Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government’s 10-year vision for cancer provides for a compassionate and consistent cancer service which provides excellent treatment and support for all people affected by cancer. Our action plan describes specific steps towards this, including investing in our capital radiotherapy replacement programme and delivery of an Oncology Transformation Programme.

Transport Scotland carried out studies last year to assess the possibility of including Langholm on the existing A74(M) signage. As the motorway signs in question are relatively new, extremely large and expensive to replace, it was felt the most appropriate way to consider this opportunity was to address it when the sign needs replaced upon its serviceable life. Based on the expected lifespan of these type of sign, there are no immediate plans to amend the signs in the near future.

The majority of services in Scotland are operated on a commercial basis by private bus companies. Under the Transport Act 1985, where there is a social need local transport authorities can provide subsidy for services that are not provided on a commercial basis, this is entirely a matter for the local authority to consider and action.

The Scottish Government have brought forward an enhanced suite of options for local transport authorities to improve bus services according to their local needs, including formal partnerships, franchising and running their own bus services. The Community Bus Fund was launched in September 2023 to support local transport authorities to explore the options in the Transport Act, and to improve public transport in their areas.

Transport Scotland remains in positive dialogue with Ambassador Living (the developer for Forthview Housing Development) to reach an agreement on the use of Ferrymuir Gait as an access. This is following a legal process in order to finalise matters, which we hope to conclude in Spring 2024.

The following table sets out how many applications for a licence under the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 for (a) preventing serious damage to livestock, woodlands or crops and (b) environmental benefit have been rejected.

I receive regular performance delivery updates on the three Policy Prospectus missions of equality, opportunity and community. I also engage regularly with Cabinet Secretaries to support strong collaboration across portfolios and budgets and enable effective delivery of Mandate Letter commitments. These arrangements are routinely reviewed and improved where appropriate.

The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 provide local authorities with powers to issue fixed penalty notices to drivers of parked idling vehicles who refuse a reasonable request to switch off their engines. It is for individual local authorities to decide how to make use of their powers and promote awareness. The Scottish Government provides support to assist authorities in undertaking these duties.

The following table sets out how many applications for a licence under the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 for (a) preventing serious damage to livestock, woodlands or crops and (b) environmental benefit have been granted:

Both Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf hosted 3 events each at Bute House in 2023. All Ministerial engagements are published here: Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

The following table shows the total costs for each event:

Specific allocations for the Rail Enhancement programmes and projects in 2024-25 continue to be considered. The 2024-25 budget allocation for the Aberdeen – Central Belt Journey Time Improvement Project will be made in the coming months before the end of the current financial year.