Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 12 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government how its hybrid working policies align with the commitments in its Action Plan to Address Depopulation and its National Islands Plan, regarding access to secure, skilled employment in rural and island areas.
The Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government has responsibility for the operational running of the organisation, including the workforce related hybrid working policy.
The new National Islands Plan prioritises retaining and attracting population, and while it has no specific commitment on public-sector job locations, it underlines the value of local employment. The Scottish Government also maintains a significant rural and island estate, including Marine Scotland and the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) offices.
Work to clarify a location policy for Scottish Government core staff will consider a range of relevant factors and benefit from consultation with trade unions and engagement with staff and diversity networks across the organisation. Until the location policy has been reviewed, interim arrangements are in place for people who live distant from their contractual work location.