Seòmar agus comataidhean

Transport Scotland has had no requests for support from Argyll and Bute Council regarding the closure of the B8035. Transport Scotland has responsibility for the trunk road network, and as such has no responsibility for the maintenance or repair of any local road.

Local authorities have a duty under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to manage and maintain local roads in their area and duties under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic.

Ultimately, it is for locally elected representatives to make local decisions on how best to deliver services to their local communities.

Dundee City Council have submitted an application to Tier 2 of the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund for design funding to develop active travel options for the Western Gateway development area. These include a segregated cycle route, speed limit reduction measures, pedestrian and cycle crossings, modal filters, a cycle-friendly road project, and shared use paths.

Successful Active Travel Infrastructure Fund applications for 2025-26 for design are yet to be awarded.

Current procurement legislation and guidance enables multi-year contracts for social care services. Scottish Government is working with procurement professionals and providers to consider how national procurement guidance can be updated to deliver on the Feeley Review recommendations which includes consideration of longer term contracts for providers, including not for profit providers. Scottish Government does not hold contracts for delivery of social care services. Local Government are the contract holders for social care services and will make decisions on contract terms including length.

As of 3 September 2025, the Scottish Government no longer has a policy prohibiting the use of public funds to support the manufacture of munitions.

The Scottish Government is currently considering its guidance on non-therapeutic male circumcision. The Scottish Government takes the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that children’s rights are respected, as set out in United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

My officials have engaged with all health boards to understand what provision they have in place to deliver adult neurodevelopmental assessments. In relation to NHS Ayrshire and Arran, we are exploring how to address current issues that may be limiting access to assessments for all adults who may seek them. Our understanding is that neurodivergent adults in Ayrshire and Arran can be referred for neurodevelopmental assessments where they have been diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health condition.

The Scottish Government funds the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT), which is currently supporting NHS Ayrshire and Arran to develop, enhance and redesign existing local adult neurodevelopmental services. We continue to scope the work required to improve Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways nationally, understanding that a stepped care model is needed to reduce waiting times for adult neurodevelopmental assessments and ensure a consistent approach across Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme, the only one in the UK, opened for registration on 15 June 2017 and nationwide delivery of Baby Boxes began on 15 August 2017. Every baby born and resident in Scotland is eligible for a Baby Box.

To receive a Baby Box parents have to opt in to receive a Baby Box through the registration process via their midwife.

The following table details the number of births registered each year, the number of Baby Box registrations and the number of families who did not register for a Baby Box.

‘Unallocated’ and ‘Functionless’ are not terms which are applied to the categorisation of roles within the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government continually monitors its operations to ensure its resources are deployed as effectively and efficiently as possible. This is achieved through prioritisation, effective vacancy management and adapting to changing needs.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.

Discussions have already taken place for the MV Isle of Islay in relation to commercial crewing levels in which trade unions, with the exception of RMT, have agreed the crew numbers.

A meeting will be scheduled by CalMac Ferries Ltd within the coming weeks with the RMT to continue discussions. This same approach will be taking forward for all new vessels entering service.

In regards to the route specific sea trials mentioned, CalMac have confirmed that once that vessel is under their operation, the vessel personnel will operate under the terms of their individual Seafarer Employment Agreements and Collective Agreements, which they do not envisage as needing to be re-negotiated.