Angus MacDonald

Answer · Fiona Hyslop · 19 Mar 2021

The Falkirk district contributes significantly to Scotland’s economy, with nationally important industrial assets, a reputation for high-value manufacturing, the Port of Grangemouth, and internationally-recognised tourist attractions. The Scottish Government have committed £50 million to the Falkirk Growth Deal, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting the area and delivering long-term benefits to local communities and businesses. We continue to work with our partners in Falkirk and the UK Government, supported by our enterprise and skills agencies, to help them to consider proposals that will ensure Falkirk can thrive as a great place for innovation, sustainability and culture. We hope to be in position to sign a Heads of Terms agreement this summer.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham · 23 Mar 2021

I am pleased to inform Parliament that the Just Transition Commission have today published their final report.
I am grateful for all of the work the Commission has undertaken over the past two years. In preparing advice for Scottish Government, Commissioners have engaged with businesses, workers and communities right across the country. Prior to Covid-19, this was via a number of evidence sessions and engagement events and throughout this past year they have continued their work online.
We welcome this ambitious report. The timeframe for a response means any decisions will be for the next Parliamentary session. If this administration is returned after the election, we will take the necessary time to reflect on the recommendations and issue a considered, comprehensive and cross-Government response in late summer.
The 2019 Climate Change Act enshrined in law our commitment to a just transition to net-zero, one in which wellbeing, fair work and social justice are prioritised and no-one is left behind. And we have taken already taken steps towards delivering a just transition to net-zero emissions and a wellbeing economy.
The Scottish Government’s approach to tackling climate change aims to build a society that is thriving across economic, social and environmental dimensions, and that delivers sustainable and inclusive growth. The work that the Commission has published today will help to ensure that Scotland delivers on a transition that is fair for all.
Scotland’s independent Climate Change Citizen’s Assembly is also due to publish their interim findings tomorrow. Scotland’s Climate Assembly exemplifies how we are putting people at the heart of policy making, by consulting, engaging and involving citizens in decision-making. In addition, our new draft Public Engagement Strategy will further drive engagement with Scotland’s citizens on Climate Change and help to deliver a just transition to net-zero.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon · 24 Mar 2021

We are aware of the impact the restrictions had on football at all levels of the football pyramid, including clubs operating on a full time and part time basis. The distribution mechanism was agreed with the Scottish FA to be as fair and equitable as possible, addressing the financial difficulties being experienced by clubs while also recognising the need to ensure there was no unfair competitive advantage to any club within the same division.
The suspension of the lower leagues below the Championship by the Scottish FA for a short spell was necessary to combat the pandemic and reduce transmission rates across the country.
The Scottish Government worked closely with the Scottish FA to allow the resumption of some additional football activity earlier this month with mandatory weekly COVID PCR tests for all players and staff.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon · 23 Mar 2021

The distribution mechanism was agreed with the Scottish FA to be as fair and equitable as possible. The suspension of the lower leagues below the Championship by the Scottish FA for a short spell was necessary to combat the pandemic and reduce transmission rates across the country. The Scottish Government worked closely with the Scottish FA to allow the resumption of additional football activity earlier this month; including SPFL Leagues 1 and 2, SWPL1 and the Highland League clubs still in this season’s Scottish Cup. This could only happen alongside enhanced measures to keep everyone safe, including mandatory weekly COVID PCR tests for all players and staff.

Answer · Michael Matheson · 23 Mar 2021

Falkirk Council are leading the delivery of this scheme and are responsible, along with West Lothian Council, for ensuring that the business case remains robust and for setting the final timetable on delivery, which is expected to come forward later this year. The Scottish Government remains fully committed to delivering its share of funding for this project.
Transport Scotland officials remain in dialogue with Council officers to ensure that an agreement can be reached and I have asked officials to pursue discussions to develop a Memorandum of Understanding or a similar framework for the three funding parties to work within. As part of this I will be seeking assurances from the respective councils that they remain committed to delivering the project and have in place the necessary funding to do so.

Answer · Michael Matheson · 23 Mar 2021

Transport Scotland is currently inviting comments on a range of transport options for the Forth Valley area as part of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). Included within the list proposed for more detailed appraisal are two options that include a new Grangemouth railway station and the construction of a new east facing rail chord that would allow trains to travel towards Edinburgh more easily. Details of these are contained in Appendix E of the National Case for Change document published 3 February 2021 which can be found in the attached link: Initial appraisal: Case for Change - National - STPR2 (transport.gov.scot)
Further information, including the option generation and sifting process, relating to the STPR2 Forth Valley Case for Change can be found in the attached link: Initial appraisal: Case for Change - Forth Valley - STPR2 (transport.gov.scot)

Answer · Ben Macpherson · 22 Mar 2021

We are committed to protecting vulnerable marine habitats through our Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. Seventeen sea lochs are already protected through MPAs. The Scottish Blue Carbon Forum is currently conducting a multi-year research programme to further investigate blue carbon habitats, their role in carbon uptake and their vulnerabilities to human activities. The current evidence does not yet support the introduction of further measures to protect sediment hotpots however protection will be considered if research suggests it is necessary.
Additionally, work to protect blue carbon habitats such as maerl and seagrass is already underway. The Scottish Government is in the process of developing fisheries management measures for the most vulnerable Priority Marine Features outside of MPAs. This work was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We intend to resume the project as soon as it is safe to hold face-to-face stakeholder meetings again.

Answer · Roseanna Cunningham · 17 Mar 2021

The Scottish Blue Carbon Forum, a partnership between Scottish Government and academia, is currently conducting a multi-year research programme to further investigate blue carbon habitats, their role in carbon uptake and their vulnerabilities to human activities. The potential impact of the disturbance by bottom-contacting fishing gears on blue carbon habitats forms part of one of the research projects within the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum: ‘Assessing the resilience of Scotland’s Blue Carbon Sediment Stores’. Initial results are expected in the near future.