Written questions by Lamont.

How much of the funding allocated to the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal remains to be spent.

The UK Government has committed £65 million to the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Across Scottish and UK Government investment into the deal, around 6% of Government funding has been drawn down by Deal partners so far.The slow start to spending is a result of supply chain issues, inflationary and other pressures driven by external factors such as the Covid pandemic or cost increases of raw material.To boost delivery progress, the UK and Scottish Government approved a reset of the Deal in March - confirming a more affordable and deliverable financial profile for projects.As a result of this, drawdown will significantly accelerate this financial year.All of this means the Borderlands Growth Deal is now well placed to deliver an additional 5,500 jobs and attract over 4 million new visitors to the region.

What discussions his Department has had with Highland Council and Police Scotland on the housing of asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks.

This Government has committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers. Scotland Office officials have been engaging regularly with Home Office officials, who had direct and regular communication with the Scottish Government, Highland Council and Police Scotland in advance of this announcement.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the proposed use of Cameron Barracks to accommodate asylum seekers.

This Government has committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers. The Scotland Office has been engaging with the Home Office regularly on the proposed use of Cameron Barracks. The Home Office continues to engage regularly with representatives from the Scottish Government, Highland Council, the NHS, Police, and local partners, including via Multi Agency Forums, to respond to the concerns of those most impacted by the site and to identify ways to keep them informed.

When Scotland Office ministers or officials last met with Peter Mandleson; and what was discussed at that meeting.

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help prevent the overdevelopment of electricity infrastructure in rural communities in Scotland.

Energy infrastructure projects go through the proper planning process, which involves consulting communities. Every wind turbine, solar panel and pylon built protects us from future energy shocks. Installing new electricity infrastructure can mean having to make difficult decisions. But we should not lose sight of the fact that it’s the poorest in our society who are paying the price for expensive energy. We are also looking at options for how communities can benefit from energy developments.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.

The UK Government sees onshore wind as a key part of our clean energy ambitions. However, we are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological arrays, such as the one at Eskdalemuir, and the subsequent security concerns that this can create. A key commitment of the UK Government’s Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, was to prioritise bringing forward a resolution to this issue. The UK Government has committed to consult on an updated methodology and guidance for the management of seismic interference, and we will also update the policy and regulations to ensure effective delivery. This consultation, which we intend to publish by the end of 2025, will also include consideration of whether legislation is required. The UK Government is currently working closely with the Scottish Government and Wind Industry developers and supply chain companies to deliver these commitments, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array.

The UK Government sees onshore wind as a key part of our clean energy ambitions. However, we are aware of the interference that onshore wind turbines can cause to seismological arrays, such as the one at Eskdalemuir, and the subsequent security concerns that this can create. A key commitment of the UK Government’s Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, published in July 2025, was to prioritise bringing forward a resolution to this issue. The UK Government has committed to consult on an updated methodology and guidance for the management of seismic interference, and we will also update the policy and regulations to ensure effective delivery. This consultation, which we intend to publish by the end of 2025, will also include consideration of whether legislation is required. The UK Government is currently working closely with the Scottish Government and Wind Industry developers and supply chain companies to deliver these commitments, via the Eskdalemuir Working Group.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish government on the new commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation.

The sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs is a horrific crime, and vulnerable young people have been let down time and time again. This government is fully dedicated to delivering justice for all victims through a national inquiry, as was set out by the Home Secretary. None of the action we are taking will work unless everyone works together to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice - that includes authorities across the country cooperating and sharing best practices, including on devolved issues.

When he last met with representatives of the Scottish seafood sector in Scotland.

Scotland Office Ministers regularly engage with a range of stakeholders from the sector. I spoke at a Seafood Scotland event in the House of Commons on 26 February. That same day, Minister McNeill met the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation as a follow up from a joint visit organised between her and Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on 3 February, where they met a number of industry representatives and discussed issues such as access to labour at length.My department remains committed to continuing to engage with both the wild caught and aquaculture sectors to support the seafood industry in Scotland, and I continue to promote the sector around the world through my Brand Scotland work.

What he last met with representatives of the Scottish farming sector in Scotland.

