Culture, Europe and External Affairs
The first item of business this afternoon is portfolio questions. To get as many people in as possible, I would be grateful for short and succinct questions and answers.
European Union (Impact of United Kingdom Leaving)
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact in Scotland would be of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. (S4O-05626)
The Scottish Government believes whole-heartedly that European Union membership is in the best interests of Scotland and the rest of the UK. We will focus our resources on continuing to make the strongest and most positive case possible to remain in the European Union.
We get many benefits from the EU right now. In 2011, 336,000 jobs were associated with exports to the EU. Almost half of our exports go to the EU. EU funding to the tune of €1.9 billion supports projects up and down Scotland. However, it is not just about the economy. We will also make the positive case on the social protections, the cultural connections that we have with the EU and the mutual support that it gives in taking on some of the global challenges that the continent faces.
Does the minister agree that it would be extremely unjust for Scotland to be dragged out of the EU if a majority of Scots voted to stay in it? Is this not a further example of how out of touch Westminster currently is?
I agree with the member whole-heartedly. It would be democratically indefensible if Scotland were dragged out of the European Union against its will.
We were told during the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum that a no vote would mean that our place in the EU would not be at risk at all. That has proved to be untrue. The First Minister has been clear that, if the scenario that George Adam mentions played out, it could precipitate a demand for a second independence referendum. Despite that, she has made it extremely clear that she will campaign vociferously and robustly for Scotland to remain in the EU and hopes that the rest of the UK will follow suit.
It is no secret that the Scottish Government is having trouble delivering the common agricultural policy subsidies to farmers in Scotland. What budget would those subsidies come from if we were no longer part of the EU?
That is a fair point to make. I have suggested it to people who believe in Britain’s exit from the European Union—Brexit. Jamie McGrigor will be pleased about the announcement of the Scottish Government stepping up to the mark to put £200 million in place for advance payments. I say to members who believe in Brexit that I struggle to believe that the UK would match the support that the EU gives farmers, so Jamie McGrigor makes the point very well that the EU is important for them. That is why the majority of farmers up and down the country are saying that European Union membership is best for the United Kingdom.
Film Studio
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives of the film and television industry to discuss the building of a film studio. (S4O-05627)
The film studio delivery group, which comprises the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, meets regularly to drive action on delivering a film studio for Scotland. That includes meetings with Wardpark Studios Ltd, which today announced plans to expand its existing facilities in Cumbernauld to provide an additional 30,000 square feet across two new 50-foot-high sound stages. Scottish Enterprise and Creative Scotland, on behalf of the FSDG, also regularly meet representatives from the screen industry to discuss potential proposals to develop screen facilities.
It is worth noting that Creative Scotland, as our lead agency for screen, has established the screen sector leadership group, which is chaired by John McCormick and is made up of industry representatives. The group met in December 2015 and January 2016 and will meet again in March 2016.
The plans for a film studio in Cumbernauld are, of course, welcome, but today’s announcement is only about the intention to seek planning permission to extend an existing facility. There is still no major film studio in Scotland that can compete with Wales and Northern Ireland. Film makers are saying that that has a catastrophic effect on the industry in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has already delayed a decision on the proposals for a private facility in Midlothian until after the election, despite support from local councillors and the TV and film industry.
Question.
Given that the Scottish Government has stated many times—including in the white paper on independence—the critical importance of the industry to the Scottish economy, will the cabinet secretary assure us that the Government can, this time, turn aspiration into reality and not delay these important decisions any further?
All those developments and, indeed, the developments in other parts of the United Kingdom are private sector led. It is not in the capabilities of ministers to make pre-announcements or to drive actions by the private sector. It is in control of its own actions in both the cases that the member referred to.
I emphasise that the Pentland studios proposal is currently with the Scottish ministers. The member’s understanding of planning will tell him that that means that I cannot make any comment about that particular development. The proposal is with the Scottish ministers because Pentland studios requested that it be called in—that is what is currently under way.
Despite today’s very major announcement, which is a major milestone in the development of film studios in Scotland, we are still looking at different proposals and means to expand the studio opportunities for Scotland. As of now, there are four productions filming in studios in Scotland. We need to make sure that we have permanent facilities, not just temporary ones. For today, we can welcome the announcement as a major milestone in the development of film studios in Scotland.
