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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Find out more about parliamentary questions

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Question reference: S6W-43959

Asked by: Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 12 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will request that Transport Scotland undertakes additional modelling of the local and regional bypass traffic impacts of replacing the M8 Woodside Viaducts with an urban six-lane surface-level boulevard with at-grade junctions as part of its options appraisal for the potential permanent repair, replacement, or removal of the viaducts.

At the Strategic Outline Case stage of a project it is important to consider a range of alternative approaches so that the benefits and disbenefits of each approach are considered in terms of fit with strategic policy considerations. For this project, the strategic approaches under consideration are Repair, Replace and Remove; each of which provides different benefits and disbenefits. Whilst it is recognised that the Remove approach is anticipated to have major detrimental impacts on the traffic flows, network and Glasgow's local roads, it has been included to ensure that a comprehensive assessment is undertaken of all potential approaches. The preferred approach will balance a range of engineering, environmental, economic, health and safety and social value factors.

Question reference: S6W-43984

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 12 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that Scottish Water’s 25-year sustainability plan is adequately funded, monitored and stress tested against worst-case climate scenarios.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on draft Ministerial Objectives for 2027-33. These are proposed to help address the challenges faced by the water industry, including adapting to climate change. They are aligned with our long-term Water Sector Vision and Scottish Water’s Long-Term Strategy. Scottish Water is responsible for preparing and delivering plans that meet these objectives and setting out how it will play its part in achieving the sector vision. These plans are scrutinised by the independent economic regulator, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), to determine if they are sufficient to achieve the Ministerial Objectives while meeting the standards required by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). It is through this review process that WICS ensures Scottish Water is adequately funded to deliver on the objectives of Ministers at the lowest reasonable overall cost.

Question reference: S6W-43983

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 12 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure transparent public reporting on water scarcity indicators, drought risk levels and associated infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan sets out how water resources are managed prior to, and during, periods of prolonged dry weather. Water scarcity indicators and seasonal conditions are reported publicly through SEPA’s weekly and seasonal reports, providing early insight and transparency for stakeholders.

In terms of public water infrastructure vulnerabilities, Scottish Water has recently updated its supply-demand balance forecasts based on UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) as reflected in the recently published Final Business Plan for 2027 – 2033. This follows initial presentation of previous data through the Long-Term Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Work is ongoing to update drought risk levels for water resource zones across the country.

Question reference: S6W-44257

Asked by: Mercedes Villalba, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what communication it has had with Crown Estate Scotland regarding the relinquishing of the CampionWind lease by Shell UK in November 2025.

Question reference: S6W-44245

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how its revised Code of Practice for constables when exercising the power of stop and search, which is currently being consulted on, will ensure the safety of biological women, in light of proposals that could allow a biological male to request that a biological female constable searches them.

Question reference: S6W-44248

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on assurances it has had from Royal Mail that all postal deliveries linked to the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election, including postal ballots and other election material on behalf of all candidates and parties, will be delivered at no detriment to the delivery of other mail in Scotland, including medical appointments, legal and financial letters.

Question reference: S6W-44237

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with representatives, parents and local authorities following the reported announcement that Fernhill School in Rutherglen will close.

Question reference: S6W-44247

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government in relation to current and future provision of postal services in Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-44249

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Submitting member has a registered interest.
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has been informed of any delays and disruptions to Royal Mail postal deliveries by public bodies, including NHS Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).

Question reference: S6W-44259

Asked by: Mercedes Villalba, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 March 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that (a) ScotWind leases and (b) Supply Chain Development Statements (SCDS) produce stable, long-term economic benefits for (i) workers and (ii) businesses in north east Scotland.