Chamber and committees

In the period since 24 June 2025, Scottish Government officials have held a series of discussions with HM Inspectorate of Education, COSLA, ADES, Local Government Home Education Leads and with parent and carer representatives of home educated children and young people. As referenced in our reply to PQ S7W-00574 on 1 June 2025 this review is in its discovery phase, including an initial focus on data scoping and investigation. With regards to the evaluation elements of the review, officials are currently liaising with HMIE and others to prepare further advice and options for Scottish Ministers on next steps.

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.

It remains an unwelcome reality that communities across Scotland experience health, quality of life and even life expectancy differently depending on their circumstances.

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00256 on 5 June 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 Scottish Government does not intend to further delay the introduction of the muirburn licensing scheme. The postponement last year of the scheme introduction has allowed for further consideration of stakeholder concerns and amendments to the muirburn licensing scheme through the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026.

Our position is that muirburn policy must balance strategic wildfire prevention, including firebreaks, targeted fuel-load reduction, and a landscape-scale, risk-based approach, with the need to protect and restore Scotland’s peatlands. The licensing scheme is intended to do this by ensuring muirburn is carried out by trained people, in line with the Muirburn Code, and only where it is safe, justified and environmentally responsible.

Recent advice from NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Committee sets out that licensing and strict compliance with the Code are the best way to reduce risks, including wildfire escapes and damage to carbon-rich peatland soils.

This information is not held centrally and we are unable to answer this question.

The Scottish Government will engage constructively with relevant stakeholders to ensure considered and thoughtful discussion on this policy. Further detail will be developed in consultation with these stakeholders to deliver effective implementation and achieve policy aims.

MyCare.scot was rolled out nationally across Scotland from April 2026. It is accessible via a web browser. A downloadable mobile app will also be available through app stores from early summer.

The Scottish Government considers the Vision 3 clinical system to be appropriate for GP use. It meets the nationally defined requirements following a comprehensive procurement and accreditation process involving clinical experts. The system has undergone extensive functional, non-functional and clinical safety testing to recognised standards and continues to be enhanced.

We want all women and girls to be able to access the best possible care and support and to benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put women at the centre of their care.

Endometriosis continues to be a priority for this Government, and we are determined to see diagnosis times reduced for all women and girls across Scotland.

Through Phase Two of the Women’s Health Plan, we are taking action to transform gynaecology services and reduce diagnosis times for all menstrual health conditions, including endometriosis. The Endometriosis Care Pathway has already been updated to align with the most recent NICE guidance so that NHS Boards can ensure that women and girls with endometriosis and endometriosis like symptoms have access to holistic and timely care.

NHS Grampian has confirmed that arrangements are in place to support access to prescribed medication, including controlled drugs, within its current service model. Individuals are clinically assessed on entry to custody and prescribed medication is provided where clinically indicated, with processes in place to verify community prescriptions.

Arrangements are in place to provide opioid replacement therapy where required. However, at present, this is delivered from the Kittybrewster custody suite, with detainees transferred from other custody locations where necessary to ensure continuity of treatment. NHS Grampian has advised that it is continuing to work with partners to expand provision across all custody settings, including through the development of pharmacy, delivery and remote prescribing arrangements.

The delivery of healthcare services in police custody remains an operational responsibility for NHS boards. The Scottish Government will continue to support further improvement and consistent, timely access to prescribed medication.’