Thank you. Short questions and answers are the order of the day, please. There is a supplementary question from David Stewart.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that the Highlands and Islands has a proud track record of being a prime location for films such as “Harry Potter”, “Rob Roy” and “Monarch of the Glen”. The cabinet secretary will be well aware that Skye has a first-class built film studio in Sabhal Mór Ostaig . What more can be done to advertise that first-class facility? Surely Scotland is large enough to have two film studios.
In my evidence to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee this morning, I made it quite clear that Scotland has the opportunity to realise the potential of film production and to have a number of studios. I have visited Sabhal Mór Ostaig. It has been used on a regular basis for “Bannan” but also for “Katie Morag” and other productions. It is very important that people are aware of the existing film studio provision at Sabhal Mór Ostaig, and I undertake to do everything that we can with the agencies to help to publicise it and make the most of that facility on the Isle of Skye.
Music Tuition (Traditional Instruments)
To ask the Scottish Government how traditional instrument tuition fits in with its strategy for Scottish traditional arts. (S4O-05628)
The Scottish Government primarily supports traditional music and the traditional arts through Creative Scotland, which integrates traditional arts into its broader arts strategy. The youth music initiative, which is backed by £10 million of Scottish Government investment and managed by Creative Scotland, provides a wide range of music-making opportunities, including traditional instrumental tuition, and reached over 225,000 young people in 2014-15.
Last week at Platform in Glasgow, I announced the final tranche of 2015-16 YMI funding, which is being awarded to 32 organisations, including £100,000 to the National Piping Centre; more than £39,000 to Hands Up for Trad to run a traditional music summer school in South Lanarkshire; and £10,000 to Shapeshifter to deliver a musical and cultural exchange between young people living in the Shetland Islands, north-east England and east London.
Although the youth music initiative offers traditional instrument tuition in some places, the delivery is patchy, as is the music tuition delivered by schools. Will the cabinet secretary review the spread of traditional musical instrument tuition with a view to offering students in Scottish schools a chance to play and understand their own indigenous musical riches?
Much of the YMI is delivered in schools. We are looking to refresh the YMI, and I will make sure that the refresh acknowledges the point made by the member that we need to integrate with existing school provision and enhance that, but not to replace school provision in the traditional arts.
Historic Buildings and Built Heritage
To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the historic houses and built heritage sector. (S4O-05629)
The Scottish Government supports our historic environment in many ways, including historic houses and the wider built heritage. Historic Environment Scotland is charged with investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland’s historic environment. We launched our first ever heritage strategy—our place in time.
The vast majority of built heritage is in private hands and the Scottish Government expects Historic Environment Scotland to work with its partners and communities to deliver the common vision and priorities set out in the strategy. We recognise that that heritage continues to make a strong and growing contribution to the wellbeing of the nation and its people. To that end I am very pleased that Lord Hopetoun, chair of the Historic Houses Association in Scotland, sits on one of the strategy’s key working groups looking at heritage tourism. I also look forward to attending the association’s reception here this evening.
I am very glad that the minister mentioned that event in committee room 1. All members and staff are very welcome to come to it.
What extra support can the Scottish Government provide to historic houses that are in need of urgent repair? Will the minister urge ministerial colleagues and others to redouble their efforts to promote heritage tourism in particular?
I absolutely recognise that heritage tourism is vital. We are looking at how we can ensure that we take a long-term view of the major investment that is required not just in the private sector, which is the biggest sector, but in National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland properties. Despite real pressures on our budget, I have managed to ensure that we have maintained the grant schemes—the building repair grants and other grants—that are available. That is a challenge, but we need to see things in the round, and that includes looking at things from a tourism point of view. We need to ensure that the products that people can go and visit are there, whether they are historic houses in the private sector or those that are managed on behalf of ministers.
European Union (Benefits of Membership)
To ask the Scottish Government what it considers the benefits to Scotland are of the UK’s membership of the EU. (S4O-05630)
There are many benefits from Scotland and the United Kingdom being in the European Union. I will not rehearse the economic arguments, which have been well made. We can sometimes lose sight of the fact that many protections, including social protections in particular, benefit us in Scotland. They include the right to maternity pay, the right to paternity pay, the right not to be forced to work for more than 48 hours a week, and the right not to be discriminated against because of gender, race or any other factor. Those benefits are also very important.
