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The Scottish Government has not engaged with the Ramsar Secretariat on the planning application at Coul Links. NatureScot serves as a statutory advisor to the Scottish Government on developments that may affect Ramsar sites, offering expert ecological guidance to assess environmental impacts. The Ramsar Secretariat, based in Switzerland, is responsible for the day-to day co-ordination of convention activities. Whilst the Secretariat provides guidance, technical advice, and support to member countries to help ensure Ramsar sites are protected within their national planning processes, the Secretariat does not have a direct role in specific planning applications.

As set out in the answer to S6W 40658 on 2 October 2025, the introduction of opt-out group proceedings in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC). Under the 2018 Act , opt-out procedures can only be introduced through rules of court made by the Court of Session on the recommendation of the SCJC.

The Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Act 2018, as introduced, provided only for opt-in group proceedings. However, at Stage 2, non-Government amendments were accepted by the Justice Committee to allow for both opt-in and opt-out procedures, with the type of procedure to be determined by the court in each case. These amendments were supported by all opposition parties and were not overturned at Stage 3.

While the Scottish Government did not oppose the principle of opt-out proceedings, it had concerns about the complexity of implementing such a model without further analysis. The Government’s preference was to introduce opt-in proceedings first, with opt-out to be considered following post-legislative scrutiny. As a result, a full policy analysis of the opt-out model was not undertaken at the time of the Bill’s passage, on the understanding that detailed analysis and stakeholder engagement would be carried out prior to implementation. This remains the Government’s position

The Scottish Government is aware of the growing interest in the potential introduction of opt-out group proceedings in Scotland, particularly in relation to competition matters. While there have been no formal bilateral discussions with the UK Department for Business and Trade specifically on this issue, the Scottish Government continues to monitor developments in UK-wide competition litigation, including the operation of opt-out collective proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in England and Wales.

I also further refer the member to the answers to question S6W-40658 on 2 October 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.

At outset, budget for Employability Level 2 was £102.8 million, £2.5m was transfer out to Finance and Local Government portfolio to support Employability Child Poverty co-ordinators across 32 local authorities.

1. Of the remaining budget, £98.6 million (98%) was spent in 2024-25.

2. Of that £70.1 million (71%) went to local government.

I have asked Gerard Hart, Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

As of the week commencing 15 September, 94.9% of PVG applications were completed within 14 days. This meets the service level agreement of 90% completed within 14 days, with average processing times for PVG applications at 7.5 days.

Between April and August 2025, Disclosure Scotland experienced a significant rise in applications and customer enquiries following the implementation of the Disclosure Act and new digital functionality. To manage this, we temporarily onboarded agency staff to help reduce processing times, increase processing capacity and improve customer service levels.

A proportion of disclosure applications naturally take longer than 14 days where Disclosure Scotland are awaiting information from third parties in the vetting process. This is why the target is 90%, to allow for these delays which are caused by additional safeguarding enquires with third party agencies or to establish identity with certainty. The application surge meant that a higher volume of applications than normal required this step. Disclosure Scotland has improved communication with third-party organisations involved in the vetting process to expedite the return of required information and we continue to work closely with our partners to minimise delays.

Disclosure Scotland will also be improving our website and social media communications to provide regular updates to applicants and stakeholders regarding expected timescales, to improve transparency and manage expectations.

The terms of reference, membership and minutes of the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Strategic Group’s meetings are published on the Scottish Government website: National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group - gov.scot.

Membership of the Group is drawn from organisations that deliver, support delivery, scrutinise or regulate child protection responses and frameworks in Scotland, alongside relevant academic and research bodies. The group has one independent member, Professor Alexis Jay, who was selected for her particular expertise and experience in the area of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that any changes to the operation of group proceedings under the Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Act 2018 are subject to appropriate scrutiny and transparency.

The development of rules for group proceedings, including any proposals to introduce opt-out procedures, is the responsibility of the Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC). These rules are made by the Court of Session under powers conferred by the 2018 Act.

Once approved by the Court of Session, rules of court are laid before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with the negative procedure. This means that Parliament has the opportunity to scrutinise the rules and, if it considers it appropriate, annul them within a specified period. This process ensures that the Parliament retains oversight of significant procedural changes to the civil justice system.

In addition, the Scottish Government will continue to engage with stakeholders and the Parliament throughout the development of any new procedures. Ministers are also required under the 2018 Act to report on the operation of group proceedings, which provides a further mechanism for parliamentary scrutiny and debate.

I also further refer the member to the answer to question S6W-40659 on 2 October 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.

Responsibility for ICT provision rests with individual organisations, including NHS boards, local government, and non departmental public bodies who determine the most appropriate and cost effective arrangements for their operational needs.

In line with Scotland’s Digital Strategy, the Scottish Government promotes the use of shared digital and data services across the public sector. This reduces duplication, strengthens data security, supports value for money, and provides citizens with a consistent digital identity through shared platforms such as myaccount - mygov.scot and ScotAccount - mygov.scot.

An exercise to collate information on data centres and associated staffing was carried out some years ago, however these findings are now outdated. I have instructed officials to gather current information to enable us to inform opportunities for cost savings as part of the Public Service Reform strategy.

Until this work concludes, we do not hold a current central record of the number of self-sufficient ICT structures with dedicated data centres, nor the professional staff supporting them.

The position of the Scottish Government is that any intervention proven to save lives and reduce harms, such as an inhalation room, should be considered on its merits.

The only existing Statement of Prosecution Policy from the Lord Advocate in relation to a safer drug consumption facility applies only to the operation of a fixed facility, mobile units are not currently within scope.

I can confirm that both Qualifications Scotland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE) will begin the process of establishment and operation from the end of 2025.

Implementation of the Education (Scotland) Act is supported by a Scotland Act section 104 Order (SAO) to be passed by the UK Parliament. Based on current information, we expect this to be completed before the end of this calendar year, though this is subject to UK Parliament timetabling.

Qualifications Scotland will be established as a legal entity on 1 December 2025, with Shirley Rogers appointed as Chair and the Board being established by transitioning selected current members of the SQA to Qualifications Scotland and the recruitment of new members. Recruitment of members to the Learner and Teacher Interest Committees and the Strategic Advisory Council will also begin in December.

From 1 November 2025, HMIE will begin phased establishment, pending the passage of the SAO by the UK Parliament. During this time, HMIE will operate increasingly independently as part of Education Scotland, with a new website and business support functions and will begin to develop and establish its Advisory Council. Subject to successful recruitment, a substantive appointment to the role of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland will also be confirmed during this period.

The focus for both bodies during this process will be to ensure continuity of service and to establish critical business functions in accordance with the legislation. This will ensure they are ready to deliver meaningful change which puts our children, young people, and adult learners, their teachers, practitioners and school leaders at its heart once they are fully operational.