I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21068 on 14 September 2023. 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 Scottish Government does not routinely gather or centrally hold information on the total number and value of contracts awarded by executive agencies to consulting companies. As executive agencies have a degree of independence from central government information of this nature will be held more locally and can be attained by approaching the bodies directly.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of biodiversity and nature restoration, and the urgent need for action at home and abroad to tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. This is why our Global Affairs Framework makes clear that Scotland will play its full role, engaging with international networks on biodiversity protection and nature restoration to make positive contributions and cooperate with others.

Our biodiversity strategy sets out our vision to be nature-positive, halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and reversing declines by 2045. Achieving these goals will require significant efforts and – as part of these – we will continue to implement our international obligations, engage with international partners to cooperate and share best practice, and actively participate in multilateral fora where possible.

As set out in the Programme for Government 2023-24, the Scottish Government has committed £3,03m in 2023-26 to progressing the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care, which is expected to launch in October 2023.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21068 on‎ 14 September 2023. 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 recognise the need for urgent action in Inverclyde following the publication of the National Records of Scotland data on alcohol-specific deaths during 2022. It shows that with 28 deaths Inverclyde had the highest age standardised mortality rate for alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland – at 33 per 100,000 of population.

We are providing and will continue to provide funding to statutory and community services operating in Inverclyde as part of the Government’s plan to help tackle this public health emergency. We have committed to continue our financial support to the Inverclyde Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service as well as supporting the contributions made by community Link Workers and others working in the local area. We will also continue to provide support through accessible community Funds to local initiatives such as Moving On, which I visited earlier this month, to hear from people impacted by alcohol and drugs.

I am fully committed to do everything in my power to tackle alcohol-related deaths in Scotland, working with partners including Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships and third sector organisations to ensure that local needs are met, and that funding is making the maximum impact in all local areas.

Scottish Government is committed to tackling the stigma around all aspects of problem substance use, including that associated with seeking support and treatment. We published our Stigma Action Plan on 12 January 2023 as part of the Cross government response to the Drug Deaths Taskforce. The founding principle of our Stigma Action Plan is that we can do more to support people affected by drugs and alcohol. We have long emphasised that drug dependency is a health condition and now is time to put that into practice. The stigma action plan outlines how we will turn principles into action by developing a voluntary accreditation scheme to tackle structural stigma; and implementing a national programme of activity to challenge social stigma. We will co-design the programme and accreditation scheme with people with lived, living and family experience. We will procure partners to take on the ongoing administration and delivery of the accreditation scheme and national programme.

The Scottish Government does not routinely gather or centrally hold information on the total number and value of contracts awarded by non-ministerial offices to consulting companies. As non-ministerial offices have a degree of independence from central government information of this nature will be held more locally and can be attained by approaching the bodies directly.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21068 on 14 September 2023. 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

National Records of Scotland were last contacted by the Church of Scientology in 2022 with regards to religious and belief bodies nominating to the Registrar General members they wish to be registered as empowered to solemnise marriages under Section 9 of the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977.

We have not identified any other instances of SG contact with the Church of Scientology.