The benefits from independent countries being able to come together to take on some of the most difficult global challenges that we face as a continent are also important. Those challenges go from climate change right the way through to the global refugee crisis.
Therefore, there are many benefits. There are economic and social benefits, and benefits from coming together collectively to tackle some of the world’s most difficult challenges.
Last Sunday, I watched Boris Johnson MP, the mayor of London, on the television debating why the UK should leave the EU. His comments during that show reinforced my belief in voting to stay in the EU. In light of the comments that the Brexit campaign is making, what would the Scottish Government’s position be and what action would it possibly take if England voted to leave the European Union?
I do not focus much on what Boris Johnson has to say, but what I have heard thus far from the leave campaign has been very negative. We have also seen that from elements of the remain campaign. The Scottish Government will look to make a very positive case about why not only Scotland but the rest of the United Kingdom should vote to stay in the European Union.
We have been asked about a number of constitutional hypotheticals, and we have commented on what would happen if Scotland stayed in the European Union, as polls tend to indicate. We will not be complacent about that. We will work hard to ensure that that is the case, but I have said that, if the rest of the UK voted to leave the EU, the situation would be democratically indefensible, and the First Minister is right to say that that might well precipitate demand for a second Scottish independence referendum.
Culture and Traditions (North East Scotland)
To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on the culture and traditions of North East Scotland. (S4O-05631)
The Scottish Government places great importance on the traditional culture, language and heritage of north-east Scotland and supports Creative Scotland, Event Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland to promote its rich local culture and traditions in different ways.
In 2014-15, Creative Scotland invested over £2.4 million in organisations and individuals that are based in north-east Scotland. Under the time to shine strategy, £400,000 has supported the youth arts collective north east hub in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, which has provided 1,000 opportunities for young people to progress and excel in the arts. Last year, Creative Scotland published its first Scots language policy, which underlined the organisation’s commitment to supporting the language through its own work and the work that it funds across the arts, screen and creative industries.
Foo are ministers gaan tae gie a haun up tae Doric?
I do not know the answer to that one. It is very important that we provide support for our languages, and most of that is done through the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, Alasdair Allan, to whom I direct the member’s attention.
On culture, I refer the member to Creative Scotland’s website. Yesterday, it put a piece up about “Netting”, a Morna Young play that is touring. It is funded by Creative Scotland and is an important promotion for using Creative Scotland’s resources. In the piece, Morna Young talks about writing in Doric, about “Netting” and “Lost at Sea”. She is also a Scots language ambassador. That is one thing that we are doing, as of now, to give a haun up to Doric.
Aye Write! Festival
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs will be attending any events in the Aye Write! festival in Glasgow. (S4O-05632)
The Aye Write! festival in Glasgow, which is Scotland’s second largest book festival, is taking place for the 11th year running and I am sure that its success over those years will be continued. Although I have no plans at present to visit the festival, it is welcoming leaders from all parties in the Parliament at separate events in the series entitled “The Books That Made Me”, including the First Minister, who is due to close the event on Sunday 20 March.
Glasgow City Council is very proud to hold the Aye Write! book festival as it has done for the past 11 years.
It has been observed that the festival has a low level of participation by people from ethnic minority communities—as participants and contributors. I know of several Glaswegians from diverse backgrounds who have published books in the past few years. I want to mention some of the writers in Glasgow who I am proud to know: Ahmad Riaz, Aman, Bashir Maan, Charan Gill, Farha Malik, Imtiaz Ali Gohar, my own mother Philomena Malik, Rahat Zahid and Taresh Nehar. Those are just 10 writers from Glasgow who have written books but they have not had the opportunity to participate in the festival. What will the Scottish Government do to increase participation in literary and cultural events for such talented people?
The member makes a valid point although I am not sure how appropriate it is for him to plug his mother’s book in Parliament. [Laughter.] I am sure that it is a wonderful book.
Creative Scotland has given Aye Write! funding of £105,000. I have asked Creative Scotland to make sure that the people and organisations that it funds take on equalities issues. Since Aye Write! receives Creative Scotland funding, that will be one way of doing what the member suggests.
I do not often agree with the leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, but she chose “A Thousand Splendid Suns” as one of her favourite books in the interview with Phil Miller; it is also a favourite of mine. Perhaps we can share that across the chamber.
