Gail Ross

Answer · Shirley-Anne Somerville · 8 Mar 2021

We announced our intention in November 2020 to take forward the independent analysis of all the consultation responses and to publish the consultation responses from organisations and groups where we had permission to do so. This was with the intention of publishing both the analysis and the organisational responses together prior to recess on 25 March.
However, the impact of work to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic means it will now not be possible in the time available to ready both the analysis and the organisational responses for publication.
Work will continue and if this administration is returned after the election, my intention is we will proceed with publication of both as soon as practicable in the next session of Parliament.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn · 24 Feb 2021

As with many areas of government policy COVID-19 has resulted in changes to the way we have implemented the Developing the Young Workforce programme. Since the outset of the pandemic we have prioritised working with partners and employers through our network of DYW Regional Groups.
This work has focused on the online delivery of activity to support summer leavers in 2020 and the creation of E-DYW, the DYW Skills Academy and Scotland’s Biggest Parents Evening.
The publication of the report from the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, Sandy Begbie was appointed to lead the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee. An integral part of this is the roll out of DYW School Coordinators across Scotland. These roles are being funded by the Scottish Government and will be integral to driving partnerships with education and employers and will be delivered by the employer led DYW Regional Groups.

Answer · Michael Matheson · 18 Dec 2020

I recognise the issues faced by the Caithness area, both specifically in relation to the loss of the Wick-Edinburgh and Wick-Aberdeen air services and more generally. The current financial situation is very challenging and until the Budget process for 2021-22 is complete we are unable to make any commitments for new expenditure. Support for air services from Wick forms part of the Budget considerations. It remains the case that any intervention would require multiple funding partners to restore scheduled services at Wick.

Answer · Jeane Freeman · 16 Dec 2020

Home testing kits are provided through the UK Government's Extended Testing Programme, and the provision of kits in the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency is a matter for the UK government. We are continuing to liaise with them to ensure kits are made available across as many areas as possible.
NHS Highland have processes in place to support local communities to access testing if they are unable to access home test kits.
In addition, Mobile Testing Units are currently stationed at Fort William, Ullapool, Dornoch, Kingussie and Thurso twice weekly, and in Portree on a Monday and Broadford on a Thursday.
Officials are working on further rollout of walk-through Local Test Sites and a number of locations are under consideration, including sites within the Highland Health Board area.