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While there are no current plans in place to review the noise assessment methodology for wind turbine developments, the Scottish Government will take time to consider the conditional recommendations set out in the World Health Organisation’s guidelines on the health impacts of exposure to noise caused by wind turbines before deciding whether any changes to current practice should be considered.

Improving access to technology, which includes connectivity, is a key objective in the national Digital Learning and Teaching Strategy. However, it is for local authorities themselves to decide on connectivity arrangements in their schools, whether that be wired or wireless. The Scottish Government supports local authorities by offering to fund a high-speed broadband connection to a central point in each local authority for use by education establishments.

The Scottish Government understands that the Raydale Community Sports Hub have submitted an application to the sport scotland Sport Facilities Fund for the installation of a 3G Pitch at Raydale Stadium and that the application is due to be discussed by the adjudicating panel in the coming weeks.

A very small number of NHS Dumfries and Galloway (NHS D&G) patients choose to access radiotherapy in Carlisle and while NHS D&G support patients in that choice. However, the range of treatments available is more limited that at one of the cancer centres and it is always advised that patients undertake treatment within one of their local cancer networks to allow best multi-disciplinary working and communication between teams throughout their cancer journey.

All significant tree planting proposals must follow the Woodland Creation Application Guidance which requires applicants to engage with local communities and use the information gathered to inform the planting design.

Local communities are encouraged to discuss their concerns with landowners or their agents at an early stage when planting plans are being developed. Local communities should clearly set out and explain their concerns so that they can be taken into account by the applicant as they refine their proposals.

Communities are also encouraged to provide comments directly to Scottish Forestry when proposals are subject to 28 day public consultations. When determining applications Scottish Forestry will check that concerns raised have been adequately addressed.

Scottish Forestry is not aware of reports of community concerns, but is aware that land in these areas has recently been sold and understands that some areas of new forestry planting are being considered. Scottish Forestry has not so far been contacted about the planting proposals but will of course play a full role applying all relevant guidance and standards to considering any such proposals received.

The Scottish Government has not previously been made aware of concerns relating to these specific schools. Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed that they are aware of the issue and have put in place a temporary measure to support connectivity.

Protection for peatlands is included under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) (Forestry) 2017 regulations, where peat soils over 50cm are classed as sensitive areas and all proposals for planting require assessment.

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) provides guidance on tree planting on peatlands. Planting is not permitted on any peat over 50 cm in depth or where planting on peat soils would compromise adjacent habitats.

Further guidance is available at: https://forestry.gov.scot/publications/forests-and-the-environment/protecting-and-managing-soil-in-forests .

This is a matter for Dumfries and Galloway Council. I am aware that temporary heaters were relocated to Canonbie Primary School due to an issue with the school's boiler.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has stated that the boiler is working again. The Council has advised that replacement of the boiler will be considered for next financial year outwith the heating period when impact on the school will be minimised.

The Scottish Government is aware of the community concerns regarding forestry planting at Cormilligan farm and the impact on local roads.

During the development of the planting proposal the potential impact on local roads resulting from future timber harvests in Cormilligan and nearby forests was carefully considered. Adjustments were made to future harvesting plans up to around 2060, to avoid peaks of activity and ensure that the demand on local roads was acceptable. This approach was agreed with the Highways Authority, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and the planting proposal was approved in July 2019.