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We want everyone living in Scotland to be included in the Census and we recognise that digital exclusion (and other barriers to participation) may prevent people from being able to complete online.

We understand that not everyone will be able to, or wish to, complete their census online, and paper copies are available upon request by anyone who needs them by calling our free helpline on 0800 030 8308 and speaking to an agent . Copies of the paper questionnaire can also be ordered via the free helpline automated service, without needing to wait to speak to an agent (option one). Paper questionnaires can also be ordered online at: www.census.gov.scot/paper .

Additional requests, including help and support, can also be made via web chat, e-mail or physical correspondence. Contact details can be found here: Contact us | Scotland's Census 2022 .

We apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused any individual. We are aware of a very small number of instances of this occurring in the first few days of operation, out of the 2.7M Internet Access codes (IAC) issued. This issue was resolved. If required, a replacement IAC can be requested via the census website: www.census.gov.scot/request or by contacting our free helpline on 0800 030 8308.

Whilst Census Day is Sunday 20th March, there is still plenty of time to complete the census, as in previous exercises returns are accepted after this date.

Today I am announcing the establishment of the independent ‘Facilitating Peaceful Assemblies in Scotland: Procedures and Best Practices – Short Life Working Group’ which brings together a small number of experts with backgrounds in marches, human rights, community engagement and mediation/dialogue.

The working group will consider what can be learned from other models used in relation to the regulation of marches and parades including, but not limited to the Parades Commission in Northern Ireland, and consider whether any of this learning can be usefully adapted and applied in Scotland to improve the regulation of marches and parades.

The remit for the working group is:

To identify any challenges that are involved in the running of marches and parades and the notification process in Scotland to achieve the right balance between the human rights of organisers/participants with those communities impacted by these events. To consider how these challenges could be addressed, and the practical implications of making any changes, and make recommendations based on these .

The members of the working group are:

• Professor Dominic Bryan, (Chair) Professor at the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queens University Belfast;
• Lorraine Gillies, Chief Executive Scottish Community Safety Network;
• Graham Boyack, Director of Scottish Mediation;
• Dr Michael Hamilton, Associate Professor in Public Protest Law, School of Law, University of East Anglia.

The working group will provide their initial report to me by summer and I will update the Scottish Parliament on any actions I propose to take in response to this report.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07181 on 24 March 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scotland’s Census 2022 contact centre experienced high volumes of calls in its first few days of operation and we are aware that some callers have experienced longer than average wait times at peak points during the day. National Records of Scotland apologise for any frustration this may have caused.

Callers to the Freephone helpline (0800 030 8308) are advised at the start of the call of current wait times and therefore have the option to phone back at a less busy time. An automated option (option 1) is also provided for those wishing to order a paper form. This involves no wait time.

Additional resources have been placed into the contact centre to deal with periods of peak activity. Contact can also be made with the census team via web chat, e-mail or physical correspondence. Contact details can be found here: Contact us | Scotland's Census 2022 . Help and advice on a range of topics is also provided at www.census.gov.scot .

These updates continue to have a positive impact, with general reductions in the average wait times in week 2 and beyond. There is ongoing active monitoring and management of the position to ensure that those that need help are able to speak to an agent.

The Scottish Government recognises the important role that energy generated from solar PV can play in contributing to the decarbonisation of Scotland’s energy supply and in securing a just transition to a net zero by 2045.

In developing the vision for the future of solar as part of the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan we will draw on internal analysis and work closely with the sector to explore the potential for solar energy capacity in Scotland .

Everyone living in Scotland is included in the census and we understand that not everyone will be able to, or wish to, complete their census online. That is why paper copies are available upon request by anyone who needs them either by calling our Freephone helpline on 0800 030 8308, by visiting our website www.census.gov.scot . Or, by writing to:

Scotland’s Census 2022

National Records of Scotland

New Register House

3 West Register Street

Edinburgh

EH1 3YT

Copies of the paper questionnaire can be ordered via the automated service over the phone, or by asking to speak to an adviser. Paper questionnaires can also be requested on behalf of someone else with their permission.

In the specific context of Scotland’s island communities and Scotland’s Census 2022, we are aware that the most significant barrier is likely to be digital connectivity. The Scottish Government Digital infrastructure strategy aims to: deliver 100% superfast broadband access across Scotland; improve the availability of mobile connectivity across the region, by using linkages to broadband availability; and, ensure the underlying infrastructure is in place to support the future growth of high-bandwidth connectivity.

We want everyone living in Scotland to be included in the Census, including those in harder to reach rural and island communities. Whilst the 2022 census will be predominantly online, paper questionnaires and support materials will also be available for those who are unable, or do not wish to, complete online. In addition, we have also: appointed a Regional Manager, based in Na h-Eileanan Siar, who will help bring local knowledge to our operational plans and support stakeholder engagement and partnerships throughout the highlands and islands; and, appointed Area Managers based in Argyll & Bute, Highlands, Dumfriesshire, Borders, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney and Shetland Islands to support rural and island communities at local authority level. We are also on-boarding field force enumerators who will be allocated all across Scotland (where possible from those communities) to provide national help and support coverage on the ground, and will provide non response follow-up to ensure we are maximising response.

We are monitoring census submissions, nationally, regionally and locally and by Local Authority Area. This will allow us to identify any areas where we need to invest more effort in encouraging and maximising response.

The Scottish Government continue to support the development of clinical trials on the use of Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use (CBPMs).

Through the work of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, we continue to engage with the National Institute for Health Research on two randomised controlled trials into epilepsy.

We also continue to encourage manufacturers of CBPMs to support further research, and bring their products forward for trials.