The Scottish Parliament

Question reference: S7W-03005

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a proactive screening programme for prostate cancer for men who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants.

Scotland follows the advice of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), the independent expert body that advises all four UK nations on screening programmes.

On 28 May 2026, the UK NSC recommended that prostate screening should be offered to men aged 45 to 61 who have both a confirmed BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer. We have accepted this recommendation and are strengthening existing high-risk surveillance pathways for prostate cancer, which already enable eligible men to access testing in line with the UK NSC's recommendation. The recently established Prostate Screening Working Group are also considering what is required to develop a nationally managed prostate screening programme.

After closely examining the existing evidence around screening men with the BRCA1 variant, or men with a BRCA2 variant without a family history of associated cancers, the UK NSC currently does not recommend prostate screening for these groups. It has found that there is not yet a suitably accurate test for a national screening programme of asymptomatic men, and there is currently insufficient evidence that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks for other higher risk groups.

However the UK NSC is monitoring emerging evidence closely and will consider whether new evidence supports expanding their recommended eligibility criteria for prostate cancer screening. In recognition that the UK NSC may expand their recommendation in the future, we are exploring what would be required to extend prostate cancer screening to other groups. Should they recommend screening all men with a BRCA1 or 2 variant, we would work with the NHS to take that forward in Scotland.

Question reference: S7W-03004

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a proactive screening programme for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50.

Scotland follows the advice of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), the independent expert body that advises all four UK nations on screening programmes.

The UK NSC currently does not recommend prostate screening for the general population of men over the age of 50. It has found that there is not yet a suitably accurate test for a national screening programme of asymptomatic men, and there is currently insufficient evidence that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.

The UK NSC is monitoring ongoing studies and emerging evidence closely and will consider whether new evidence supports expanding their recommended eligibility criteria for prostate cancer screening. Should they recommend screening the general male population aged 50 and over, we will work with the NHS to take that forward in Scotland.

Question reference: S7W-03013

Asked by: David Green, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 07 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Simita Kumar on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider publishing a comprehensive Feminist Approach to International Relations (FAIR) action plan.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the principles set out in Scotland's Feminist Approach to International Relations (FAIR) position paper are reflected across its international work.

Delivery of the commitments set out in the position paper is being progressed through relevant portfolios and existing delivery mechanisms, with ministers and officials exploring how FAIR principles can further inform policy development, programme delivery and international engagement.

The Scottish Government will continue to consider how best to support and communicate on the implementation of its FAIR as part of the Government’s wider approach to its international relations in this parliamentary session.

Question reference: S7W-03262

Asked by: Ariane Burgess, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 14 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Stephen Gethins on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its sectoral marine plan for offshore energy.

The Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) and associated impact assessments have been finalised and are in the latter stages of review ahead of Ministerial consideration. Subject to Ministerial approval, including consideration by UK Ministers due to the presence of cross-border impacts, the Plan will be adopted and all supporting documents will be published. The exact timing will depend on the completion of these approval processes.

Question reference: S7W-03179

Asked by: Laura Moodie, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how many contracts awarded by Forestry and Land Scotland since 1 April 2019 have subsequently been varied to increase either their value or duration and, in each case, by what percentage the contract value or duration was increased.

Since the 1 April 2019, the following Regulated contracts awarded by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have had an unplanned value and/or time variation:

