The Scottish Government are not seeking to increase the number of plans for individual health conditions and are therefore not developing a national allergy strategy. Rather, we are focussed on how we can best support Health Boards to deliver high quality, value-based, person-centred care for all people, irrespective of condition.

As outlined in the answer to another question raised by the member regarding treatment lengths (S6W-29773 on 3 December 2024), the Scottish Government commissioned Public Health Scotland (PHS) to carry out an evaluation of the Residential Rehabilitation programme.

To help ensure that qualifications awarded in Scotland are of a consistently high standard, the Short Life Working Group (SLWG) was established to develop and consider the options and implications of any potential changes to the scope of accreditation.

The SLWG is chaired by the Scottish Government’s Director for Education Reform and all members have a responsibility to share their expertise from their roles within the Scottish qualifications system. This is with a view to developing an evidence base that will support informed decision making on all aspects relating to the scope of accreditation.

The responsibility for quality assurance within the education and qualifications system is a shared responsibility across Scottish Government, a range of public bodies including the SQA, as well as other institutions.

The Scottish Government expects NHS Health Boards to manage those in need of adult allergy services according to local needs and deliver these services to provide high quality care that is safe, effective, and person-centred.

Children and Young People in Scotland can access dedicated allergy services through the National Managed Clinical Allergy Network (CYANS). CYANS has published a guideline on the diagnosis and management of food allergies in children, based on national guidelines. Further information can be found at: About Us – Children and Young People's Allergy Network Scotland (nhs.scot).

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-31450 on 4 December 2024 which also applies to trust and privately owned ports. 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.

We report emissions from across the economy on an annual basis in the Section A. Introduction to Greenhouse Gases - Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2022 - gov.scot. The contribution of farmers, crofters and land managers to reduce emissions and sequester carbon are reflected in the statistics for agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry.

We also complete annual statutory monitoring of the Climate Change Plan update (CCPu) Climate change monitoring report 2023 - gov.scot which outlines progress against our policies and proposals for Scottish agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry sectors contributions to our climate targets.

Our Vision for Agriculture makes clear Scotland will have a robust and coherent framework to underpin our future agricultural support regime from 2025 onwards, that delivers climate mitigation and adaptation, nature restoration and high-quality food production. I fully recognise that many farmers, crofters and land managers undertake low carbon farming practices. We provide financial support as well as guidance and advice for farmers, crofters and land managers to help reduce their emissions through initiatives like the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and the Farm Advisory Service.

We will continue to support farmers and crofters on their sustainability journey. Importantly, we will maintain direct payments to support active farming and food production while introducing conditions from 2025 aimed at outcomes for biodiversity gain and climate mitigation and adaption. From 2026 powers from the new Agriculture Bill will be used to launch the new Enhanced Payment.

Three of the four planned Short Life Working Group meetings have now taken place, and arrangements are currently being made for the final meeting. The group’s work will then inform advice to Ministers, as per the group’s remit.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all people living in Scotland with an allergy, are able to access the best possible care and support, and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care.

The latest published data shows that there were 302 patients waiting for a new outpatient allergy appointment as of 30 September 2024, with a median waiting time of 40 days and 78.5% of waits within the 12 week New Outpatient standard.

While this is welcome progress, I recognise there is more to be done. We continue to target resources to clear the longest waits and are working with all boards to maximise current resources and productivity.

Locum pathologists are engaged on a fixed fee basis per post mortem examination, regardless of where the pathologist requires to travel from. There is therefore no additional cost to the Crown if a locum pathologist requires to fly from elsewhere in the United Kingdom to Aberdeen or requires accommodation.

In October 2022, both Forensic Pathologists working in Aberdeen transferred to other positions in Scotland where they continue to conduct Crown-instructed examinations. COPFS took over management of the pathology services in Aberdeen as Aberdeen University were unable to secure replacement pathologists.

From that date, COPFS has relied on the Forensic postmortem services in other areas of Scotland to provide Forensic specialist cover for Aberdeen, Grampian and the Highlands and Islands.

COPFS is not responsible for recruiting Crown-instructed pathologists.

However, COPFS has investigated alternative options for a forensic pathology service in Aberdeen. In the meantime, continuing with the outsourcing agreement and the use of locum NHS pathologists for non-suspicious post mortem examinations maintains service delivery whilst NHS Grampian progress the establishment of a forensic post mortem service in Aberdeen.