Chamber and committees

Consideration of options for extending the Borders Railway continues to be undertaken through the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). This is a national appraisal of strategic transport interventions and will conclude later this year.

As detailed in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, STPR2 will create the evidence base for future transport investment decisions by the Scottish Government. Depending on the outcome of STPR2, feasibility work would then progress on the basis of, and informed by, findings from this appraisal work.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35934 on 18 March 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx 

The Scottish Government has not yet identified a preferred location for a Border Control Post to service the ports at Loch Ryan and Cairnryan. A number of sites have been identified, one of which is the old Ferry Terminal in Stranraer, which is the stated preference of Dumfries and Galloway Council. Careful consideration will be given to the suitability of each of these sites, taking into account the size of site required, its operational suitability, connectivity and environmental factors.

You will be aware that we have laid a Special Development Order in Parliament. This is not to bypass traditional planning routes or to avoid statutory engagement with the public. This is a contingency measure to ensure that the project can proceed at pace within its demanding timescales and save time in the planning process, especially if it were to be a major development. In the event that it necessary to rely on the SDO, it does include a 21-day consultation period, and the Scottish Government is committed to working with Dumfries and Galloway Council to enable any consent granted through SDO, and in particular any conditions attached, to be as consistent as possible with the Council’s usual approach.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35934 on 18 March 2021 . All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Ardrossan Harbour project is currently in the design and planning stage. There have been some delays due to the pandemic; such as project communications, with public information events being cancelled and project updates being issued using alternative media forums.

Berth infrastructure works are currently set to commence in Summer 2022 with completion of the works expected in 2024. These dates are however, subject to change taking account of tender and contract award stages. A more detailed programme will be available once a contractor is appointed.

Progress has continued on the new vessels within the constraints of the pandemic. The timing of this work has had no direct impact on the delivery of the Ardrossan project.

The Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown ferry service is expected to operate from Troon Harbour for around 18 months while construction works are carried out at Ardrossan harbour.

The transfer of services will not take place until construction work begins which is expected in Summer 2022. However this date is subject to the tender and procurement stages. A more defined programme will be provided once a contractor is appointed.

Where there is no SIGN guideline on a particular topic, the Scottish Government expect healthcare professionals to look for another high quality, evidence-based guideline (e.g NICE, RCP, RCEM). This was the expectation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be the position throughout the pandemic.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-36024 on‎ 15 March 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx '

The appraisal process within the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), not the National Transport Strategy (NTS2) Delivery Plan, is the appropriate mechanism to consider the impact of potential changes to movement of people and goods at a national level. Access to major ports across Scotland is within the scope of STPR2, therefore my officials will continue to engage with the Greenports bidding process to ensure that the potential impacts of this, such as potential further development of additional facilities at successful location(s), are appropriately considered within STPR2.

All legislative and regulatory responsibility for telecommunications rests with the UK Government and Ofcom respectively, and as such, the current consultation relates to a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Government is supportive of the Electronic Communications Code which aims to reduce barriers to deployment of digital infrastructure and promote infrastructure sharing between operators. It is important that UK legislation and regulations supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to be a truly digital nation.

The Scottish Government is in dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on a number of issues relating to barrier removal and shares the view that the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code have had a more limited impact than originally envisaged. Scottish Government officials have engaged with stakeholders to understand any issues that have been experienced in utilising the Electronic Communications Code, and in particular, any Scottish-specific impacts that have emerged. If appropriate, our consultation response will reflect this and we will continue to engage with DCMS to try and ensure that Scottish interests are represented and reflected in any revised Electronic Communications Code.