EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations bring into force the provisions of the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021 (“the Act”), so far as not already in force, on 1 April 2022.

The Bill for the Act received Royal Assent on 20 January 2021. Sections 17 (meaning of references to “evidence”), 18 (interpretation), 19 (ancillary provision), 20 (commencement) and 21 (short title) came into force the following day.