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The Scottish Government recognises the emerging seaweed cultivation industry as an important part of the Scottish aquaculture sector. We are committed to taking action on aquaculture regulatory reform, which will include the seaweed sector. I have welcomed Professor Griggs’ independent report and accepted his recommendations in principle. His report recognises the unique challenges and opportunities of the seaweed sector and recommends that a separate regulatory framework is developed for the sector alongside frameworks for finfish and shellfish. It also stresses the need for these regulatory solutions to be informed by a government-led Vision for aquaculture, which is in progress and due to be published at the end of this year.

We are committed to bringing forward an ambitious new Land Reform Bill in 2023, which will build on our land reform measures to date and will further tackle Scotland’s historically unequal patterns of land ownership. The public consultation on the Bill, “Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation” , launched on 4 July, and will be open until the 25 September.

The consultation includes measures to regulate the market in transfers of large-scale landholdings, including through the introduction of a Public Interest Test. This measure will ensure that the public interest is considered on transfers of large-scale landholdings and is pursuant to recommendations made in this regard by the Scottish Land Commission.

We will work with all stakeholders to develop the proposals outlined in the consultation document, and welcome views on the proposals. The public consultation will play an important role in building the evidence base to support the development of our proposals.

We are committed to bringing forward an ambitious new Land Reform Bill in 2023, which will build on our land reform measures to date and will further tackle Scotland’s historically unequal patterns of land ownership. The public consultation on the Bill, “Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation” , launched on 4 July, and will be open until 25 September.

The consultation includes measures to regulate the market in transfers of large-scale landholdings, including through the introduction of a Public Interest Test. This measure will ensure that the public interest is considered on transfers of large-scale landholdings.

As we develop the proposals for the Land Reform Bill, we will consider measures regarding the acquisition, use and management of land in place in other European countries, taking into account the rationale and legal basis for these measures, and consider other sources of evidence.

We will work with all stakeholders to develop the proposals outlined in consultation document, and welcome views on the proposals. The public consultation will play an important role in building the evidence base to support the development of our proposals.

Our proposals will be fully compliant with the ECHR, including the right to private property, and the terms of the current devolution settlement. But they will also be ambitious, and designed to ensure that land plays it full part in delivering the vision set out by the Just Transition Commission - a fairer, greener future for all. This reflects the principled position of the Scottish Government, and our explicit commitment to respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights for every member of society.

Scottish Government officials regularly engage with Aberdeen City Council on a wide range of issues which can include vacant, derelict and abandoned buildings and land.

We understand that vacant and derelict land has a detrimental impact on communities however we also recognise that reusing our land and property assets can have many benefits from supporting regeneration, creating jobs and contributing to our efforts against climate change.

The £50m low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) complements our existing investment in support of place based regeneration across Scotland, including the Place Based Investment Programme. We are keen for Aberdeen City Council to work with its communities and other partners to develop suitable project proposals and apply to the VDLIP. Officials would be happy to discuss any potential projects.

As Scotland’s seaweed cultivation industry grows, we must ensure we manage this in a sustainable manner, addressing and mitigating any impact on the natural environment. Research will be key to better understanding the sustainability aspects of growing seaweed cultivation, and as part of our next steps of the aquaculture regulatory review, I have approached the Scottish Science Advisory Council to examine the use and communication of science in aquaculture consenting.

The developing Scottish Seabird Conservation Strategy will play an important role in identifying effective actions to help optimise the conservation prospects of seabirds in Scotland from existing and emerging threats, including disease threats, such as avian influenza. We aim to consult on the strategy in 2022, and to implement in 2023.

I am pleased to advise Parliament that the Scottish Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to give people the information they need to make an informed choice about their future, and is today publishing Renewing Democracy through Independence .

As our second scene-setting paper for the Building a New Scotland prospectus series, the paper sets out the evidence in support of the democratic case for independence. Renewing Democracy through Independence sets out the Scottish Government’s view that the people of Scotland have the right to choose their own future, and the opportunities for democratic government offered by Scotland becoming an independent country.

Building a New Scotland: Renewing Democracy through Independence is available to view on the Scottish Government website from today:

• https://www.gov.scot/newscotland

The updated information requested is contained in the following table:

The updated information requested is contained in the following table:

The Scottish Government is committed to developing a new Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy that takes a whole system, public health approach to achieve the very highest standards of care right up to the end of life, and ensure that everyone who needs it can access seamless, timely and high quality palliative care. We are currently taking stock of the leadership, resources and partnerships we need to deliver this.

We will continue to plan a series of engagement events with partners across the sector to think strategically about improvements and priorities across the wide range of services and support. This will contribute to a holistic, integrated and multi-disciplinary approach which will ensure access to palliative and end of life care wherever and whenever it is needed, and which has the person and their families and carers at the centre. Development of the strategy is likely to continue into 2023 to enable meaningful engagement and ensure alignment with the development of the National Care Service.