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Naloxone is a life-saving opioid antagonist delivered through Scotland’s National Naloxone Programme to reverse overdoses and provide emergency response time for further medical intervention.

In my letter to the Presiding Officer of 24 February 2026 I confirmed that there have been two minutes to the First Minister, in March 2025 and January 2026. These were to advise the First Minister that separate procedural milestones had been reached, to confirm that the appropriate processes had been followed in relation to Law Officers not being involved in decision-making, and to remind him that it would not be appropriate to make any public comment on the matter.

In my letter to the Presiding Officer of 24 February 2026 I confirmed that the practice of prosecutors advising the government of significant prosecution decisions, including but not limited to the service of indictments, is a longstanding one and examples of written updates provided to ministers were provided with my letter, based on available records.

In my letter to the Presiding Officer of 24 February 2026 I confirmed that the practice of prosecutors notifying the government of significant prosecution decisions, including but not limited to the service of indictments is a longstanding one and examples of written updates provided to ministers were provided with my letter, based on available records.

I am pleased to announce that following a positive evaluation from Transport Scotland, I have agreed that free rail travel for companions accompanying blind NEC + 1 cardholders can be made permanent from 1 April 2026.

The evaluation found that a significant majority of surveyed cardholders who used the free companion offer, increased their number of journeys on rail, experienced a range of benefits from increased activity and indicated they are less likely to require dedicated staff assistance as a result of travelling with a companion. The final evaluation report can be found at Transport Scotland’s website at;

https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/blind-companion-free-rail-travel-pilot-evaluation-report/

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have received overwhelmingly positive feedback to the free companion rail travel pilot scheme. Cardholders and their companions have consistently highlighted the profound impact it has had on their independence, confidence and quality of life.

NEC + 1 cardholders and their companion will continue to have the convenience of being waved onto rail services by displaying their card. Free travel is available on all ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper services at stations within Scotland and to Carlisle or Berwick Upon Tweed.

The 8,000 NEC + 1 cardholders and their companion can now travel free on bus, ferry and rail services across Scotland, this concession is only available in Scotland and not replicated in other parts of Britain, reflecting the choices we can make through public ownership of our own railway.

Timescales for the commencement of the legislation are a matter for the next government and will be confirmed in due course. The government would expect statutory guidance to be issued in advance of any legal duties coming into force.

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 wide range of evidence, including feedback from staff networks and findings from the hybrid working policy review, to ensure the policy remains accessible and inclusive.

As the hybrid working policy is an internal operational matter that does not alter staff contractual terms and conditions, a formal Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) was not required. We will continue to monitor the policy in practice, including any impacts on colleagues in island communities.

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 location policy.

Scottish Government recognises the important contribution made by colleagues based across the country and benefit this brings to communities and the Civil Service as a whole. In developing and implementing our hybrid working policy, specific consideration was given to our dispersed workforce, particularly colleagues living in rural and island communities. 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.

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 Scottish Government’s hybrid working policy was developed following a detailed internal review and engagement with recognised trade unions, staff networks and colleagues across all Directorates. In developing the policy, a broad range of social, economic and equality considerations were taken into account.

The hybrid working policy is an internal operational matter that does not alter staff contractual terms and conditions. We will continue to monitor the policy in practice, including any impacts on colleagues across Scotland.

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 location and resourcing policies.

All internal Civil Service vacancies within the Scottish Government are advertised through the internal jobs portal and are open to all eligible staff. While posts may indicate a preferred location, there are no restrictions preventing employees from applying for any internal role, regardless of their current place of work.

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.