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NatureScot has a statutory role to promote and publicise the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) and to keep it under review. This does not conflict with NatureScot’s role in protecting and conserving nature. The SOAC is very clear that disturbance of wildlife or protected areas does not fall within the standards of responsible behaviour expected and would not, therefore fall within the definition of ‘responsible access’ rights. It should go without saying that our laws relating to nature conservation should be complied with.

NatureScot and the National Access Forum have recently updated guidance on managing wildlife disturbance and outdoor access, which provides more detail on this matter.

The available information on the recorded landings of UK vessels by species and district landed into the west coast of Scotland in 1987 are published in table 6 on pages 18 and 19 of the Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 1987:

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2020/11/sea-fisheries-statistics-1922-2010/documents/1987/1987/govscot%3Adocument/1987.pdf

The available information on the recorded landings of UK vessels by species and district landed into the west coast of Scotland in 1988 are published in table 7 on pages 20 and 21 of the Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 1988:

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2020/11/sea-fisheries-statistics-1922-2010/documents/1988/1988/govscot%3Adocument/1988.pdf

The available information on the recorded landings of UK vessels by species and district landed into the west coast of Scotland in 1989 are published in table 7 on pages 20 and 21 of the Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 1989:

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2020/11/sea-fisheries-statistics-1922-2010/documents/1989/1989/govscot%3Adocument/1989.pdf

The available information on the recorded landings of UK vessels by species and district landed into the west coast of Scotland in 1990 are published in table 7 on pages 24 and 25 of the Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 1990:

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2020/11/sea-fisheries-statistics-1922-2010/documents/1990/1990/govscot%3Adocument/1990.pdf

The available information on the recorded landings of UK vessels by species and district landed into the west coast of Scotland in 1991 are published in table 7 on pages 26 to 28 of the Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 1991:

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/statistics/2020/11/sea-fisheries-statistics-1922-2010/documents/1991/1991/govscot%3Adocument/1991.pdf

There is no information available for the years 1987 to 1991 on the recorded landings of foreign vessels into Scotland by species and district landed.

Prior to 2016, salmon were caught in commercial coastal net fisheries, but they were not landed through harbours. Salmon catches for 1952-2024, including 1987-1991, are published as official statistics in Scottish salmon and sea trout fishery statistics: http://www.gov.scot/ISBN/9781836914761/documents. Detailed supporting data is available for download: https://data.marine.gov.scot/dataset/salmon-and-sea-trout-fishery-statistics-1952-2024-season-reported-catch-and-effort-district

There are significant differences in environment, biology, fisheries (including methods, seasons, effort, location), fisheries management, and fisheries data collection that preclude a meaningful comparison of the landings of demersal fish species with catches of salmon. In terms of the data referred to above, it should be noted that, for demersal species, the locations of landing and capture may not be closely related whereas, for salmon the location of capture is recorded more precisely (see https://www.gov.scot/publications/collecting-marine-scotland-salmon-sea-trout-fishery-statistics-2/). In Scotland, salmon may be caught by fixed engine, net and coble, or rod and line, which generally correspond to the coast, estuaries, and rivers. However, some net and coble fisheries previously operated within rivers or in coastal embayments and rod fishing for salmon can legally occur within coastal or estuarine waters. Since 2016, salmon may not be retained by any method in coastal waters or where stocks are assessed as being in poor condition.

Scotland’s abundant renewable energy generating capacity presents an opportunity for the country to become a leader in green data centres. In 2023, 70% of electricity generated in Scotland was from renewable sources – a marked increase compared to 32% in 2013 - and, as of June 2025, there is an estimated capacity of 76.5 GW of renewable energy projects, including storage, in the planning pipeline in Scotland.

Where new development proposals come forward, all planning applications must be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicated otherwise. In Scotland the development plan consists of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the relevant Local Development Plan. National development status does not grant planning permission for the development and all relevant consents are required. Designation establishes the need for such infrastructure and means that the principle of the development does not need to be agreed in later consenting processes, providing more certainty for communities, business and investors.

