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*These engagements are publicly available in the publication on Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts: October 2017:

https:--beta.gov.scot-publications-ministerial-engagements-travel-and-gifts-october-2017-

Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts for November 2017 will be published in due course.

I also engaged with political parties on the Information Sharing Bill over a range of dates, however we do not hold a list of dates on which such routine, informal conversations took place.

Treatment of sarcoidosis varies depending on type and severity of symptoms. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown and as a result there is no specific test for diagnosis. Guidance is available to clinicians on what options are available in order to test for and treat sarcoidosis.

Information is not held centrally in relation to specialist provision offered by each individual NHS Health Board.

The future of Pentland Lodge is linked to the development of cancer services at the Western General Hospital, which is currently being considered by NHS Lothian. The Scottish Government have regular discussions with NHS Lothian on this project and we are aware that on-going options for Pentland Lodge are still being evaluated as part of the wider programme of change.

The procedures for Public Local Inquiries (PLIs) are designed to ensure that the public don’t need legal representation to participate. In common with PLIs brought forward under other legislation, parties participating in an inquiry will be expected to meet their own costs. The Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) will be responsible for costs relating to the reporter, the venue and any costs associated with advertising the inquiry arrangements.

Local authorities have a duty under the Act to exercise their flood risk related function, including taking forward a flood protection scheme, with a view to reducing overall flood risk. Flood risk management decisions should be underpinned by an appraisal of economic, social and environmental impacts, and proper consideration of risks and uncertainty.

Statutory guidance on Sustainable Flood Risk Management sets out an overarching outcome that flood management actions being undertaken will stand the test of time and be adaptable to future changes in the climate. However, the Scottish Government does not specify design standards for new flood protection schemes. It is for the local authority to decide on the standard of protection for a proposed scheme based on social, economic and environmental factors. The approach should be risk-based, linking benefits to costs with the aim of maximising the reduction in overall risk.

The Reporter will conduct a public local inquiry in accordance with the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) 2009 Act. The Reporter will consider the Council's proposals and the objections made and will then make a recommendation to Scottish Ministers as to whether the proposed scheme should be confirmed, with or without modifications, or rejected.

Most flood protection schemes, by their nature, will result in flood water displacement but the aim of a scheme should be to reduce overall flood risk.

The Scottish Government was disappointed to learn of the closure of Marshalls Stancliffe Stones, Locharbriggs earlier this month which I appreciate will be of major concern to the individuals affected, their families and the local economy.

The company has not responded to Scottish Enterprise’s offer of engagement and support, although they accepted limited support from our Partnership Action for Continuous Employment (PACE) initiative for employees faced with redundancy. I understand, to supplement the support sought from PACE, the company provided in - house support to staff made redundant and also employed a private outplacement company.