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The Scottish Government is seeking to commission independent research in relation to protests and vigils that take place outside of abortion clinics to collect evidence of both the scale and impact of protest and vigils. The research will provide meaningful insight into the effects of protests and vigils on those who choose to protest, and those who are affected. Whilst the research will not be completed in time for the launch of Gillian Mackay MSP’s Member’s Bill, it will help provide a robust evidence base going forward.

The Scottish Government are committed to ensuring that all people living in Scotland with long-term conditions such as arthritis are able to access the best possible care and support, and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put the person at the centre of their care.

I have had two meetings with Versus Arthritis at which they outlined their campaign. I also spoke at their webinar/conference, which was held earlier this year.

The Scottish Government will continue to engage with Versus Arthritis regarding how best to jointly support patients living with arthritis. This will be an ongoing process involving essential collaboration with patients, carers and service providers, including the third sector and clinicians.

As outlined in response to question S6W-08944 on 21 June 2022, the Scottish Government is currently seeking to commission research which will provide evidence on the impact protest and vigils outside of abortion clinics have on people accessing healthcare. This research has been commissioned by the working group on buffer zones which is led by myself.

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

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that women can access comprehensive universal healthcare, including abortion services, without fear of intimidation or harassment. The First Minister has convened an emergency summit on abortion rights which take place on 27 June, and will consider what can be done in the short, medium and long term to ensure that women accessing abortion care can do so safely and without fear of harassment.

Additionally, I convened a working group in December 2021 with the sole purpose of finding solutions that would address the issue of protests and vigils outside of abortion clinics. The working group has members including Police Scotland, CoSLA and affected councils and Health Boards. To date, the working group has agreed to explore dialogue between the various parties involved with protests, and commission independent research into the impacts of protest and vigils.

In light of the recent protests, Police Scotland have agreed to a number of measures to reduce the impact of protests at Sandyford clinic. These measures include, but are not limited to, agreeing a designated space for protests to take place, a single point of contact in Police Scotland for staff when protests occur and confiscating voice implication devices used by protestors.

The Gourock – Dunoon ferry service was incorporated into the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network from 21 January 2019 and therefore integrated as part of the monthly subsidy paid to the operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). The subsidy is not split out on a route by route basis.

The Gourock - Kilcreggan service, was operated by Clyde Marine Services (CMS) on behalf of Strathclyde Partnership Transport (SPT) until 31 May 2020 when it transferred into the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract.

The Resource Spending Review is not a budget and Level 4 information will be published as part of the annual budget process. The Resource Spending Review sets out the high-level parameters for resource spend within future Scottish Budgets up to 2026-27. The financial information is therefore published at Level 2 to provide partners with as much certainty as is possible, and to frame the engagement with delivery partners that is now being taken forward.

The figures set out in the Resource Spending Review are based on current forecasts and constitutional arrangements. The prevailing uncertain economic context and the volatility attached to our current fiscal arrangements makes it necessary that the annual budget, which will provide level 3 and 4 detail, will reflect any subsequent changes to the funding scenario set out in the RSR.

The current estimate for new passenger vessels for the Dunoon and Kilcreggan routes is approximately £9 million per vessel. This is subject to the conclusion of the business case process, review of designs and specifications and further consideration of shipbuilding market conditions.

Safety and security on our railways is reserved to UK Government and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment on resourcing or operational plans for British Transport Police. However I have asked my officials to request BTP (D-Division Scotland) contact you directly to advise of its current and future plans to tackle anti-social behaviour on our rail network.

The Scottish Government has no part to play in the recruitment of officers for British Transport Police.

ScotRail’s Safety and Security team has been developing options relating to the current ban on consumption of alcohol on trains. I understand that the ScotRail Trains Ltd Board will consider these options shortly and will take account of the range of stakeholder views, including those of Trade Unions and any further representations that are made. I will then consider any recommendation ScotRail provides, giving due cognisance to staff and passenger safety.