To ask the Scottish Government what is being done to address the reported shortage of forensic pathologists across Scotland. (S6O-04031)

There are 14 forensic pathologists in Scotland covering the services required by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in its deaths investigations, and the Crown Office confirms that there have been no significant delays to post-mortems that require a forensic specialist.

There are currently four forensic pathology training posts in Scotland, and the Crown Office is engaged in supporting the Royal College of Pathologists training programmes.

I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer. I am surprised that the Lord Advocate, who is responsible for the service, is not here to answer the question.

I believe that there are now no forensic pathologists employed in the north-east, which means that agency pathologists are flown into the city of Aberdeen for a day’s work. That results in huge costs and long delays for families who are looking for answers. I have also heard of bodies being transferred to other parts of Scotland without the families’ knowledge.

How has the Scottish Government allowed this crisis in forensic pathology to happen? What will be done to tackle the inadequate training provision, to train and retain people in Scotland?

I understand the serious issues that Douglas Lumsden narrates. Pathology services in the north of Scotland were previously provided by the University of Aberdeen. However, NHS Grampian has now taken over the provision of toxicology and histopathology services in that area, and the health board is also working to establish a forensic pathology service.

In the meantime, appropriate forensic pathology coverage is being delivered by locums and other service providers in Scotland. I also point Mr Lumsden to what I said in my earlier answer about the training places that are available. If he requires any further detail, I would be happy to provide that in writing or in a further discussion in a meeting.