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This is a question for the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland (RoS). She advises me that RoS does not hold information on transfers which may have occurred but for which no registration application has been submitted.

In relation to registrations in each of the last 10 years the position is given in the following table.

These numbers include transfers for value (sales) and transfers which are not for value (such as succession), but do not include voluntary registrations (where a property owner voluntarily moves their property from the Register of Sasines to the Land Register with no change in ownership).

As at 24 August 2022, in total there are 545 titles with an area over 2000 hectares registered in the Land Register of Scotland. A further 61 titles with a provisional extent over 2000 hectares are currently undergoing first registration.

The Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce was a short-life working group, which worked to achieve the aims set out in its vision (copied below) by bringing together the top leadership from each sector with a role in transitioning fleets to zero emissions. The Taskforce was not vested with powers to exercise any statutory functions, nor did it handle any funds.

The Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce has delivered on its remit to identify and establish commitments to address the hurdles and opportunities in transitioning to a zero emission bus fleet.

Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce Vision Statement:

In the context of wider decarbonisation of the transport and energy sectors and the broader vision as set out in the Scottish National Transport Strategy, central to which is a vibrant bus sector with increased bus usage as people choose to travel by bus instead of car, the guiding vision of the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce is a future where:

• Bus operators are exclusively running zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses;
• The bus sector provides an excellent service meeting passengers’ day-to-day needs;
• People enjoy travelling on buses and knowing that doing so is one of the most climate-friendly choices they can make;
• There are vibrant ownership and leasing markets for buses which benefits operators, manufacturers and the finance sector;
• The smart technology on buses enables them to be operated in the most energy efficient way;
• There is an even stronger and diverse domestic manufacturing sector and supply-chain comprised of high-quality skilled jobs with continued innovation reducing manufacturing and supply chain emissions;
• Energy networks, bus operators and Local Government are used to working together to ensure depots are powered/fuelled and all potential users are able to benefit from the energy provision centred at depots and on-route charging infrastructure;
• Buses and infrastructure are fully recycled at the end of asset life contributing to the circular economy, reducing waste and supporting further decarbonisation efforts;
• After an important period of support, the Government has ceased subsidising battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses, but continue to support innovation in new zero-emission fuels and technologies of the future;
• Scotland is recognised the world over as a leader in the design, manufacture and operation of high quality zero-emission buses and other large road vehicles, alongside associated green finance solutions.

Please find data below for Home Energy Scotland advice interactions. Prior to 2013, fuel poverty was not a separate focus for advice services. Specific fuel poverty advice services figures are only available from 2013.

Japan is a key partner country to Scotland, with numerous shared interests, including renewable energy and the subsea/offshore industry. However, the Scottish Government position on nuclear power is clear – we do not support the building of new nuclear power stations in Scotland under current technologies.

The Scottish Government is committed to reducing water pollution at beaches across Scotland.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for protecting and improving water quality at Scotland’s 87 designated Bathing Waters. This bathing water season Scotland has more bathing waters rated as ‘excellent’, ‘good’ or ‘sufficient’ than at any point since tighter bathing water standards first came into force in 2015. Last year, 99% of designated bathing waters achieved the bathing water quality standards.

SEPA has analysed 1,297 water quality samples from 87 designated Bathing Waters this season and 93% were found to be at safe levels. Short term fluctuations in water quality do though occur following heavy rainfall – causing sewer overflows, agricultural run-off from land, and surface water discharges from roads, car parks, and pavements etc., which are all sources of bacteria.

SEPA investigates poor water quality results and works with partners to reduce “short-term pollution” after heavy rainfall. Bathers are also advised on its website or electronic beach signs at 29 Bathing Waters if the water quality is predicted to be poor so they can make an informed choice before entering the water.

To help address the impact of sewer overflows, Scottish Water is investing up to £70m in 1000 new Combined Sewer Overflow event monitors across Scotland, including those at designated Bathing Wates, by December 2024. This spill monitoring information will be used to inform and prioritise investment to improve bathing water quality as well as informing the public.

The Scottish Government does not have powers to act in this area (as the generation, transportation and supply of electricity is reserved to the UK Government).

Electricity is a commodity traded on the wholesale energy market across GB, the price of which is set by the last (or marginal) unit, which in GB is typically gas.

New renewable electricity capacity that is supported by the Contract for Difference (CfD) framework will help to decouple the price of renewable electricity from the price of gas by setting a fixed ‘strike price’ for the sale of every MWh over a 15-year period.

Our Programme for Government this year committed to use our Emergency Budget Review to double our Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million in 2022-23, to help households at risk of self-disconnection or self-rationing of energy use. This Fund is delivered through third sector partner organisations, specifically the Fuel Bank Foundation, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Advice Direct Scotland, and supports people struggling with their energy bills to the point that they are at risk of self-rationing their energy use, or self-disconnecting entirely. It includes provision for households on any tariff type and using any type of fuel.

No displaced people from Ukraine have been removed from accommodation against their will.

Our absolute priority is ensuring the wellbeing and safety of displaced people from Ukraine. The Scottish Government is working to ensure that there is temporary accommodation available in cities where people may arrive late at night. This, as well as the temporary nature of some of the hotel availability means that in some cases, people will be requested to move into other accommodation. The Scottish Government is working to support people to move into longer-term accommodation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6O-01331 on 7 September 2022. The answer to the Oral parliamentary question is available on the Parliaments website, the Official Report can be viewed at:

https://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=13875

To date the Scottish Government has paid £160,000 to deliver the Young Islanders Network.