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The scheduling of fixtures in the KDM Evolution Trophy is the responsibility of the SPFL.

I understand the frustration of supporters in relation to return travel from the fixture. The Scottish Government supports any measures put in place by the clubs that make the game as accessible as possible to all fans.

In discussion with the SPFL around this issue, they confirmed that Firhill stadium was the only feasible venue for the match, given both the impact of recent bad weather on alternative venues, and the existing SPFL fixtures taking place on Easter Sunday. The timing of the match allows it to be shown live on BBC Alba, which provides free national coverage and makes the game as accessible as possible for those fans unable to travel.

There has been a significant increase in demand for neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments in recent years, including for autism and ADHD, which is creating challenges for a range of services. In response to this, the Scottish Government is working with the National Autism Implementation Team to develop national Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways, building on learning from pilot programmes across NHS Boards.

We continue to support Health Boards and local authorities to implement the National Neurodevelopmental Specification for Children and Young People, by taking forward actions from the review of its implementation in 2025. This work is being supported by the cross-sector Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce.

An additional £3.4 million has been invested in 2025-26 to support a range of projects aimed at improving access to neurodevelopmental support and information, as well as supplementing autism and ADHD assessment capacity in health boards. A further £7.65 million is included in the 2026-27 mental health programme budget to enable continued improvements in neurodevelopmental assessment and support for children and young people.

I have also brought together stakeholders and MSPs through two cross-party summits to support coordinated efforts to address these issues.

Social Security Scotland fast-tracks Special Rules for Terminal Illness applications, aiming to make a decision within seven working days of receiving a shortened application and confirmation of a terminal diagnosis.

Latest statistics show the average processing time for Adult Disability Payment applications made under Special Rules for Terminal Illness is two working days.

Social Security Scotland promotes awareness of the Special Rules for Terminal Illness policy on its website and social media channels, highlighting the fast-track, accessible application process and the support available for individuals. The organisation engages with health and social care stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the process. Guidance for clinicians, including from the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, is available online.

Applications received under the normal rules process are reviewed for Special Rules eligibility and, where appropriate, are fast-tracked.

Adult Disability Payment statistics can be found on Social Security Scotland's website at: Adult Disability Payment statistics to 31 October 2025 - Social Security Scotland

The Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government has responsibility for the operational running of the organisation, including the workforce related hybrid working policy.

Work to clarify a location policy for Scottish Government core staff will consider a range of relevant factors and benefit from consultation with trade unions and engagement with staff and diversity networks across the organisation. Until the location policy has been reviewed, interim arrangements are in place for people who live distant from their contractual work location.

I would encourage the member to direct any further questions on this matter to the Permanent Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government has responsibility for the operational running of the organisation, including the workforce related hybrid working policy.

The Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the Scottish Government’s hybrid working policy drew on a broad range of evidence, including feedback from staff networks and findings from the hybrid working policy review, to ensure the policy remains accessible and inclusive.

Work to clarify a location policy for Scottish Government core staff will consider a range of relevant factors and benefit from consultation with trade unions and engagement with staff diversity networks across the organisation. Until the location policy has been reviewed, interim arrangements are in place for people who live a further distant from their contractual work location.

I would encourage the member to direct any further questions on this matter to the Permanent Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary has responsibility for the operational running of the Scottish Government, including workforce-related policies such as hybrid working.

As the hybrid working policy is an internal operational matter and does not alter staff contractual terms and conditions, a formal Islands Communities Impact Assessment was not required. However, we continue to monitor the policy in practice, including any impacts on colleagues across Scotland.

Work to clarify a location policy for Scottish Government core staff will consider a range of relevant factors and benefit from consultation with trade unions and engagement with staff and diversity networks across the organisation. Until the location policy has been reviewed, interim arrangements are in place for people who live distant from their contractual work location.

I would encourage the member to direct any further questions on this matter to the Permanent Secretary.

I can confirm that Offshore Solutions Group sought a screening opinion from the Scottish Ministers and this is currently undergoing statutory consultation in line with the environmental impact assessment regulations. Following conclusion of the consultation, the Scottish Ministers will determine whether or not an application for the proposed works must be supported by an environmental impact assessment report based on the likelihood of significant effects on the environment. To maintain the integrity of our well-established marine licencing process, it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to comment further on live casework.

The Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government has responsibility for the operational running of the organisation, including the workforce related hybrid working policy.

The new National Islands Plan prioritises retaining and attracting population, and while it has no specific commitment on public-sector job locations, it underlines the value of local employment. The Scottish Government also maintains a significant rural and island estate, including Marine Scotland and the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) offices.

Work to clarify a location policy for Scottish Government core staff will consider a range of relevant factors and benefit from consultation with trade unions and engagement with staff and diversity networks across the organisation. Until the location policy has been reviewed, interim arrangements are in place for people who live distant from their contractual work location.

As part of the national response to the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, the Scottish Government has provided funding to support all NHS Health Boards to work towards the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) standards accreditation and ensure high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has recently completed its IQIPS benchmarking as part of this programme of work.

The provision and operation of audiology services falls within the direct remit of health boards rather than Scottish Government. However, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed that it has taken actions to reduce pressure in adult audiology services, including additional locum support for post-assessment hearing aid fittings to reduce waits, and the creation of four Band 4 Associate Audiologist posts to increase longer term capacity.