Chamber and committees

An overview of the expected phases of the external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farming can be found on the Scottish Government website at: Aquaculture: external review of the current regulatory processes involved in fish farming - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

ScotEID in partnership with Scottish Government issued a press release in mid-September 2019 in relation to developments on cattle electronic identification (EID), electronic data transfer (EDT) and changes to systems for the registration of cattle in Scotland. The ScotEID team then completed more than 30 roadshow events across Scotland during the autumn and winter of 2019-2020, speaking to around 1800 cattle keepers.

The primary aim of the roadshows was to demonstrate EID technologies and gather views on the operation of the new systems on ScotEID for cattle identification, registration and movements. The feedback from these roadshows was positive and supportive of the use of EID technology. At present, CTS is unable to support the transition to EID and EDT, the ScotMoves + functionality will do so. Further information is available on the ScotEID website.

Key to the spring 2019 review was that projects should continue to be designed at a grass roots level but that a more strategic approach to funding was needed to deliver lasting behavioural change.

We are providing a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective climate action through the development of a network of regional climate action hubs and climate action towns. These initiatives will empower communities to identify the actions that are most appropriate to their needs.

They will address the findings of the review by developing an integrated network of support that can build capacity for climate action across all communities. They will provide tools and resources to support community-led groups to take action commensurate with our climate commitments and allow for a wide r exchange of knowledge and best practice.

We are also taking steps to better integrate climate objectives into wider SG community initiatives to promote the mainstreaming of climate action, deliver increased value for money and ensure funding delivers on both climate and wider policy outcomes .

The Cattle Tracing System (CTS) which currently records all GB cattle births, deaths and movements is being replaced. CTS was introduced in 1998 and has served the industry exceptionally well, however due to its age it is now a legacy IT system.

The ScotEID system, originally developed to implement sheep Electronic Identification (EID), is modern, flexible and able to support the introduction of bovine EID and electronic data transfer (EDT).

ScotMoves+ is an extension of ScotMoves, which was introduced in 2017 and is already used by around 50% of Scottish keepers to record within-business cattle movements (previously CTS linked holdings). ScotEID has been used since 2013 to implement Scotland’s Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme, it has also been used to implement the Beef Efficiency Scheme and the Scotch Beef Potential Eligibility Checker (SPECC) and is therefore familiar to a high proportion of Scottish cattle keepers.

Portobello to Newcraighall enhancements is a package of works which is being considered as part of the ‘pipeline-based approach’ to rail development and delivery. The project considers the railway infrastructure between Portobello and Newcraighall Junctions and seeks to improve the resilience and efficiency of the corridor today and for the future.

Looking further forward, improved capacity and frequency on the North Berwick route are two of the rail based options currently being appraised as part of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). The appraisal process for STPR2 is considering the performance of all options against the transport outcomes we are seeking, the Transport Planning Objectives, which are aligned to our National Transport Strategy priorities and outcomes. The interventions will seek to contribute to our vision of a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses and visitors.

Therefore, we need to consider the social and economic benefits and impacts based on performance against these objectives and the five Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance criteria, to determine the overall Value for Money. This also takes into account risks, uncertainties and other factors such as affordability, deliverability and the wider acceptability of options. This will be an important consideration given pressures on current and future public finances.

Also underpinning STPR2 is the Sustainable Investment Hierarchy where we will aim first to reduce the need to travel unsustainably, make better use of and enhance existing infrastructure, before investing in new capacity. This hierarchy is also central to Infrastructure Investment Plan. STPR2 will conclude later this year, with publication of recommendations for investment and an appropriate statutory consultation period.

Until the appraisal process is completed, it is not possible to make individual decisions on specific rail based options.

ScotRail advise that between 6 January 2019 [the start of 2018-19: reporting period 11] and 24 July [the end of 2021-22: reporting period 4], there were 216 full cancellations and 74 part-cancellations on the North Berwick line as a result of infrastructure issues.

While full- or part-cancellations as a result of track congestion are not reported separately, ScotRail also advise that there were a further 34 full cancellations and 29 part-cancellations to ScotRail services as a result of the actions of other train operating companies.

The 2017-18 parliamentary inquiries on Salmon Farming in Scotland; and the Salmon Interactions Working Group report of 2020 highlighted the challenges which the sector faces and the need for improved efficiency and regulatory change.

We are committed to moving beyond the status quo and ensuring that the current regulatory framework is as efficient and effective as it can be. This work is being progressed through the independent review of Scotland’s regulatory framework for aquaculture being led by Professor Russel Griggs.

We remain committed to an aquaculture industry that is sustainable, diverse, competitive and economically viable and recognise the many benefits which it brings to Scotland’s rural communities and islands. We will consider the recommendations made by Professor Russel Griggs at the end of this year and work to set out our Vision for the sector in 2022.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02296 on
‎ 10 September 2021. 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

The material requested includes complex and potentially sensitive information, requiring careful consideration before any release. This is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available. A copy will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 62683).

The Climate Change Plan update provides a pathway to transform farming and food production in Scotland and to optimise land use. In 2021, we are piloting Regional Land Use Partnerships, which aim to facilitate collaboration between local and national government, communities, land owners, land managers and wider stakeholders. They will enable natural capital-led consideration, at a regional level, of how to maximise the contribution that our land can make to addressing the climate and environment crises.

The proposals set out in the Climate Change Plan update for agriculture are founded on a co-development approach and we will work with the industry to consider the complex issues around multi-faceted land use and decisions that impact on them, while we identify the best way to ensure delivery of these outcomes. This partnership working will be continued through the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board. The Board will carefully consider the recommendations of the Farmer-led Groups, Farming 1.5, WWF Scotland, Just Transition, NFUS, the Climate Change Plan update and Scotland's Climate Assembly's Recommendations for Action Report when devising practical measures for delivery.