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As referred to in the answer to question S6W-22629, we are planning an awareness raising campaign in the new year for those considering installing a heat pump. Options to maximise the reach and impact of the campaign are still being considered but include PR, digital advertising and press activity.

No economic modelling has been undertaken. As we continue to engage with the sector, if a need for economic modelling emerges then we will consider it. A key ask of the supply chain has been clarity about scope and timing of regulation which is central to their planning for investment in capacity and skills needed for manufacture, installation and maintenance. This is why we set out our draft proposals on regulation on 28 November.

As uptake of clean heating systems increases, the number of people employed in the sector is expected to increase. The rate of increase required will be driven by consumer demand, which in turn will be driven by a range of different factors including any regulations that are introduced. As we continue to develop our regulatory proposals and wider package of support we will undertake further analysis as required to understand needed growth rates.

The Scottish Government takes the issue of declining wild Atlantic salmon populations very seriously and is committed to working with our partners, both domestic and international, to safeguard this iconic species.

The Scottish wild salmon strategy was established in January 2022 in response to the long term downward trend in the number of Atlantic salmon returning to Scottish waters. In February 2023 we published the wild salmon strategy implementation plan, which sets out over sixty actions to tackle the wide range of pressures affecting the species throughout their life cycle.

The Scottish Government has a compliment of 2 warranted officers in Oban, 2 in Campbeltown and 4 in Ayr. Secondment records for the period requested are not retained, any secondment would be as a response to risk level and business need. In addition our Marine Protection Vessels carry warranted officers, these assets are regularly deployed to the Clyde area.

I can confirm that no Cabinet Secretary or Minister has accrued charges due to the personal usage of their government issued mobile phone or other electronic devices.

As highlighted in the Heat in Buildings Monitoring and Evaluation Framework release from 28 November, existing data on further and higher education enrolments and apprenticeship starts may give an indication of the scale of the skills pipeline for the sector, however since educational groupings can be quite broad, there are data limitations. The Scottish Government will continue to engage with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and post-school learning and training providers to better understand those who enrol on courses that are relevant to the framework.

Applicants have 9 months from confirmation of a funding offer to arrange and complete installation of the funded measures. Funding offers are only paid once the measure has been installed and a valid claim form and supporting documentation has been submitted to the scheme administrator.

Of the 1,923 heat pump funding offers made through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme from its launch on 2 December 2022, the number that had completed their installation and been paid by 31 August 2023, broken down by local authority are:

Renewables systems must be recommended on an Energy Performance Certificate or a report issued by a Home Energy Scotland advisor. When a renewables report is carried out for an applicant, the assessor will bring to the attention of the owner any issues in the property that may affect the energy efficiency improvements. It is the responsibility of the owner of the property to address these issues.

Where loft/roof and wall insulation are recommended on the Energy Performance Certificate of the property, these must be either be installed prior to the renewables system applied for or be installed as part of the funding application.

We use a wide range of evidence to help support and guide the targeting of the Home Energy Scotland campaign. This includes evidence gathered from Home Energy Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust , and the Scottish Government’s Public Insight Monitor. We also utilise demographic data held by our dedicated media agency, Republic of Media.