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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 MSPs 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

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Question reference: S6W-43456

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 29 January 2026
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Richard Lochhead on 30 January 2026

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of a particularly challenging year for international trade, what action it has taken to support people and businesses in Scotland in delivering Scotland’s Vision for Trade, and whether it plans to publish a fourth annual report of its progress.

I am pleased to announce that the fourth Annual Report of Scotland’s Vision for Trade (the Vision) is being published today. The Vision sets out our strategic approach to trade policy and this report details the progress we have made in the implementation of the Vision since our last report in late 2024. It demonstrates our continued commitment, in what has been a particularly turbulent year, to transparency and accountability in international trade policy making, and to our principle-based approach.

The last year has seen a number of shocks to the global economy, set against a background of wider and longer term trends changing the way we trade goods and services globally. Scotland has of course not been immune to the headwinds buffeting economies across the globe.

This report details how the First Minister’s mission to grow the economy has been at the forefront of our approach in responding to these developments. In particular, we have taken action to support Scotland’s businesses to be successful globally. That action included influencing the terms of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), engaging directly with President Trump in support of Scotch Whisky and collaborating with the UK Government in tackling market access barriers in the EU and other markets for Scottish exports such as pork, crabs & whisky.

In considering the wider impacts of trade, we have pursued our aims for both growth and inclusive trade, for example by taking action to reduce the gender export gap in support of women-led businesses.

The report details how we worked constructively with the UK Government in furthering these aims and our shared trade interests. I encourage the UK Government to commit to working with Devolved Governments to navigate these turbulent times together, ensuring that the UK Trade Strategy delivers for the whole of the UK

The publication of this report marks five years since the original publication of the Vision for Trade. A lot has changed in that time, and the report sets out some of the highlights and challenges we have faced, including how we have used our principles to navigate difficult issues and trade-offs.

As we look towards the future, there is little to suggest that the challenges will be any less complex. We must continue to build on the legacy of Scotland’s Vision for Trade, building on our successes and continuing to apply our distinct, principled approach to the issues we face.

Question reference: S6O-05480

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Current Status: Due to be taken in the Chamber on 5 February 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 aims to invest in and deliver for Scotland’s transport sector.

Question reference: S6O-05425

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 28 January 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what recent engagement it has had with the Arctic Circle Assembly.

Question reference: S6O-05345

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 8 January 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what impact recent recruitment initiatives have had on staffing levels across NHS Scotland.

Question reference: S6O-05265

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 03 December 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10 December 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any implications for its work to grow Scotland’s economy, whether it will provide an update on its engagement with the UK Government regarding the Office for Budget Responsibility’s recent economic forecasts.

Question reference: S6O-05242

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Current Status: Answered by Angela Constance on 3 December 2025

To ask the Scottish Government when the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability is expected to be rolled out across Scotland.

I am pleased to say that the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability, known as DESC, completed roll out across all Police Scotland divisions in September 2025. DESC provides a secure platform for collecting, storing, and sharing digital evidence, replacing outdated physical media.

DESC has stored over 400,000 pieces of evidence and saved an estimated 55,000 police officer hours, freeing officers for frontline duties. It enables faster case resolution, reduces the need for victims and witnesses to attend court, and improves justice outcomes. DESC is a UK first, delivered through collaboration with Scottish Government and justice partners.

Question reference: S6O-05165

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its engagement with the UK Government regarding the upcoming UK Budget and any implications for Scotland’s public finances.

Question reference: S6O-05142

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 05 November 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 13 November 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what impact its transport policies are having on people in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency.

Question reference: S6O-05033

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 October 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 8 October 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in relation to its overseas tours and performances, in light of their reported contribution to the Tattoo’s reputation and economic impact in Scotland.

Question reference: S6F-04356

Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 29 September 2025
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 October 2025

To ask the First Minister, regarding the potential impact on marginalised communities and public services in Scotland, what the Scottish Government’s response is to UK Government proposals to introduce a mandatory digital ID scheme.

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