Creative Scotland (Meetings)
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met Creative Scotland and what matters were discussed. (S4O-05633)
I last met officials from Creative Scotland at the exchange 2016 event on 4 March at The Platform in Easterhouse, Glasgow, presented by Music for Youth, where I was delighted to announce the investment of £10 million to boost youth music.
The event featured performances by young musicians and it was a great opportunity to network and hear about the music industry. The youth music initiative provides high-quality music-making opportunities. YMI, as administered by Creative Scotland, has been a great success.
What further evaluation is the Scottish Government undertaking to ensure that Creative Scotland meets its objectives and priorities as set out in its film strategy? What progress has been made to incentivise film and television production so that we can nurture home-grown talent and encourage people from across the world to come and live and work in Scotland?
I set some of that out during this morning’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee meeting. On top of the record investment of £24 million in the screen industry in Scotland in 2014-15, we have provided additional funding of £4.7 million. Of that, £1 million is for skills development and some is for production development. Indeed, two films are being discussed with Creative Scotland at the moment. Progress is therefore being made with skills and production development and I was able to go into some detail on that at this morning’s meeting.
Culture (Highlands and Islands)
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support culture in the Highland and Islands. (S4O-05634)
The Highland youth arts hub has received £400,000 to support more than 2,700 young people. In 2015-16, Creative Scotland is funding and supporting 69 projects across the Highlands and Islands. I have a number of examples but we are tight for time.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that, following financial problems, Eden Court Theatre in Inverness has cancelled its Scottish vocational qualification in drama. Its star graduate is Karen Gillan, the star of “Doctor Who” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Can the cabinet secretary provide any help, advice or guidance on the reinstatement of this well-respected course?
On Scottish Government or agency funding, Creative Scotland provides regular funding at a level of £2.1 million over three years. I am well aware of the very good work that Eden Court carries out, including on skills, training and wider development. It is very successful in raising funds from a variety of sources, both private and indeed in revenue terms.
On skills and training, we can perhaps look at different areas across government, whether it is Skills Development Scotland or other areas, to make sure that provision for drama and indeed other areas can support the very good work that Eden Court does.
Infrastructure, Investment and Cities
Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on the construction of the Aberdeen western peripheral route. (S4O-05636)
Construction of the AWPR is well under way and we are on programme to open the road in winter 2017. We are working closely with the contractor to ensure successful delivery of the project, and will continue with regular engagement with local communities and elected representatives.
The progress is welcomed by the people of the north-east, who have been waiting for the bypass since 1948, when it was first planned. Can the cabinet secretary assure me that work to improve further Aberdeen’s roads infrastructure by dealing with the notorious Haudagain roundabout will commence directly after completion of the western peripheral route?
I thank Kevin Stewart for his comments. He is right to say that there has been a long wait for the route, and I am proud that the Scottish Government is delivering this long-awaited project—albeit that it was initially a local roads project for which we took the responsibility, working with our partners in Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.
The Scottish Government has given a clear commitment to commencing improvements at the Haudagain roundabout following completion of the AWPR. I am sure that Kevin Stewart knows that the Haudagain and Bridge of Dee improvements could cut journey times by up to 20 per cent. Indeed, the AWPR could cut journey times by up to 50 per cent, so these are hugely welcome developments for the infrastructure of the north-east.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that the Deputy First Minister announced an additional £306 million of borrowing following reclassification of the Aberdeen western peripheral route under Eurostat. Will that cover all the outstanding costs of construction or will there be a need for further borrowing in the future?
No further borrowing will be required beyond that which the Deputy First Minister has already announced for the project. The general borrowing of the Scottish Government—the increased borrowing that we can now undertake—and other borrowing have been factored in.
It is unfortunate that the project has been reclassified, because that potentially crowds out further projects, but the borrowing for the project has been set and there is no question either that the costs will increase or that it will take longer to complete because of reclassification, regrettable as it is.
Transport Infrastructure (Glasgow)
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to develop transport infrastructure in Glasgow. (S4O-05637)
The Scottish Government is delivering over £2 billion of investment in transport infrastructure in and around Glasgow, including completion of the motorway network, improvements to journey times by rail between Glasgow and Edinburgh and investment in the Glasgow subway, fastlink and the Glasgow and wider area city deal.
