Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-34080 on 13 February 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 the question S6W-34080 on 13 February 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

The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce was established to build on efforts to make Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to come and work. The Taskforce brought together a number of stakeholders to work collaboratively, focusing on recruitment as well as the retention of the existing workforce.

A key priority for the Taskforce was to ensure that the voice of nursing and midwifery staff and students was heard to identify what was important for them. This was achieved through the Listening Project, which held extensive engagement with staff across Scotland.

The Listening Project report will be published on 13 February 2025 on the Scottish Government website here: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836912637

The voice of nursing and midwifery staff heard through the Listening Project informed the 44 recommended actions agreed by the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce. The recommended actions focus on improving workplace culture, practice, flexibility, recruitment, and retention, as well as diversifying education and training pathways to support long-term workforce sustainability.

The full report of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce will be published on 13 February 2025 on the Scottish Government website here: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836913290

The next phase of the taskforce will focus on implementation. A ministerially chaired implementation group will oversee development of a workplan detailing activities and timelines for delivering the recommended actions.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that 20 mph speed limits are implemented on all appropriate roads by the end of 2025.

All local authorities are committed to meeting the 2025 deadline and have developed their own plans designating their own streets and £4m has been provided to 21 local authorities this financial year to aid implementation. Transport Scotland has issued national guidance to support local authorities with the roll-out of 20mph speed limits on appropriate roads.

Early feedback from Borders and Highland Councils, as early adopters, has been positive with a recognition by local communities that this initiative can significantly reduce road casualties, encourage sustainable travel, and foster safer, more vibrant communities.

We welcome the publication of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report, which is advisory in nature. Transport Scotland officials are considering the report in detail and will then take forward the recommendations where required. Scottish Minsters have been clear on the operational, resilience, value for money and efficiency benefits of operating the Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Service (CHFS) network as a whole, and this remains the intent.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-33834 on 13 February 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 the question S6W-34080 on 13 February 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

Through Scotland’s Land Use Strategy, our Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement and Natural Capital Framework, we have in place an established set of principles, objectives, protocols, and guidance. This helps our farmers, crofters and other land owners and managers in their land use decision making, and provides strategic connections across multiple interests, including Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, Environment Strategy and National Planning Framework 4.

The fourth iteration of Scotland’s Land Use Strategy is due for publication in early 2026 and as it is developed we will work closely with stakeholders to further discussion of the multiple pressures our land faces and the opportunities and challenges that an integrated approach to land use can bring.

Flytipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, albeit one in relation to which a Fixed Penalty Notice can be issued to discharge any liability to criminal conviction. Through our National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, we are working with stakeholders to improve reporting, investigation, and enforcement. We will continue engaging with Local Authorities, Police Scotland, and SEPA to ensure they have the necessary tools to tackle flytipping effectively.

No ongoing assessment of lorry parking near schools in Scotland has been undertaken by the Scottish Government.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to promote road safety and take steps to both reduce and prevent accidents. In this respect it is for the local authority to consider appropriate measures which will safeguard road users and residents, and to determine the priority that should be given to any road safety measures.

With regard to the parking of lorries near secondary schools, responsibility for all traffic management on local roads including the provision of parking and any subsequent charges, lies with local authorities. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local authorities have a general duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic.

Police Scotland has the ability to enforce traffic violations on Scotland’s roads and would respond to any safeguarding concerns regarding a child’s journey. They also support school liaison officers and community policing efforts where required.