Description	Original Total Value	Revised Total Value	Value Increase %	Start Date	Original End Date	Revised End Date	Time Increase %
Contract for Ground Maintenance & Vegetation Management - Cowal	£54,824.00	£56,219.36	2.55	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	31-Mar-23	51.06
Contract for Ground Maintenance & Vegetation Management - Scottish Lowlands	£224,276.00	£226,376.00	0.94	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	31-Mar-23	51.06
Contract for Ground Maintenance & Vegetation Management - Lochaber	£93,512.00	£97,283.00	4.03	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	31-Mar-23	51.06
Contract for Ground Maintenance & Vegetation Management - Trossachs	£80,340.00	£87,123.28	8.44	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	31-Mar-23	51.06
Wide Format Printers (Plotters)	£53,595.36	£140,713.64	162.55	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-22	29-Feb-24	38.60
Multi-functional device (MFD's)	£41,825.34	£163,701.47	291.39	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-22	01-Apr-23	25.53
ArcGIS Licence Requirements	£595,800.00	£628,975.97	5.57	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-22	N/A	N/A
Low Loader Moves Moray & Aberdeenshire	£72,000.00	£76,800.00	6.67	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	N/A	N/A
Low Loader Moves Galloway	£127,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Apr-19	31-Mar-21	31-Dec-23	58.93
Land Disposal	£122,400.00	£123,600.00	0.98	15-Apr-19	14-Apr-23	N/A	N/A
National Fencing Framework	£4,846,500.00	£5,789,297.00	19.45	01-Jun-19	31-May-22	29-Feb-24	36.36
Car Park Machine - Maintenance ONLY (NCA)	£73,767.52	N/A	N/A	01-Jul-19	30-Jun-20	30-Jun-21	52.17
Re-Stock Ground Preparation and Mechanical In-Crop Drains Maintenance - Re-Stock Ground prep East Region South Aberdeenshire	£168,110.00	£169,297.50	0.71	01-Jul-19	30-Jun-21	N/A	N/A
Re-Stock Ground Preparation and Mechanical In-Crop Drains Maintenance - Re-stock Ground Prep for Galloway North	£425,968.00	£443,161.64	4.04	01-Jul-19	30-Jun-21	N/A	N/A
Re-Stock Ground Preparation and Mechanical In-Crop Drains Maintenance - Re-Stock Ground Prep North Region Central	£235,850.00	£326,850.00	38.58	01-Jul-19	30-Jun-21	N/A	N/A
Berryburn Integrated Contract	£231,808.00	£414,648.20	78.88	15-Jul-19	01-Sep-25	N/A	N/A
Harvesting and Extract of Timber - North Region (Thinning)	£668,250.00	£908,250.00	35.91	17-Jul-19	16-Jul-22	31-Jan-23	14.63
Harvesting and Extract of Timber - East Region - Huntly	£800,085.00	£976,067.00	22.00	26-Aug-19	25-Aug-22	30-Nov-22	7.89
Harvesting and Extract of Timber - East Region - Durris	£718,503.80	£987,873.80	37.49	26-Aug-19	25-Aug-22	N/A	N/A
Car Parking Machines	£360,504.03	£530,878.06	47.26	09-Sep-19	08-Sep-22	08-Sep-23	25.53
Forest Management - MTC's - Mid Aberdeenshire	£270,000.00	£337,500.00	25.00	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-May-22	25.81
Forest Management - MTC's - Highland Perthshire	£550,000.00	£651,824.65	18.51	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-May-22	25.81
Forest Management - MTC's - Central Region South West	£500,000.00	£513,741.08	2.75	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Crianlarich & North Trossachs	£250,000.00	£279,257.20	11.70	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Ardgartan & Lochgoilhead	£250,000.00	£284,966.74	13.99	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Central Region North East	£225,000.00	£269,695.92	19.86	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Central Region North West	£500,000.00	£571,393.76	14.28	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Central Region South East	£225,000.00	£311,901.62	38.62	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Glenbranter, Strathlachlan & South Cowal	£550,000.00	£649,397.08	18.07	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - Central Region East South	£350,000.00	£469,120.02	34.03	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	31-Aug-22	32.35
Forest Management - MTC's - South Aberdeenshire	£385,000.00	£456,688.62	18.62	01-Oct-19	30-Sep-21	N/A	N/A
Woodland Establishment DPS Lot 1	£9,000,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Nov-19	31-Oct-24	31-Oct-29	50.42
Woodland Establishment DPS Lot 2	£3,500,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Nov-19	31-Oct-24	31-Oct-29	50.42
Lochaber Civil Engineering Hired Machinery & Maintenance	£1,900,000.00	£2,600,000.00	36.84	11-Nov-19	10-Nov-21	10-Jan-23	37.84
Corporate Signage	£925,000.00	£1,075,000.00	16.22	06-Jan-20	05-Jan-24	05-Jan-25	20.34
Corporate Structures	£240,000.00	N/A	N/A	06-Jan-20	05-Jan-24	05-Jan-25	20.34
Corporate Furniture	£240,000.00	N/A	N/A	06-Jan-20	05-Jan-24	05-Jan-25	20.34
Supply of Oils & Lubricants	£168,000.00	£168,000.00	N/A	01-Feb-20	31-Jan-23	30-Jun-23	10.26
Corporate Work Wear	£1,043,458.63	£1,325,825.88	27.06	04-Feb-20	23-Jan-27	03-Feb-27	N/A
eFin Licencing (NCA)	£193,000.00	£195,000.00	1.04	01-Mar-20	28-Feb-23	N/A	N/A
Legal Services (call off from SG FW SP-18-010)	£236,590.00	N/A	N/A	02-Mar-20	30-Apr-22	31-Jul-22	10.71
Harvesting and Extract of Timber - East Region - Moray	£950,482.50	£1,650,482.50	73.65	01-Apr-20	31-Mar-23	31-Jan-23	N/A
Helicopters & Pilot Services	£165,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Apr-20	31-Mar-22	31-Aug-24	55.77
Steep Ground Harvesting	£3,830,693.16	£5,344,863.86	39.53	01-Jun-20	31-May-24	31-May-25	20.34
First Aid Supplies	£25,000.00	£61,000.00	144.00	10-Jun-20	23-Nov-23	N/A	N/A
Drill & Blast	£2,400,000.00	N/A	N/A	15-Jul-20	14-Jul-22	14-Jul-25	61.02
Relocation Services	£165,000.00	£345,000.00	109.09	01-Sep-20	31-Aug-23	31-Aug-24	25.53
Recruitment Advertising	£220,000.00	£450,000.00	104.55	01-Nov-20	31-Oct-25	N/A	N/A
Bridge Inspections	£1,360,909.54	£1,643,741.94	20.78	18-Jan-21	31-Mar-26	N/A	N/A
Worksite, Statutory Safety and Temporary Site Signs	£240,000.00	£278,000.00	15.83	01-Feb-21	31-Jan-23	31-Jan-26	61.02
Smithton and Culbokie Cleaning	£57,435.34	£67,435.34	17.41	01-Apr-21	31-May-25	N/A	N/A
Temporary Forest Road Bridges	£1,000,000.00	£2,931,621.00	193.16	25-May-21	23-Oct-28	N/A	N/A
Temporary Forest Road Bridges	£1,000,000.00	£2,931,621.00	193.16	25-May-21	23-Oct-28	N/A	N/A
Framework Agreement for Building Maintenance - West	£1,318,000.00	£1,818,000.00	37.94	01-Sep-21	31-Aug-25	27-Jan-26	7.84
Framework Agreement for Building Maintenance - West	£1,318,000.00	£1,818,000.00	37.94	01-Sep-21	31-Aug-25	27-Jan-26	7.84
Car Park Cash Collection	£409,051.06	£430,113.96	5.15	01-Oct-21	30-Sep-23	30-Sep-25	51.06
Car Park Machine Maintenance and Back Office	£361,200.00	N/A	N/A	01-Oct-21	31-Oct-23	31-Oct-25	50.00
Bottled gas	£48,000.00	£72,000.00	50.00	21-Oct-21	21-Oct-25	N/A	N/A
Ecological Surveys - North	£240,000.00	£256,285.00	6.79	25-Oct-21	24-Oct-24	N/A	N/A
Ecological Surveys - East	£185,000.00	£539,000.00	191.35	25-Oct-21	24-Oct-24	24-Oct-26	40.68
Ecological Surveys - Central	£245,000.00	£398,000.50	62.45	25-Oct-21	24-Oct-24	N/A	N/A
Ecological Surveys - West	£265,000.00	£298,638.00	12.69	25-Oct-21	24-Oct-24	24-Oct-26	40.68
Ecological Surveys - South	£265,000.00	£268,705.00	1.40	25-Oct-21	24-Oct-24	N/A	N/A
Newton Nursery Project Management Services	£109,656.48	£201,233.49	83.51	30-Nov-21	01-Dec-25	N/A	N/A
Newton Nursery Project - Cost Management	£103,040.00	£156,570.00	51.95	01-Dec-21	31-Dec-25	N/A	N/A
Upper Tyndrum - Design of Access Route	£24,993.00	£168,641.00	574.75	31-Jan-22	03-Jun-22	31-Oct-24	87.50
Silvan House Cleaning & Security Staff Services	£49,500.00	£174,500.00	252.53	01-Mar-22	29-Aug-22	28-Mar-24	78.26
Network Services	£175,102.82	£188,602.82	7.71	12-Jun-22	21-Dec-22	N/A	N/A
