Government announcements made through arranged questions

What decision it has reached regarding the future status of Scottish Forestry, as part of its programme of Pu…

Following careful consideration of the options for public service reform, I have decided that Scottish Forestry should continue as a stand-alone Executive Agency. I am grateful for the constructive engagement from stakeholders as I considered this decision. In reaching this decision, I have considered the distinctive long-term nature of …

Whether it plans to amend the thresholds within the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 following the conc…

Between October 2025 and January 2026, the Scottish Government ran a public consultation seeking views on amending the thresholds within the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (the Act). Following the close of the consultation, the Scottish Government analysed the responses provided to determine next steps. I will shortly lay a draft…

Whether it will provide an update on progress towards its preparation of the new Household Recycling Code of …

The Scottish Government is today publishing the consultation on Scotland's new Household Recycling Code of Practice. This Household Waste Recycling Code of Practice sets out the standards expected of, and steps to be taken by, local authorities in carrying out their waste management functions in so far as they relate to the collection an…

Whether it will provide an update on proposals to recognise the right to a healthy environment in the propose…

The Scottish Government supports the principle of a right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and we recognise the important role that environmental human rights can play in protecting both people and the environment. However, following careful consideration, Ministers have decided not to include a standalone right to a heal…

What action it is taking to improve care and treatment for people experiencing severe alcohol-related harm, a…

The Scottish Government is taking a range of actions to improve care and treatment for people experiencing severe alcohol-related harm through delivery of Scotland’s Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan and our Programme for Government commitment to trial Alcohol Care Teams. We recognise that alcohol-related harm continues to place a signifi…

What changes are being proposed to the National Records of Scotland statistical publications.

I have asked Alison Byrne, Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland (NRS), to respond. Her response is as follows: NRS has reviewed its portfolio of statistical publications to ensure that statistical production remains sustainable, continues to meet user needs and delivers maximum public value. The review considered whether chang…

What its response is to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s sixth report, 'Care Sector' (Module 6), which is due to be …

We welcome the publication of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 6 report on the impact of the pandemic on the publicly and privately funded adult social care sector across the four nations of the United Kingdom. A copy of the report is available online at: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/reports/During the pandemic, the Scottish Governm…

When it will publish its response to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry’s Module 4 report on vaccines and therapeutics a…

The Scottish Government has today published its response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 4 report. The Scottish Government is grateful to the Inquiry and all those involved in producing such a detailed and thorough examination of vaccines and therapeutics. The Covid-19 pandemic touched every community in Scotland and left a lasting i…

Whether it will provide an update on its commitment to publish its progress report on reform in health and so…

The Scottish Government is today publishing the Health and Social Care Reform Progress Report - Year 1 Delivery of Population Health Framework (PHF) and Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework (SRF), delivering on our commitment to transparent public reporting on progress of delivery of long-term health and social care reform. T…

Whether the CalMac ferry service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan, which has not operated since Summer 2022,…

Having examined the possible service, vessel and infrastructure options, it has become clear that any reinstatement would present significant challenges in terms of network resilience, vessel availability, affordability, value for money and longer-term sustainability. The difficult decision has therefore been taken that the Campbeltown f…

Further to the Cabinet Secretary's announcement in June 2026 that an Independent Review of Maternity Services…

I am pleased to confirm the Independent Review of Maternity Services is now underway. Professor Christine McCourt has published the review methodology on a dedicated website and has begun establishing two advisory groups who will provide support to her during the review. The review will take nine months to complete. Once it concludes, Pr…

When it plans to publish the next edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code.

I am pleased to announce that I have published the latest edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code today. It is normal practice to update the Ministerial Code following a Scottish Parliament election and I have taken this opportunity to make a small number of minor, technical updates. In addition to writing a new Foreword to the Code, I …

Whether it will provide an update on progress against its Heat in Buildings Strategy.

We have laid before Parliament today an annual progress report against our Heat in Buildings Strategy, the fifth since its publication in 2021: [https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807755898].The report highlights that over 2,600 heat pumps were installed between 2025 and 2026 through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme – the highes…

What progress has been made in the implementation of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governa…

The Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2026 were laid on 17 September 2026 and come into force today. The Regulations commence provisions to enable the Council to undertake the preparatory work required to assume its new responsibilities for securing and funding t…

How it plans to approach its engagement with the people of Scotland in meeting the challenges of a changing c…

I am pleased to announce the launch of ‘Our Scotland, Our Future: Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature’. This publication comes at a vital time. The impacts of climate change are with us and are being felt with increasing severity across Scotland. Public engagement is essential to deliver the action we all need to take toget…

Whether it will provide an update on the modern apprenticeship contribution rates review.

In April this year, the Scottish Government commenced work on phase one of the contribution rates review, with the aim of exploring whether current funding for the modern apprenticeship (MA) programme is appropriate, sustainable and aligned with SG priorities, labour market needs, employer costs and learner outcomes. In response to the r…

When it will publish its response to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry’s Module 3 report examining the impact of the CO…

The Scottish Government has today published its response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 3 report. The Covid-19 pandemic touched every community and every family in Scotland in different ways. For many, it brought profound loss, separation, uncertainty and hardship. The Scottish Government extends its deepest sympathy to everyone who…

Whether it will provide an update on its regulatory check of local road user charging powers under Part 3 of …

Given the ongoing financial pressures facing households, we do not believe it is appropriate to continue work on the regulatory check of local road user charging powers at present. Accordingly, no further work is being taken forward. The Scottish Government remains committed to meeting Scotland's carbon budget targets and achieving net z…

Whether it will provide an update on its engagement with the Welsh Government.

The Scottish Government continues to engage closely with the Welsh Government on areas of shared interest and mutual benefit. Today, I was in Cardiff to meet the First Minister of Wales for discussions on issues of common interest between our countries. During the visit, I was pleased to sign a new bilateral framework - the Cardiff Agree…

Whether it will provide an update on the action being taken to further increase protection for Marine Protect…

The Scottish Government is pleased to announce that the consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) management areas in Scottish waters has today been launched: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/fisheries-management-measures-for-inshore-…

What progress has been made in developing plans for a cap on the price of essential food items to help addres…

Today, the Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce a cap on the price of selected essential food items. The consultation seeks views on whether such an approach could help improve food affordability for households facing cost of living pressures, particularly those on lower incomes.

Whether it will provide an update on its commitment to publish a Health and Care Improving Flow Plan within t…

The Scottish Government is today publishing the Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026-2031, delivering our commitment to publish a National Flow Plan within the first 100 days of this administration. The Plan sets out our ambition for one connected system, simple routes to care, ensuring every person receives the most appropriate resp…

What progress has been made in publishing a draft referendum Bill.

I’m pleased to announce that the draft referendum bill is being published today. The largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history has voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament. This draft Bill, which is a First 100 Days commitment, is being published…

Whether it will provide an update on the publication of the consultation on restricting mobile phones in scho…

I can confirm that the consultation on restricting mobile phones in Scotland’s schools has been published and is open for responses until 17 November 2026. I would like to take this opportunity to invite MSPs, and their constituents, to respond to the consultation here: Restricting mobile phones in Scotland’s schools. The consultation wi…

Whether it will provide an update on progress made in the development of its Infection Prevention and Control…

I am pleased to announce the publication of An Infection Prevention and Control Strategy for Scotland: Vision and Priority Statements, developed in partnership with the Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Development and Oversight Group. This is the first national integrated strategy of its kind across the UK and Ireland. Its publ…