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Separate to establishing the legislative framework for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 also sets statutory requirements to produce a Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme (SCCAP) every five years. These programmes are required to address current and projected risks from climate change, as identified in the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. The current SCCAP covers the period 2019 – 2024 and sets out over 170 policies and proposals to build climate resilience in Scotland. We intend to lay the next annual progress report on SCCAP implementation in the Scottish Parliament in May 2023. The next five-year adaptation programme is already in development, with public consultation anticipated for the start of 2024.

The Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways (DPDP) programme aims to revolutionise Scotland’s prescribing and dispensing process by ultimately replacing the paper prescription, initially by developing an end-to-end digital solution for in-hours prescribing from General Practice right through to community pharmacy dispensing and improve patient experience for the general public. The DPDP programme will be rolled out to all NHS Boards.

I am delighted that the Tall Ship Races will be coming to Lerwick at the end of July this year. They represent a fantastic opportunity for Scotland, in particular Shetland and our island communities. This event, supported by £130,000 of EventScotland funding, is expected to attract up to 30,000 spectators and around 1,300 participants from 8 countries to Shetland. Ministers with a portfolio interest will be delighted to consider any invitation in line with current commitments.

We recognise the health and wellbeing benefits having a pet can bring and our New Deal for Tenants sought views on proposals to give tenants greater rights to keep a pet.

Scottish Government officials engaged with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to discuss their Pet Friendly Properties report and how these recommendations could work with tenants, landlords and pets. Officials also engaged with Cats Protection regarding their Purrfect Landlords campaign and to consider ways to encourage more landlords to allow pets in their properties.

We are currently considering responses to the consultation as we develop proposals for future reform and will continue to liaise with all stakeholders during this process.

Our thoughts continue to be with Esther Brown's family, friends and local community.

The Significant Case Review (SCR) process examines the actions and processes of the agencies involved in an individual’s management to ensure all reasonable steps were taken to minimise risk and to capture any learning. The process is independent of government and is designed to ensure the role of all partners in the process is carefully examined. We note this conclusion in this SCR and accept the two recommendations for the Scottish Government.

Scottish Government is represented on the National Qualifications Group, and Scottish Ministers and officials were kept informed of the decision, and the rationale behind it, through regular meetings with SQA. I last discussed this with SQA when I met with the Chief Executive on 19 April.

SQA took this decision following engagement with the National Qualifications Group and wider education community, informed by extensive feedback gathered as part of their evaluation of the 2022 arrangements. All other parts of the UK have already returned to full course requirements.

Public protection is paramount and the Scottish Government is committed to learning from this Significant Case Review (SCR). We have accepted the two recommendations for the Scottish Government and will take these forward with MAPPA partners as appropriate. We also attended the first of what will be regular meetings convened by the Glasgow MAPPA Strategic Oversight Group Chair with partners to consider the findings of the SCR and oversee the implementation of improvements.

(i) The total area of Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within Scottish inshore waters is 17,954.3 square kilometres or 19.9%.

(ii) The total area of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) within Scottish inshore waters is 17,547.8 square kilometres or 19.4%.

(iii) The total area of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within Scottish inshore waters is 13,409.8 square kilometres or 14.8%.

(iv) The total area of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within Scottish inshore waters is 531 square kilometres or 0.6%.

For the answers above Scottish inshore waters are classed as up to 12 Nautical Miles. The figures given above cannot be summed to get the total area of designated sites within Scotland's inshore waters as there will be double counting.

The most recent survey of young people about substance use shows the vast majority of teenagers do not take drugs. Similarly the 2021 Scottish Health Survey ( The Scottish Health Survey 2021 - main report ) provides general information on substance use and indicates that use of nitrous oxide remains low in Scotland.

Nonetheless, we are taking forward substance use education work in our schools through Curriculum for Excellence. Children and young people learn about a variety of substances including alcohol, medicines, drugs, tobacco and solvents. They will explore the impact risk taking behaviour has on life choices and health.

We hope by educating children and young people about substance use and the impact it can have on their life and health, this will prevent them making unhealthy choices.

(i) The area of Scotland's inshore waters where all commercial fishing is currently restricted is 66 square kilometres or less than 1%.

(ii) The area of Scotland's inshore waters where scallop dredging is currently restricted is 8,068 square kilometres or 9%.

(iii) Nephrops trawling is included in measures restricting trawl, bottom trawl or mobile gear. The numbers presented below reflect this. The area of Scotland's inshore waters where trawling is currently restricted is 8,397 square kilometres or 9%.

(iv) The area of Scotland's inshore waters where creeling is currently restricted is 5,660 square kilometres or 6%.

For the answers above, Scottish inshore waters are classed as up to 12 Nautical Miles.