Donald MacKinnon

20 Jul 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on identifying the two island communities that will pilot remote diagnostic technologies as set out in the National Islands Plan 2, what the consultation and decision-making around selection is, and when this pilot will start.

20 Jul 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on expanding the commitment of matched funding through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership for Empty Homes Officer roles to the Western Isles.

20 Jul 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the National Islands Plan 2, what progress has been made on the (a) Ferries Accessibility Standard and (b) new Islands Transport Accessibility Fund and the remit of this fund, and when both will be published

25 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is planning to take to ensure that agriculture, food production and food security in Scotland are not significantly impacted by combined environmental and global factors, including water scarcity, drought and soaring prices of and limited access to fertiliser as a result o…

Answer · Jim Fairlie: Scotland’s food, farming, and marine sectors have been beset by a range of challenges in recent years – not least as a result of Brexit - and we know that there are increasing risks to Scotland’s food security, including from climate change …

25 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding water scarcity in 2025, what (a) action has been taken to assess its impact, particularly on the east coast, (b) lessons have been learnt and (c) is being implemented in 2026 as a result.

Answer · Gillian Martin: In 2025 Scotland experienced the driest start to the year in more than 60 years, prompting enhanced monitoring and assessment activity by the Scottish Government, SEPA and Scottish Water.The Scottish Government supports a wide range of research on the impact …

25 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration has been given to the impact of water scarcity on food production in Scotland.

Answer · Jim Fairlie: We know that the impact of climate change means that summers in Scotland are likely to get drier which may impact summer water scarcity. As a result, it is vital that we take action both to limit further climate change and to adapt to the challenges it is alr…

25 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether Crown Estate Scotland has stopped the Community Land Accelerator pilot and what plans it has to publish its  findings from the pilot.

Answer · Gillian Martin: This is an operational matter for Crown Estate Scotland. I have asked their Chief Executive, Ronan O’Hara, to respond to you directly.

25 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, whether it will provide a timetable and a date by which it anticipates that all aspects of the legislation to be operational.

Answer · Gillian Martin: Implementation of many measures in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 require secondary legislation and guidance, and will therefore be subject to Parliamentary business and timetabling. The timetable for implementation of the measures is being developed. I …

3 Jun 2026 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the current status of the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus project.

2 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether current air travel services are meeting the needs of island communities.

Answer · Stephen Flynn: The provision of air services is a matter for individual airlines. However the Scottish Government understand the importance of aviation to the Highlands and Islands. The continued provision of the Air Discount Scheme provides significant support to residents…

2 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that air travel is affordable for islanders and island businesses.

Answer · Stephen Flynn: We understand the importance of aviation to the Highlands and Islands, which is why the Scottish Government provides funding to support the operations of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL). In order to ensure that HIAL can continue to operate safe a…

2 Jun 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with Loganair regarding the cost of island flights.

Answer · Stephen Flynn: As a key provider of air services in Scotland, the Scottish Government regularly engages with Loganair on a variety of issues, including in relation to fares. Fare levels are, however, entirely a matter for the airline and the Scottish Government has no power…

18 May 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to avoid any repeat of the reported problems experienced across the CalMac ferry network in recent months.

Answer · Stephen Flynn: The Scottish Government intend to deliver four further new major vessels, in addition to the two already deployed. These six major vessels in total along with the seven new small vessels will mean that this government has invested to renew over a third of Cal…

18 May 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to deliver island representation on the boards of CMAL and CalMac.

Answer · Stephen Flynn: Scottish Ministers are clear that island communities must have a strong and meaningful voice in the governance of Scotland’s ferry services. They have taken active steps to support this, including through representation on the boards of Caledonian Marit…

18 May 2026 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when the next round of the Island Business Resilience Fund will open.

Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government recognises the impacts that disruption can have on island communities. The First Minister has announced the implementation of a £10 million Islands Resilience Fund as part of the government’s first 100 days commitments, and…