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In the early stages of the programme, a small number of companies were identified directly by CodeBase, drawing on its position as a national start-up incubator with a deep understanding of Scotland’s start-up economy. This approach ensured that the most promising and investment-ready firms were able to represent Scotland and maximise the impact of participation. In doing so, CodeBase considered factors such as company revenue, investment raised, plans for expansion into US or APAC markets and the importance of diversity and regional representation.

As the programme has matured, this has developed into a formal, open and competitive system, with future cohorts chosen through that process and supported by structured pre-departure preparation.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with CodeBase to drive continuous improvement, drawing on participant feedback and lessons learned from each cohort.

There is no evidence of any misuse of public funds. On the contrary, a number of business leaders who took part in the programme have publicly refuted these claims.

As has been made clear, the costs of flights, accommodation and workspace were covered in line with international best practice for programmes of this nature.

We continue to work closely with CodeBase to review expenditure and ensure all spending is appropriate and aligned with the objectives of the Techscaler contract. Robust governance and assurance processes are in place to oversee the contract and associated payments. On the basis of these processes, and feedback from participants and senior figures internationally, we are confident that public funds have been used properly and in ways that deliver clear benefit to Scotland’s economy.

The eligibility criteria for Techscaler’s international programmes continue to evolve as the initiative matures. A formal, open, and competitive application process is now in place, with cohorts for upcoming trips selected accordingly and engaged in pre-departure activities.

The Scottish Government works closely with CodeBase to ensure continuous improvement across all aspects of the programme, informed by user feedback.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-40792 on 9 October 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The management of the Police Scotland estate, including the allocation of resources to the police estate, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority.

We are investing a record £1.64 billion in policing in 2025-26. This includes £70 million of capital funding for investment in police assets, including the police estate.

Planning for the Scottish Spending Review has begun, and the review will identify opportunities to optimise the use of Scottish Government funding over the longer term. As part of this process, we are working closely with the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to understand their 2026-27 budget requirements.

The Scottish Government welcome’s Police Scotland’s commitment to providing a safe environment for officers, staff and the public.

Management of the Police Scotland estate, including assessing the impact of the condition of police buildings on staff morale, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).

It is for the SPA and the Chief Constable to allocate resources to meet their priorities and I expect they will be reflecting fully on any health and safety issues, and of course on the wellbeing of officers and staff.

I meet regularly with the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), where we discuss a range of issues which affect their members.

At our meeting on 19 December 2024, the SPF raised concerns about the condition of buildings in the Police Scotland estate, and we discussed the Police Scotland Estates Masterplan.

The Scottish Government meets regularly with the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) to discuss housing and homelessness issues and with local authorities on the importance of fulfilling their statutory duties. The Scottish Government’s approach is to work collaboratively with partners to address the acute pressures in housing and homelessness.

In its assessment of systemic failure, the SHR identified three major strategic challenges in providing homelessness services: the significant numbers of people in temporary accommodation; maintaining a sufficient supply of appropriate temporary accommodation; and ensuring access to the number of permanent homes that are needed.

The Scottish Government’s housing emergency action plan published on 2 September sets out a suite of actions to help address the challenges identified by the SHR. The plan commits to up to £4.9 billion over the next four years for the delivery of affordable and social homes. It ensures that £808 million will be available for affordable homes in Scotland this year, which includes £80 million for councils to acquire family homes now to relieve pressure. This fund will help to replenish temporary accommodation stock that has been converted to permanent homes. We are also funding a pilot private sector leasing scheme to reduce the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation, which will support local authorities to comply with their statutory homelessness duties.

The Scottish Government welcome’s Police Scotland’s commitment to providing a safe environment for officers, staff and the public.

Management of the Police Scotland estate, including assessments of the condition of its buildings, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority.

The management of the Police Scotland estate, including the allocation of resources to the police estate, is an operational matter for the Chief Constable under the oversight of the Scottish Police Authority.

We are investing a record £1.64 billion in policing in 2025-26. This includes £70 million of capital funding for investment in police assets, including the police estate.

Planning for the Scottish Spending Review has begun, and the review will identify opportunities to optimise the use of Scottish Government funding over the longer term. As part of this process, we are working closely with the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to understand their 2026-27 budget requirements.