Chamber and committees

That was helpful. I am very grateful.

I am asking about the ability to recruit staff to work on islands and about the attractiveness of islands for skilled staff.

On a related point, Peter Clark talked about the long-term implications of what we are seeing with the ferries. What are the implications for the islands of the inability that we have heard about to recruit qualified staff and skilled labour, for whatever reason?

Rob Dickson and Peter Clark, does either of you have anything to add on that?

Does Martin Johnson have anything to add, or shall I hand back to the convener?

I will come in very briefly. Martin Johnson talked just now about being consulted on the islands connectivity plan. Are any of your organisations consulted on the specification of future vessels that will be brought on to routes? Who is consulted? Of those who are consulted, who has the loudest voice?

My next question is for Rob Dickson. As you will have heard, the committee had a good and productive visit to Arran yesterday, where we heard how the unpredictability that you referred to has impacted on businesses’ ability to get staff to the island and on the ability to get teachers and education provision for young people. Is the impact that the committee heard about yesterday being replicated throughout the network?

Good morning. Martin Johnson, the current network of ferry routes has barely changed for decades. Thinking specifically about the existing routes, in your view, do the routes meet the needs of business? In any event, are there any significant route changes that might improve the offering?

I am very grateful for those comments. Do Rob Dickson and Peter Clark have anything to add?

That was very helpful.