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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-32082

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 18 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of marine environment (a) are currently undergoing active restoration work and (b) have planned active restoration work.

We do not currently have an overarching mechanism to record where restoration is taking place across Scotland. Not all restoration projects require a marine license, and the patchwork of other consents and licenses needed by restoration projects does not provide a coherent overview of restoration activity in a centrally held database. The registration process for restoration projects we consulted on earlier this year was intended as a first step to improve our understanding in this regard. We will continue to explore the feasibility of such a process as part of the development of the restoration plan.

Question reference: S6W-32079

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 18 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a restoration plan for marine and coastal areas, which was scheduled for publication by 2025.

Question reference: S6W-32081

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 18 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any obstacles that exist for coastal communities seeking to undertake restoration of marine environments, including (a) planning and (b) financial.

In March this year we consulted on legislative proposals to facilitate marine nature restoration. In the consultation document we set out concerns raised by community groups and restoration organisations with regards to the complexity of the regulatory environment for restoration projects. In response to these concerns we developed proposals to address one element of the complex issues, and while there was broadly support for the proposals, there was a lack of consensus on the detail of the scheme proposed. We will continue to listen carefully to restoration groups and coastal communities throughout the development of the marine and coastal restoration plan, and will identify actions to address barriers to restoration as part of the plan.

Question reference: S6W-32080

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 18 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government which groups are represented on the stakeholder advisory group for the restoration plan for marine and coastal areas.

A broad range of organisations from across marine sectors, including restoration and community groups, were invited to attend an introductory meeting about the marine and coastal restoration plan on 4 December. Initial thinking on the plan and its development process was presented, and organisations have been asked to confirm whether they would like to take part in the advisory group. Based on this we anticipate membership will be finalised in the new year.

Question reference: S6W-32264

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether illness would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

Question reference: S6W-32263

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) weather conditions and (b) late delivery of a bull would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and in what circumstances the late delivery of artificial insemination would qualify crofters and farmers for protection under this clause.

Question reference: S6W-32262

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what qualifying circumstances would be covered under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024, and how crofters and farmers can (a) access protection and (b) appeal a decision of a rejected application to access protection under this clause.

Question reference: S6W-32261

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Current Status: Answer expected on 9 January 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether animal health concerns would qualify crofters and farmers for protection of their subsidies under the force majeure clause in the Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

Question reference: S6W-31793

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a policy that no individual will be appointed to the board of David MacBrayne Limited or CMAL without being able to demonstrate experience of island communities and conditions.

Scottish Ministers have been clear on their desire to ensure greater islander representation on the Boards of David MacBrayne Ltd and CMAL. Previous recruitments have resulted on at least one board member in each organisation who has the skills required for the role and is also an islander. We will continue to work hard with both Boards to fully explore all options that will result in encouraging more island residents to apply for future Board opportunities.

Question reference: S6W-31792

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 11 December 2024

To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Transport last met with Erik Østergaard (a) in person and (b) remotely.

Scottish Ministers and Transport Scotland officials meet regularly with David MacBrayne Ltd & CalMac Ferries Ltd. This includes Ministerial meetings with the Board and Senior Management Team as well as Transport Scotland participation in a range of DML led working groups.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport last met the DML Board Chair (Erik Østergaard) in person on, 17 September 2024, and remotely on, 16 November 2023.