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The Broadband 2.0 report that was published by the British Infrastructure Group of MPs in July 2017 raises some interesting issues, particularly around consumer protection in relation to broadband. However, the analysis of speeds which informed the league table of worst performing areas is somewhat flawed, in that it is primarily based on data gathered from consumer speed tests not actual broadband availability. As a result, the figures reflect the speeds available as part of individual consumers’ packages; not the top speed that may be available on faster, more expensive packages.

Ofcom’s annual Connected Nations reports set out information on both broadband availability and take-up across Scotland. Their 2016 report highlighted that, while there is still more to do in terms of extending coverage in our more rural authorities, superfast broadband coverage in Scotland increased by 14% over the last 12 months – the largest increase of any of the UK nations

Telecoms, like defence and foreign affairs, is a matter reserved to the UK Government, meaning UK Ministers have the power to force broadband infrastructure providers to do more, particularly in rural areas. However, to date, they have chosen not to do so and their emerging plans for a Universal Service Obligation for broadband fall well short of our ambitions. That is why the Scottish Government has committed to delivering 100% superfast broadband access by 2021.

The “Evidence Review of the Potential Wider Impacts of Climate Change Mitigation Options: Built Environment Sector” (http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/01/3358) published in 2017 to inform the draft Climate Change Plan found evidence that measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes, including by insulating them, can result in benefits to residents’ health, particularly among those living in fuel poverty. Physical health benefits can arise from warmer homes; and mental health benefits can arise from reduced energy bills and hence reduced stress.

In addition, GoWell, funded by the Scottish Government, published the research “Can housing improvements cure or prevent the onset of health conditions over time in deprived areas?” (http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-015-2524-5/fulltext.html) in November 2015. This research indicated that receipt of fabric works was associated with higher likelihood of recovery from mental health problems and circulatory conditions. Receipt of central heating was also associated with higher likelihood of recovery from circulatory conditions. The research also noted that health gains from housing improvements appears most likely when targeted at those in greatest health need. GoWell also published in November 2016 “Housing improvements, fuel payment difficulties and mental health in deprived communities” (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616718.2016.1248526) which showed that increases in the difficulty to pay fuel bills is associated with worsening mental health. The analysis showed that the biggest positive impact on paying fuel bills was either gaining, or remaining in, employment.

The Fuel Poverty Evidence Review published in 2012 by the Scottish Government examined evidence on the relationship between cold homes and poor health outcomes. It concluded that there was evidence suggesting that there was an association between thermal comfort and physical and mental well-being.

The Scottish Government would welcome any commercial investment that will improve Scotland’s digital infrastructure. We would want any such investment, however, to help deliver the superfast broadband connections that our rural communities need, not just the 10Mbps that the UK Government has decided is sufficient; and we would be concerned if the form of the investment had a negative impact on the delivery of our investment plans.

It is vital, therefore, that the UK Government shares the full detail of BT’s proposal with us, so that we can assess whether and how it will contribute to Scotland’s superfast ambitions. We have again called upon the UK Government to set up a working group, involving the devolved administrations and Ofcom, to consider the impact of this offer as a matter of urgency.

The remaining infrastructure necessary for a national e-Purse is being procured and we are currently engaging with transport operators on implementation.

I spoke to the Managing Director of Loganair on 5 July 2017 and the Chief Executive of Flybe on 9 August 2017. While I noted that Loganair and Flybe will be operating commercial services in competition with one another, I encouraged them to explore options for code share arrangements so that, at the very least, current onward connectivity levels from the Highlands and Islands are maintained to avoid the need for passengers travelling to destinations outwith Scotland to make two separate bookings.

This issue was discussed at the Islands Transport Forum on 21 June 2017 at which both HITRANS and ZetTrans were represented.

Scotland's air is amongst the best in Europe, but hotspots of poor air quality remain. According to the UK Government's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP), poor air quality in Scotland reduces average life expectancy by 3-4 months (compared with 6-7 months in England and Wales). That is why improving air quality in Scotland, especially in urban hotspots, is a priority for the Scottish Government.

The Cleaner Air For Scotland Strategy (CAFS) is taking forward an ambitious programme of work to deliver improvements including through the introduction of Scotland's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) by 2018.

The Scottish Government supports, and works closely with, the partner organisations who are helping to implement the Scottish Wildcat Action Plan. This is a five year project that aims to restore viable populations of wildcat north of the Highland fault line. So far, this work has focussed on six Priority Areas and has included intensive camera trapping surveys, a first season of ‘Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release’ (TNVR) of feral cats and hybrid cats, the ‘Supercat’ campaign to promote responsible cat-ownership, and engagement with land managers to improve land management practices in relation to wildcats. Some of the partners are also working on a captive conservation programme, using Scottish Wildcats from collections across Britain.

Analyses show that the main threat to wildcats is hybridisation from feral and domestic cats. Survey work undertaken by the University of Oxford and recent monitoring work under the Scottish Wildcat Action Plan has established that feral and domestic cat populations can be extensive across the wildcat range and within the Priority Areas. These results have been confirmed by initial genetic analyses by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland,.

The most recent Working Group meeting, which includes local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and industry bodies, took place on 27 March 2017. At this meeting the Working Group identified some further analysis to be undertaken on the preferred option identified for setting freight fares. This has now been conducted and I have recently received advice from Transport Scotland officials, which I am currently considering.

Scottish Ministers & Transport Scotland have always been clear that there is no definitive commitment on timing. However we are working to conclude the review as soon as practicable and I aim to be in a position to provide details on the way forward by the end of this summer.

Minutes of all Working Group meetings are available on the Transport Scotland website.

The Scottish Government Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats recommends that all cat owners should consider neutering and microchipping (involving registration) their pets as the best way of being reunited with them should they be separated. We do not currently consider these actions should be compulsory for cats.

The Scottish Government has not carried out analysis on the impact of these in managing the population of domestic cats.