I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35553 on 10 March 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 .

In addition to our work with the airports, the Scottish Government also has regular engagement with airlines. Most recently this included productive discussions held in April with 19 airlines, all of which are important to Scotland’s international connectivity. Given the commercial nature of these discussions I am unable to share specific details.

We recognise that globally, as well as here in Scotland, the aviation industry faces one of the longest recovery periods given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on route networks, which is why we have extended the 100% non-domestic rates relief for the aviation sector for another year (2021-22).

The Scottish Government remains committed to reducing fares on Northern Isles ferry routes.

Following engagement with European Commission officials in 2019, Transport Scotland officials were developing proposals to introduce RET. This work was rightly paused in early 2020, while resources were pivoted to deal with the Covid outbreak, however work has recently resumed.

Engagement between Transport Scotland officials and ferry operators has taken place and will continue as the work progresses. I will keep the member updated on progress.

As the member is aware, fare reductions for passengers, cars and cabins have been introduced on Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick routes, in addition to the existing 30% discount for islanders.

We are committed to carrying out an Islands Communities Impact Assessment for the new free bus travel scheme for young people prior to it coming into operation.

Following a consultation on free bus travel for young people late last year, officials are now consulting further with island communities. We expect to publish the Islands Communities Impact Assessment later this summer.

Ferry fares policy options are being considered through the ongoing review of concessionary travel arrangements across all modes for under 26 year olds and through the Islands Connectivity Plan.

The fact that Scotland’s own supply is secure, and its abundant generation of electricity via wind means that Scotland has long been a net exporter of electricity with Net Exports to England and Wales being 10,036 GWh in 2006 and 19,050 GWh in 2020. This is thanks to the record renewable generation so far in 2020, as recorded by the Scottish Energy Statistics Hub . The forecasts from National Grid’s Electricity Ten Year Statement and recently published Network Options Assessment indicate that Scotland's export capacity will increase over the next decade.

As of 17 May 2021, the sum of £410,171.22 has been paid from the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund. The total value of successful applications is £472,404.72, with the remaining funds in the process of being paid. This is part of a range of measures to support tenants.

According to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Performance Data analysis for the year 2020-2021 the total number of dwelling fire fatalities stands at 46, with a further 7 in non-dwelling property types. As further information may yet come to light, for example from coroners reports, the figures are subject to change. SFRS Fire and Rescue Incident statistics are published annually and include figures on fire fatalities and trends. These can be found here https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/about-us/fire-and-rescue-statistics.aspx .

As of 17 May 2021, there have been 145 tenants that have received a loan from the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund and there are a further 27 successful applications that are in the process of being paid. This is part of a range of measures to support tenants.

Testing for people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms was made available to everyone in Scotland on 26 April. Everyone can now access free lateral flow devices (LFD), for testing at home twice a week. To get a LFD test you can:

• order an LFD test kit pack online at GOV.UK for home delivery
• collect a test kit from your nearest COVID-19 test site , by applying the “pick up sites for test kits” filter on the site finder.

As announced at the launch of the universally accessible testing offer, we continue to explore other options for increasing accessibility of testing across Scotland including the option to collect LFD test kit from pharmacies. I expect to be in a position to confirm these arrangements shortly.

The Scottish Testing Programme is kept under constant review in line with the latest clinical and scientific advice.

As a result of the easing of the COVID restrictions the ScotRail timetable changed on 17 May adding over 400 extra trains across the Scottish network including two additional Glasgow to Dumfries services in each direction.

The Scottish Government recognises the need to tackle our throw-away culture, which includes so-called ‘fast fashion’. For example, the Revolve Programme run by Zero Waste Scotland already seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of responsible consumption by promoting the environmental benefits of second-hand over new clothing purchases, as well as directing consumers to the network of over 100 certified stores: What is Revolve? | The first choice for second-hand shopping (zerowastescotland.org.uk) .

SEPA has identified that Textiles and Apparel Manufacture will be the subject of a forthcoming Sector Plan. This will set out how SEPA will regulate and engage with the industry to tackle and reduce the environmental impacts from the textile sector: Plans in development | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) .

The Scottish Government is committed to bringing forward a Circular Economy Bill to advance Scotland's ambitions to promote an economy where materials remain in use for as long as possible, rather than being thrown away, and to establish a fund based on the success of the Saltire Tidal Energy Challenge Fund for innovation in tackling textile pollution and throw-away culture.