Parliamentary questions
Rhoda Grant
2,396 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
20 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated to each NHS board for chronic pain services in each of the last five years.
Answer · Jenni Minto: The Scottish Government’s role is to set the strategic policy for the NHS in Scotland and provide core funding to NHS boards. NHS boards have responsibility for deciding how to use this core funding to deliver services locally based on the needs of the …
17 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when funding for the construction of a controlled pedestrian crossing at Raigmore interchange in Inverness will be granted, in light of reports regarding the time and cost associated with the design and planning that has already been undertaken.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The project is nearly at construction stage and has been assessed by Transport Scotland for construction-ready funding through Tier 2 of the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). Our operating company, BEAR Scotland, has been working with the original pro…
12 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that it is currently completing the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2 (concept design) of the project, by what date the Belford Hospital replacement in NHS Highland will complete RIBA stage (a) 5 (manufacturing and construction) and (b) 6 (handover…
Answer · Neil Gray: We have confirmed that the replacement of the Belford Hospital is a strategic priority, and the 2025-26 Draft Budget has provided the necessary funding to allow the development of the business case to restart. NHS Highland is responsible for the delivery of t…
12 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether animal health concerns would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstance (FM/EC) provision is one that has existed for a number of years and if a business has been unable to comply with the rules of a scheme because of FM/EC, they may retain the right to aid in respect of the claim. To qu…
12 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether illness would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstance (FM/EC) provision is one that has existed for a number of years and if a business has been unable to comply with the rules of a scheme because of FM/EC, they may retain the right to aid in respect of the claim. To qu…
12 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) weather conditions and (b) late delivery of a bull would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and in what circumstances the late …
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstance (FM/EC) provision is one that has existed for a number of years and if a business has been unable to comply with the rules of a scheme because of FM/EC, they may retain the right to aid in respect of the claim. To qu…
12 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what qualifying circumstances would be covered under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and how crofters and farmers can (a) access protection and (b) appeal a decision of a rejected application to access pro…
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstance (FM/EC) provision is one that has existed for a number of years and if a business has been unable to comply with the rules of a scheme because of FM/EC, they may retain the right to aid in respect of the claim. To qu…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to provide deer managers with clarity about the circumstances under which NatureScot might intervene on deer management issues under any new interventionist powers predicated on nature recovery.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: As set out in the Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland the Natural Environment Bill will include provisions to modernise the way in which deer are managed in Scotland.In January 2024 the Scottish Government consulted on a range of potential refo…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the deer management incentive pilot schemes currently in operation in central Scotland and Loch Ness.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Two pilot incentive schemes led by NatureScot were launched in early autumn to provide financial incentives to deer managers to increase deer culls in specific parts of Scotland.The schemes are operating well with 22 deer controllers signed up across 19 prope…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to mobile larder infrastructure to support deer managers where there is a deficit of lardering facilities.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: In some areas access to processing facilities, including larders is a barrier to increased deer control. That is why as set out in S6W-32094 on 6 January 2025, we have provided financial support for some larders already and are working with NatureScot, FLS an…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to support deer managers by investing in community larder and processing infrastructure.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government has provided £80,000 through the Covid Recovery Plan Opportunities Fund to create new local chill and processing units for wild venison in Argyll, Moray and Dumfries and Galloway.Separately, NatureScot is beginning a partnership …
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what data it holds on the number of Scottish animals slaughtered in England and vice versa, and what assessment it has made of any impact of its proposal to adopt ultra-high frequency electronic identification technology.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Scottish Government does not directly hold this data. Livestock traceability systems used within GB capture all death data reported and can easily identify farms of origin prior to slaughter. Scottish Ministers will consider all evidence available before a fi…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the (a) UK Government and (b) EU regarding the implementation of ultra-high frequency electronic identification technology in livestock, in light of EU regulation specifying low frequency.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government officials are in regular discussions with the other UK administrations on bovine EID. Furthermore, The Scottish Government supported a meeting with NFUS and DG Sante on this matter held earlier this year. No concerns were raised by EU …
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to conclude its review of the use of ultra-high frequency electronic identification in livestock.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Scottish Ministers are currently considering all the available evidence, including on technology use. An announcement will be made once Ministers have reached a final decision.
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of any impact of adopting ultra-high frequency electronic identification technology on the trade of Scottish cattle and beef with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Scottish Ministers are considering all the available information on bovine EID and technology use across the UK. This includes the ScotEID pilot findings into UHF, the results and analysis of the consultation held on Cattle ID and Traceability earlier this ye…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to better enable coastalcommunities to have their views heard in marine policy work undertaken by theScottish Government, including (a) the National Marine Plan 2, (b) fisheriesplanning and (c) regional marine planning.
