of £2.1 million for 2026-27. Costs are expected to remain within this budget.

In any subsequent year in which Scottish Bonds are issued, programme costs are not expected to exceed the 2026-27 requirement.

Transport Scotland has reviewed the Detailed Options Appraisal Report for the Newburgh Transport Appraisal produced for SEStran and the Newburgh Train Station Campaign.

I expect to receive official advice soon, which will determine further action and next steps.

The Marine Directorate continuously reviews to ensure that its duties and functions are being discharged in accordance with all relevant existing regulatory regimes and legislative requirements. This includes all requirements under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. No dedicated review or reform of the Directorate is therefore expected in this regard as it is already considered as part of the Directorate’s business as usual approaches.

Marine Directorate - Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT) has concluded enquiries into the possible pollution incident at Loch Hourn. The outcome is currently under review and findings will be confirmed by the end of August 2026.