Submit Evidence (by 18 Sep 2026)

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most globally recognised products and the UK’s largest drink export. The industry contributes substantial economic value and supports 41,000 jobs across Scotland. Whisky also carries cultural significance and plays a central role in rural economies. However, recent global volatility and a rise in protectionist measures have contributed to a slowdown in Scotch whisky exports, while market trends are also shifting. At the same time, the sector is facing a number of domestic pressures, such as rising energy costs and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. This inquiry will examine these challenges, and explore how UK Government policies on trade, duty and domestic regulation are shaping the future of this key Scottish industry.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support voluntary organisations that improve community pride in Scotland.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Voluntary organisations are essential partners in the UK Government mission to build national and local pride.

While community development is a devolved matter, the Scotland Office works closely with all UK Government departments to ensure UK-wide funding structures empower Scotland's third sector.

Through our targeted £280 million Pride in Place Programme, the £12 million Pride in Place Impact Fund and the new £140 million Local Growth Fund, we are putting real spending power into the hands of communities, to protect vital assets and drive local growth across Scotland.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase skills in low carbon sectors in Edinburgh.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

As my Honourable Friend will be well aware, earlier this year we unlocked £25 million of seed capital for the Forth Green Freeport to create tens of thousands of jobs in clean energy and manufacturing.

Already we are seeing the benefits in Edinburgh. The Port of Leith has transformed itself into an offshore wind hub, currently servicing the massive InchCape development. There is the potential for further investment by the wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, which could create up to 500 new jobs at the port.

Skills policy is devolved to the Scottish Government and it is up to them to ensure that the young people of Edinburgh are equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for steel production in Scotland.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

This Government is steadfast in its commitment to the steel industry, and that includes Scotland. On 1 July, we took bold steps to limit tariff-free steel imports, with the aim that half of the steel used in the UK is made here.

We are closely engaged on Dalzell - the UK's only heavy steel plate mill. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and I routinely engage with ministerial colleagues to ensure Scotland's specific circumstances are reflected in the Government's wider approach to supporting the domestic steel sector.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on making the wearing of a sgian dubh illegal.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The wearing of the sgian dubh is permitted where it is being worn as part of a national costume. There are no plans to change this.

However, we are clear that if any bladed or pointed article is used to threaten or harm others, this will be met with the full force of the law.

This strikes the balance between protecting public safety and protecting freedoms.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on Scotland’s contribution to UK energy security.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, we need to do all that we can to strengthen our energy security here at home. I am in regular contact with my Cabinet colleagues on a whole range of issues.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, other than special advisers if his Department has appointed anyone from outside the civil service since July 2024.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

Other than special advisers, the Scotland Office has made one appointment from outside the civil service since July 2024.

Gillian McGregor has been appointed to the Boundary Commission for Scotland, an advisory non-departmental public body funded by the Scotland Office. The appointment was made on a fixed term basis through open competition using the procedures laid down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many surgeries Ministers in his Department have held for hon. Members (a) between July 2024 and January 2025 and (b) since January 2025.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

Scotland Office Ministers meet regularly with Members of Parliament to discuss a wide range of issues relating to their departmental responsibilities.

For the purpose of this PQ, we have taken ‘surgeries’ to mean meetings or briefings with MPs where external stakeholders were not also present.

a) July 2024 to January 2025: 7

b) From January 2025 onwards: 37

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many agency staff were employed by his Department in each of the last five years.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

The number of agency staff employed in the Scotland Office in each of the last five years is as follows:

Found: COSTS42822021-22RESOURCENON-RINGFENCED RESOURCEDELDEL ADMINSmall and Independent BodiesS042A005S042A005-SCOTLAND OFFICE

Found: Government(1) 1,143 1,143 - - 3,848 3,579 692 2 - 720 2,164 474 1,248 19,537 271 2,998 6,351 39,448 Scotland Office

Found: Government(1) 1,143 1,143 - - 3,848 3,579 692 2 - 720 2,164 474 1,248 19,537 271 2,998 6,351 39,448 Scotland Office

Found: ASSETS2941752019-20CAPITALGENERAL CAPITALDELDEL PROGSmall and Independent BodiesS042A005S042A005-SCOTLAND OFFICE

Found: Northumbria Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 8EW Public sector Committed North East, Cumbria and South West Scotland Office

Found: ASSETS1619452020-21CAPITALGENERAL CAPITALDELDEL PROGSmall and Independent BodiesS042A005S042A005-SCOTLAND OFFICE

Found: £152.7bn) Department for Education, £118.4bn (£110.7bn) Ministry of Defence, £60.9bn (£64.0bn) Scotland Office

Found: £152.7bn) Department for Education, £118.4bn (£110.7bn) Ministry of Defence, £60.9bn (£64.0bn) Scotland Office

Found: Available at: Self-reported long COVID, England and Scotland - Office for National Statistics Office

Found: Guard (Lords Deputy Chief Whip) Melanie Ward MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Scotland Office

Found: Guard (Lords Deputy Chief Whip) Melanie Ward MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Scotland Office

Found: Scotland Office and OAG Annual Report and Accounts 2025-2026

Found: Scotland Office and OAG Annual Report and Accounts 2025-2026

Found: British Sign Language 5-year plan: Scotland Office

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) ............................. 14 4.17 Scotland Office

Found: Available at: Self-reported long COVID, England and Scotland - Office for National Statistics Office

Found: Cabinet Secretary, Minister, Please find attached notes from our recent engagements with NFU Scotland office

Found: Best Wishes [Redacted S.38(1)(b)] -- [Redacted S.38(1)(b)] [Redacted S.38(1)(b)] Scotland Office

Found: Am copying this to [Redacted: s.38(1)(b)] as he is the Scotland Office lead so useful he can see live