Parliamentary questions
Mark Ruskell
1,773 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
23 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recommendations in the Asthma + Lung UK Scotland report, Clearing the Air: Transport + Lung Health.
Answer · Gillian Martin: We welcome the Asthma + Lung UK Scotland report and make the following comments in response to the recommendations on air quality and transport:WHO guidelines - the review of Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 will consider the current air quality objectives. The 202…
23 Oct 2024 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how it is supporting local transport authorities to franchise bus services.
2 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recommendation within the Scottish Land Commission's report, Land Reform and Taxation: Advice to Scottish Ministers, to (a) establish "a programme to bring all land onto the valuation roll" and (b) commit to "the development and use of a consistent and compreh…
Answer · Shona Robison: The Scottish Government is committed to land reform and improving transparency of those who own and control land in Scotland is at the heart of our land reform objectives.The Scottish Government will continue to review any evidence – including that aris…
1 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether a local authority that introduces a workplace parking levy under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 could set different levels of licence charge for workers (a) with incomes below a certain level, (b) who work particular hours, for example early or late shifts, and (c) with an ele…
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-30299 on 15 October 2024. 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-co…
1 Oct 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether a local authority that introduces a workplace parking levy under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 could set local exemptions for workers (a) with incomes below a certain level, (b) who work particular hours, for example early or late shifts, and (c) with an electric vehicle.
Answer · Fiona Hyslop: The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 provides local authorities with a discretionary power to set up workplace parking licensing (WPL) schemes. Section 71 of the 2019 Act defines what constitutes a workplace parking place.The liability for licences and associate…
25 Sep 2024 · General Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recommendations in the recent Oxfam Scotland report, Cleared for Take-off: A Private Jet Tax for Scotland.
19 Sep 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide a list of any Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 (CAFS2) actions that may be impacted by the announced £0.1 million reduction in its Air quality public engagement strategy budget line.
Answer · Gillian Martin: Work is underway to deliver the 84 actions in the Scottish Government’s Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 Strategy which runs until 2026, with 65 actions delivered to date. Updates on delivery will be reported in the next annual progress report due to be publi…
19 Sep 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the announced £1 million of savings from its Nature Restoration budget will have on any projects in the Mid Scotland and Fife region funded by the Edinburgh Process strand of the Nature Restoration Fund.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29617 on 17 September 2024. 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-commit…
12 Sep 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it is encouraging NHS boards to provide plant-based meal options for patients.
Answer · Neil Gray: The NHS Scotland Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2022– 2026 aims to maximise plant-based options in the provision of food in Hospitals across NHS Scotland, whilst ensuring that nutritional needs are met in line with the Food in Hospitals s…
11 Sep 2024 · Portfolio Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with the Scottish Prison Service to discuss the findings of HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland's report on the full inspection of HMP YOI Stirling.
5 Sep 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how any funds for a sports facility at Park of Keir will be re-allocated, in light of the withdrawal of the project.
Answer · Maree Todd: We recognise the enormous contribution the Murray family has made to tennis in Scotland and we are committed to delivering a tangible and fitting legacy.sportscotland’s provisional allocation of up to £5m for the development of a potential tennis …
26 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when NatureScot will be revising its Scottish Biodiversity List of species and habitats that Scottish Ministers consider to be of principal importance for biodiversity conservation in Scotland.
Answer · Alasdair Allan: The Scottish Government and NatureScot have been focused on the development of the final draft of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and supporting Delivery Plans, which will be published later this year. The Scottish Biodiversity List remains an important pa…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government how NatureScot (a) assesses, (b) monitors and (c) publicises routine progress toward reaching the additional 50,000 deer cull target.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: NatureScot’s Deer Work Programme Action Plan and spreadsheet showing progress on delivery of the Deer Working Recommendations are on their website (https://www.nature.scot/doc/deer-work-programme).These show progress across the range of projects, initia…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide the most recent deer culling figures broken down by (a) public bodies and (b) private landowners.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: NatureScot culling data does not distinguish between public and private deer managers.
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what policy measures and incentives it is considering in order to reach its commitment to increase the national deer cull by 25% or 50,000 deer each year.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government remains committed to modernising deer management to tackle high deer numbers, specifically in order to help us to achieve our biodiversity and carbon objectives. We continue to pursue a range of actions to deliver this commitment.The S…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether NatureScot will consider the new research findings published in the British Ecological Society journal, Ecological Solutions and Evidence, outlining the ecological benefits of leaving deer carcasses in their environment in appropriate and defined circumstances.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Wild Deer Best Practice (WDBP) covers the practice of leaving carcasses on the hill and this guidance is regularly reviewed through the steering group to ensure it provides accurate and up to date information.NatureScot recognises the benefits of leaving carc…
22 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of the annual deer cull figures in Scotland in each of the past five years.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Data from the reported annual cull returns is set out in the following table:Season Red Roe Sika Fallow Total Mortality 2019-20 60711 38499 6964 2211 108385 617 2020-21 66373 36587 8154 2521 113626 4529 2021-22 66575 43455 8495 2640 121165 1079 2022-23 73251 …
14 Aug 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland report, HMP & YOI Stirling, Full Inspection, 19 February to 23 February 2024.
Answer · Angela Constance: I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:SPS welcomes the inspection report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS), and we are encouraged to hear that the Chief In…
30 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the analysis of the performance of BIDs Scotland.
Answer · Tom Arthur: Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Scotland was contracted by Scottish Government in 2014 to help support the delivery and development of BIDs across Scotland. Scottish Government published a report in December 2016 outlining research findings on the impac…
22 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28363 by Mairi Gougeon on 22 July 2024, what consideration it will give to potentially extending the boundary of the (a) Cairngorms National Park and (b) Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to incorporate parts of the Tay Forest National Par…
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: On 22 July 2024, the Scottish Government announced that Galloway has been proposed as the location for Scotland’s third National Park. A detailed investigation will now be carried out on its suitability including extensive engagement and consultation with loc…
22 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28363 by Mairi Gougeon on 22 July 2024, what further action it will take to support the development of nominations for new national parks.
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: In October 2023, communities were invited to explore and develop proposals for their local area to be considered for designation as Scotland’s next National Park. The nomination phase closed on 29 February and nominations were received from Galloway, Loch Awe…
20 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-19916 by Gillian Martin on 31 July 2023, what progress has been made towards reviewing building standards to require the use of swift bricks and other features to support birds.
Answer · Paul McLennan: Noting the answers previously provided to questions S6W-19916 on 31 July 2024, S6W-26193 and S6W-26194 on 28 March 2024 on this topic, I can confirm it remains our intent to review standard 7.1 (statement of sustainability) to consider further opportunities…
13 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of any regulatory failures of water bodies have been due to road water run-off, in each of the last five years.
Answer · Gillian Martin: Urban areas typically have the highest concentrations of roads and as a result any significant road water run-off into rivers usually occurs in these areas. A mix of oils, chemicals and tyre particles from vehicles builds up on urban roads during dry spells a…
3 Jul 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discretion exists for bus service operators to charge booking fees to passengers making journeys under concessionary travel schemes.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Bus operators use their own commercial judgement to decide on service routes, frequency and fare structure, including booking procedures. Any changes must be consistent with the processes enforced by the Traffic Commissioner. Day to day operational activity …
27 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what policy measures it is considering to encourage people in Scotland to eat more plant-based meals, as illustrated in the Eatwell Guide.
Answer · Jenni Minto: The Scottish Government and partners continue to take a variety of steps to promote healthier food and diet, including an increase in plant-based meals. The 2021 Out of Home Action Plan (OOHAP) and the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan underpin this …
27 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Climate Change Committee's recommendation in the publication, Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland, 2023 Report to Parliament, whether it has further investigated the emissions reduction potential of dietary choices in Scotland, particularly in relation to meat and…
Answer · Gillian Martin: Upon the request of the Scottish Government, research was conducted between March 2023 and March 2024 to model the impact of a reduction in meat and dairy intakes on the nation’s micronutrient intake. This work was led by Food Standards Scotland (FSS), in col…
25 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its previous commitment to establish at least one new national park before the end of the current parliamentary session, and the reporter process to do so reportedly needing to be started in summer 2024 in order to be able to deliver any new national parks within this timefr…
Answer · Mairi Gougeon: In October 2023, communities were invited to explore and develop proposals for their local area to be considered for designation as Scotland’s next National Park. The nomination phase closed on 29 February and nominations were received from Galloway, Lochaber…
24 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-27671 by Jim Fairlie on 4 June 2024, when it plans to roll out the national pilot scheme to provide free bus travel to people seeking asylum, and what plans it has to evaluate the impact of the scheme.
Answer · Jim Fairlie: Development of a national pilot scheme to provide travel support for people seeking asylum and not currently eligible for the existing National Concessionary Travel Schemes continues with the Working Group. Further information will be published on the Scottis…
14 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what work it is undertaking to update the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967.
Answer · Jenny Gilruth: The Scottish Government intends to update the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967. Given the time elapsed between the previous consultation exercise that took place in 2017-18, we must now consider the updated con…
3 Jun 2024 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement NatureScot has had with the Bat Conservation Trust regarding the protection of bat species from the loss of roost sites.
Answer · Gillian Martin: NatureScot considers bat surveys submitted as part of a licence application against the Good Practice Guidelines developed by the Bat Conservation Trust. NatureScot also contributed to the creation of these guidelines. The guidelines ensure that bat roost sit…