While the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 Progress Report for 2024-2025 refers to the AI Growth Zones initiative, it is led by the UK Government.

NatureScot have a statutory duty to promote, publicise and keep the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) under review. In discharging this duty NatureScot work with access authorities and the National Access Forum. Currently the Outdoor events in Scotland and Commercial access to the outdoors guidance is being reviewed and updated by NatureScot and the National Access Forum. This work is being led by a group which has been established with representatives of access managers, land managers and event organisers.

Public Health Scotland are key partners in delivery of our Population Health Framework (PHF). The actions in the PHF – promoting healthy eating, investing in sport and active living, and work to reduce the harms of smoking – are relevant to improving heart health in Scotland.

Our Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework (SRF) includes a focus on early detection to support intervention and treatment to reduce the level of harm. For example, our CVD Risk Factors programme involves working with a range of partners, including PHS, to improve the identification and management of key risk factors (obesity, smoking, high blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol).

As part of this programme, we will support 100,000 patients, who may be at risk of cardiovascular disease, with extra GP appointments by March next year, with a particular focus on supporting people living in areas of deprivation.

The management of access rights is a matter for access authorities, who have a statutory duty and powers to ensure access rights are upheld. This is done within the framework of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) which provides specific guidance for event organisers, land managers and the public in respect to responsible access. Clearly all events of the kind mentioned vary in scale, sensitivity and location and there may, therefore, be the appearance of this guidance being applied differently. Examples of Guidance associated with outdoors events include Outdoor events in Scotland and Commercial access to the outdoors.

NHS Inform helps women to access the information they need on a range of issues relating to their health. The Platform includes comprehensive information on polycystic ovary syndrome This includes an animation produced by the University of Edinburgh which provides an explanation of the condition in an easy to understand way including what polycystic ovaries are and their relevance in a diagnosis of PCOS.

To raise awareness of the condition and provide further information to women we worked with the Health and Social Care Alliance to deliver a series of webinars on menstrual health including a webinar on PCOS. This session explored the condition and how it is diagnosed, included information about polycystic ovaries as well as busting some common myths about the condition.

Each September we highlight the condition to the public by lighting our Scottish Government buildings to mark PCOS awareness month and utilise this opportunity to highlight the information available on NHS Inform.

Social Security Scotland is committed to treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect, including veterans and their families. In line with the Armed Forces Covenant, the organisation works to ensure no one from that community faces disadvantage when accessing devolved benefits.

To support this, Social Security Scotland engages with veterans’ groups and other stakeholders to better understand and respond to their specific needs. This collaborative approach informs the design and delivery of services that are not only inclusive but also rooted in empathy.

Inclusive practices are embedded across the organisation – from accessible application processes to staff training and frontline service delivery. The goal is to foster an environment where compassion, dignity, and fairness guide behaviour, and where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. Social Security Scotland is committed to building a culture that recognises people’s experiences and needs, and ensures every interaction reflects empathy, respect, and understanding.

The organisation also actively engages with the Armed Forces community to build trust and improve accessibility and regularly reviews its procedures to uphold the values of the Covenant. The Scottish Government strongly supports the Covenant’s aims and the wider efforts across Scotland to strengthen support and integration for the Armed Forces community.

Menstrual health, which includes polycystic ovary syndrome, was a priority in the first phase of the Women’s Health Plan.

To support women with symptomspolycystic ovary syndrome of we have;

• improved access to comprehensive information on menstrual symptoms and PCOS through our Women's Health Platform on NHS Inform.
• worked with the Health and Social Care Alliance deliver a series of webinars for women on menstrual health including a session on PCOS.
• published a workplace policy for NHSScotland on menstrual health and menopause, which can be adapted for use in other employment sectors.
• worked with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to develop eLearning on menstrual health, including PCOS, for those working in primary care.

Menstrual health, including PCOS, will continue to be an important area of focus in the next phase of the Women’s Health Plan.