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The 2022 independent review on the role of incineration in Scotland’s waste hierarchy states that in the short-term, incineration will have a role to play in managing our waste as we transition to a circular economy.

As we continue to increase our reuse and recycling rates, we will produce even less waste, however we will still need an appropriate way to manage our unavoidable and unrecyclable waste.

That’s why the Scottish Government’s Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) makes clear that development proposals for energy-from-waste facilities will not be supported, except under limited circumstances.

We have also been working with local authorities, through Zero Waste Scotland, to reduce the length of energy from waste contracts, and remove the requirement for guaranteed tonnages – giving local authorities the flexibility to respond to changes that will support Scotland’s move to a circular economy.

The Scottish Government has carried out long-term emissions projections for electricity generation, which include energy-from-waste emissions, which will be published as part of the Climate Change Plan Analytical Annex in due course. There are currently no long-term projections for emissions from energy-from-waste on a per site basis.

The ICP Vessels and Port Plan notes that vessel and infrastructure project design development should consider issues such as wind and wave/swell modelling data to ensure and provide an optimum solution for ferry services to island communities. We will continue to work closely with all port owners and both our subsidised operators to ensure that climate change adaption is an integral part of the design and delivery of all projects.

Both CalMac and CMAL have also conducted wave height analysis at specific ports as part of project development and as part of ongoing service operation. Information is gathered from a number of sources including installed wave buoys to inform day to day operational decisions. CMAL intend to continue gathering wave data at certain ports which will enable monitoring for any trends over time. This will be complementary to the wind, weather and tidal data that CMAL and operators already gather across the network from a range of sources.

CMAL have recently discussed trends in wave heights with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as part of the SVRP Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects, with data primarily sourced from the Met Office. This approach is also taken on other vessel and infrastructure projects to inform potential service review and design requirements. CalMac will be producing a weather resilience and climate adaptation plan which will look at the wider impact of climate change on services.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-40730 on 1 October 2025 and confirm the specification is not a stand-alone document, it is embedded within the grant agreement which was published on 1st October 2025 on the Transport Scotland website, alongside other relevant governance documentation.

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.

CalMac have advised that the estimated cost of the charter will be in the region of £500,000.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6O-05083 on 30 October 2025 regarding the conclusion of the purchase.

The redevelopment of Ardrossan and the current focus on potential purchase remains a priority for this Government. I will of course update members of the Ardrossan Taskforce and the relevant Parliamentary Committee and other interested parties and MSPs on an outcome as soon as I am able to.

It is acknowledged that the upgrade of the Irish Berth was not included within the original project scope and commercial proposal from Peel Ports and North Ayrshire Council. If the change in ownership proceeds, Transport Scotland and CMAL will consider the future of the Irish Berth and other areas/facilities included in the harbour area.

All answers to 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.

Council Tax is a local tax, set and administered by individual local authorities. Future local government finance settlements, including any decisions on council tax, will be set out in the usual way as part of the annual Scottish Budget.

The Scottish Government continues to support a national Council Tax Reduction scheme to protect those most in need. Over 450,000 households receive some level of Council Tax Reduction, saving recipients on average over £850 a year.

Neonatal Care pay and leave is currently a matter that is reserved to the UK Parliament and statutory guidance, including that on parental eligibility, is provided by the relevant UK department.

Local authorities are entirely separate entities from the Scottish Government. Their powers are set out in statute and, it is up to each local authority to manage its own day to day business. As such, the Scottish Government does not hold information on the provision of guidance on parental eligibility for Neonatal pay and leave.

The member may wish to contact local authorities directly for further information.

I refer the member to the answer to questions S6W-34295 and S6W-34294. on 10 February 2025

The implementation of the Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care The Cancer Strategy for Children and Young People in Scotland 2021–2026 is managed by the Managed Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Cancer (MCN CYPC). They are responsible for its implementation and the evaluation of the current ambitions and actions.

Scottish Government is working with the MCN CYPC to consider future approaches that best support improved outcomes for children and young people with cancer.

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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-41401 on 5 November 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.