The opportunity to apply to become a Scheme Administrator started as soon as the regulations were passed in May 2020.
Scottish Ministers.
In theory yes, though the expectation is that one Scheme Administrator is more likely.
SEPA (The Scottish Environment Protection Agency), who is Scotland's principal environmental regulator, protecting and improving Scotland's environment.
Ultimately, the Deposit Return Scheme Administrator’s rights to operate may be removed by Scottish Ministers and given to someone else if performance standards and targets are not met.