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The Scottish Government has considered impacts on cross border trade and there is no evidence to suggest that there will be any significant impact if ultra-high frequency (UHF) cattle EID is introduced. Electronic reading will not be mandated, and the ability to visually read an ear tag will remain. A Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) was published as part of the consultation on bovine EID.

Ministers will develop an implementation strategy including expected delivery dates, for bovine EID, once the outcomes of the UK Government/EU trade negotiations have concluded.

The Scottish Government is committed to improving perinatal and infant mental health services across Scotland. Anyone with more complex grief where engagement with specialist mental health services would be particularly beneficial should be able to access support through Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Intervention (MNPI) services, as part of their maternity and neonatal care.

Since 2019, our continued investment has resulted in a substantial increase in MNPI services across Scotland. All NHS Boards now provide these services either from a dedicated local team or, for very small Board areas, via pathways to MNPI care in larger Boards that host the maternity hospitals where the patient is receiving inpatient care.

To support greater funding stability, since 2025-26, funding is now included in the recurring baselined funds made available to NHS Boards to use flexibly to deliver the outcomes in the Enhanced Mental Health Outcomes Framework, which includes outcomes related to improving Perinatal and Infant Mental Health services.

When procuring and managing contracts Procurement Services ensures compliance with all legal requirements and the procurement principles including non-discrimination and equal treatment. Procurement Services will continue to monitor and comply with Scottish Procurement Policy notes from the Scottish Government and with UK Government advice relating to international embargos and sanctions.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of timely access to psychological support, including psychological therapies, for bereaved parents. One of the main ways this is provided is through Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Intervention (MNPI) services. For most parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss, bereavement and grief support provided by their Health Board or third sector organisations will meet their needs and they will not require specialist mental health services.

We have made substantial progress in establishing remediation pathways for buildings over 18 metres in height that were included in the High-Rise Inventory and highlighted through other data sources, irrespective of tenure.

We continue to work closely with partners to determine, prioritise and drive the necessary action on assessment and mitigation, on which the Scottish Government is offering substantial financial support to the sector.

We expect to conclude the work to establish remediation pathways for high-rise buildings with known cladding by the end of October 2025.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-40861 on 28 October 2025. 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-41180 on 28 October 2025. 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.

Between winter 2023-24 and winter 2024-25 uptake across all adult groups for both flu and COVID-19 decreased, with flu uptake dropping back in line with pre-pandemic levels.

Each year, the Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Programme (SVIP) reviews the performance of the previous winter programme to improve delivery and implement new initiatives with the aim of improving uptake. In addition, SVIP holds regular winter task and finish groups throughout the winter programme, led by PHS and attended by immunisation teams from the 14 territorial Health Boards, as well as the national Boards and Scottish Government policy teams. This helps the programme to respond in real time to any unexpected drops in uptake, including sharing best practice.

There are a wide range of steps being taken to encourage uptake through how people are invited for vaccination. People eligible due to age and/or health condition will receive a direct communication by letter, email or text with details about their appointment or information on how to book one. In winter 2023-24, all those with a digital preference who self-booked via the online booking portal or national vaccination helpline received a digital reminder 24 to 48 hours before their appointment. This winter, we have expanded those reminders to 100% of those with a booking who have a digital preference, which now includes all those who have been automatically scheduled by the national programme. For those who are sent an appointment via SMS or email, a new process launched in spring 2025, whereby if an email address is undeliverable, or the mobile number is no longer in use, a letter is sent to inform the individual and encourage them to log in or ring the helpline to update their details and book an appointment.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has developed a new communications campaign (For some, flu hits harder) focused on raising awareness and encouraging uptake of the flu vaccine. Communications and marketing activity is running nationally across radio, social media, out of home, paid display and pay per click advertising from 15 September to 7 December. This activity is highly targeted at lower uptake groups including those aged 18-64 years of age with an eligible health condition, pregnant women and health and social care workers, as well as in areas with lower SIMD and with ethnic minority communities.

New resources including posters and social media toolkits have been shared with over 1,300 key stakeholders. The social media toolkit includes resources for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and includes a range of videos, statics, case studies, website, newsletter and intranet copy.

Updated information is available on NHS Inform and significant activity is being undertaken by PHS to reach particular people. PHS currently share health information resources such as leaflets, posters and social media toolkits with a wide range of partners who represent Scotland’s diverse population. As standard, core resources are produced in five primary languages (English, Arabic, Chinese Traditional (Cantonese), Chinese Simplified (Mandarin) and Polish) and four other formats: Audio, British Sign Language, Easy Read and Large Print, with additional formats and languages available on request.

PHS have also been working closely with a range of third sector partners to help design and disseminate programme materials for particular stakeholder groups. This includes members of the Alliance, the British Islamic Medical Association, Age Scotland and Asthma and Lung UK.

Scotland’s spring and winter vaccination programmes for flu and COVID-19 are implemented as part of the Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Programme (SVIP) - a collaborative effort involving the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, and Health Boards.

In recognition of Scotland’s changing demographics and the ageing population, territorial Health Boards assess and plan their workforce needs to effectively implement their respective programs each season.

For each programme, SVIP conducts precise assessments of the eligible population - based on criteria established by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - recognising that these numbers may vary annually, and planning is accordingly adjusted to ensure effective implementation.