The process proposed in the consultation is based on procedures already in place under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and which is provided for in the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2013.

It suggests ministers appoint an independent reporter to make an examination into the application, giving them powers to determine what form that examination takes, in a proportionate and efficient way which is tailored to the case under consideration.

The proposed reforms are about making the determination process more efficient, not less robust. Environmental assessment standards will remain unchanged. Scottish Ministers will continue to consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis, following review of the application information, consultation responses and representations made by members of the public.

Potential impacts on communities, nature and other valued natural assets or cultural heritage are important considerations in the decision-making process.

Through the consultation, Scottish Government is keen to understand what further support mechanisms, and practical measures, could be explored within a collaborative framework to reduce the time needed to provide consultation responses.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met Save Our Mearns.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met Not A Just Transition - Opposed To The Industrialisation Of Rural Scotland.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met Buchan and Formartine Opposed to Big Energy.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met Angus Pylon Action Group.

Marketing campaigns are one intervention used by the Scottish Government to support the population of Scotland to live healthy and active lives. They typically support wider programmes of activity or run alongside other interventions.

Overall progress against this national outcome is tracked through the National Performance Framework, with the latest available progress on each of the health indicators found on the gov.scot website.

Individual programmes of work will be developed and evaluated to reflect policy aims and objectives in a particular area. These may at times (depending on outcomes being sought) include marketing campaigns.

The Cancer strategy and Cancer action plan (which can be found on gov.scot) provide an example of a wider programme of work which includes marketing campaigns. The Cancer action plan includes a section on Monitoring and Evaluation.

Different programmes of work will be evaluated in different ways and at times this might include the use of QALYs.

Large-scale, long-duration electricity storage, such as pumped hydro storage, will play a critical role in lessening our dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation, supporting our net zero ambitions.

It will help to maximise our significant renewable energy generating capacity by providing flexibility to the grid, ensuring that there is a continuous resilient and secure supply of electricity to households and businesses.

Our Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) places climate and nature at the centre of our planning system and makes clear our support for all forms of renewable, low-carbon and zero emission technologies, including energy storage. Potential impacts on communities, nature and other receptors are important considerations in the planning process. All applications are subject to site-specific assessments.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met Deeside Against Pylons.