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Since 9 August, Scotland has moved beyond Level 0 restrictions and therefore beyond the Protection Levels system. This means that all venues are now allowed to open and most legal restrictions have been removed.

The Scottish Government has published summary guidance to support the reopening of cultural performances events, setting out in one place the remaining legal requirements and good practice precautionary measures most relevant to the sector, as well as a statement about long-term recovery.

The guidance is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening of cultural performances and events guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

As outlined in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools guidance, published 16 August 2021, from 9 August our approach to contact tracing and self-isolation for close contacts aged under 18, including those attending schools, has changed. Close contacts aged under 18 who are identified by Test and Protect as requiring to do so will be asked to self-isolate and book a PCR test. If this is negative they can end self-isolation provided they remain asymptomatic.

Exemptions from PCR testing apply to close contacts who are aged under 5, or who for medical reasons are unable to be tested or are exempt. Parents or carers should seek advice from their GP or the local Health Protection team to obtain this exemption if their child is unable to get tested. For these groups, a PCR test will not be required to end self-isolation.

The approach to children aged under 5 reflects the lower risks of infection and transmission in this age group, and the fact that younger children may find it harder to tolerate testing. However, children under 5 who are close contacts remain encouraged to take a PCR test where possible.

Historic Environment Scotland is conducting inspections at present with an initial phase to be completed by the first week in September as per its inspection programme. A number of properties have been assessed to date and the next steps are currently being considered. Decisions will be taken by the appropriate technical specialists and with a primary focus on the health and safety of staff, contractors and visitors.

A file with the number of passengers, cars, and commercial vehicles and buses on selected Caledonian MacBrayne routes has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 62608).

The Scottish Government does not hold information on the number of motorhomes transported by Caledonian MacBrayne.

I refer the member to the answer to the answer to question
‎ S6W-01088 on 30 August 2021 . 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 .

From the Period March 2020 – July 2021 the following companies have supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of a Scottish Government Contract:

I regularly meet with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to discuss a range of issues. The most recent liaison meeting took place on 16 September 2020 via MS Teams and the next meeting is scheduled to take place on 15 September 2021.

At the meeting in September 2020 I expressed my thanks for the continuing work and flexible approach taken by firefighters during the Covid pandemic period and underlined the importance the Scottish Government places on Fair Work principles. Matters discussed included communication between FBU officials and SFRS mangers, paid union facility time, firefighter pay, broadening the role of firefighters and Scottish Government funding to SFRS.

The Gateway Review was focused on activities that lie on the critical path for delivery of DRS, such as establishment of the scheme’s infrastructure and implementation of the regulatory function. This determined which organisations would be interviewed during the short timeframe of the review. The Scottish Government has also met with other sectors, including hospitality and small producers, to understand the impact of the pandemic on them and to ensure that their views are taken into account.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02164 on
‎ 31 August 2021. 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 has been ready since March to proceed with the process to establish green ports. We are in an on-going dialogue with the UK Government with the aim of working together to ensure that green ports drive fair work practices and contribute to our journey to a net zero economy. We await a response from the UK government on their latest position with regard to agreeing a prospectus for applicants.

The intention of the Scottish Government is to publish an applicant prospectus as soon as possible, to avoid Scottish businesses being disadvantaged by any further delay.