Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government’s discussion with the UK government has been through liaison with the UK government’s Secretary of State’s representative (SOSREP) who was in overall charge of the incident response to the grounding of MV Priscilla. The SOSREP also issued situation reports that included updates on the welfare of the 6 crew members. Prior to the recovery operation three crew members left the vessel. There were no reported injuries to the 6 crew.

There were no reports of any pollution during the grounding or subsequent recovery operation. The salvage plan included pollution prevention measures in the event of any pollution. Prior to re-floating of the vessel, the salvors successfully removed 28 tonnes of fuel oil to reduce any possible pollution risk as well as lighten the vessel for re-floating.

We have today published the analysis of responses and, where permission was received, the responses themselves. They can be found on the Transport Scotland website at https://www.transport.gov.scot/consultation/consultation-on-free-bus-travel-for-older-and-disabled-people-and-modern-apprentices/.

Also today, I have announced the Scottish Government's response to the consultation, including our decision to retain 60 as the qualifying age.

The development of the Benbrack Wind Farm will be tied to its grid connection date, meaning that we would expect construction to commence during 2022. This means that it is too early at this stage to establish details concerning the manufacture and supply of turbines and other components and services.

However, the developer (EON) is fully aware of the importance placed by the Scottish Government on economic impact, with a particular focus on Scottish supply chain content and economic benefit, and has confirmed that it will be contacting and adding local contractors to its procurement database.

The port of Ayr has been identified as the preferred entry point for relevant components, which will bring benefits to the immediate area. We also expect relevant specialist companies in Scotland to tender for contracts to deliver the required turbine components e.g. towers once a preferred supplier has been identified.

On 18 May 2018 the former Minister of Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf MSP, wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Right Honourable Chris Grayling MP, regarding the restructuring of the East Coast Franchise.

In developing the proposed mechanism to deliver reduced passenger and car fares on ferry services to Orkney and Shetland, there have been a number of discussions between Scottish Ministers, Transport Scotland officials and Pentland Ferries. This included requesting details of past fares revenue on a commercially confidential basis.

The Scottish Government has made no assessment of access to trade union representation for staff at Pentland Ferries.

In developing the proposed mechanism to deliver reduced passenger and car fares on ferry services to Orkney and Shetland, there have been a number of discussions between Scottish Ministers, Transport Scotland officials and Pentland Ferries. This included requesting details of past annual passenger and vehicle carryings on a commercially confidential basis.

On routes to Orkney, it has been necessary to engage with commercial operators in respect of introducing the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme on the Pentland Firth routes. To date it has not as yet been possible to reach an agreement.

I am determined to work through the issue to see what more can be done. I will provide a further update to stakeholders and to Parliament as soon as I can, with a view to bringing the full benefits of the scheme to the people of Orkney and Shetland.

There is no direct impact. As is currently the case, future changes to fare tariffs brought about by the introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme would lead to an adjustment in the subsidy payable to the operator of the ferry services under the terms of the public service contract.

The Scottish Government has made no assessment of compliance with its Fair Work Convention for staff at private companies operating commercial ferry services across the Pentland Firth.

As employment law is currently a reserved matter, the Fair Work Framework, developed by the Fair Work convention, is not mandatory, and as such the Scottish Government cannot ensure compliance. The Scottish Government is however actively promoting fair work principles across all employers, in both the public and private sectors.