Chamber and committees

Jim, could you hold on?

Thank you. Edward Mountain, I can bring you in if you keep your questions brief.

The LCM sets out some financial costs. It states that there will be “on-going operational costs” but says that those will be “difficult to quantify”. Why are they difficult to quantify, and to what extent will the costs fall on the Scottish Government and Marine Scotland?

Before I ask my question, I make the point that, without good connectivity, transport and digital links, our islands will not thrive. That is my slight rant over.

Cabinet secretary, can you explain why the Scottish Government has decided to reduce the capital element of the islands programme budget in real terms, given the impact of inflation on island capital projects? That is funding for which island local authorities will bid in the next round of the islands programme.

It was about the islands programme.

Convener, you have probably asked some of the questions that I was going to ask.

The cabinet secretary will be aware that I have already raised concerns about the resourcing of Marine Scotland and its ability to cope with its increasing responsibilities. What assessment has Marine Scotland made of its operational capability to ensure compliance with the anticipated expansion of marine environment protection?

The cabinet secretary will also be aware of the fishing community’s concerns that Marine Scotland enforcement targets the UK fishing fleet over other vessels in Scottish waters. How much of the £14 million budget is to be spent on enforcement in Scottish waters?

How can the marine fund Scotland be used to help businesses to adapt to increasing costs? Can you give any examples?

Staying with enforcement, how much of the £14 million budget will you be able to use to target issues such as marine litter?

Thank you.

Thank you.