Scottish Government consultations

We asked for views on a minor amendment to road works legislation. We sought views on the proposal to revoke the Scottish Statutory Instrument which accounts for the target cost of operating the Scottish Road Works Register and replace it with a new Regulation to account for the overall running cost in the 2026/27 financial year. The projected running cost for 2026/27 will increase to £1,192,625 from £1,008,819.

In total, seven responses to the consultation were received, primarily from roads authorities. Brief analysis of these responses is detailed below.

There was strong support for the proposal; six of the seven responses gave support for the proposal. One organisation was not content with the agreed cost sharing matrix developed by the Roads Authority and Utility Committee (Scotland).

In relation to the response in opposition to the proposal, the organisation suggested a different splitting model for future years in addition to opposing the current one.

The consultation responses have been carefully considered, most of the respondents supported the proposal to replace the 2025 Scottish Statutory Instrument. As a result, we will now revoke the Scottish Statutory Instrument, “The “Scottish Road Works Register (Prescribed Fees) Regulations 2025”, and replace it with a new Regulation as proposed. 

The public consultation sought views on proposals to amend the regulation of fish farm environmental discharges between 3-12 nautical miles by making SEPA the responsible authority for this activity, and making amendments to exemptions for requirements for marine licences in respect to the deposit of substances and equipment from fish and shellfish farms, for the purpose of reducing regulatory duplication.

27 responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders with 3 responses from individuals and 24 from organisations.

Proposal to identify SEPA as the responsible authority for fish and shellfish farm discharges between 3 to 12 nautical miles

A number of respondents recognised the benefits that consistency in the inshore zone (0 – 12 nautical miles) would bring, including to reduce duplication, and the expertise which SEPA holds. Most recognised the potential for increased complexity should different arrangements exist from 3 – 12 nautical miles, compared to the framework for consenting between 0-3 nautical miles.

A number of concerns were raised by both respondents who agreed and disagreed with the proposals, particularly relating to SEPA’s resourcing.

Amendment to the Marine Licence Exempted Activities Order to clarify the scope of the existing exemption for the deposit of fish and shellfish farm equipment.

Most of the respondents were supportive of the proposals with the most common reason for support being that it would provide clarity to all involved and work towards streamlining the consenting process.

A number of respondents provided suggestions and recommendations as to how the scope of the exemption could be clarified further, including to updates to the corresponding guidance on use of the exemption. Some responses also highlighted some issues which may continue to limit use of the exemption by businesses, such as whether insurers would be content with the exemptions use.

View the consultation analysis report

Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online.

Scottish Ministers have decided to enact the proposals to identify SEPA as the responsible regulator for fish farm discharges between 3- 12 nautical miles, and clarify the application of existing exemptions on marine licence requirements for fish and shellfish farms.

We asked for views on the Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS). This was an opportunity for those who have advocated for change to have their voices heard and to share their views on key areas including; capacity and demand, unplanned and essential travel, fares, community voice, transparency and accountability, connectivity and integration, accessibility, environment, low carbon, and freight to directly contribute to the contract development process.

In total, 1129 responses to the consultation were received, most of the responses were submitted by individual members of the public. There were also 22 responses from organisations, and 23 responses received via email or post.

The consultation analysis presents a number of recommendations to be considered to improve the service on the key areas asked and more generally. This valuable insight and feedback will help ensure the next iteration of the Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4) delivers for all users.

The consultation responses are being carefully considered as part of the NIFS4 contract development.  Community events have also been held in Shetland and Orkney during September 2025, and the comments gathered at these events are being considered alongside the public consultation responses.

Further updates will also be made available via the NIFS4 website as they become available.