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Following the procurement exercise the award decision was communicated to all bidders on 7 December 2021, with the contract being signed on 13 December 2021. It was subsequently published on the Public Contracts Scotland website on 10 January 2022.

The contract with KPMG to construct the business case for the National Care Service has not been suspended.

There is no conflict of interest between existing Scottish Government Civil Servants and the specialist consultancy services procured from KPMG in a fair and open procurement exercise. The Scottish Government has a clear contract award and management processes in place to prevent conflicts of interest and to support the delivery of fit for purpose outcomes. This includes clear requirements for separation of duties between finance and procurement decisions.

The contract was awarded under the Crown Commercial Service Management Consultancy Framework Three following a fair and open procurement exercise in line with Scottish Government guidance.

a) We are in regular contact with NatureScot on a range of wildlife management issues, including discussions on the management of ptarmigan.

b) The Scottish Government has had no direct correspondence with Country Sports Scotland in relation to ptarmigan.

c) The Scottish Government has had no direct correspondence with external stakeholders in relation to ptarmigan.

There are a range of factors which may contribute to a decline in a species’ population or a contraction of species’ range. It is likely that one of the main drivers of population decline in ptarmigan is habitat loss caused by climate change. The Scottish Government is determined to end our contribution to climate change by 2045 and prevent further climate related deterioration of habitat from climate pressure. We are taking action across the board to achieve this (as set out in our Climate Change Plan update) and are providing financial support for projects that restore and protect habitats, safeguard wildlife and tackle causes of biodiversity loss.

Other drivers of population decline may include increased recreational activity in montane habitats and grazing pressures. Ptarmigan are also a quarry species, listed on Schedule 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Where there is evidence that shooting is causing declines we will consider action to remove a quarry species from Schedule 2.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06258 on 15 February 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06258 on 15 February 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06258 on 15 February 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06258 on 15 February 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers