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MPAs are managed in line with the conservation and management advice provided by NatureScot. Management measures are already in place to achieve the conservation objectives for native oysters where they are a protected feature, by reducing the pressures that affect them. Additional protection is being considered for native oysters through the proposed PMF management areas as part of development of the inshore fisheries management measures.

The Scottish Government, with support from NatureScot, is currently developing a Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan which will support the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy objective of accelerating restoration and regeneration.

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-36472 on 1 May 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 Scottish Government core estate is under review to allow us to plan for affordable, inclusive, accessible, modern, secure, energy efficient buildings of the right size to meet our changing needs and net zero ambitions, as well as to ensure best value for taxpayers’ money.

Age restrictions for non-surgical cosmetic procedures are one of a number of issues that are being considered as part of our wider consultation on how best to further regulate non-surgical cosmetics procedures in Scotland.

In addition to the consultation, we will prepare a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment in accordance with section 17 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 15 (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This will reflect feedback on how to best put in place protections whilst still respecting the competence of young people.

We will continue to review the need for any further engagement as we consider the evidence gathered to date.

We will publish the analysis and announce next steps which I have committed to doing before the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess in late June.

The fixed facilities management contract running costs of Scottish Government buildings focus on ensuring buildings are operational, compliant and secure in line with our building management responsibilities. The costs cannot be varied with changing occupancy levels.

As already stated, the Scottish Government will publish further material on independence to give the people of Scotland the information they need to make an informed choice about their constitutional future.

The Scottish Government estate is under review to allow us to plan for affordable, inclusive, accessible, modern, secure, energy efficient buildings of the right size to meet our changing needs and net zero ambitions, as well as to ensure best value for taxpayers’ money.

Recruitment and retention of Wholetime and On Call firefighters is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Fire Officer and Board.

Many on call firefighters have primary jobs and have a primary employer. SFRS has an Employers Recognition Scheme whereby employers are recognised for their efforts in supporting their employees to become on call firefighters. SFRS also has an On Call Guide for Employers. This enables employers to learn more about what is involved, how they can support their employees to become On Call firefighters. Also outlined are the benefits to their organisation and the valuable contribution to their local communities.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information.

Recruitment and retention of Wholetime and On Call firefighters is a matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Chief Fire Officer and Board.

In common with other fire and rescue services both across the UK and internationally there are recognised challenges to the recruitment and retention of firefighters in rural areas. Scottish Government is supportive of the work that SFRS is doing to enable recruitment in these areas. SFRS has implemented a pre-recruitment engagement programme. This programme introduces candidates into the station environment for up to 12 weeks prior to their selection tests. Further initiatives include reimbursing candidate travel expenses, conducting localised fitness assessments and facilitating the migration from On Call to Wholetime employment for better career progression.

SFRS remains ready and able to respond to any instance of wildfire that occurs across Scotland.