Douglas Lumsden

Answer · Stephen Flynn · 5 Jun 2026

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-00628 on 5 June 2026. 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.

Answer · Stephen Flynn · 5 Jun 2026

The Scottish Government remains committed to continued electrification of passenger rail services in Scotland.Electrification plans are being developed to align with Scotrail's fleet renewal requirements, in order to deliver electrification and decarbonisation in the most efficient manner. Our plans for the fleet renewal programme is set out in Transport Scotland Rail Recharged: Scotland’s Fleet Transition Strategy, published in November 2025.

Answer · Stephen Flynn · 5 Jun 2026

The Scottish Government remains committed to the Aberdeen to Central Belt Enhancement project.The timescales for the Aberdeen to Central Belt Service Improvement project remain under review and will be subject to investment decisions based on a Final Business Case. In terms of affordability, it has been determined that the project, and associated benefits, can be delivered in a phased manner with the first of those phases being the section from Dundee to Arbroath. This has been communicated to stakeholders including Nestrans and Aberdeen City Council via its City Region Deal Joint Committee.

Answer · Stephen Flynn · 5 Jun 2026

In 2025, the Buchan Sustainable Transport Study was commissioned by the Campaign for North East Rail and the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, with funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund.Following officials’ advice, the former Cabinet Secretary for Transport confirmed in June 2025 that further complementary work was required to strengthen the evidence base, particularly in relation to future freight needs linked to renewable energy and carbon capture.Officials have been working with Nestrans to develop this work, and I am advised that consultancy services are currently being procured by Nestrans to take it forward.As with all proposals for rail investment, the evidence will be considered in line with Transport Scotland’s business case process, wider priorities and affordability.

Answer · Ivan McKee · 27 May 2026

The Scottish Government is committed to reforming energy consenting, including improving the consultation process for communities affected by proposed electricity transmission infrastructure projects. To this end, a comprehensive review of Scottish electricity infrastructure consenting was undertaken in 2024 through a joint UK and Scottish Government initiative, leading to reforms included within the UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.The Act granted new regulation-making powers to the Scottish Ministers, such as mandating pre-application engagement, introducing an acceptance stage and establishing new time limits. Later this year, Ministers will consult on the use of these powers to improve the consenting process for all stakeholders, the results of which would inform associated secondary legislation.

Answer · Stephen Gethins · 1 Jun 2026

Local authorities participating in inquiries are required to provide all financial, legal and technical support required to support their participation. No additional funding is provided by the Scottish Government.The Scottish Government has reformed the consenting process for major electricity infrastructure through the Planning and Infrastructure (Scotland) Act 2025 by replacing the automatic requirement for a public inquiry with a reporter-led examination. This allows procedures such as written submissions, hearings or inquiries to be used only where appropriate, making participation more proportionate, and focussed on key issues relating to the case. By enabling reporters to scope examinations to the issues in dispute, the new approach allows authorities to participate effectively addressing cost and resourcing issues required for full inquiries.Changes to the automatic Public Local Inquiry trigger for energy consent applications were consulted on by the UK Government in October and November 2024 as part of preparations for the then Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Details of the consultation outcome can be viewed at: Electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland - GOV.UK. This included engagement with local authorities and opportunities for input from local communities through formal public consultation processes.The Scottish Government intends to consult later this year on additional measures enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 which are intended to further improve the efficiency of application processing and minimise resourcing challenges for local authorities. The Scottish Government has no plans at present to establish a dedicated funding mechanism to support local authorities.

Answer · Ivan McKee · 27 May 2026

All material considerations raised in representations and submitted by members of the public are carefully considered before the Scottish Ministers reach a decision on an application for energy consent.The Scottish Government does not routinely record the method of submission of representations. Representations about applications for energy consent, as well as application information and related documents, are publicly available on the Energy Consents Unit portal: https://www.energyconsents.scot/Default.aspx

Answer · Ivan McKee · 27 May 2026

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-43830 on 2 March 2026. 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