Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Scottish Government have made no payments to the Global Disinformation Index (either as a grant or for goods or services) and no contracts have been awarded to this organisation.

It is noted that we do not hold spend data for our electronic Purchasing Card (ePC) – which is used for the purchase of low-value goods and services – for the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019.

A link to the ePC policy is provided below for information:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-electronic-purchasing-card-epc-policy-2/

The Scottish Government has committed to bring forward a product stewardship plan in 2026 that sets out how we will tackle the environmental impact of priority products.

The Scottish Government has not carried out any assessments in relation to these matters as the deployment and management of officers, including Human Resources matters, are operational matters for the Chief Constable. Oversight is provided by the Scottish Police Authority rather than by Scottish Ministers directly. These arrangements are in place to ensure the operational independence of Police Scotland.

The first national Good Food Nation Plan and accompanying initial monitoring framework set out how we will measure progress towards our six overarching outcomes. Scotland’s food sector already makes many positive contributions to global food system transformation. For example, the Scottish Government continues to support research and innovation in low-carbon food solutions to enhance the resilience of our future food system to climate change and contribute positively to global food transformation.

The Scottish Government has not been advised that some police officers have been unable to retire due to pension scheme issues.

I am aware of the current administrative pause on buy-back of opted out pensionable service for some police officers impacted by the McCloud Public Service Pensions Remedy. I wrote to the UK Government in February 2025 seeking a resolution through changes to the relevant UK primary legislation, however this was not agreed. I remain confident that a resolution will be found.

Zero Waste Scotland is leading on the work to support the development of a model for regional Scottish hubs and networks for the reuse of construction materials and assets.

They are working with a consortium of European partners to undertake an EU Horizon project – Circular Construction Finance (CirCoFin). CirCoFin aims to accelerate the circular transformation of the construction sector by helping cities and regions across Europe to create infrastructure and financial mechanisms to support the reuse of building materials. Example projects are being set up in Munich, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Scotland.

CirCoFin is also working towards creating a common step-by-step approach to developing Circular Construction Hubs through the development of a practical set of tools and templates.

The aim of the Scottish project is to develop a proposal for the Circular Construction Hub model which is tailored to the specific national and regional context of Scotland. The project is divided into phases - Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, Appraisal, Due Diligence and Bankability, and Roll Out. In year one, progress has been made on the pre-feasibility phase, including initial stakeholder engagement and pre-feasibility analysis to help understand key challenges and opportunities and support thinking on potential business models, materials and locations.

Further information on the range of activities undertaken to date is available from Zero Waste Scotland and information on CirCoFin in general is available online at https://circofin.eu/.

Shipbuilding is a highly competitive global market and is classified as sensitive under the UK Subsidy Control Act. Any direct award must therefore comply fully with both procurement and subsidy control legislation, as these frameworks operate independently but are equally critical to legal defensibility.

Defence and national security remain reserved matters under UK law, and Scotland does not commission independent naval vessels. The design of these replacement vessels reflects operational needs of the Marine Directorate and does not include warship specifications or military capability, which could misrepresent their authority at sea. MPVs are built and operated to merchant-vessel standards, with Crown-servant crews accountable to Scottish Ministers.

As merchant-class vessels, they fall outside the defence-related exemptions referenced by section 45 of the Subsidy Control Act.

As set out in the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, the Scottish Government will establish an expert advisory group to help develop the most effective way to implement mandatory public reporting for food waste and surplus by businesses, with the intention of developing options from 2025-26. We continue to gather relevant evidence and engage with stakeholders to understand key issues. We will also consider any relevant responses to the consultation on the draft Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland. Options will be developed with stakeholders as part of our engagement with the expert advisory group, once established.

The Scottish Government recognises the value of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) water scarcity reporting to individuals and businesses. Weekly reports from May to September deliver timely information during the highest-risk period.

SEPA also collect data throughout the year and produce seasonal reports in autumn and winter which summarise rainfall patterns and water resource conditions providing early insight and preparation ahead of the spring and summer. SEPA’s autumn water situation report 2025 report was published in December 2025 and is publicly available on SEPA’s website. A winter situation report will follow in March 2026.

Following international negotiations the UK, with relevant Coastal states, agreed on 16 December to significant 2026 quota reductions for key pelagic species (a 48% reduction in the North East Atlantic mackerel Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and a 22% reduction for herring).

Parliament was informed on 18 December of emergency measures for 2026, via a revision of economic link fishing licence conditions. This was the earliest opportunity to do so prior to the festive recess.

The same day, a letter was sent to the Convener of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee.

Related statutory impact assessments are available:

https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806436347 - Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)

https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806436330 - Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)

https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806436323 - Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA)

https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781806436316 - Consultation Outcome Document