Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is in discussions with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian to confirm appropriate timescales for commencing emergency department opt-out testing for blood-borne viruses, however it is important that preparatory work is undertaken to ensure that the roll-out is robust and well-supported. This initial preparatory work has begun and we anticipate the commencement of testing within the current parliamentary session.

The Scottish Government has committed to rolling out Emergency Department opt-out testing for blood borne viruses in the areas of highest diagnosed prevalence and elsewhere as the evidence develops and supports this. As this is a roll out rather than a pilot, we have not set a fixed end-date but, as with all measures, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the programme to ensure that it is effective.

The Scottish Government is committed to strengthening Scotland’s national entrepreneurial infrastructure. As part of this, we have procured CodeBase to deliver the Techscaler programme, which supports the creation and growth of tech startups across the country. Through this initiative, CodeBase collaborates with a range of ecosystem stakeholders, including private sector incubators, to ensure alignment and integration within the wider entrepreneurial landscape.

In addition, our Ecosystem Fund provides targeted support to organisations that contribute to a thriving startup environment. This includes funding for projects that enhance connectivity, capability, and access to resources for entrepreneurs, thereby reinforcing the role of private sector incubators within the national ecosystem.

The Scottish Government expects that all policies and proposals set out in the forthcoming Climate Change Plan will be delivered. Progress of these policies and proposals will be monitored closely throughout the plan period through a robust Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Regular monitoring will establish progress and allow Ministers to consider appropriate action to support any off track indicators on a case to case basis.

The Scottish Government takes the accuracy of its commissioned reports seriously and aims to ensure that work carried out on its behalf is appropriate.

We speak to the SPFL regularly on a range of issues, and they have kept us updated on matters relating to Hamilton Academical FC and their proposed move.

I have recently written to the owners of the club offering to meet with them.

The Scottish Government is committed to an infrastructure solution to address the A83 Rest and Be Thankful landslip risks. Delivery of a permanent and resilient solution is a priority and we continue to seek ways to achieve that as quickly as possible.

Funding is included in the 2025-26 Budget to continue to progress both the medium and long term solutions. Funding to progress the construction stage of the medium and long term solutions will be determined as part of the annual Scottish Budget setting exercises. However, this scheme is a priority for Scottish Government, noting it is a key recommendation in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) and is included in our published Programme for Government 2025-26.

A traffic and economics assessment was carried in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, however, its purpose is not to assess impacts to each and every business in Argyll and Bute. This is why at the most recent A83 Taskforce meeting I have arranged for roundtable meetings to be taken forward for each of the various business sectors for focussed discussions on the possible impacts and potential mitigation measures which may be implemented to further reduce any impact on businesses during construction of the long term solution. The link to the website can be found here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/design-manual-for-roads-and-bridges-dmrb-stage-two-route-options-assessment-report-a83-access-to-argyll-and-bute/.

The Scottish Government undertook a range of consultation to develop the proposals in the Bill. Engagement with landowners and wider stakeholders is set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill - Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and the results of our public consultation is set out in our 5. Regulating the market in large-scale land transfers: a new Public Interest Test, and a requirement to notify an intention to sell - Land reform in a Net Zero nation: consultation analysis - gov.scot

As part of further development during Stage 1, consultation was undertaken with a range of stakeholders including the following bodies:

• UK Infrastructure Bank (now National Wealth Fund)
• Scottish National Investment Bank
• Scottish Futures Trust

This engagement highlighted the importance of clarity for both landowners and lenders on the timescales and decision process for the transfer test provisions in the Bill. Amendments have now been agreed by the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee at Stage 2 which will introduce timescales for Ministerial transfer test decisions and place a duty on Ministers to publish guidance on the process.

The following table provides a breakdown of homes delivered through the demand-led Rural and Islands Housing Fund, by financial year, between 1 April 2016 and end March 2025.

The Scottish Government expects employers to meet their legal obligations regarding employment costs arising from statutory duties to workers, including in relation to parental leave, sick leave and redundancy. As part of our Fair Work approach, we also encourage employers to adopt practices which foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable workplaces. I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-38593 on 24 June 2025 regarding employment costs in grant agreements.

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.