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Overall more trainee doctor posts have filled in 2023 than any other year on record, (data correct as at 25 July 2023). Within that overall context there will always be a number of posts which do not fill. Medical Ophthalmology ST3 is a small specialty with only 1 post advertised in 2023, therefore, as this post has not filled, the fill rate appears as 0%. We continue to work closely with our partners in NHS Education for Scotland and Health Boards, to consider ways of improving fill rates across all specialities.

Overall more trainee doctor posts have filled in 2023 than any other year on record, (data correct as at 25 July 2023). Within that overall context there will always be a number of posts which do not fill. Genitourinary Medicine ST4 is a small specialty with only 3 post advertised in 2023, therefore, as these posts have not filled, the fill rate appears as 0%. We continue to work closely with our partners in NHS Education for Scotland and Health Boards, to consider ways of improving fill rates across all specialities.

Overall more trainee doctor posts have filled in 2023 than any other year on record, (data correct as at 25 July 2023).Within that overall context there will always be a number of posts which do not fill. Occupational Medicine ST3 is a small specialty with only 1 post advertised in 2023, therefore, as this post has not filled, the fill rate appears as 0%. We continue to work closely with our partners in NHS Education for Scotland and Health Boards, to consider ways of improving fill rates across all specialities.

The First Minister and I both met with the Climate Ambassador of Denmark, Tomas Anker Christenson at COP28. The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance is co-chaired by Denmark, meaning that the coalition came up in both meetings.

Similarly, I met with representatives from the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. Holding such meetings is consistent with our approach of engaging with diverse organisations as part of a wider programme of analysis and engagement with a range of stakeholders.

A range of legislation makes up the regulatory framework for the safety of grid scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). Health and safety is a reserved matter with applicable UK legislation including: the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002; the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Relevant regulations are updated as and when deemed necessary, with input from all relevant authorities.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s regulator in this regard, and their remit includes health and safety in the workplace as well as public assurance on safety matters. HSE considers there to be a robust regulatory regime covering the fire risks associated with BESS.

The Scottish Government has no current intention to propose a debate in the Parliament on Public Petition PE1859: Retain falconers' rights to practise upland falconry in Scotland. We are aware this is being considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee who have been taking evidence, and are best placed to consider the issue. Should the Committee deem it appropriate they may submit a report to the Scottish Parliament with a recommendation for debate. Details of the Committee’s consideration so far can be found here: PE1859 Retain falconer's rights to practise upland falconry in Scotland | Scottish Parliament Website .

The Scottish Government greatly values the positive effects that twinning can offer to communities home and abroad and the opportunities it can provide to maintain close international relationships with partnering countries.

With the financial challenges we currently face, there are no current plans for the Scottish Government to provide financial support towards town twinning in the near future.

However, the Scottish Government and the international network will continue to work with partners at home and abroad to support and promote meaningful and valuable twinning arrangements.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of an efficient and effective planning system to enable quality development and infrastructure delivery. We are working in close collaboration with COSLA, Heads of Planning Scotland, the key agencies and industry stakeholders and, in our Budget, have committed to publish a consultation paper early this year setting out options to accelerate planning.

National Planning Framework 4, approved by the Scottish Parliament and adopted by Scottish Ministers in 2023, has given clear support to all forms of renewable, low-carbon and zero emissions technologies. We will also publish a consultation paper early this year on the statutory processes to be set out in regulations for making any future amendments to the National Planning Framework.

To support skills and capacity building within planning services in relation to energy development, the Scottish Government and the Improvement Service host knowledge and information sharing events. That has included a specific event for planning authority staff in relation to renewable and low carbon hydrogen production.

The Scottish Government is progressing with additional measures to support planning authorities and consultees as they plan for and consider applications for hydrogen projects. This includes the preparation of planning and consenting advice. The Scottish Government has also commissioned Edinburgh University to design and deliver bespoke training to be made available free of charge to all planning departments.

The Little Minch Infrastructure Programme includes works at three ports; Tarbert (Harris), Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Uig (Skye). The programme of works is essential in replacing life expired infrastructure and improving the capacity, reliability and resilience for the long term benefit of the route.

Tarbert (Harris) works were completed in January 2023. The Lochmaddy works were completed November 2023 and the works at Uig are expected to be completed by Winter 2024.

Below is a breakdown of posts that were advertised in Round 1 and Round 2 by region, speciality and level. These set of results were published in July 2023 by NHS England. The total number of posts advertised in Round 3 cannot be disclosed as end-year results have yet to be published. These results are expected to be made available by NHS England in the coming weeks. In addition to this, please note that Scottish Government does not have access to data broken down by NHS board.