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This research study is being completed externally by Public Health Scotland and so the timeline may be subject to change, however, we have been informed by Public Health Scotland that under current timescales the project is due to be complete in November 2023.

Public Health Scotland have been commissioned to conduct a monitoring and evaluation programme for residential rehabilitation policy, as a part of the wider National Mission evaluation, on behalf of the Scottish Government. We recognise that residential rehabilitation provides support to people with drug and alcohol problems, and as part of this evaluation programme, Public Health Scotland will ensure that people with lived experience of both drug and alcohol use are consulted.

As part of the evaluation, Public Health Scotland have begun research into the demand for residential rehabilitation for people who use drugs, carried out by Figure 9 consultancy. In this research study, individuals will be asked whether they experience problems with alcohol, alongside their drug use. Therefore, whilst the focus of the research is on drug use, alcohol is not completely out with the scope of the study. The wider portfolio of support available to individuals is different for individuals who use drugs and those who do not. This difference in the support offer is why this research study is taking a targeted approach, focusing on individuals who use drugs, and the support available specifically to them.

The Delivery Plan is currently in preparation, including the consideration of how best to engage with delivery partners and other interested parties.

Significant action is being taken by this Government to develop, deliver and invest in Scotland’s strategic transport infrastructure for the long term. For example, work is already underway to deliver 38 of the 45 recommendations in STPR2, with consideration ongoing on how best to mobilise the remaining seven.

The amount of funding allocated by the Scottish Government in each year of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, will be informed by Strategies and Infrastructure Expansion Plans currently being developed and delivered by Scotland’s local authorities and to be agreed with Transport Scotland.

The Scottish Government has assessed the evidence presented by the independent Drug Deaths Taskforce, as well as the extensive evidence internationally on drug law reform, and today publish our response 'A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland'. This outlines the need to consider urgent changes to our laws to support a public health approach to drug dependency.

Through our National Mission we are already working within existing powers to reduce drug deaths, and while there is more to do, we need every part of the system to support change and better outcomes. At present the legislative framework we operate within does not fully support our evidence-based public health approach. It is for this reason we explore alternatives, based on the best available evidence, which could be implemented whether through refinements to existing legislation, or through constitutional change, whether further devolution of powers or independence. We continue to stand ready to work with the UK Government to support the implementation of these policies.

A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland is available here - https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781835210093 .

No such payments have been made since the establishment of Historic Environment Scotland in 2015. Scottish Government pay policy for public bodies has not permitted performance-related payments for Chief Executives or for staff at director/executive level over this period.

I continue to regularly discuss the Properties in Care, and their management, with Historic Environment Scotland. I have held no discussions about the permanent closure of sites.

Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including how much it spends on promoting its sites, are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a reply to his question in writing.

Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including how much it spends on advertising its sites, are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a reply to his question in writing.

Positive progress continues to be made with the electrification of the Glasgow to Barrhead Route and with plans for the electrification of the East Kilbride route now at an advanced stage. Plans for further electrification continue to be developed across the rail network in Scotland including Fife and the Borders.

The Scottish Government has been clear about the extent of the financial pressures the public sector as a whole is facing. The Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan is planned as a dynamic document, with a refresh of the Plan scheduled for later in 2023. The refresh will ensure Transport Scotland continue to prioritise the right projects, in the right place, and at the right time in line with available budgets.

Despite this, significant investment is also under way across Scotland in the form of new feeder stations required to provide the power needed to support the electrification of the network across Scotland.