Supporting Scottish farmers and crofters is a priority for this Government and my department regularly engages with the industry at Ministerial and official levels. Most recently, Minister McNeill delivered a keynote speech at the National Farmers’ Union Scotland annual conference, where she announced that the Scotland Office would host a Food and Farming roundtable soon. Preparations for it are ongoing, in collaboration with the Scottish Government.Earlier that same week, Minister McNeill accompanied Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on a visit to a farm in Aberdeenshire, accompanied by NFUS representatives. Prior to that she met with crofters' representatives in Stornoway.

What meetings he has had with Cabinet colleagues on increased Government defence spending in Scotland.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that we must strengthen our defence capabilities, which is why this Government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.Scotland’s world-class defence industry is well-positioned to meet the growing demands for national security. This increase in defence spending will support highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the UK, including in Scotland.The new UK Government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will include specific SME spending targets for defence.I recently had the pleasure of visiting JFD, a Scottish SME and world leader in underwater capabilities. This visit underscored our commitment to ensuring that these businesses benefit from the historic increase in defence spending. I am proud of Scotland's defence sector and will continue to advocate for the industry and its workforce.

If he will have discussions with the Scottish Government on the potential merits of banning first-cousin marriage in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.

Scotland Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with counterparts in the Scottish Government on issues that matter to the people of Scotland. We are aware that all aspects of weddings, including first cousin marriage, are important issues. The Scottish Parliament has power to legislate in relation to marriages in Scotland.

What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on infected blood compensation payments.

The UK Government is working closely with devolved governments and existing support schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Minister for the Cabinet Office met the Scottish Minister for Public Health on 3 March 2025 to discuss compensation payments for victims of the infected blood scandal, and he is committed to engaging further with the Scottish Government as we progress this work.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Scottish Government’s proposals to adopt Ultra High Frequency electronic identification technology for animals on farming in the rest of the UK.

Animal health and traceability policy is devolved. The Scottish Government has announced that it plans to adopt Ultra-High Frequency electronic identification (EID) in cattle. The UK and Welsh Governments have yet to make a decision on technology, whereas Northern Ireland would be required to use Low Frequency technology if the Northern Ireland Executive chooses to introduce EID, in accordance with the Windsor Framework.Work between Defra officials and counterparts in the devolved governments is ongoing to understand the potential impacts of divergence, including the impacts on industry, the internal market and international trade. The issue was discussed at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27 January 2025.

What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the impact of levels of taxation on people in Scotland.

The assessment that we have made is that the Honourable Gentleman's party crashed the economy and left the legacy of the highest tax burden on working people in 70 years and in Scotland that is even higher.The SNP Government’s own figures show that a Band 5 Nurse will pay more tax in Scotland than a nurse earning the same amount in England, meanwhile billions of pounds of taxpayer money has been wasted under the SNP.The previous Conservative government and current SNP government both share the belief that nurses, teachers and ordinary Scots should pay for their economic failures.We will provide economic stability and put more money in people’s pockets.

How often the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group has met since 5 July 2024.

The Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group last met under the previous Government, in March 2024. This government recognises the vital role these industries play in ensuring coastal communities and the wider Scottish economy thrive. Since taking up office in July 2024, Scotland Office Ministers have met with Salmon Scotland, the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, Loch Long Salmon, and many others across the seafood and fisheries sectors. The UK government will continue to work closely with industry representative bodies on issues that impact the sector.

When the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group will next meet.

The Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group last met under the previous Government, in March 2024. This government recognises the vital role these industries play in ensuring coastal communities and the wider Scottish economy thrive. Since taking up office in July 2024, Scotland Office Ministers have met with Salmon Scotland, the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, Loch Long Salmon, and many others across the seafood and fisheries sectors. The UK government will continue to work closely with industry representative bodies on issues that impact the sector.

What discussions he has with the Scottish Government on funding of the feasibility study for the Borders Railway extension.

I have regular meetings with the Deputy First Minister, where we discuss local economic growth as one of the key missions of this Government.My officials have had discussions with the Scottish Borders Council and with officials from both the Department for Transport and the Scottish Government on the funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.

Officials from my department remain in discussion on this matter with counterparts in the Department for Transport. The Department for Transport will continue to work with the Scotland Office, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Borders Council on the next stage of development for this scheme as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

What discussions his officials have had with Scottish Borders Council on funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.

My officials have had discussions with the Scottish Borders Council and with officials from both the Department for Transport and the Scottish Government on the funding of the feasibility study for the extension of the Borders Railway.The Department for Transport will continue to work with the Scotland Office, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Borders Council on the next stage of development for this scheme as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.