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We are progressing an options appraisal using Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance to identify potential improvements on the A9 between North Kessock Junction and Tore Roundabout. The latest report on this appraisal is expected to be published by 10 December and will set out a short list of options recommended for further consideration. Transport Scotland will review these recommendations and consider the next steps, taking account of the feasibility of the options and available resources.

In the short term, works to install street lighting at the A9/B9161 Munlochy junction will commence this month. In addition, a review of the speed limit around Tore Roundabout will be carried out, along with investigations into improvements to active travel facilities and road markings at the roundabout

The section from Longman Roundabout to south of the North Kessock junction is already subject to a 50mph speed limit. A speed limit reduction to 50mph on the section north of this, to Tore Roundabout, is an option being considered in the current appraisal. This option is not consistent with national guidance on speed limits, given the current average speeds and rural environment of this dual carriageway road. Lowering the speed limit has potential to cause platooning of traffic, reducing the gaps available to turn right at junctions. Furthermore, the process to make any speed limit reduction allows those disadvantaged by the proposal to object. The public consultation results indicated overall negative views towards this option, meaning that a significant number of objections are likely. The findings of the options appraisal will be published mid-December.

The new standard for fire alarms in Scottish homes requires alarms in any flat to be interlinked, so that warning will be given quickly in event of a fire, regardless of the room in which the alarm is triggered, and reduce the risk of harm. The new standard does not prevent alarms from also being linked to a warden call provider, and does not require alarms to be interlinked between flats.

Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) lies at the heart of Scottish Government policies and the services that are available to support children, young people and families. For over a decade, GIRFEC has shaped the way children’s services are planned and delivered in Scotland, and it is well-embedded in policy and practice.

One of the core components of Getting it right for every child is a named person or equivalent role, who is a clear point of contact for children, young people and parents to go to for initial support and advice. Children and families should be made aware of the help and support that is available, including named person, however there is no requirement to accept the help offered.

Whilst there is an intention to repeal Parts 4 and 5 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, on named person and child’s plans (which were never implemented and are therefore not currently in force), the commitment remains to deliver these core components of GIRFEC within existing law.

I recently provided the Convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee with an update on the arrangements to mobilise a wholly owned company to provide ScotRail services within the public sector under Scottish Government control.

I intend to keep Parliament updated as we progress these arrangements and we reach significant milestones.

We have reviewed the border health measures closely over the last 28 days and have assessed that there continues to be a requirement for the regulations to remain in place to reduce the risk of imported transmission and safeguard public health in Scotland. The regulations continue to be an important and proportionate part of the Scottish Government response to managing the pandemic. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue discussions with UK Government and the other devolved administrations and continue to seek to take a four-nations approach to future changes to regulations and the travel regime.

A public consultation on the not proven verdict and related reforms will open today, 13 December 2021, until 11 March 2022 and will be available at https://consult.gov.scot/justice/not-proven-verdict .

The Scottish Government recognises the strong case that can be made for the abolition of the not proven verdict but we also understand that there are many who have principled and informed objections to such a reform, or highlight the complex impact that moving to two verdicts could have on the wider Scottish criminal justice system.

We will continue to take an open and consultative approach to these matters and as part of this consultation will seek to capture the views of a broad range of stakeholders including legal professionals, the third sector and those with lived experience of the system.

This Government will listen carefully to what consultees tell us before we weigh all the evidence and reach a decision.

I look forward to considering the full range of views received.

On 19 November 2021, the Welsh Government hosted a summit meeting of the British-Irish Council. The meeting was attended by Ministers from all of the Member Administrations with Guernsey joining virtually, and was chaired by the First Minister of Wales. The First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy represented the Scottish Government in person, and I attended virtually.

The meeting focused on Indigenous, Minority and Lesser Used Languages (IML) with particular regard to Early Years learning. The use of these languages was encouraged at the summit with First Minister Drakeford speaking in Welsh for large parts of the proceedings. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy gave an update on Scotland’s Economic Recovery from Covid in Gaelic, with simultaneous translation being provided for those present.

A meeting between portfolio ministers of the BIC administrations took place on the topic of IML ahead of the summit on Wednesday 17 November where the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills represented the Scottish Government.

The Council reflected on the latest political developments across their jurisdictions, and took the opportunity to engage on a number of topics of mutual interest, including the economy, trade, ongoing relations with the EU and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). Ministers discussed the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the progress of post-pandemic recovery programmes.

The Communiqué that was issued by the British-Irish Council after the meeting can be found on its website at: Thirty Sixth Summit - Wales - 19 11 21.pdf (britishirishcouncil.org)

For the years 2018 to 2020, the average monthly sales income has been calculated for fishers employed on Scottish Vessels. This is given in the following table:

Monthly average sales income for fishers on Scottish registered vessels, 2018 - 2020

Marine Scotland has commenced a long-term process to assess the future needs of its offshore marine assets.

A contract was awarded in late 2020 to deliver specialist Marine Protection Vessel (MPV) and Marine Research Vessel (MRV) concept designs. Subject to funding, these designs will be used in the coming years in the procurement of replacement vessels as existing vessels reach the end of their service lives.

Marine Scotland has also further invested in its inshore protection capability with two new small patrol craft delivering in early 2022 to add resilience to our inshore protection capability.

Our future aircraft needs will be assessed in the coming year, including consideration to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), both from ashore and vessel application.

The Scottish Government does not hold data on the number of care homes allowing new admissions in NHS Highland.