Ground Preparation and Mechanised Establishment Operations	£3,030,668.66	N/A	N/A	19-Jun-22	30-Jun-25	31-Mar-27	36.84
Ground Preparation and Mechanised Establishment Operations	£3,030,668.66	N/A	N/A	27-Jun-22	30-Jun-25	31-Mar-27	36.84
Ground Preparation and Mechanised Establishment Operations	£3,030,668.66	N/A	N/A	27-Jun-22	30-Jun-25	31-Mar-27	36.84
QEFP Skip Hire	£23,921.24	£73,921.23	209.02	04-Jul-22	30-Jun-24	30-Jun-26	51.06
Software Licenses	£417,333.92	£418,333.92	0.24	10-Aug-22	30-Sep-24	N/A	N/A
Ground Preparation - Central Region - Trossachs	£138,300.00	£395,390.55	185.89	16-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - North Region - Glenmore Mounding, and Inverness Mounding	£101,480.00	N/A	N/A	24-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	01-Dec-23	53.33
Ground Preparation - North - Glenmore Scarifying, and Inverness Scarifying	£153,500.00	N/A	N/A	24-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - North Region - Raasay, and Sutherland	£630,630.00	N/A	N/A	24-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Jul-24	68.18
Ground Preparation - East Region - Central & North	£341,900.00	N/A	N/A	24-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - East Region - Tay	£311,655.00	£585,426.00	87.84	24-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - Central Region - Cowal, and Crainlaraich	£156,495.00	£414,995.00	165.18	25-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - West Region - West Loch Awe, and East Loch Awe	£439,847.00	£611,351.82	38.99	30-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - West Region - Mull	£95,415.00	N/A	N/A	30-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - West Region - North Argyll	£150,900.00	£197,100.00	30.62	30-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - West Region - North Lochaber, and South Lochaber	£198,693.75	£534,292.75	168.90	30-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - North Region - Caithness, Easter Ross, and Strathgarve	£746,255.35	N/A	N/A	31-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Ground Preparation - West Region - Kintyre	£238,210.00	N/A	N/A	31-Aug-22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	61.11
Professional Consultancy	£67,372.98	N/A	N/A	22-Sep-22	30-Dec-23	30-Jun-24	28.57
FM Operations - North Region - Caithness & Sutherland	£2,869,916.00	£3,765,173.76	31.19	01-Oct-22	30-Sep-26	N/A	N/A
Interim Regulated Procurement Officer	£103,630.00	£208,057.06	100.77	03-Oct-22	30-Sep-23	30-Sep-24	52.17
Fuel Cards	£3,375,000.00	£3,570,000.00	5.78	25-Oct-22	24-Oct-26	N/A	N/A
Ground Preparation - Central Region West - Whitelee, Heathland & Limerigg	£134,579.58	£324,699.65	141.27	03-Nov-22	13-Apr-23	31-Mar-24	68.75
Mobile Chiller Trailers - West	£63,000.00	£63,305.00	0.48	06-Jan-23	31-Mar-23	N/A	N/A
Tree Seedlings (2023)	£667,071.00	£1,105,911.00	65.79	06-Feb-23	31-Oct-24	31-Oct-25	37.50
HR System (iTrent)	£307,926.51	£310,402.61	0.80	19-Feb-23	18-Feb-27	N/A	N/A
Category Manager	£144,430.00	£288,860.00	100.00	02-Mar-23	01-Mar-24	28-Feb-25	50.00
Roads Maintenance & Associated Services - West Region (North)	£2,958,000.00	£3,506,643.00	18.55	20-Mar-23	31-Mar-26	N/A	N/A
Roads Maintenance & Associated Services - West Region (Central)	£4,706,000.00	£5,842,530.00	24.15	20-Mar-23	31-Mar-26	N/A	N/A
Purchase of Plants	£675,260.25	£879,393.30	30.23	29-Mar-23	31-May-24	N/A	N/A
Cognos	£129,557.91	£201,096.96	55.22	01-Apr-23	31-Mar-25	31-Mar-26	34.29
Estate Management Services - Building Surveying, Architectural & Project Services	£795,000.00	£1,027,000.00	29.18	01-May-23	30-Apr-26	N/A	N/A
Estate Management Services - Annual Asset Valuations	£121,000.00	£200,000.00	65.29	01-May-23	30-Apr-26	N/A	N/A
Estate Management Services - Woodland Disposals	£186,000.00	£386,000.00	107.53	01-May-23	30-Apr-26	N/A	N/A
Estate Management Services - Minerals Consultancy and Management	£117,000.00	£757,000.00	547.01	01-May-23	30-Apr-26	N/A	N/A
SPS_02020 Employee Assistance Programme & Welfare Service	£47,000.00	£48,856.35	3.95	01-May-23	30-Apr-27	N/A	N/A
Grounds Maintenance Trossachs	£21,788.52	£63,406.96	191.01	09-May-23	31-Mar-24	31-Mar-25	54.55
Supply of Bulk Fuel	£1,350,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Jun-23	31-Mar-25	31-Mar-27	53.33
Supply of Bulk Fuel	£1,350,000.00	N/A	N/A	01-Jun-23	31-Mar-25	31-Mar-27	53.33
Deer & Other Wildlife Management Services - Central A	£658,038.64	£1,316,077.28	100.00	01-Jul-23	30-Jun-24	N/A	N/A
Roads Maintenance & Associated Services - North Region (West)	£1,400,000.00	£1,969,816.97	40.70	01-Aug-23	31-Jan-25	19-Mar-26	43.33
Woodfuel	£90,324.00	£90,883.33	0.62	18-Aug-23	31-Mar-24	N/A	N/A
Haulage - Deliver in SRW	£148,610.00	£265,883.09	78.91	18-Aug-23	31-Mar-24	N/A	N/A
Haulage	£617,710.00	£632,618.94	2.41	18-Aug-23	31-Mar-24	N/A	N/A
Callander Crags/ Coilhallan Hydrological Survey	£30,979.81	£61,965.15	100.02	30-Aug-23	27-Oct-24	N/A	N/A
Specialist Peatland Restoration - Specialist Peatland Harvesting: North Highland (Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross); Skye, Wester Ross & Inverness-shire; North East (Aberdeenshire & Moray)	£7,151,550.00	£9,151,550.00	27.97	01-Sep-23	31-Aug-26	N/A	N/A
Training - Managed Service Provision	£1,146,000.00	£1,262,295.00	10.15	11-Sep-23	10-Sep-24	31-Mar-26	62.07
Transformation of Legacy Finance, Purchase to Pay, and Business Planning Systems (MIP) Design & Build	£976,899.32	£1,820,388.57	86.34	02-Oct-23	30-Oct-24	30-Jun-25	40.00
FM Operations - Lochaber North	£391,000.00	£503,932.00	28.88	25-Oct-23	31-Aug-24	31-Aug-26	70.59
FM Operations - Lochaber Central	£113,914.90	£320,161.90	181.05	25-Oct-23	31-Aug-24	31-Aug-26	70.59
FM Operations - Lochaber South	£291,142.70	£1,115,693.00	283.21	25-Oct-23	31-Aug-24	31-Aug-26	70.59
Temporary Appointment User Researcher	£43,601.59	£91,153.04	109.06	10-Nov-23	31-Dec-24	07-Feb-26	50.00
SPHN and Invasive Vegetation Control Works - South of West Region	£228,810.00	£348,310.00	52.23	01-Mar-24	31-Mar-25	30-Sep-26	58.62
Aberfoyle Site Security	£34,381.80	£72,200.80	110.00	11-Mar-24	30-May-24	N/A	N/A
IVC Works - West Region	£295,000.00	£745,000.00	152.54	30-Apr-24	29-Apr-25	30-Sep-26	60.71
Stocking Density Assessment (SDA) - East Region	£60,000.00	£180,000.00	200.00	20-May-24	19-May-28	N/A	N/A
Hylobius Survey - East Region	£30,000.00	£80,000.00	166.67	20-May-24	19-May-28	N/A	N/A
Hylobius Survey - Central Region	£40,000.00	£80,000.00	100.00	20-May-24	19-May-28	N/A	N/A
Hylobius Survey - South Region	£40,000.00	£80,000.00	100.00	20-May-24	19-May-28	N/A	N/A
Deer and Other Wildlife Management	£1,476,190.67	N/A	N/A	31-Jul-24	30-Jun-27	31-May-28	24.44
Deer and Other Wildlife Management	£1,613,883.67	N/A	N/A	31-Jul-24	30-Jun-27	31-May-28	24.44
Plant Supply: Tree Seedling Supply	£18,993,800.00	£20,297,013.00	6.86	01-Aug-24	31-Jul-29	N/A	N/A
Glasgow Bin Servicing	£85,219.80	£147,657.26	73.27	19-Aug-24	18-Jan-26	18-Jan-26	N/A
EV Charger Installs at Dunkeld	£88,397.95	£95,001.95	7.47	05-Mar-25	31-Mar-25	N/A	N/A
EV Charger Installs at Torlundy	£76,023.35	£78,020.35	2.63	05-Mar-25	31-Mar-25	N/A	N/A
Dalbeattie Hub office works	£436,140.84	£474,685.65	8.84	07-Mar-25	31-Mar-26	N/A	N/A
2 x Temp Finance Officers	£39,029.90	£58,594.90	50.13	28-Apr-25	02-Sep-26	N/A	N/A
Interim Business Change Manager	£93,373.60	£205,406.75	119.98	01-Oct-25	30-Sep-26	31-Mar-27	35.29
Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) and Process Optimisation	£95,775.00	£107,475.00	12.22	01-Oct-25	30-Jun-26	31-Dec-26	42.86
Aspen Oracle Fusion Managed Service	£402,825.00	£435,666.88	8.15	01-Feb-26	31-Jan-28	N/A	N/A

