Seòmar agus comataidhean

Existing Abellio ScotRail staff will transfer to the new Scottish Government owned entity, ScotRail Trains Limited. In future, ScotRail Trains Limited would look to attract a diverse range of recruits as required.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6F-00531 on
‎ 2 December 2021, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at Meeting of the Parliament: 02/12/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website

To date, recruitment of staff for ScotRail Trains Ltd. beyond 1 April 2022 has been conducted by Abellio ScotRail.

The new standard for fire alarms in Scottish homes requires alarms in any flat to be interlinked, so that warning will be given quickly in event of a fire, regardless of the room in which the alarm is triggered, and reduce the risk of harm. The new standard does not prevent alarms from also being linked to a warden call provider, and does not require alarms to be interlinked between flats.

The only branding that will be required to be changed as part of bringing ScotRail services within the public sector under Scottish Government control is that of franchisee identifying stickers i.e. the small stickers on train doors and stations - “This service is operated by Abellio ScotRail”. It is anticipated that these will be changed through routine maintenance activities with no material additional cost to the taxpayer.

I can confirm that £5.3m has been allocated in 2021-2022 to complete the A77 Maybole Bypass. In addition, £9.95m has been allocated for maintenance activities on the A77 Trunk Road.

The core Scottish Government has not purchased any electric bicycles since 2007. The Core Scottish Government does not own any electric bicycles.

The Scottish Government holds cycle friendly employer status from Cycling Scotland. The Scottish Government offers a cycle to work scheme which allows staff to hire a bike and safety equipment, paid for through monthly salary deductions.

During COP 26, 13 electric bikes and associated equipment (helmets, Hi-vis, lights, locks etc) were loaned from Energy Savings Trust (EST) to Transport Scotland for the duration of the conference. The electric bikes were for Scottish Ministerial and senior officials use.

The electric bikes have subsequently been returned to EST.

All alarms have a limited lifespan of around ten years due to deterioration of the sensors over time. Where alarms are expired, or no longer fit for purpose, it is recommended they are disposed of appropriately either by returning to the retailer or taken to a local authority household waste recycling centre.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) previously published advice on the Management of end-of-life smoke detectors, including advice for businesses and households on safe disposal and promoting the environmentally sound management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) devices.

Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) lies at the heart of Scottish Government policies and the services that are available to support children, young people and families. For over a decade, GIRFEC has shaped the way children’s services are planned and delivered in Scotland, and it is well-embedded in policy and practice.

One of the core components of Getting it right for every child is a named person or equivalent role, who is a clear point of contact for children, young people and parents to go to for initial support and advice. Children and families should be made aware of the help and support that is available, including named person, however there is no requirement to accept the help offered.

Whilst there is an intention to repeal Parts 4 and 5 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, on named person and child’s plans (which were never implemented and are therefore not currently in force), the commitment remains to deliver these core components of GIRFEC within existing law.

Future transport investment by the Scottish Government will be set out in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).

The South West Scotland Transport Study, which included Dumfries and Galloway, cited improving rest area provision for all road users, including hauliers, as one of its 23 recommendations.

Development of a strategy for improving rest and welfare facilities for hauliers across Scotland is a recommendation from Phase 1 of STPR2, published in February 2021. Transport Scotland will scope out a study to undertake baseline review, identify locations, options for intervention, consultation and develop business cases for investment.

The current priority for STPR2 is finalising the Phase 2 appraisal and reporting which builds upon Phase 1. Work on scoping, planning and procurement of this study has just commenced with work due to progress in earnest following publication of Phase 2.

We intend to publish the STPR2 Phase 2 recommendations this winter, thereafter decisions on priorities will be agreed with Ministers.