Chamber and committees

It is the responsibility of the organisation that fitted the EV charging point(s) to ensure that they are fitted to the correct standard, meeting any regulations and restrictions associated with such devices. This should also be informed by a risk assessment carried out by a competent risk assessor. It is the responsibility of Local Authority Building Control to verify construction projects against the relevant requirements.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service proactively assess the risks of lithium-ion batteries in buildings through incident analysis and provides information and training to operational crews. Where appropriate, businesses and communities are provided with further safety information and guidance.

In addition, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to engage with the Scottish Government and other partners to consider emerging technologies and research relating to electric vehicle fires.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.

Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence provides opportunities across school education for children and young people to deepen their understanding of culture and identity in Scotland (and the wider world) and this can be found in areas such as history, expressive arts, literacy, English and social studies. Within social studies for example is a specific commitment to develop understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland, and an appreciation of local and national heritage within the world.

Colleges operate independently of Government, and as such, it is for them to decide on the shape of their curriculum, taking into account the needs of the region and communities they serve.

Similarly Universities, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own course provision and it is for them to decide how to distribute the allocation of funded places between faculties and courses. However the Scottish Government is supportive of post-school provision that promotes Intangible Cultural Heritage principles, such as the Cultural Heritage Futures interdisciplinary degree delivered by the University of Edinburgh.

As the member is aware, the Gaelic and Scots languages contain a wealth of cultural and artistic expression which make an important contribution to Scotland’s diverse linguistic heritage, rich cultural life and to our Intangible Cultural Heritage. These forms of expression are protected and promoted by a number of bodies and institutions in Scottish public life and this support enables schools, colleges and universities to have access to these resources. A wide range of bodies are involved in this task and in relation to Gaelic and Scots, Fèisean nan Gidheal, Tobar an Dualchais, Scots Language Centre and Dictionaries of the Scots Language are among the bodies that have a key role.

Museums Galleries Scotland, the national development body for Scotland’s museum sector, also distributes grant funding provided by the Scottish Government to support accredited museums in Scotland, including those hosted by Scottish universities, which can also showcase living heritage.

The general Intangible Cultural Heritage principles of transparent collaboration, open communication, mutual respect and inclusivity are intrinsic to the way the Scottish Government operates. From the National Performance Framework values to the Programme for Government’s key priorities of equality, opportunity and community, the Scottish Government is committed to transparency and respect as we work with and for all the people of Scotland.

Scotland’s strategy for the Historic Environment “Our Past our Future” sets out a national mission to sustain and enhance the benefits of Scotland’s historic environment, for people and communities both now and into the future. Be that through the Intangible Cultural Heritage of local stories, traditions, rituals, crafts, customs, music, poetry and languages Gaelic, Scots, as well as the languages spoken by Scotland’s migrant communities which are all essential to understanding and passing on our shared living heritage.

However, Intangible Cultural Heritage does not exist independently from the people who create and enact it, and who identify with it. Therefore, it is important that our local communities take the lead to shape our Intangible Cultural Heritage and lead from the ground up to define and share cultural practices and customs.

The Scottish Government has no plans at present to develop such a framework for living heritage/ Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Living heritage is protected through the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Protection and Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The convention has virtually global coverage, with over 180 nations signed up. However, despite Scottish Government encouragement the UK remained one of a very few countries that had not ratified until the UK Government announced their intention to ratify on 23 December 2023.

The Scottish Government has been a vocal supporter in recognising the intrinsic value of our Intangible Cultural Heritage and is pleased that Scotland already has an online Intangible Cultural Heritage inventory at https://ichscotland.org/ with ongoing collaborative work continuing between Museums Galleries Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, Creative Scotland and local communities throughout Scotland.

Going forwards, the Scottish Government will work with the other UK nations alongside key Scottish stakeholders to develop methods to incorporate Scottish living heritage entries into a Scottish list and a UK wide list.

The Scottish Government has been a vocal supporter in recognising the intrinsic value of our Intangible Cultural Heritage and is pleased that Scotland already has an online inventory at https://ichscotland.org/ with ongoing collaborative work continuing between Museums Galleries Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland and Creative Scotland.

With the UK Government’s notified intention to ratify the UNESCO convention for safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, the Scottish Government will work with the other UK nations alongside key Scottish stakeholders to develop methods to incorporate Scottish entries into a Scottish list and a UK wide list.

The announcement in the Scottish Budget 2024-25 signalled the Scottish Government’s intent to explore the reintroduction of a Public Health Supplement for large retailers in advance of the next Budget. The exploratory work will be carried out in compliance with the Framework for Tax, including engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

The Scottish Government is committed to keeping all Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) policy reforms under review to ensure that the NDR system delivers the most competitive environment to do business whilst also supporting our communities. The Basic Property Rate will be frozen in 2024-25 for the second year in a row, maintaining the lowest such rate in the UK for the sixth year in a row. Over 95% of properties in Scotland - those with a rateable value up to and including £100,000 - will continue to liable for a lower non-domestic rate than anywhere else in the UK in 2024-25.

Scottish Government has no plans to reintroduce previous guidance on the extended use of face masks in hospitals and care homes or use in public spaces.

Our guidance remains the same; if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others – if you do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering. You may also wish to consider wearing, and you may be asked to wear a face covering in other settings.

Advice about the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (including face masks) in health and social care settings is contained in guidance from Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland – the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NICPM) and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM). This advice, which is based on the current stage of the pandemic and the availability of vaccines and treatments, recommends a person-centred approach based on clinical need and risk assessment.

As part of our enhanced surveillance systems, we continue to monitor, assess and be ready to respond to COVID-19 and other health threats. Any change in response will be driven by the data and evidence gathered, as well as expert advice.

The announcement in the Scottish Budget 2024-25 signalled the Scottish Government’s intent to explore the reintroduction of a Public Health Supplement for large retailers in advance of the next Budget. As set out in the 2024-25 Scottish Budget publication, the Scottish Government has however committed to introduce or explore six new taxes. These comprise three national taxes: Scottish Aggregates Tax, Air Departure Tax, and a Building Safety Levy; and three local taxes: Visitor Levy, Cruise Liner Levy, and a Local Carbon Land Tax.