Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that independent and community sector care at home providers play in delivering high-quality care and support across Scotland.

As social care reforms are developed and implemented, we will continue to engage closely with providers, people with lived experience, local government and other partners to explore opportunities to create a more cohesive, sustainable and effective social care system. The Scottish Government is approaching this work with an open mind and no specific measures have been ruled in or out at this stage.

Consideration of how best to support a diverse, sustainable provider landscape, including independent and community sector providers, will be considered as part of this ongoing work. Any specific measures will be considered as reform proposals are developed.

The 13,500 figure referred to is not a recent proposal. While UK Government Ministers have indicated that they continue to pursue a policy of widening dispersal across the UK they have not provided an updated plan to set out any current targets.

The Scottish Government is clear that Scotland is committed to playing our part in supporting people seeking asylum. That includes participating in asylum dispersal by taking a proportionate population share, and this needs to be managed effectively by the UK Government through engagement with local authorities and devolved public services. The UK Government also needs to provide necessary funding to ensure that people and communities can be supported at all stages of the asylum process.

When procuring and managing contracts Procurement Services ensures compliance with all legal requirements and procurement principles including in relation to employment and modern slavery. Our conditions of contract require all SPCB contractors to comply with Environmental, Social and Labour Law obligations and allow for immediate termination in the case of failure to comply with these obligations. Where suitable, we use collaborative agreements placed by the Scottish Government to benefit from economies of scale; these agreements also contain clauses requiring compliance with the law. Procurement Services continues to monitor and comply with Scottish and UK Government guidance and advice in this area.

We have not had any engagement with OSCR regarding its inquiry into the John Muir Trust. As charities and OSCR are independent of government, it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to intervene in any ongoing inquiries. Any queries regarding the inquiry should be directed to OSCR.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information. Workforce management and deployment are operational matters for the Chief Constable, with oversight by the Scottish Police Authority.

The Scottish Government does not this information. Workforce management and deployment are operational matters for the Chief Constable, with oversight by the Scottish Police Authority.

The Scottish Government is aware of three economic impact assessments undertaken for the 7stanes mountain bike network in 2004, 2007 and 2012. Those studies found that the network generated significant economic benefits for the South of Scotland, including Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

The most recent assessment, undertaken in 2012, estimated that the 7stanes network generated approximately £11 million of net additional visitor expenditure across the South of Scotland and helped attract almost 400,000 visits annually, with around 82% of visitors originating from outside the region.

The studies also found that the network supported local businesses, increased overnight stays and contributed to employment in rural communities.

The Scottish Government has not undertaken a more recent economic impact assessment of the 7stanes network.

The Programme for Government set out our commitment to a three month period of intensive dialogue with partners in local government, across Parliament, and with stakeholders including representatives from local communities, to agree a clear and shared direction for the future of local governance in Scotland. As part of this process, Ministers are keen to engage with a wide range of stakeholders who may wish to come forward with proposals that deliver on our public service reform ambitions.

This period of dialogue began with the publication of the Programme for Government on 1 September. It will build on discussions already undertaken on the need for reform and will help ensure real and lasting improvements to public services. As part of this process, the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and I attended a special meeting of COSLA Leaders on 11 September 2026 to discuss the Programme for Government's commitments on reform to our public services.

As part of this process Ministers are keen to engage with a wide range of stakeholders who may wish to come forward with proposals that deliver on our Public Service Reform ambitions.

The Scottish Government committed to begin engagement on the Rural Renewal Bill within our first 100 Days, commencing on 18 June as the First Minister announced at the Royal Highland Show. Over the summer we have engaged with people, communities and organisations across rural Scotland to understand priorities and experiences.

Consultation will continue to take place throughout the Bill process. The Government’s future legislative programme will be announced as part of the Programme for Government.

As a controlled entry subject, Scottish Ministers make a recommendation each year on the overall undergraduate intake for domestic and international students at Scottish dental schools. The domestic student intake recommendations for the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow for the last three academic years are as follows: