Chamber and committees

EMIS originally joined the framework agreement with its EMIS-X product. It later advised NSS (now Public Services Delivery Scotland) that the solution to be delivered in Scotland would instead be EMIS Web. However, in October 2022, EMIS notified NSS that it was withdrawing from the framework agreement.

Scottish Government has received a range of correspondence in relation to Vision 3. We take all feedback received seriously and are actively engaged with Public Services Delivery Scotland as the lead organisation responsible for delivery of the programme to ensure any concerns raised are proactively investigated and addressed in conjunction with One Advanced, the supplier of Vision 3.

The views of communities and other key stakeholders will be sought during the consultation outlined in the answer to question S7W-01577 on 23 July 2026. 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 Register of Ancient Woodlands will present location data, condition assessments and restoration requirements for all recognised ancient woodlands in Scotland. The Register will help decision-makers prevent further loss or reduction in the extent of ancient woodlands through development or inappropriate management, and it will support efforts to bring all ancient woodlands into acceptable condition.

The Register of Ancient Woodlands will provide up-to-date information on the location and condition of ancient woodlands, enabling decision-makers, including planners, to make effective decisions that support their protection. The Register will also help land managers identify ancient woodlands that require intervention and target management support more effectively.

NatureScot and Scottish Forestry will lead consultation with stakeholders to examine how they use the existing Ancient Woodland Inventory and identify barriers to its use. This work will inform a stakeholder requirements catalogue, which will guide development and delivery of the Register.

A total of £75,000 has been committed to this project, £50,000 by NatureScot split over 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, and £25,000 from Scottish Forestry for 2026-2027. Future budget beyond 2027-2028 has not yet been committed.

The UK wide Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 set out various requirements related to the UK wide endeavour of the achievement or maintenance of Good Environmental Status of marine waters within the marine strategy area, including with respect to seafloor integrity.

Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) report, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, contains findings and recommendations concerning the Scottish Ministers’ implementation of those Regulations, which the Scottish Government is carefully considering.

I have written to the Chief Executive Officer of ESS confirming that the Scottish Government will work constructively with ESS to agree an appropriate action plan within the suggested timescale. The Scottish Government's position on the report's findings and recommendations will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.

The UK wide Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 set out various requirements related to the UK wide endeavour of the achievement or maintenance of Good Environmental Status of marine waters within the marine strategy area, including with respect to seafloor integrity.

Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) report, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, includes findings and recommendations relating to the assessment of the contribution that Scottish measures make towards UK wide seafloor integrity objectives and targets.

The Scottish Government is carefully considering the report. I have written to the Chief Executive of ESS confirming that the Scottish Government will work constructively with ESS to agree an appropriate action plan within the suggested timescale. The Scottish Government's position on the matters raised in the report will be set out through that engagement and in its formal response.

The Scottish Government is giving careful consideration to Environmental Standards Scotland’s (ESS) report, Protecting Scotland's seafloor: an assessment of Scottish Ministers' implementation of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010. I have written to the Chief Executive Officer of ESS confirming that the Scottish Government will engage constructively with ESS to agree an appropriate action plan within the suggested timescale. The Scottish Government's position on the report’s findings and recommendations will be set out through this engagement and in its formal response.