Chamber and committees

There are a number of reasons as to why an organisation may withhold the release of information under Freedom of Information or Environmental Information legislation. However, the public can find the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s released reports at the following link - FFOI/EIR responses published by APHA - GOV.UK

Publishing any indicative credit spread prior to an inaugural issuance risks compromising the final pricing that could be achieved. For these reasons, the Scottish Government will not publicly comment on the potential spread of the first bond issuance.

The Scottish Government has received a range of advice over the course of the bond programme to support careful development of its borrowing plans.

The Scottish Government would act responsibly and honour its obligations in the event of constitutional change.

There are ten walk-in services open across Scotland. Details of these services can be found online: Walk-in services | NHS inform.

An assessment into the rising costs of horticulture businesses has not been undertaken by the Scottish Government, however, the Horticultural Trades Association has recently published a briefing outlining the ‘Cost of Doing Business’ for the environmental horticulture sector across the UK as a whole. This can be found here: https://hta.org.uk/public-affairs-policy/briefings-consultations-and-reports/stakeholder-section/stakeholder-briefings. The Scottish Government recognises the current challenges outlined in this assessment, which environmental horticulture businesses are facing, the majority of which are family-run SMEs. That is why the Scottish Government continues to offer the Small Business Bonus Scheme to help address the rising costs that businesses are facing. In addition, Scottish Government backed schemes have helped businesses reduce energy costs through grants for energy efficient equipment and renewable technologies.

The Scottish Government has no plans to delay the introduction of the muirburn licensing scheme which is due to come into effect on 15 September 2026.

We published our Strategic Action Plan on Wildfires in March 2026 which sets out that prevention, however, is much broader than muirburn, and should form an integral part of land management generally. In most circumstances, wildfire prevention will be made up of multiple aspects. That may include muirburn, where that is relevant to the land type and local circumstances. The Scottish Government is clear that land managers are therefore a foundation of wildfire prevention.

In relation to the role of muirburn practices in preventing wildfires, the Scottish Government will continue to work with NatureScot, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant partners to consider available evidence on wildfire risk and land management practice. In addition to this, NatureScot will monitor the operation of the licensing system, including any issues arising from licence applications, licence conditions, compliance activity and stakeholder feedback.

Scotland's Fisheries Management Strategy highlights the importance of working in partnership with stakeholders and coastal communities to support sustainable fisheries and strengthen the communities whose livelihoods and wellbeing are closely linked to the sea. Building on the Scottish Government’s 2025 Call for Evidence, our consultation on the Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI) Programme will explore a more regional model of inshore fisheries management, designed to support sustainable fisheries, thriving coastal communities and greater local involvement.

In developing the updated Scottish National Marine Plan (“NMP2”) we have been listening to the diversity of views shared to shape the draft plan and gather information on the different issues, opportunities and priorities for planning around our varied coastline. This is summarised in the Howell Marine Consulting NMP2 Community engagement analysis report: We are considering the recommendations from the report and exploring how an updated planning framework can support consideration of views from communities in decision-making as well as working to build a stronger evidence base to inform future spatial planning and management where possible.

The Scottish Government undertakes work to improve public awareness and knowledge of animal welfare matters on an ongoing basis and recognises the importance of continuing to educate and inform the wider public on the best practice for animal welfare.

Recent examples include the publication of updated welfare guidance for pigs and ongoing work on updating welfare guidance for equidae, cattle and sheep, and funding support for Farm Advisory Service events providing education on new tail docking and castration techniques for lambs, among a range of other education and awareness work.

Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL) performance is primarily monitored by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), who oversees CSL’s operations. The member may wish to contact CSL or SRH directly for the information requested.

In addition, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) publishes statistical information on performance data regularly. Information starting from 2022-23 can be accessed here: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/performance/passenger-rail-performance/.

Statistics on performance in years prior to that, can be found in the National Archives here: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20200503203004/https:/orr.gov.uk

The Scottish Government regularly engages with CalMac on ferry services. CalMac has advised that there are currently no plans to reintroduce non-landing tickets on the Mallaig-Small Isles service. With the initial decision having been made in response to growing concerns about the impact these sailings were having on the availability of passenger capacity for local residents and visitors travelling to and from the islands.