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The Scottish Government has committed to developing a £5 million ‘Islands Bond’ offering 100 bonds of up to £50,000 to young people and families to stay in or to move to islands currently threatened by depopulation. In line with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and the introduction of Island Community Impact Assessments, we know the importance of consulting with Island Communities and speaking to the people who are likely to be affected by any new policy, strategy or service before they are implemented. The Islands Bond is still in development and at this stage we do not have exact dates for when the consultation around this will be carried out. However, an Islands Community Impact Assessment will be completed in respect of this new policy and as part of that process, consultation will be undertaken with island communities, local authorities and key stakeholders.

The Scottish Government provided Openreach with a finalised speed and coverage template (or SCT) for the R100 North lot contract at the end of March 2021 as outlined in response to S5W-36133 on 23 March 2021. The remodelling exercise to finalise their coverage footprint is ongoing and will be subject to rigorous review through Scottish Government governance and assurance structures, and those of Building Digital UK (BDUK). The full picture across the R100 North lot contract area is expected to be available by Summer 2021.

Survey vessels have begun detailed survey work in preparation for the deployment of 16 new subsea cables.

The roll-out of R100 build in the North lot – and the associated survey work – will be completed in phases, and build plans will be reflected in our online checker at scotlandsuperfast.com.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The Scottish National Investment Bank opened for business in November 2020 and has since committed £52.5 million in investments.

To date £22.9 million has been drawn and invested in both debt and equity investments that align with the Bank’s missions.

The Bank will also publish annual accounts each year which will include information on how much it has invested during the financial year. Details of the Bank’s existing investments are published on the portfolio page on the Bank’s website: www.thebank.scot/our-portfolio/ as will details of future investments.

The process to recruit a new Chief Executive for Scottish Enterprise is continuing. An appointment is expected shortly.

The Scottish Government is currently considering the recommendations of the farmer-led groups set up in the last parliament concerning future financial support for farmers. These included recommendations to improve animal health and welfare. The Scottish government is committed to working with farmers, crofters and others as we take this work forward.

All projects in the Learning Estate Investment Programme have been in the design and development phase when they have been announced as part of the programme. The intention would be that this continues to be the case.

Amending Regulations were made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 today.

These Regulations move Moray to Level 2 from Saturday, 22 May. The Regulations also add the areas of Bedford Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council to the list of places in which the Common Travel Area travel restrictions apply from Monday, 24 May.

The Regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2021/211/made .

The Scottish Government has given a commitment to establishing a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women. The aim is to support the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage and ensure maternity departments have dedicated facilities for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications.

We also welcome the findings of the Lancet series on miscarriage published on‎ 26 April 2021 and are considering the findings and recommendations made. Next steps are being discussed with stakeholders.

Amending Regulations were made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 on Friday, 14 May.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 in line with the latest changes announced by the First Minister. The Regulations permit snooker & pool halls and bowling alleys to reopen in Level 2 and allow increased in-home socialising in Level 2 areas. These Regulations make some adjustments in relation to powers of entry, hotels and to the requirements placed on those responsible for businesses, services and places of worship. The Regulations future-proof the travel restrictions for Level 3 and 4 by reintroducing a limitation on travel to reach a place for outdoor exercise, socialising and recreation. The Regulations also adjust the restrictions relating to capacity limits on stadia and live events and for public processions in some levels.

Finally, these Regulations adjust the levels allocation across Scotland. This includes keeping Glasgow and Moray in Level 3.

The Regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2021/209/contents/made.

In accordance with the Sewel Convention and in line with Rule 9B of Standing Orders, the UK Parliament should not legislate with regard to devolved matters – that is on matters within the legislative competence of the Parliament or which change the competence of the Parliament or the Scottish Ministers – without the consent of the Scottish Parliament. 

Within the legislative programme announced by the UK Government, Bills which appear to give rise to the requirement for the legislative consent of the Scottish Parliament are: 

Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill

Electoral Integrity Bill

Environment Bill

Health and Care Bill

Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

Procurement Reform Bill

Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill

Professional Qualifications Bill

Kept Animals Bill

The Scottish Government will consider the content of all Bills before making its recommendation to the Parliament on legislative consent. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine whether to give or withhold consent. 

It is possible that legislative consent may be required for other UK Bills and those will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise.