Chamber and committees

There were no discussions prior to 25 April 2013 between Transport Scotland and Serco Northlink to consider modifications at Stromness or Scrabster harbours.

Following the unforeseen mechanical engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, Serco Northlink took immediate and proactive action to bring one of their freight vessels into service on the Scrabster to Stromness route.

Serco Northlink worked in conjunction with the Scrabster Harbour Trust to make alterations to the Queen Elizabeth Berth that have since allowed the freight vessel, MV Helliar, to operate. This service commenced operating on the Scrabster to Stromness route from 2 May 2013. During the period from 25 April 2013 to 2 May 2013 Serco Northlink kept both myself and Transport Scotland officials fully appraised of the modification works at the Queen Elizabeth Berth, Scrabster.

The MV Helliar has been operating two return sailings each day on a broadly similar timetable to the scheduled service. The timetable was established through discussion with local hauliers and it provides a major increase in freight and vehicle carrying capacity across the Pentland Firth.

Following the unforeseen engine failure of the MV Hamnavoe, Serco Northlink immediately informed the Scottish Government and put in place its contingency plans to minimise disruption to ferry users travelling to Orkney.

The Scottish Government believes that Serco Northlink has adopted all necessary measures to ensure those intending to travel to Orkney are able to do so.

The MV Hamnavoe was sent to the Babcock Marine port wet basin at Rosyth where engineers worked round the clock to complete the necessary repairs. Currently, the MV Hamnavoe is scheduled to be back in service by Thursday 23 May 2013.

Both the Scottish Government and Serco Northlink have been highly proactive in letting the general public know that, with the contingency arrangements in place, Orkney is very much open for business and accessible to those wishing to travel.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14746 on 22 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The Scottish Government believes that the contingency arrangements, put in place, and acted upon, by Serco Northlink, were sufficient following, the unforeseen breakdown of the MV Hamnavoe.

We continue to communicate with Serco Northlink to ensure that all efforts are being taken to minimise any disruption to passenger, vehicle and freight traffic between Orkney and the Scottish mainland.

The information available is provided in the following tables:

Table 1: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Aberdeen hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 2: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Oban hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 3: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Orkney hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

Table 4: Divers from each NHS Board treated at Millport hyperbaric chamber from 2003 to 2012

Note: a breakdown of divers treated by NHS board for the years 2003 to 2009 is not centrally held.

The Scottish Government adopted a precautionary approach and supported restrictions to neonicotinoid use, whilst allowing further research to be undertaken to clarify whether these neonicotinoids harm bees in the field.

The European Appeals Committee met on 29 April 2013 to discuss proposals for EU-wide restrictions on the use of certain neonicotinoids, and while they did not reach a qualified majority decision for or against their introduction, the European Commission will nevertheless support restrictions which will come into force on 1 December 2013.”

The report, entitled the Scottish Islands Renewables Project – Final Report, will be published on 15 May 2013. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 54946) and it is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scottish-islands-renewable-project-final-report.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14255 on 7 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-14255 on 7 May 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Yes, the Scottish Government has received ACP’s advice and it helped inform the Government’s position, which I announced on 28 April 2013, on the European Commission’s restrictions on neonicotinoids.