This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.

The Scottish Government is committed to the promotion of energy efficiency throughout its activities. Most recently the Scottish Government announced £30 million of financial incentives for energy efficiency measures in the recent budget. This is made up of £20 million for a Green Homes cash back scheme over a two year period and £10 million for public sector energy efficiency over a two year period.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/09/household-energy-bills24092012.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service (SCS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the chief executive of the SCS who will reply in writing.

The Scottish Government remains committed to sustainable development as defined in the 2005 UK shared framework, One future, different paths. The key principles identified in the framework are reflected in our Government Economic Strategy and other key policy documents, including the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and Zero Waste Plan. These principles also form a key part of the National Performance Framework which includes indicators on waste, transport, energy and Scotland’s carbon footprint to support the national outcomes and our strategic objectives. The fundamental principle of sustainable development is that it integrates economic, social and environmental objectives. This principle is reflected in both the Scottish Government’s definition of sustainable economic growth and in the five guiding principles set out in the UK shared framework for sustainable development.

Yes. Scotland supports a number of very large seabird breeding colonies and a large proportion of the international breeding populations of several species, notably gannet, Manx shearwater and great skua.

The overall trend outlined in the SNH report is very concerning even if some colonies in Scotland are not experiencing the general declines observed in this report.

The factors that are causing seabird declines are complex and may be a result of changes in food availability, climate change and the effects of non-native species.

We are taking action to increase protection for our important seabird populations.

A significant programme is underway to develop a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) that includes seabirds. MPA proposals being developed that directly help seabirds include areas for black guillemot and for the protection of the sandeel, a key food source that supports many seabird species.

Forty seven special protection areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) also provide protection for seabirds. Thirty one seabird colony SPAs have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used space for foraging.

SNH and JNCC are also currently assessing if data on the concentration of other seabird species meet the selection guidelines for SPAs.

Other measures being taken that assist in the conservation of seabirds include the control of non-native species, surveys of seabirds at sea and continued monitoring of sites. (seabirds are long-lived and we are only beginning to understand what drives their population numbers) and seaward extensions to SPAs.

47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) provide protection for seabirds. 31 seabird colony Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used for foraging.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are currently assessing if additional foraging areas meet the selection guidelines for SPAs. SNH and JNCC have also been identifying MPA proposals for black guillemot and for the protection of sandeels as the sandeel is a prey species for several species of seabirds.