Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has a total programme budget of £2.1 million for 2026-27. Costs are expected to remain within this budget.

In any subsequent year in which Scottish Bonds are issued, programme costs are not expected to exceed the 2026-27 requirement.

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.

Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) systems support comprehensive data collection in fisheries by using cameras, sensors and Global Positioning System technology to independently monitor fishing activity at sea.

REM is a key component of the Scottish Government's Fisheries Management Strategy. However, there are no plans to rollout REM across the inshore fleet. Instead, the Scottish Government is taking a targeted and proportionate approach to REM implementation.

Legislation has already been introduced requiring REM systems on all scallop dredge vessels from June 2024 and on pelagic fishing vessels from March 2026. The legislation applies to all relevant vessels operating within Scottish waters, as well as to relevant Scottish vessels wherever they fish.

This approach reflects the Scottish Government's commitment to strengthening fisheries monitoring, improving transparency and supporting sustainable fisheries management, while ensuring that monitoring requirements are proportionate and tailored to different fleet segments. It recognises that REM technology is not necessary or appropriate for all vessel types.

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.

The Scottish Government has worked with other governments across the UK to develop the Fair Dealings Obligations Regulations, which have been introduced to address fairness in the supply chain. The regulations are currently in place for the milk and pig sectors and set out legal requirements for how purchase contracts must operate between farmers and buyers of certain agricultural products. They are designed to make contracts fairer, more transparent and more predictable. Stakeholders with concerns about compliance are able to raise these with the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.

The regulations are subject to a statutory review process which will consider their effectiveness, and similar regulations are being considered for other sectors such as eggs. Whilst the Scottish Government’s position is that this legislation relates to devolved matters, we will continue to work with Defra and other governments in the UK on legislation covering contractual fairness, in the interests of industry.

The Scottish Government is providing increased funding of £14.6m in 2026-27 financial year to support local authorities to maintain the School Clothing Grant. This includes a £400k inflationary increase on the previous year’s funding and represents an increase of £2.8m since 2021-22. We have committed to uprating funding in line with inflation during this Parliament.

Responsibility for assessing grid stability, system inertia and generational adequacy rests with the UK Government and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), as electricity security of supply is a reserved matter.

The national minimum amounts for School Clothing Grant were agreed with local government. Local authorities are responsible for administering the School Clothing Grant, including setting eligibility criteria, and have the flexibility to pay families more than the national minimum. The Scottish Government is providing increased funding of £14.6m in 2026/27 financial year to support local authorities to maintain the School Clothing Grant. We have committed to uprating funding in line with inflation during this Parliament.

Our 2024 national guidance on school uniform and clothing makes clear that schools should consider their uniform policies in the context of the national minimum School Clothing Grant and design those policies on the basis that families can purchase all items needed for the school year within that budget. The guidance was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and informed by a range of evidence and stakeholder engagement, including consultation with pupils, parents and carers.

Transport Scotland offers a subsidy through Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) to fund operational costs of the Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL), which are not met by other income, including passenger revenue. The information on level of that subsidy including capital funding is available publicly from various sources, including Caledonian Sleeper Ltd accounts submitted to Companies House: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC328825/filing-history. No loans are offered to CSL by the Scottish Government or Transport Scotland.

Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL) is responsible for the assessment of rolling stock on its services, with oversight from Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH). The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is responsible as the safety regulator for ensuring that the rolling stock is maintained in line with the safety management system. The Member may wish to contact these organisations directly regarding this matter. The Scottish Government does not hold the information centrally.