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We are currently assessing the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) Support Programme and are following the development and implementation of the five demonstrator projects. Through 14 thematic workshops, held around Scotland, the programme engaged with a total of 438 representatives from private, third and public sector organisations.

The IoT Support Programme capitalised on existing activities and expertise. CENSIS and the Data Lab both provide a wide range of advisory services and support for businesses of all sizes whether they seek to bring new sensor-based products to market or optimise processes through the use of data harvested by sensor technology. Additionally, Enterprise Agencies such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise have a well-established programme of events designed to educate, inspire and enthuse businesses about the benefits of adopting IoT.

The Scottish Government has provided £2.3 billion in packages to support businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside the UK Government support to furloughed staff via the Job Retention Scheme. This includes the Coronavirus Business Support fund which has awarded over 89,000 grants valuing over £998 million.

Information on all available support for businesses can be found on Find BusinessSupport .

The Internet of Things (IoT) Support Programme was designed to create use case demonstrator projects from a series of 14 thematic workshops, facilitated by CENSIS. The following five demonstrators are all in active development with a mix of partners from private and public sectors:

Transport - Transport Scotland and a Scottish SME working together to explore using IoT to increase usage in electric charging infrastructure.

Smart Cities – Scalable demonstrator for creating efficiencies in road maintenance with a Scottish local authority and the Scottish Local Government Digital Office. Working with three companies based in Scotland

Food & Drink – large salmon producer and a Scottish SME exploring the use of IoT to create value in aquaculture (based in the Highlands and Islands).

Tourism – IoT solutions for the West Highland Way. Working with two Scottish SMEs, a Scottish local authority and a community interest group.

Smart Hospital – a testbed within NHS Highland enabling the testing and validation of non-clinical IoT uses. This includes aspects such as asset tracking and building maintenance.

As at 31 July 2020, under the Scottish Growth Scheme, £258.9 million of investment has been unlocked for SMEs, in the form of debt and equity, for 441 companies. The Scheme continues to deliver much needed finance for SMEs, in the form of microfinance (up to £25,000), debt/loan (£25,000 to £100,000) and equity (up to £2m).

The Headquarters of Social Security Scotland is currently situated in Dundee, and will remain so.

Further to the answer to question S5W-31253 on 25 August 2020, the Scottish Government is not currently assessing whether to take new ownership stakes in any privately owned businesses.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

We are aware of the increased concerns about single-use face coverings and glove littering. Littering of any kind is a criminal offence and completely unacceptable.

Face coverings and gloves used by the general public are not classified as hazardous waste. Disposable face coverings and gloves can, and should, be disposed of in a general waste or litter bin. Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Staying Safe and Protecting others guidance has been updated to include information for the public on the correct disposal of face coverings and gloves.

Zero Waste Scotland have developed additional communication material encouraging use of reusable face coverings and appropriate disposal of single-use face coverings and gloves.

Extra precautions on disposal of personal waste are necessary if someone in a household has, or suspects that they have, Covid-19. These precautions are set out in relevant Health Protection Scotland and NHS Inform guidance and the Scottish Government’s Phase 3: Staying Safe and Protecting others guidance.

There would only be a need for pop-up or separate PPE bins if this type of waste needed to be segregated, which is not generally necessary. The face coverings or gloves worn by members of the public can safely be disposed of in the general waste bin. There are, as you would expect, separate disposal procedures in place for healthcare settings.

Extra precautions on disposal of personal waste are also necessary if someone in a household has, or suspects that they have, Covid-19. These precautions are set out in relevant Health Protection Scotland and NHS Inform guidance and the Scottish Government’s Phase 3: Staying Safe and Protecting others guidance.

Following my announcement on 28 August of a new £59 million package of support for the culture and heritage sectors in Scotland, the total announcements arising from the £97 million consequentials is now £81.47 million.

A breakdown of this funding is as follows:

We have published the list of organisations who informed the consultation and this can be found in the Framework for supporting people through Recovery and Rehabilitation during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is available to read on the Scottish Government’s website. The National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation is to be determined and will be chaired by the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer and supported by the new Allied Health Professions Adviser. The Advisory Board will be formed to provide expert advice to Scottish Government and support leadership in NHS Boards, Integration Authorities, Local Government, Independent and Third Sector. We will be considering the role that technologies will play in supporting rehabilitation and recovery and have already highlighted that we recognise that people affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) can benefit from providing care and support in different ways including online rehabilitation services.