Chamber and committees

In relation to the long-term solution to the landslip challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful, an economic assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, which sets the standard for good practice for assessing and designing roads and is used throughout the UK. The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Stage 3 Assessment Report, which includes the traffic and economic assessment, can be found on the Transport Scotland website.

The traffic and economic assessment considers the traffic and economic performance of the preferred route option, including consideration of the ways the option improves the resilience, safety and operation of the route. The A83 is considered key infrastructure in supporting the wider national economy through; connecting businesses and communities, facilitating access to essential services, and supporting jobs and activities in industries such as healthcare, education, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, energy and renewables. Therefore, consideration of the wider economic benefits also forms a key part of that assessment.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs met with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator at the Royal Highland Show on 18 June. The Fair Dealings Obligations Regulations seek to ensure greater fairness and transparency in the supply chain by requiring there to be written purchase contracts between pig producers and their buyers and sets out a number of the provisions that should be in these contracts. Retailers are therefore unlikely to fall under the scope of the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator unless they are buying pigs directly from farms and instead fall under the scope of the Groceries Code Adjudicator.

The Scottish Government worked closely with the UK and other devolved governments to develop the Fair Dealings Obligations Regulations in the milk and pig sectors. The pig regulations are in force for new contracts signed after 13 August 2025, and for existing contracts from 13 August 2026. The Scottish Government will continue to stay engaged with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator, Defra and industry on the practical effects of the regulations.

While the Scottish Government has no policy to reduce herd numbers, we do not set targets for livestock numbers, including breeding pigs, as these are primarily driven by market conditions and individual business decisions. However, we recognise the reported 7.3% decrease in pig numbers in 2025 when compared with the five-year average and the importance of a resilient domestic supply. The Scottish Government will invest more than £1 billion in the rural affairs budget during 2026-27, and we continue to provide certainty to the industry. We have a proud record of supporting and investing in farming and food production and are wholly committed to continuing to support active farming and maintaining a secure and sustainable food system for the future.

Information regarding the annual subsidy level for the public contract for the Northern Isles Ferry Services is available on the Transport Scotland website under ‘Transport Scotland Section 70 return – 2013-2014’ and ‘Transport Scotland Section 70 Return – 2024-25’.

The individual subsidy levels from these documents for the Northern Isles Ferry Services have been reproduced in the following tables.

The current challenges affecting the pig sector include complex trade issues which appear to be affecting prices, as opposed to there being evidence of an increase in imports. Trade data indicates that UK pigmeat imports fell by nearly 5% in volume in 2025, and were down nearly 7% between January and March 2026, compared to the same three months in 2025. However, downwards pressure on the EU pig price appears to have distorted the domestic market.

Whilst international trade is reserved, the Scottish Government will continue to engage with the UK Government on trade matters such as these, with a view to preventing market shocks.

The First Minister has appointed a leaner Cabinet and ministerial team to enable greater co-ordination and effectiveness with a clear focus on long-term outcomes, underpinned by collaboration across Government.

That approach will facilitate joint working between the myself and the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy to unlock the economic opportunities that energy brings, accelerate delivery and ensure the people of Scotland benefit.

I have overall responsibility for Life Sciences policy and delivery, as part of my wider remit for economic policy, including business, industry, manufacturing support and entrepreneurship.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the Life Sciences sector as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and improved health outcomes, as reflected in Scotland’s Life Sciences Strategy and its associated delivery plan.

The Scottish Government continues to monitor the deck space reservation pilot, with a working group of Transport Scotland, CalMac and community representatives due to meet in July 2026 to review progress and consider next steps.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The Member may wish to contact ScotRail directly.

The design and build fixed price contracts are covered by Builders Refund Guarantees.