Question reference: S7W-03178

Asked by: Laura Moodie, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how many procurement waivers have been approved by Forestry and Land Scotland in each financial year since 2019-20, including the number, total value and reason for each waiver.

It is assumed that the reference to procurement ‘waivers’, is referring to occasions where Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have awarded a Regulated tender using the Negotiated procedure without prior publication under the Public Contract Scotland Regulations or where FLS have had to award directly.

FLS have used the following ‘waivers’ in each financial year since FY 2019-20.

FY 2019-20
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Supply of Christmas Trees	Country Business	£104,167.00	Time-critical to support delivery of the seasonal Programme.
Harvesting and Extraction	Douglas Timber Harvesting	£170,000.00	Time-critical due to contracted supplier insolvency.
Harvesting and Extraction	Speyside Harvesting Ltd	£90,000.00	Time-critical due to contracted supplier insolvency.
FLS Plant Purchases	Christie-Elite Nurseries Ltd	£130,000.00	Time-critical to ensure delivery of the restocking Programme.
FLS Plant Purchases	Alba Trees Plc	£147,500.00	Time-critical to ensure delivery of the restocking Programme.
eFinancials Software Licence Renewal	Advanced Business Solutions	£193,000.00	Interim award pending re-tender.
Stone Haulage	Eagle Recycling Ltd	£69,350.00	Quick Quote requirement that exceeded the regulated threshold. Incorrectly classified as Works.
Car Parking Machines Maintenance	Metric Group Ltd	£73,767.52	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Marooka Ptarmigan Extraction Project	Gary Anderson Forestry	£200,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Gazelle Machine PSS 3/15	JVD Design & Automation Ltd	£270,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

FY 2020-21
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Hydro Harvesting Rassay	AMAC Forestry Ltd	£60,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 6(1)(c) of The Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016.
Supply All Terrain/Low Ground Pressure Vehicle	LogLogic	£80,789.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Purchase of Nursery Irrigation Equipment	Briggs UK Ltd	£97,389.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(c) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
COGNOS Software Licence Renewal	Barrachd Ltd	£175,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(4)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Staff Welfare Units for Newton Nursery	Portakabin (Scotland) Ltd	£200,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(c) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Plant Purchases 20/21	Tree Tape UK Ltd	£324,993.20	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

FY 2021-22
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
East Region Planting	Mike Todd Forestry Contracts	£60,205.60	Time-critical award pending re-tender.
E-Financials	Advanced Business Software & Solutions Ltd (GB)	£206,000.00	Interim award pending re-tender.
Recruitment of Short-Term Temporary Staff	Hays Recruitment	£75,938.64	No suitable provision through framework suppliers.

