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The Scottish Government does not collect data on the time-period in which people enter employment following support from the No One Left Behind Programme. However, the Scottish Government does collect data on the number of people entering employment and those that are still in employment at specific points thereafter - 4, 13, 26 or 52 weeks.

The most recent statistics indicate that of the 20,743 people supported through No One Left Behind that have entered employment since 2019, 8,657 (42%) were in employment at 4 weeks, 8,130 (39%) at 13 weeks, 7,102 (34%) at 26 weeks, and 4,227 (20%) at 52 weeks after entering employment.

Note that these figures are based on the percentage of all people that have entered employment who responded to the follow-up question. Therefore it is not a full or complete sample and we believe the data is therefore likely an undercount of the true figure.

The Scottish Government is actively reviewing this methodology following user consultation earlier this year to improve reporting on the duration of outcomes for No One Left Behind participants.

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, I can confirm that I have not met with the listed Community Councils and I currently have no plans in place to meet them.

The reforms would increase public participation in development proposals at pre application stage. The transparency of the process would remain unchanged. All information relating to applications to build, operate or modify onshore electricity generating stations with capacities exceeding 50 megawatts, as well as all applications to install overhead power lines, large oil and gas pipelines, and associated infrastructure are published and searchable on our Energy Consents website, at https://energyconsents.scot/

COPFS is not responsible for training or recruiting Crown-instructed pathologists.

However, there are currently four forensic pathologist training posts in Scotland and three of those are filled – one in Glasgow and two in Edinburgh. There is currently no capacity elsewhere in Scotland to fill the fourth training post.

Forensic Pathologists are not automatically deployed at the conclusion of their training. There must be a post available with a service provider and Forensic Pathologists need to apply through normal recruitment processes.

COPFS has spent the following on locum forensic pathologists in Aberdeen in each of the last ten years:

The Scottish Government supports the delivery of the highest standards of palliative care, and we will give this report and its recommendations careful consideration. Our palliative care strategy, currently out for public consultation, aims to ensure that people can access well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care, care around dying, and bereavement support based on what matters to them.

High energy prices are the single most important driver of fuel poverty. Within our devolved powers we continue to support vulnerable households through our winter heating benefits, provision of free income maximisation support, welfare and debt advice and energy efficiency schemes. However the powers to make a real difference remain reserved to Westminster. That is why the UK Government must introduce a social tariff mechanism as a means of targeted support for those who need it most, including terminally ill people who are struggling with their energy bills. The Scottish Government is making progress on co-designing such a mechanism with industry and has agreed to report to the UK Government on this work as soon as possible.

Three forensic pathologists have left positions in Aberdeen in the last five years. One pathologist took up a post with the Home Office in England. Two pathologists transferred to other positions in Scotland where they continue to conduct Crown-instructed examinations.

The Scottish Government remains committed to its vision for an integrated and community-based hearing service in Scotland. However, in considering the future direction for the audiology sector, it is right that we move forward in step with the work of the Independent Review of audiology and this – together with the wider financial and strategic context in which we are currently operating – has necessitated the re-phasing of our commitment on community hearing. We are continuing to fund “RNID Near You”, a third sector after-care scheme offered to hearing aid users and delivered in partnership with the NHS within five Scottish health board areas.

In 2024, based on data from the June Agricultural Census, there were 9,309 agricultural holdings in Scotland with a total land area more than or equal to 81 hectares (approximately 200 acres).

All locum pathologists used to cover non-suspicious Crown-instructed post mortems in Aberdeen are NHS consultants with significant experience of conducting examinations. Prior to being instructed by the Crown, each locum pathologist is interviewed by COPFS officials and an experienced Forensic Pathologist to confirm that they have the appropriate skills and experience to take on the role.

There are no identified quality issues with the post mortem examinations being carried out by locum pathologists in Aberdeen.