Questions and answers

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for ��˿�� to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-22249

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 16 October 2023
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 30 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements are in place for the early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza on grouse moors.

In Scotland (and across Great Britain) the GB Dead Wild Bird Surveillance Scheme, administered by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and Defra (England), allows members of the public to report dead wild birds (via a helpline and/or online reporting tool), and for a selection of these birds (based on a triage criteria) to be tested for avian influenza. The purpose of the scheme is to capture information on the general location and strains of avian influenza that might be prevalent in GB. This data then helps government build up a picture of the current risks, and shapes how they then respond in policy terms.

In addition to this, NatureScot have a network of reporters across Scotland who provide early intelligence on unusual mortality levels in wild bird species. It is also recognised by Scottish Government that managers of grouse moors in Scotland may regularly carry out their own health checks of wild grouse across the summer months.

Question reference: S6W-22254

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 16 October 2023
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 30 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what measures have been implemented to manage non-native gamebird releases where there is potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza transmission from infected gamebirds to (a) native wild birds, (b) other wildlife, (c) dogs and (d) the shooting community.

The Scottish Government works closely with the game sector to encourage best practice biosecurity measures by keepers of poultry and other captive birds. Advice has been issued frequently through a number of formats including webinars, emails, regular interface with stakeholders such as game industry representatives, and publication of online guidance.

A Scottish Avian Influenza in wild bird Task Force was established in 2022 to coordinate a joint response to the outbreak in wild birds. On 11 August Ministers launched the Wild Bird HPAI Response Plan that sets out how the Scottish Government and its partners will respond to any further outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds in Scotland.

Communications have also included on gov.scot for pet dogs and working dogs. Scottish Government has also worked with the game industry to develop on avian influenza and game birds.

Question reference: S6W-22250

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 16 October 2023
Current Status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 30 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many gamebird rearing and release facilities have been found to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2023.

In 2023 six game bird premises were declared with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Scotland. These were:

Near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, confirmed 08 August 2023 (AIV 2023/29)
Near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, confirmed 14 August 2023 (AIV 2023/41)
Near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, confirmed 14 August 2023 (AIV 2023/42)
Near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, confirmed 14 August 2023 (AIV 2023/43)
Near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, confirmed 17 August 2023 (AIV 2023/44)
Near Forfar, Angus, confirmed 18 August 2023 (AIV 2023/45)

Question reference: S6O-02504

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 06 September 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 14 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recent statistics showing that the number of children in Dumfries and Galloway living in temporary accommodation rose by 67% between 2022 and 2023.

Question reference: S6W-20517

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 4 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to fully implement any of the 23 recommendations in the South West Scotland Transport Study Initial Appraisal – Case for Change, which was published by Transport Scotland on 28 January 2020, and, if so, which ones.

The South West Scotland Transport Study Initial Appraisal – Case for Change (SWSTS) was a precursor to the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) and included 23 option packages to be appraised further in STPR2.

STPR2 was published in December 2022 and sets out 45 national recommendations for future investment in Scotland’s strategic transport network over the next 20 years.

A number of recommendations identified in the SWSTS for further appraisal within STPR2 have ultimately been recommended. Recommendation 40 ‘Access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan’ is specific to the south west and would lead to improving the transport assets and supporting regeneration in the area to benefit the economy and local communities. Recommendation 40 also provides for safety, resilience and reliability improvements on the A75 and A77 strategic road corridors leading to more resilient connections to the NPF4 National Development at Stranraer Gateway and the ports at Cairnryan. Recommendations 18, 23, 44 and 45; ‘Supporting integrated journeys at ferry terminals’, ‘Smart, integrated public transport ticketing’, ‘Rail freight terminals’, and ‘High speed and cross border rail enhancements’, identified in the SWSTS and ultimately recommended in STPR2 will all have particular benefit for the south west.

Rail interventions recommended by the SWSTS including new stations at Beattock, Eastriggs and Thornhill, and new rail lines between Dumfries and Stranraer, between Stranraer and Cairnryan and between the Glasgow South Western Line and the West Coast Main Line were considered as part of the long list of multi-modal options in STPR2. However, none of these three stations (or any rail stations or new lines across the county) have emerged as STPR2 recommendations. Other SWSTS recommendations which were not ultimately recommended by STPR2, including ‘Development of Enhanced Diversionary Routes and Route Planning on the local road network’ and ‘Development of the Timber Transport Network’ were deemed to be more appropriate for progression at the regional or local level.

Question reference: S6W-20516

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 4 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it provides to increase digital demand responsive transport within Dumfries and Galloway.

Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is supported, with local authorities receiving £9.1m through the General Revenue Grant in 2023-24, and Dumfries & Galloway receiving £702k. This funding is not ring fenced, allowing local authorities flexibility in allocating resources as they see fit, including use of digital platforms. In addition, DRT is eligible for the same support as standard bus services through the Network Support Grant and the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

The Scottish Government is committed to improving connectivity in the south west of Scotland and the second Strategic Transport Projects Review recommends that pilot schemes, involving demand responsive transport and Mobility as a Service, draw on innovative solutions, international best practice, and smart technologies. Digital DRT has been incorporated within the HITRANS, Tactran and SEStran MaaS Investment Fund pilots and, as such, we envisage that MaaS would be able to play a pivotal role in the future operation of digital DRT across Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-20518

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 4 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing a cycle path between Cairnryan ferry ports and Stranraer.

The Scottish Government through Transport Scotland instructed the Operating Company, Amey, to undertake investigation of the active travel route between Stranraer and Cairnryan to establish what infrastructure can be introduced. The route is being considered in two complementary sections; these being an upgrade of the existing facility from Stranraer to the Beoch Burn and the introduction of new infrastructure where none exists at present from the Beoch Burn to Cairnryan to provide a continuous route.

The investigation has been completed between Stranraer and the Beoch Burn and this has indicated the extent of upgrade of the existing infrastructure required. The investigation will continue this financial year on the section between the Beoch Burn and Cairnryan. This will initially encompass vegetation clearance and subsequently topographical surveys which will be completed to determine any constraints to implementing active travel infrastructure on this section of the route.

This investigation is a precursor to any future design work that may be undertaken and an essential step in the process, allowing the gathering of information to establish the feasibility of upgrading/ delivering an active travel facility between Stranraer and Cairnryan.

Should the investigation conclude that establishing active travel infrastructure is feasible for the whole section between Stranraer and Cairnryan, it is currently anticipated the principal design work will commence in financial year 2024-25.

Question reference: S6W-20725

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 18 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 31 August 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many forestry operations were stalled due to the presence of red squirrels since derogated licensing provisions were granted by NatureScot to Forestry and Land Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-20726

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 18 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 31 August 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many forestry operations were moved outwith the breeding season for red squirrels, following surveys, since derogated licensing provisions were granted by NatureScot to Forestry and Land Scotland.

Question reference: S6W-20727

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 18 August 2023
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 31 August 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how many times during harvesting operations machine operators have contacted Forestry and Land Scotland Environment Foresters to report a suspected drey structure since derogated licensing provisions were granted by NatureScot to Forestry and Land Scotland.