FY 2022-23
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Silvan House Cleaning and Security Staff	MITIE Cleaning & Environmental Services	£234,500.00	Essential facilities management services pending confirmation of future occupancy arrangements
Silvan House Cleaning and Security Staff	MITIE Cleaning & Environmental Services	£125,000.00	Essential facilities management services pending confirmation of future occupancy arrangements.
Ground Preparation Services - Damside	CGF Services	£71,993.00	Time-critical Quick Quote requirement that exceeded the regulated threshold.
Car Park Design Services, Nevis Forest	Raeburn Farquhar Bowen Ltd	£67,663.00	Time-critical Quick Quote requirement that exceeded the regulated threshold.
Ground Preparation and Mechanised Establishment Operations	Bruce Todd Ltd, Dunnydeer Services Ltd, Forestry Ground Prep Ltd, Plant & Quarry Services, John Strang Contractors Ltd, ICD Contracting Ltd, Kodiak Forestry & Groundworks Ltd, MacColl Appin Ltd, DAB Groundworks Ltd, MAM Contracting Limited, Maxwell Forestry Plant Ltd, Willie Graham Plant, Carron Valley Plant	£2,933,371.68	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Tree Tape Services	Tape 4 Trees Ltd	£215,200.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Heathland SPHN Felling	Artscape Gardens Ltd	£74,720.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
INNS Removal Blairadam	DMFCA Ltd	£65,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Tree Seedlings	Tape 4 Trees Ltd	£667,071.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Forest Management Operations – North Region – Inverness	Forestry Contractors Scotland	£1,349,450.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
Forest Management Operations – North Region - West	Forestry Contractors Scotland	£1,385,107.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
FM Operations - West Region - North Argyll	ICD Contracting Ltd	£1,448,321.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
FM Operations - North Region - Strathspey	Fyfe Forestry Limited	£279,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
Forest Management Operations: South Region - Arran	Arran Footpath and Forestry Limited	£516,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
Invasive Vegetation Control North Region	Boreal Forestry Limited	£2,530,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.
FM Operations - West Region - South	ICD Contracting Limited	£4,040,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(a) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, following a failed procurement procedure.

FY 2023-24
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Aerial LiDAR Survey and Inventory (2023)	Oy Arbonaut Ltd.	£274,840.00	Continued innovation testing within service delivery.
Deer & Other Wildlife Management Services – Central A	Deer Dynamics Ltd (GB)	£567,035.00	Time-critical replacement of a terminated contract.
Roads Maintenance and Associated Services – North Region	D.N. Munro Plant Hire Ltd	£1,400,000.00	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
FM Planting Lochaber North	Terras Forestry Company Ltd	£391,000.00	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Dangerous Tree Surveys - East Region	Forest Fact	£90,000.00	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Ground Preparation - East Region Durris	Highland Stoneways Ltd	£113,100.00	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
FM Planting Lochaber Central	Sylva Services	£113,914.90	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Planting Lochaber South	Terras Forestry Company Ltd	£291,142.70	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Deer and Other Wildlife Management Services – South A	MG Services	£189,510.60	Time-critical replacement of a terminated contract.
Purchase of Ex-Military Temporary Bridges	L Jackson & Co Limited	£93,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
TI Drone Surveys – Seasonal Repeat Surveys	BH Wildlife Consultancy	£102,000.00	Direct award under Regulation 33(1)(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Inspections of Lifting Equipment	British Engineering Services	£65,572.03	Quick Quote requirement that exceeded the regulated threshold.

