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The existing National Transport Strategy (NTS) was published in 2006 and set out a 20 year vision to 2026 and strategic framework setting out our priorities for transport in Scotland. A Refresh of the National Transport Strategy was undertaken and published in January 2016, keeping the overall NTS framework and updating the strategic context whilst also recommending fuller, collaborative Review of the NTS. The full Review of the NTS is underway building on the earlier work. Both the existing 2006 National Transport Strategy and on-going Review are not predicated on any one source of evidence but are informed by a range of available evidence. This includes a call for evidence issued to support the work of the Review: https://www.transport.gov.scot/consultation/national-transport-strategy-call-for-evidence/.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 placed a duty of each Regional Transport Partnership to develop a regional transport strategy (RTS) for their area. The RTS should have regard to the needs of the region and take account of and guidance given to it by the Scottish Ministers such as the National Transport Strategy.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 enables local authorities to prepare local transport strategies. Local transport strategies are a way in which local authorities can have regard to the statutory RTS and are able to detail how they intend to deliver on national objectives at a local level, and provide an action plan for meeting local challenges and objectives.

It is the role of the Scottish Government to provide policies, frameworks and resources to NHS Boards so they can deliver services that meet the needs of their local populations. The provision of healthcare services is the responsibility of local Boards, taking into account national guidance, local service needs and priorities for investment.

I can assure Parliament the Scottish Government fully accepts the principle of animal sentience and will take all appropriate action to safeguard animal welfare standards. Animal sentience has been recognised in Scottish legislation for over a century, most recently in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

 

Scottish National Heritage is continuing its work, including with stakeholders through a workshop in September, on a paper on a national ecological network for Scotland. This is in the context of the commitment in the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity to complete the suite of protected areas and improve their connectivity through a national ecological network centred on those sites.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-10045 on 26 July 2017 which set out work on a number of the projects in Scotland’s Biodiversity - A Route Map to 2020 which contribute to ecological connectivity. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-09030 on 10 May 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-09030 on 10 May 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-11940 on 2 November 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 are the principal instrument transposing the EU Habitats Directive into Scots Law.

Scottish Ministers have no current plans to review or consolidate the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. As part of our preparations for the UK’s exit from the EU, we are considering whether any gaps could arise that would need to be addressed to ensure Scotland maintains its high standards of environmental protection. The case for consultation on any ensuing proposals for amendment will be considered at the appropriate time.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-11940 on 2 November 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

a) In July 2017 I wrote to over 200 rural stakeholders inviting them to submit views and evidence to the National Council of Rural Advisers. In addition, anyone can contact the National Council via the mailbox ncra@gov.scot. Contact details are published on the National Council of Rural Advisers webpage of the Scottish Government website.

b) Any stakeholder can contact the Agriculture Champions via the mailbox champions-of-agriculture@gov.scot to submit evidence through the secretariat provided by the Scottish Government.

Several stakeholder organisations have already taken the opportunity to submit reports and papers to both the Champions and the National Council.