Chamber and committees

Seabed leasing for offshore wind is administered by Crown Estate Scotland (CES), which sets the terms of lease. CES keeps the terms of lease under regular review to reflect any legislative updates or changes to CES or Scottish government policy. Leasing terms will therefore vary between leasing rounds to ensure that such agreements remain fit for purpose and reflect the latest statutory requirements and policy positions, as demonstrated by changes between the ScotWind and INTOG leasing terms.

CES appraise lease applications as part of a rigorous internal assessment and due diligence process to confirm developer suitability, and only make awards to organisations that satisfy this assessment process. As part of this process companies provide a written statement to CES to confirm they have not been convicted of unlawful activity in relation to a range of requirements, including corruption, bribery, fraud, and human trafficking and exploitation, within the last five years. Only companies providing such assurances could proceed with bids. Five years was chosen by CES as a practical timeframe that balanced the need for the required statement to be robust, pragmatic and timely.

The criteria underpinning this assessment process is published for the purposes of transparency and accountability. CES also considers the impact of developments with regards to social and environmental wellbeing in Scotland.

In both the Scotwind and INTOG leasing rounds, CES required a statement of commitment from each applicant and any project partners confirming that they were not in contravention of a range of legislation. This requirement safeguarded against the successful participation of companies convicted of unlawful conduct either within the UK or internationally, including unlawful conduct in relation to ecologically damaging developments.

CES also have responsibilities under the Scottish Government’s Slavery and Human trafficking statement and follow guidance on due diligence in relation to human rights.

CES are committed to taking all appropriate action to prevent the Scottish seabed from being used by any company that does not meet its terms of lease.

CES reserves the right to void any application in relation to ScotWind, INTOG or other developments which is found to have provided false information.

In addition, all offshore wind developments in Scotland are subject to strict environmental assessment processes for the purposes of preserving our natural environment and mitigating any damage.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27757 on‎ 7 June 2024. 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 refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27760 on‎ 7 June 2024. 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 refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27757 on‎ 7 June 2024. 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 .

Section 7 of the Scottish Crown Estate Act 2019 requires management of Crown Estate Scotland assets to be undertaken in a manner that is likely to contribute to the promotion or the improvement of social and environmental wellbeing in Scotland.

Section 9 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 describes the sustainable procurement duty requires the contracting authority to consider how it conducts the procurement process to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the authority's area.

In addition to this, for the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, CES required a statement of commitment which requires a company to abide by the law in Scotland and relevant domestic law, safeguarding against a company that has been convicted of unlawful conduct in relation to sustainability from being able to operate in Scotland.

We will continue to review the leasing requirements for future leasing rounds informed by best practice to deliver the best outcomes for Scotland and in line with our social, economic and environmental principles, including the need for any legislative changes to support the updated leasing conditions.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27757 on‎ 7 June 2024. 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 .

Yes, it is the intention of the Scottish Government that Professor Anna Glasier OBE will remain Women’s Health Champion beyond June 2024.

The Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE, has been central to the delivery of the Women’s Health Plan, and driving forward action to improve women’s health in Scotland.

Connecting people to non-clinical options which can help with their health is an important part of a healthcare professional's toolkit. This is very much in line with the principles of Realistic Medicine, supporting our healthcare professionals to deliver a more personalised approach to care. The resources and services to which people are connected can range from financial, housing and welfare support through to engagement with cultural activity, community cafés, opportunities to be physically active and many others depending on what works for the individual. Connecting people to nature is one option which is available to health professionals where appropriate. There is a great deal of excellent work taking place across the country to deliver relevant initiatives. We are working with partners to understand how we can best support this local activity and develop our policy to ensure that these approaches are supported and valued.

I am interpreting your question as relating to the number of prisoners who may potentially be released early under emergency release powers.

Section 11 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023 (which came into force on 26 May) provides Ministers with a power to release prisoners in emergency situations. I have now laid draft regulations for emergency release, setting out the eligibility criteria, for Parliament’s consideration and approval.

The number of prisoners that would be released in specific geographical areas would depend on a number of factors, including the composition of the prison population at the relevant time and the application of the Governor’s veto, for example.

In line with guidance covering Scottish Government announcements during the UK General Election 2024 pre-election period, we will provide an update to the Scottish Parliament on the proposed Human Rights Bill in due course.