Guidance on the assessment of noise from onshore wind turbines across the UK is set out in the UK Government’s ETSU-R-97 guidance. The UK Government has recently consulted on an update to this guidance, with the aim of reflecting the latest evidence on turbine noise emissions, advancements in turbine technology, and current assessment methodologies. The UK Government is commencing the next phase of the work to update noise guidance and has advised that the current guidance remains suitable for assessing wind turbine noise in the meantime.

The Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Policy 11 (Energy) requires that wind energy proposals demonstrate how potential impacts on communities and individual dwellings, including from noise, are assessed and mitigated as part of project design.

The Scottish Government has not been made aware of concerns regarding the build-up of gravel in the River Esk or its tributaries in Langholm. Local Authorities are responsible for producing local flood risk management plans, and developing, delivering and maintaining flood protection actions.

While dredging can play a role in certain flood management and river management situations, it is not always effective in reducing water levels and can, in some cases, increase flood risk downstream. It also has the potential to cause significant environmental harm if carried out without the proper due diligence.

Where dredging is appropriate, it can be undertaken subject to certain regulatory controls. Further information is available on the SEPA website at Dredging | Beta | SEPA | Scottish Environment Protection Agency including specific advice for land managers Dredging –A land managers guide to the rules.

I can confirm that Offshore Solutions Group sought a screening opinion, from the Scottish Ministers which is currently undergoing statutory consultation in line with the environmental impact assessment regulations. Following, and in consideration of the representations received, Scottish Ministers will determine whether or not an application for the proposed works must be supported by an environmental impact assessment report.

To maintain the integrity of our well-established marine licencing process, it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to comment further on live casework.

Crown Estate Scotland (CES) manages all aspects of the ScotWind process and is responsible for monitoring compliance with, and enforcing the conditions of, the ScotWind leasing round.

We expect developers to deliver on their Supply Chain Development Statement (SCDS) commitments. Failure to do so can trigger remedies ranging from financial penalties to an inability to progress to a seabed lease.

If the conditions of an option agreement or lease are not met, CES will assess the circumstances of the breach on a case-by-case basis. Where a breach is considered material, CES may take appropriate action in line with the terms of the agreement. This can include, where justified, the termination of the option agreement or lease.

The Scottish Government is doing everything within its power to support the delivery of ScotWind projects and ensure that the offshore wind opportunity for Scotland is realised.

The public consultation on the draft Climate Change Plan (CCP) closed on 29 January 2026. The final CCP was published on Tuesday 24th March.

Crown Estate Scotland(CES)is responsible for the leasing of the seabed and provides the Scottish Government with regular updates on the progress of offshore wind projects.

The handing back of CampionWind’s lease option to CES was a commercial decision made by Shell UK. The Scottish Government was informed of this development by CES.

Individual developers and companies routinely reassess their commercial priorities. This is a normal feature of the offshore wind market and the wider industry.

The ScotWind leasing round and the Supply Chain Development Statement (SCDS) process have been carefully designed and are managed by Crown Estate Scotland (CES). The process has produced a leasing round focused on quality and deliverability of bids, and long-term supply chain investment which promises to be transformational for Scotland’s economy.

We are building on the commitment of ScotWind developers to invest an average projection of £1.5 bn in Scotland per project by leveraging private investment in our supply chain through our offshore wind strategic investment. Working with our enterprise agencies, we continue to support companies in the North East and Moray - areas that have provided energy security through oil and gas for generations - to access opportunities emerging from offshore wind.

In 2018, the Fair Isle Electricity Company (FIEC) secured £1.5 million funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) and £250,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. This funding helped to establish a new energy system which delivered a 24-hour supply of electricity for the first time.

FIEC has previously been offered funding to support renewable energy projects on the island through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES continues to provide support for communities across Scotland to develop their own renewable energy projects, and we encourage FIEC to engage with Local Energy Scotland, who administer the scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government.

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

The Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service remain committed to delivering a modern, secure facility that supports staff and better serve the needs of local communities.

HMP Highland will provide a fit for purpose, community facing establishment designed to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

Construction is expected by the end of 2026 and will provide 200 places - more than double the current capacity of HMP Inverness.

The final opening and operational dates will depend on factors such as operational readiness and the successful completion of additional recruitment.