Scotland's energy minister is to make a statement on the future of underground coal gasification (UCG) in the country.

Environmental groups have said they hope Paul Wheelhouse will announce a ban on the controversial method of converting underground coal into gas.

Image source, Alamy

The Scottish government imposed a moratorium on UCG last year while its potential impact was examined.

A wider moratorium on unconventional oil and gas extraction, including fracking, also remains in place.

Mr Wheelhouse's statement to Holyrood will follow the submission of a report by former Sepa chief executive Prof Campbell Gemmell, who was tasked with carrying out an independent examination of UCG.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says there are real concerns not just about Brexit, but the "hardest of hard Brexits" the Tories want.

Ms Davidson raises the issue of underground coal gasification UCG, ahead of the ministerial statement this afternoon.

The first minister says Ruth Davidson seems to ride roughshod over the review of UCG that has been done.

She says Paul Wheelhouse will make a statement on the review this afternoon.

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson asks what engagements the first minister has planned for the rest of the day.

Ms Sturgeon says Ms Davidson should be thoroughly ashamed of the xenophobic rhetoric at the Conservative Party conference.

Ms Davidson says she made her position clear on the issue. 

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says the value of beef and lamb exports to the EU is around £73m.

Mr Yousaf stresses the importance of maintaining access to the EU single market.

He says the Tories have shown their apparent dislike of foreigners and their preference for a hard Brexit.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine asks what impact leaving the EU and the single market could have on Scotland's red meat exports.  

Education Secretary John Swinney says children need to feel safe and secure in school to allow them to flourish.

Mr Cole-Hamilton says teachers should be equipped with a range of skills to deal with children who have been affected by trauma and loss.

He calls on the minister to address this training for teachers.

Mr Swinney says an approach that ensures the needs of every child are met, must be the one taken forward.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton asks what plans the government has to require local authorities to carry out additional training for teachers and other school personnel on how to deal with children who have an attachment disorder or are affected by trauma and loss. 

Mr Fraser says the Heathrow option is best for connectivity to Scotland.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown congratulates Mr Fraser for not mentioning independence for the first time this session.

Mr Brown says the government will continue to put Scotland's interests to the forefront.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been challenged to fly to Inverness Airport after describing Heathrow expansion plans as "fantasy" that should be consigned to the dustbin.

Image source, PA

Inglis Lyon, from Highlands and Islands Airports, issued the invitation to Mr Johnson in a letter to Scottish Secretary David Mundell.

Mr Lyon is pressing for an extra slot at Heathrow to boost visitor numbers.

Mr Johnson campaigned against Heathrow expansion while he was mayor.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asks what recent correspondence the government has had with the UK Government regarding the impact on Scotland of the expansion of either Heathrow or Gatwick airports. 

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart says the Scottish government provides funding to local authorities to prevent homelessness.

Ms Smith says 5,000 children woke up this morning without a home of their own.

Mr Stewart says the government is committed to delivering 50,000 affordable homes during this parliament.

The minister says he is determined the very best of temporary accommodation for families with children.

The number of people in Scotland assessed as homeless or under the threat of being homeless went down by 5% in 2015/16, official figures showed published in June showed.

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Scotland's chief statistician said there had also been a 4% reduction in homelessness applications compared to the previous year.

However, there was a rise in the number of children in temporary accommodation.

The Scottish government said it wanted to work to reduce homelessness even further.

Scottish Labour MSP Elaine Smith asks what the government is doing to address child homelessness.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf says the Scottish government has established the Ferries Accessibility Fund.

Mr Cameron says Enable Scotland have expressed serious concerns about accessibility.

Mr Yousaf says he would be more than happy to meet with the member to discuss the concerns.

He says there is a £1m pot to improve disabled access.

Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron asks what action the government is taking to make ferries serving Argyll and Bute more accessible for disabled people.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham details funding of £100,000 to promote catch and release.

Mr Mundell says things are bleak in Dumfries and Galloway on the fishing front.

He calls for direct support will be given to angling clubs on the river Nith.

Ms Cunningham says direct aid to clubs would be extremely difficult to assess.

Scottish Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell asks what support the government is providing to angling clubs and the rural economy following recent changes to the regulation of wild salmon fishing.