Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19744 on‎ 17 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 Ministerial team has met with National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) on several occasions since May 2021. The meetings were as follows:

31 Aug 2021 Jenny Gilruth, in her role as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, had an introductory visit to NGS and met with the NGS Chair and Director General.

3 Feb 2022 Neil Gray, in his role as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and Minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine had a meeting with the NGS Chair and Director General to discuss the NGS budget.

29 March 2022 Neil Gray visited the Scottish National Gallery site to view progress of the capital project.

24 Aug 2022 Angus Robertson in his role as Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture met with the NGS Chair and Director General.

30 November 2022 Angus Robertson met the NGS Chair to discuss philanthropy.

8 June 2023 I, as newly appointed Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, had an introductory meeting with NGS Chair and Director General.

As a public body in receipt of grant-in-aid officials have met regularly with the National Galleries of Scotland since May 2021.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19744 on‎ 17 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-19744 on‎ 17 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

My predecessor as Transport Minister met with airline representatives in May and was pleased to note an ongoing recovery in passenger numbers and the extent to which Scotland’s route network has recovered

I will continue our engagement with aviation stakeholders in order to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment to working with Scotland’s airports to help restore lost connectivity, and grow international connectivity, while not returning to previous levels of emissions. Our overall ambition is for Scotland to be as well connected as peer nations and regions. I welcome recent route launches to Beijing, Atlanta and Calgary which demonstrate a growing confidence in the Scottish aviation market. Transport Scotland, working in partnership with VisitScotland and Scottish Development International, continues to work with airlines to promote Scotland and grow our international connectivity for business, tourism, exports and the wider economy.

In terms of domestic connectivity, we continue to provide funding to support the operations of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL). In 2022-23 we provided £62 million of funding, which helped to enable the operation of commercial air services by keeping HIAL’s airport charges lower than they would otherwise be. In addition we continue to support lifeline routes between Glasgow and Campbeltown, Barra and Tiree.

The Scottish Government has held the following meetings with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland since May 2021. No agreed outcomes were recorded for these meetings:

• 1 June 2021: Introductory meeting between Jamie Hepburn (Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training) and Jeffrey Sharkey (Principal of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
• 22 and 28th February 2022: Annual forum between Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and Scottish college and university officials (including Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) – To provide SAAS operational and policy updates to help support students in higher education.
• 24 March 2022: Meeting between Jamie Hepburn (Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training) and Committee of Scottish Chairs (including Nick Kuenssberg, Chair of Board, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
• 12 May 2022: Meeting between Jamie Hepburn (Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training) and Jeffrey Sharkey (Principal of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
• 23 and 28 February 2023: Annual forum between Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and Scottish college and university officials (including Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) – To provide SAAS operational and policy updates to help support students in higher education.

The Scottish Government recognises the invaluable contribution of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) to Scotland’s research and innovation. As Scotland’s National Academy, the RSE meets regularly with a wide range of Scottish Government ministers and officials. Given the number of these meetings that take place across Government it is not possible to detail the outcomes of every meeting.

In recent months, however, I have met with RSE’s Chief Executive and RSE researchers to discuss shared priorities for Scottish research and innovation and the contribution of our Further and Higher Education sector.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19714 on 12 July 2023 for details of the programme for the £5 million pledge for the loss and damage funding.

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 programme will be delivered via a grant-funded partner. The initial funding will be used for global consultation on selection criteria and methodology with the aim of presenting it in draft at COP28. Grants will then be disbursed on the basis of these criteria to global communities most in need. Officials will also seek to leverage matched finance from other sources to increase the impact and value of this funding. This approach was tested with global stakeholders at an event in March to ensure that it upholds the principles identified at SG’s loss and damage conference last year, demonstrates best practice and ensures the maximum contribution of equitable funding goes to global communities most in need. Parliament will be updated accordingly when a decision has been reached on a grant-funded partner, in advance of a public announcement.

The Scottish Government is progressing the Fair Fares Review to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the future long term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available and affordable for people throughout Scotland – including our ferry services. The Fair Fares Review will report by the end of 2023 and we will continue a meaningful and constructive approach to engaging with stakeholders throughout the process.