Chamber and committees

The less favoured area support scheme is important to the economy of both the rural and remote communities throughout Scotland, due to the limited production opportunities on poorer quality land. Support is available to over 11,000 farmers and crofters within the less favoured area (LFA) which extends to 85% of Scotland’s agricultural area, illustrating the scale of disadvantage faced by Scotland’s farmers compared to other more productive farmland elsewhere in the UK and EU. The current scheme has been in place since 2010, and we worked closely with stakeholders on the design of the scheme that differentiates payments across the LFA by both disadvantage and fragility.

European regulations require us move to a new areas facing natural constraint designation and scheme by 2018, and we are working with stakeholders to consider the options for Scotland. A separate consultation will be issued later this year.

It is intended that there will be phased approach to commencement of the agricultural holding provisions within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, with the first package being brought before parliament in autumn 2016. This package will include the sections within Chapter 6, Part 10 on widening assignation and succession rights for tenant farmers. It is intended to bring the commencement of the rent review system before parliament in 2018.

Less favoured area support scheme 2015 claims have not yet been processed because the IT functionality, currently being developed, is not yet available. Once complete, this automated process will determine those who are eligible and due to be paid; and also those who fail to meet the criteria and whose claims are likely to be rejected. After that, we will be able to issue payments where appropriate, and write to those who fail to qualify.

The Scottish Government considers that it is vital that victims in domestic abuse cases do not have to unduly wait to access justice. That is why we have invested an additional £2.4 million in each of 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Responsibility for the management of cases through the courts including consideration of the introduction of domestic abuse courts rests with the Lord President and Sheriffs Principal. The Scottish Government is happy to work with justice partners in assessing what may be best in terms of ensuring access to justice and support for domestic abuse victims in different parts of the country.

More generally, there are an extensive range of measures in force to assist victims of domestic abuse. For example, the introduction of provisions in the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 means victims of domestic abuse have automatic access to measures such as screens and video links when giving evidence and additional funding of £1.85 million has been provided to rape crisis Scotland to assist support for victims of sexual offences and domestic abuse.

In each of the years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, the Scottish Government has provided additional investment of £2.4 million per year to Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to support their work to reduce court waiting times for domestic abuse cases across Scotland.

Responsibility for the management of cases through the courts including consideration of the introduction of domestic abuse courts rests with the Lord President and Sheriffs Principal. The Scottish Government is happy to work with justice partners in assessing what may be best in terms of ensuring access to justice and support for domestic abuse victims in different parts of the country.

The Scottish Government is confident that the Crofting Commission board is able to deliver the functions of the commission.

The Scottish Government has no current plans to do so.

The Crofting Commission is a non-departmental public body that takes regulatory decisions within the bounds of its duties and powers. Such decisions are taken independently and at arm’s length from Scottish Government.

This was a decision taken by the Crofting Commission. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to you about this matter.

There will always be an element of uncertainty present with forecasting, particularly considering the unique nature of the borders railway, which is the longest stretch of new railway line to be built in the UK in the last 100 years.

The forecasting methodology used for the borders railway was in line with industry practice and incorporates evidence gathered in the borders region. Transport Scotland keeps forecasting methodology under constant review to ensure best practice and we will draw on evidence, including evidence from the borders railway, to inform future appraisals.