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Jenni Minto: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

An Island Communities Impact Assessment has been carried out and will be published on the Scottish Government’s website by the end of September 2024. The current grant funding provision for the Western Isles Advice Project which is part of the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s Early Resolution and Advice Programme, will continue under the existing criteria for funding until 30 September 2024.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-29676 on 18 September 2024. 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 Scottish Government’s budget for 2024-25 has maintained levels of funding for the cost of legal aid (£141.3 million for the legal aid fund). The budget is demand led and all of those who meet the eligibility criteria will have access to legal aid, regardless of those who live in rural and remote geographical areas.

In addition to the provision of judicare, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) supports the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) from its core funding from the Scottish Government and provides a network of publicly funded solicitors by SLAB, operating from offices across Scotland.

The CLAO offers assistance with civil legal problems, targeted at specific geographical areas and specific types of work, in line with priorities agreed by government. It offers a triage service whereby people contacting the service are assessed and offered one or a combination of services, depending on their eligibility for legal aid, needs and the capacity of the service. These include referral to another organisation and signposting and works closely with other advice providers to triage cases also offering, second tier advice and training. CLAO works with local advice services, advocacy services and support groups such as local women’s aid groups.

In addition, access to free legal services is provided to the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre of around £690,000 from 2023-2026 to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, and ensuring that victims receive the support they need. Anyone over 16 in Scotland can access this service.