Answer · Gillian Martin: Widespread stakeholder participation is essential if we are to successfully develop a new National Marine Plan (NMP2) for Scotland that, supports economic growth, our communities and protects our marine environment. We want everyone who uses, relies on or has…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of marine environment (a) are currently undergoing active restoration work and (b) have planned active restoration work.
Answer · Gillian Martin: We do not currently have an overarching mechanism to record where restoration is taking place across Scotland. Not all restoration projects require a marine license, and the patchwork of other consents and licenses needed by restoration projects does not prov…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any obstacles that exist for coastal communities seeking to undertake restoration of marine environments, including (a) planning and (b) financial.
Answer · Gillian Martin: In March this year we consulted on legislative proposals to facilitate marine nature restoration. In the consultation document we set out concerns raised by community groups and restoration organisations with regards to the complexity of the regulatory enviro…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government which groups are represented on the stakeholder advisory group for the restoration plan for marine and coastal areas.
Answer · Gillian Martin: A broad range of organisations from across marine sectors, including restoration and community groups, were invited to attend an introductory meeting about the marine and coastal restoration plan on 4 December. Initial thinking on the plan and its development…
10 Dec 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a restoration plan for marine and coastal areas, which was scheduled for publication by 2025.
Answer · Gillian Martin: We are aiming to publish the marine and coastal restoration plan by the end of 2025.
26 Nov 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Transport last met with Erik Østergaard (a) in person and (b) remotely.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Scottish Ministers and Transport Scotland officials meet regularly with David MacBrayne Ltd & CalMac Ferries Ltd. This includes Ministerial meetings with the Board and Senior Management Team as well as Transport Scotland participation in a range of DML le…
26 Nov 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions in each of the last 10 years Jayam Dalal has been a member of an appointments panel established to advise ministers on public sector appointments.
Answer · Shona Robison: Jayam Dalal is a Public Appointments Adviser appointed by the Ethical Standards Commissioner for Scotland (ESC) at the commencement of regulated Ministerial appointment rounds. The Scottish Government does not retain the information requested, however, we hav…
26 Nov 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a policy that no individual will be appointed to the board of David MacBrayne Limited or CMAL without being able to demonstrate experience of island communities and conditions.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Scottish Ministers have been clear on their desire to ensure greater islander representation on the Boards of David MacBrayne Ltd and CMAL. Previous recruitments have resulted on at least one board member in each organisation who has the skills required for t…
26 Nov 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to announce proposals for future governance arrangements for Hebrides and Clyde ferry services, and whether these will be subject to consultation.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: Scottish Ministers have been clear on the need to improve delivery of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS), to ensure the requirements of our ferry dependent communities are met. No immediate decisions are being made on the subject of reform of the fe…
26 Nov 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government on what (a) relevant knowledge and (b) experience the Cabinet Secretary for Transport based her appointment of Mark Tarry to the board of CMAL.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: CMAL Board appointment campaigns are carried out in line with the Ethical Standards Commissioner’s Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland.Scottish Ministers consider the recommendation presented to them by the selecti…
30 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its timeline for developing a framework to support shared ownership of renewables, as proposed within the onshore wind sector deal, and whether there will be opportunities for the community sector to meaningfully engage with this process.
Answer · Gillian Martin: We are committed to working with the community sector and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of renewable energy comes with benefits for people in Scotland. This includes shared ownership, which has a vital role to play in a just transition by giving c…
30 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its timeline for reviewing its good practice principles for onshore wind developments, and whether there will be opportunities for the community sector to meaningfully engage with this process.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: Driven by our Good Practice Principles, community benefits are a well-established and integral part of renewable energy projects in Scotland, with over £26 million of community benefits offered to Scottish communities in the last 12 months. The Scottish…
30 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there was reportedly no external evaluation of the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) prior to its retendering, and what substantive changes were made to the tender as a result of the call for feedback on CARES.
Answer · Gillian Martin: The Scottish Government continually reviews the support available to communities through the CARES scheme and uses this information to inform future support. An evaluation of the current contract, which is due to end on 31 March 2025, will be completed prior …
30 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what new measures it plans to take to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy that is fully community-owned, as part of meeting its ambition to reach 2GW of community- and locally-owned energy by 2030.
Answer · Gillian Martin: The Scottish Government is more than halfway towards achieving our ambition for 2GW of community and locally owned energy by 2030, with an estimated 1,028 MW of community and local renewable energy capacity operational in Scotland at the end of December 2023.…
30 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered the minimum percentage of ownership stakes in any new renewable energy development that should be offered to local communities to purchase, under a good practice shared ownership model.
Answer · Gillian Martin: Shared ownership has an important role to play in delivering a just transition, by giving communities the chance to make an investment in a commercially owned renewable energy project.Whilst mandating shared ownership is a matter reserved to the UK Government…