Monica Lennon

Answer · Ivan McKee · 19 Mar 2026

All aspects of the incident at Union Corner in Glasgow are being thoroughly investigated via a multi-agency investigation; this is currently underway and will establish the full circumstances when it is safe to do so. If there are lessons to be learnt from this fire, all levels of government will need to do so and, if it leads to the need for further regulation or policy guidance to ensure the safety of people and buildings, the Scottish Government is very open to that. However, it is important that the investigation is allowed to conclude so that the facts can be fully established, rather than speculated upon.Planning applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, including an assessment of potential impacts.

Answer · Siobhian Brown · 18 Mar 2026

Under existing legislation, Dutyholders (the employer, as well as any other person who may have control to any extent of any part of the premises) are already responsible for complying with the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the associated Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 to ensure the safety of others from fire. As part of this, all relevant non-domestic premises must have an active fire risk assessment in place, carried out by a competent person. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) also work with dutyholders in relevant premises to achieve compliance in fire safety through partnership working, providing advice and support when requested.The use of premises as a shop, including for vape sales, falls within Class 1A of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997. Decisions on planning applications and other local planning matters are, in the first instance, the responsibility of the planning authority, in this case Glasgow City Council. This applies both to full planning applications and to associated listed building consent applications. It is for the authority to interpret and apply the development plan and any other material considerations as they consider appropriate in the circumstances of each case.

Answer · Jenni Minto · 23 Mar 2026

Scotland is the only country in the UK with a Tobacco and Vapes Retail Register. All businesses, regardless of size, need to be registered to be able to sell these products in Scotland. The register exists to support the enforcement of regulation on age restricted products given the public health harms of tobacco and vaping.Individual business owners are responsible for registering any business selling tobacco and/or vapes. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £20k and possible imprisonment not exceeding 6 months. It is the responsibility of local authorities to enforce compliance with the register in their local areas.We remain committed to considering how the register could be improved including possible further conditions on registration to support our public health aims of reducing the use of tobacco and vapes.We also remain open minded to potential further regulation and legislation to ensure the safety of people and buildings, especially when it comes to the storage and disposal of combustible products.

Answer · Ivan McKee · 19 Mar 2026

Planning applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications for planning permission for a new retail premises would be determined by the relevant planning authority in accordance with the development plan unless there are material planning considerations which, in the authority’s opinion justify a departure from that plan. It would be for the relevant planning authority to consider whether, and if so how, proximity to existing infrastructure is relevant to a decision on the application. Changing the type of goods sold within an existing shop does not generally require planning permission.Similarly, applications for a building warrant require case by case consideration by a local authority verifier. Where a building warrant is required for a change of use the applicant and verifier should consider the extent to which the building standards apply, including those to address the spread of fire within and to neighbouring buildings.The Scottish Government is currently undertaking public consultation through a Call for Evidence in relation to fire safety standards. This consultation is seeking industry views on new and emerging fire safety issues and a review of current guidance, and will close on 10 April.Scottish building regulations - fire safety review and compliance: call for evidence - gov.scot

Answer · Kate Forbes · 20 Mar 2026

On 14 March, the First Minister announced a financial package worth up to £10 million to help businesses rebuild and renew the part of Glasgow affected by the Union Corner fire. Glasgow City Council will administer the scheme based on engagement with local businesses to understand how they have been affected.

Answer · Jenni Minto · 23 Mar 2026

Scotland is the only country in the UK with a Tobacco and Vapes Retail Register. All businesses, regardless of size, need to be registered to be able to sell these products in Scotland. This includes retailers which operate from moveable premises, such as market stalls or sales vans. The register exists to support the enforcement of regulation on age restricted products given the public health harms of tobacco and vaping.We remain committed to considering how the register could be improved including possible further conditions on registration to support our public health aims of reducing the use of tobacco and vapes.Individual business owners are responsible for registering any business selling tobacco and/or vapes, or they face a fine of up to £20k and possible imprisonment not exceeding 6 months. It is the responsibility of local authorities to enforce compliance with the register in their local areas.Local Authorities have responsibility to ensure local budget decisions deliver local and national priorities. The 2026-27 Scottish Budget provides a further real-terms increase in the Local Government Settlement, delivering record funding of almost £15.7 billion, including a quarter of a billion pounds of unrestricted General Revenue Grant.

Answer · Jenni Minto · 23 Mar 2026

I refer the Member to the answer to question S6W-41594 on 10 November 2025. 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 · Jenni Minto · 23 Mar 2026

The Scottish Government does not hold data on the number of epilepsy specialist nurses currently in post in Scotland.We have commissioned NHS National Education Scotland to undertake a national census of clinical nurse specialists currently employed across Scotland, including those in neurology, which we anticipate will be published this spring.We are not aware of a current, peer reviewed and evidence-based “golden standard” nurse-to-patient ratio for epilepsy specialist nurses in Scotland or the wider UK. Decisions on epilepsy specialist nurses are the responsibility of NHS Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships.