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The original design for Scotland’s Census 2022 included the use of administrative data from across the Scottish public sector to quality assure the outputs produced from the census data.

Following the collect phase, and working closely with a group of international census experts, National Records of Scotland (NRS) have adapted their statistical methods to deliver estimates which represent 100% of Scotland’s population. This includes the increased use of administrative data alongside the Census Coverage Survey to help estimate how many people did not respond to the census.

In June 2023, NRS published a paper outlining the methodology enhancements to secure high quality census outputs and population estimates .

Information on data quality will be included as part of the first release in autumn 2023.

The changes to the methods for producing census estimates have not fundamentally changed the way in which NRS is quality assuring and validating the data before publication.

Professor James Brown, Professor of Official Statistics Sydney, Chair of the International Steering Group noted: “Decisions were made on a sound methodological basis, providing NRS with a strong position for the statistical processing phase.”

In their Statistical Quality Assurance Strategy , NRS made a distinction between quality assurance at every step of the census data processing journey and validation of final estimates. By assessing quality at each step, NRS can be confident that errors are not being introduced while processing the data.

The first release of census data will be in autumn 2023. This release will include:

• Population by age and sex at Scotland and Local Authority level (rounded)
• Number of households at Scotland and Local Authority level (rounded)

Up to date information on future releases can be found on the census outputs schedule webpage .

In line with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Statistics, National Records of Scotland will publish the specific release date and time for each publication at least four weeks in advance.

I refer the member to my to the answer to S6W–19805 on 31 July 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government recognises the value in having a range of Gaelic organisations with different functions and the SG aims at all times to remain informed and supportive of the work of these bodies. The SG will meet with An Comunn Gidhealach on average two or three times a year as well as meeting in wider gatherings. The focus of the meetings will be on the Royal National Mod and related initiatives and what support can be provided by the SG. The SG meets with Comann na Gidhlig on average two or three times a year as well as meeting in wider gatherings. The focus of the meetings will be projects that CnaG is taking forward and to consider what support SG can offer. The SG is in regular and frequent contact with Fèisean nan Gidheal both in relation to projects and initiatives which FnG is taking forward and in relation to wider Gaelic developments. The SG is aware of the work of Fèis Rois and SG does not hold meetings with this body or have a funding relationship with Fèis Rois. Along with the four bodies mentioned above, SG maintains close working relationships with other Gaelic bodies that have an important role to play in the promotion of Gaelic throughout Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19700 on 31 July 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19700 on 31 July 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government does not routinely discuss or publish legal advice received. In line with usual practice, the Scottish Government takes legal advice as and when required when preparing the Building a New Scotland series.

No GP’s have been recruited from ScotGEM into NHS Highland, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, or Grampian as ScotGEM graduates are not yet eligible to apply for General Practice Specialty Training.

The first cohort of ScotGEM students graduated in summer 2022 after completing the four year course. All medical school graduates must then complete two years of Foundation training before they can apply for a specialty training post. The first cohort of ScotGEM students will therefore be eligible to apply for General Practice Specialty Training in 2024 following the completion of their second foundation training year.

While funding is provided by Scottish Government to support recruitment and retention initiatives in primary care services, such as Golden Hellos, practices are paid directly from this available funding by NHS Boards upon receipt of an eligible application. As the administration of initiatives is delegated to NHS Boards, Scottish Government does not hold detail of payments made as the data is held locally.