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The regulatory requirement relating to training is contained in Chapter XII of Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs and is a general requirement that food handlers be supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity. Those responsible for establishing a food safety management system within a food business based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles or for the operation of relevant guides must have received adequate training in the application of those principles. Beyond this there must be compliance with any specific requirements stated in law.

Whilst much of what Food Standards Scotland (FSS) provides falls into the categories of guidance or advice, FSS does provide online training materials in relation to allergens:

• Online Allergy Training | Food Standards Scotland
• Advanced Online Allergen Training | Food Standards Scotland

FSS also offers tools for fresh produce and safe smoked fish to assist relevant food businesses produce safe food:

• Fresh Produce Tool | Food Standards Scotland
• Safe Smoked Fish Tool | Food Standards Scotland

Many food businesses make use of our CookSafe Manual, guidance and templates when planning their HACCP based management systems. Cooksafe is particularly aimed at caterers and provides instructions to develop procedures to fit the business needs.

If asked for direction to training, FSS advice is to contact the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). A section of their website dedicated to training, which can be found here Community Training - REHIS.

Investment Zones in Scotland are being jointly delivered by the Scottish and UK Governments. The Scottish Government engages regularly with the UK Government regarding the proposed Investment Zone for the North East region. Weekly progress meetings are held between officials from both Governments to discuss the development of proposals and implementation of the Investment Zone. Additionally, the Scottish and UK Government jointly participate in scheduled fortnightly meetings with the North East Regional Economic Partnership, and more often where required, to ensure continued collaboration.

The Scottish and UK Government jointly developed an evidence-led and objective place selection methodology for Investment Zones, adapting the approach taken by the UK Government in England when selecting Investment Zone regions.

As part of the place selection process, financial modelling was undertaken to assess the potential economic benefits of the proposed Investment Zones. This analysis considered a range of factors, including wellbeing economy need, employment growth, and the attraction of inward investment. The modelling also examined the anticipated fiscal impact, including potential revenue generation and cost implications for both governments. The place selection methodology was published on 18 August 2023.

In addition, the Scottish Government regularly engages with regional stakeholders including the North East Regional Economic Partnership to ensure that the Investment Zone continues to align with local economic priorities and maximises benefits for businesses and communities within the region. Further assessment and refinement of the financial modelling will continue as the Investment Zone proposals are developed through the Gateway process, to ensure its long-term success.

The Scottish Government does not have management control over the land it owns that is under secure agricultural or crofting tenure. Therefore, any decisions on land use change would be for our tenants to make, and the Scottish Government as their landlord would not obstruct them considering carrying out changes, such as peatland restoration or woodland creation.

When leasing agricultural land, the Scottish Government endeavours to use the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) Group scoring matrix wherever possible.

The Scottish Government received the following rental income from the agricultural and crofting tenancies £208,396.54 in 2020-21, £212,951.73 in 2021-22, £214,950.92 in 2022-23, £220,002.31 in 2023-24 and £220,147.55 in
2024-25.

126 pedigree bulls are kept at the Scottish Government’s Knocknagael farm, near Inverness for the crofting cattle improvement scheme.

We do not hold information on the numbers and types of livestock owned and managed by our farm and croft tenants.

We assess the environmental impact of farming operations at Knocknagael through the use of Biodiversity and Carbon audits.

We do not hold information on the numbers of livestock owned and managed by our farm and croft tenants or assess any environmental impact of livestock farming on a tenant by tenant basis.

The Scottish Government is actively working with partners to establish the Investment Zone for the North East region. There is a jointly agreed and delivered Gateway process for the Investment Zone to follow through to delivery. This is currently underway, and it is anticipated that the Investment Zone will be established and operational later this year.

While the Scottish Government remains committed to its vision for an integrated and community-based hearing service in Scotland, re-phasing of funding has meant that not all the challenges we are facing will be addressed in a single budget and therefore there is no community hearing service in operation at this time.

While our response to the Independent Review of Audiology is implemented, we will continue to work with the NHS, Third Sector and private providers to identify and cost an appropriate model of community care for any future service reform, and ensure that the voices of those with lived experience inform this work.