FY 2024-25
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Kilmun and Ardentinny Commercial Stone	Breedon Group Plc	£78,719.90	Awarded under Regulation 33(4)(c) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Land Management Plan Reviews	Bidwells	£104,655.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(c) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Cell Growing Machinery – Newton Nursey	Bjorkemar Construction & Consulting AB	£1,928,308.24	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Forest Management – Moray & Huntly	McConnachie Land & Forestry Services Ltd	£95,316.00	Time-critical to ensure delivery of the restocking Programme.
Trossachs Ground Preparation 2024-25	BW Forestry Ltd	£75,120.00	Time-critical to ensure delivery of the restocking Programme.
Planting Bennachie	John Tammi/Aidan Tammi T/A Greenfutures	£198,919.00	Time-critical to ensure delivery of the restocking Programme.
Invasive Vegetation Control - West Region	BlueGreen Conservation	£295,000.00	Interim award pending re-tender.
SPHN and Invasive Vegetation Control	JM Treeworks	£228,810.00	Interim award pending re-tender.

FY 2025-26
Contract	Supplier	Value	Reason
Helicopter Services	S.J. Contracting services LTD, trading as Heli-Lift Services	£84,152.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(c) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
BCMS – ISMS.online	Allianist Limited	£80,483.78	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Supply of Service & Maintenance Package (Harvesters)	John Deere Forestry Limited	£300,000.00	Awarded under Regulation 33(1)(b) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Question reference: S7W-03201

Asked by: Tim Eagle, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s Programme for Government statement on 1 September 2026, what criteria a local community, and the businesses within it, would be required to meet to qualify for support from the proposed Last Provider Fund.

Question reference: S7W-02716

Asked by: Yi-pei Chou Turvey, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 22 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the future of the "Wallace letter of recommendation", which is currently on loan to the National Records of Scotland from the UK National Archive.

The Scottish Government has had ongoing discussion with the National Records of Scotland, The National Archives, and the UK Government about the future of the Wallace Letter.

While the letter was originally intended to return to England permanently it will now go on display at Kew in 2027 as part of The National Archives’ public programme before returning to Scotland from 2028. This new loan will similarly allow for curated display in Edinburgh and potentially more widely across Scotland, working with other Scottish cultural institutions.

The Scottish Government believes the letter should be in Scotland and will engage on the matter of permanent settlement during the coming, newly negotiated loan period.

Question reference: S7W-02691

Asked by: Maggie Chapman, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 21 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of reports that the University of Dundee is using compulsory redundancy processes, prior to a decision by the University Court, and whether such action is consistent with (a) the Scottish Government's Fair Work principles and (b) the conditions attached to any grant funding provided by the Scottish Government.

While the University of Dundee is an autonomous institution and responsible for its own strategic and operational decisions, the Scottish Government expects compulsory redundancies to be considered only as a last resort, after all other cost-saving measures have been fully explored.

Through the Ministerial Direction issued under Section 25 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) are responsible for monitoring the University of Dundee’s compliance with funding conditions published in March 2026, including in relation to meaningful engagement with staff and students, adherence to Fair Work principles and compulsory redundancy processes.

The SFC is also responsible for monitoring compliance of universities with Fair Work principles through annual reporting and accounts, and as part of their Outcomes Framework and Assurance Model and considers any appropriate interventions to support compliance.

Question reference: S7W-02679

Asked by: Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 21 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that Hospital at Home, which it has promoted for several years, remains a key solution in resolving pressures on hospitals and, if so, what evidence it has that its expansion has delivered measurable improvements in Emergency Department performance.

The Scottish Government considers Hospital at Home to be an important part of the solution to reducing pressure on hospitals and improving flow across the health and care system. Evidence published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland demonstrates that Hospital at Home provides a safe and effective alternative to hospital admission for many patients. Its latest annual reporting shows more than 17,000 people aged 65 and over avoided a hospital stay through access to Hospital at Home services across Scotland.

However, as set out in the recently published Health and Care Improving Flow Plan, improving hospital performance requires a whole-system approach. Hospital at Home is one element of a wider package of measures including same-day care, improved discharge processes, frailty services, urgent care redesign and strengthened community-based support.

Together, these measures, supported by Public Health Scotland's evidence showing continued growth in Hospital at Home services, are expected to improve patient flow, reduce pressure on acute services, and contribute to improve Emergency Department performance.

Evaluation of Hospital at Home services is ongoing. The findings from Phase 1 were published in June and are available on the Scottish Government website. Phase 2 will focus on further analysis of Hospital at Home services, including their impact on key NHS Scotland performance indicators and wider system outcomes.

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