Scottish Government involvement
When the scale or complexity of an emergency is such that some degree of central government co‑ordination or support becomes necessary, Scottish Government will activate its emergency response arrangements through its Resilience Room (SGORR) to:
- act as the focal point for communication with sponsored bodies, agencies and RPs
- provide national strategic direction for Scotland
- brief Ministers
- co‑ordinate and support the activity of Scottish Government and its Directorates
- draw upon and apply resources to support local recovery, as necessary
- despatch a Scottish Government Liaison Officer to work with RPs
- liaise with UK Government and its Lead Government Department (LGD) regarding Scottish interests
- co‑ordinate and disseminate information for the public and the media at the national level
- advise on the relative priority to be attached to multi‑site or multiple emergencies
The consequence management of any emergency occurring in Scotland is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government therefore always leads on Government consequence management in Scotland. When an emergency occurring in Scotland has implications for UK Government, a LGD may be nominated. Scottish Government Directorates will work closely with UK LGDs to ensure co‑ordinated government activity in Scotland.
When an emergency requires a response from a number of UK departments or devolved administrations the Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR) and related arrangements will be activated. Further details are available at UK Government’s emergency response.
In preparation, areas of Scotland that border other UK administrations should agree with their neighbours how recovery would be co‑ordinated in cross‑boundary emergencies as part of their generic arrangements.