Chamber and committees

How are you improving the integrated ticketing offering and providing an absolutely compelling product for people who are travelling?

Okay. It is good to hear that engagement has been taking place.

Obviously, the principle of transparency in land reform is hugely important. I note that that forms part of the consultation on the forthcoming bill. Can you say a little more about how you will take through the thread of transparency?

Has consideration of resilience been lacking up until now?

What form does a hearing take? Is it a discussion with a municipality? Is it a public hearing where a business user, a farmer or someone else can make representations? What form does the discussion take with communities?

Is on-going consultation required? Is there regular feedback from users, stakeholders and communities about the quality of service not just at the beginning when specifications are laid out, but in response to changing circumstances?

No—some of my other questions have already been asked.

What explains the difference between the northern isles and the west coast and Hebrides sailings? Is there a particular type of vulnerability in the Atlantic, or are there other issues?

Thank you. Harald Høyem, do you want to come in?

I want to ask about access to private rented sector accommodation and whether creative solutions are starting to come through on that. I am aware that, in Spain in 2015, Spanish cities were calling on the banks to make available for refugees empty vacant properties that were in their asset portfolios at that time.

I wonder what the options are in Scotland. You mentioned modular accommodation. In rural Scotland, we have empty properties or empty homes—in the community where I live, there is an empty bed and breakfast. It is frustrating to see homes and houses in our communities that are unavailable for general private rented sector accommodation, particularly for displaced Ukrainian people, who often want to stay in communities and continue to thrive and be a part of those communities. I am interested in what creative ideas are being developed to meet their needs right now.

The committee has heard that there have been delays to in-country applications for the Ukrainian visa scheme from Ukrainians who were without leave to remain when the war began. Are you aware of that, and have there been discussions with the UK Government about how we can ensure that there are no delays? Initially, the committee had concerns that seasonal workers who had maybe left seasonal employment and were without leave to remain would be trapped and unable to go through other routes. It was a surprise to see evidence that suggests that that is still an issue.