What economic benefits does the Scottish Government anticipate for Glasgow as a result of that substantial investment in the city’s infrastructure?
The infrastructure investment is all about supporting sustainable economic growth through better connectivity, improved journey times and enhanced public transport, which has to be good for business, for employment opportunities, for education and for healthcare. It is delivering economic recovery and improving the infrastructure of our region and our nation.
Procurement (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises)
To ask the Scottish Government how its procurement processes encourage the use of local small and medium-sized enterprises. (S4O-05638)
The Scottish Government will introduce legislation in June this year that will require public bodies, when buying goods or services over £50,000 or when involved in construction-type contracts over £2 million, to conduct the procurement exercise with a view to involving SMEs, the third sector and supported businesses in the process.
That legislation will also require public bodies to advertise such contract opportunities on the public contracts Scotland website, thereby increasing the visibility of such opportunities. The PCS website allows main contractors on public sector contracts to advertise sub-contracting opportunities, thereby giving smaller firms the chance to bid for contracts further down the supply chain. When a main contractor is appointed to manage a project, it is able to use the service to identify local suppliers, as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to create a more sustainable supply chain for public sector contracts.
I was impressed by a recent meeting with Scotland Excel—which last night won a procurement innovation award. However, I wonder whether there is a lack of understanding in public bodies about how local enterprise can be used to the advantage of companies, local authorities and the local area in general. Could the Scottish Government take that point on board and issue some clear guidance about how we can promote local companies in their local communities?
In my first answer, I tried to explain how, from the other side, SMEs are being helped to access opportunities. However, Linda Fabiani is right to point out how we can emphasise the benefits of using local SMEs. Of course, local authorities are responsible for their individual procurement decisions, and the Government has committed to ensuring that Scottish SMEs get a fair opportunity. We have also developed a suite of tools to improve and standardise the public procurement process, and to support SME access. We are currently working with a supplier development programme to improve opportunities for SMEs.
Statutory guidance on the sustainable procurement duty, which is particularly relevant to the point that Linda Fabiani raised in her supplementary question, will be published shortly. That will build on the range of tools and support that are available to encourage all public bodies to make contracts accessible, and it will help to emphasise the extent to which employing local companies benefits the local economy.
Infrastructure Improvements (North of Aberdeen)
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to make infrastructure improvements north of Aberdeen. (S4O-05639)
The completion of the Aberdeen western peripheral route and Balmedie to Tipperty scheme will provide a dual carriageway to Ellon, and provide significant travel benefits to communities and businesses north of Aberdeen, in the next few years. The transport needs of the corridor north of Aberdeen will be considered further as part of the work that is associated with the Aberdeen city region deal, which I announced in January. The AWPR and Balmedie to Tipperty scheme is expected to be open in winter 2017, with the Balmedie to Tipperty section scheduled to open in spring 2017.
The cabinet secretary will be aware that Transport Scotland has supported the north-east of Scotland transport partnership in progressing the Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and Peterhead multimodal study, which is important work to establish the best option for improving connectivity between the key ports in the north to the city of Aberdeen and beyond. What assurances can the minister give that he will work with the city and shire councils and Nestrans to deliver the outcome of that multimodal study?
On 28 January, I announced the city deal, plus additional investment from the Scottish Government, which comes to a combined total of £554 million, which will improve infrastructure and housing, and support jobs in the north-east. [Keith Brown has corrected this contribution. See end of report.] As Alison McInnes suggests, part of that commitment included a transport appraisal project that will take a long-term strategic view across all modes and transport needs of the area north of Aberdeen, and the study will be considered in that context. The transport needs will be considered as part of the city deal transport appraisal, and the emerging outcomes of the Nestrans initial appraisal work will be reviewed in that context.
I could also mention other investment—for example, the £170 million investment in the railway from Aberdeen to Inverness and, of course, the £3 billion-plus project to dual the A96. A huge amount of work is going on in the north-east just now.
The minister might be aware of the “Why stop at Ellon?” campaign, which is trying to make the case for dualling the road north of Ellon to Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Is there any prospect that the minister might consider that idea outwith the multimodal study that has been described?
I am aware of that campaign. Consideration of that project would have to be in relation to the transport project appraisal that is being undertaken.
Stirling Railway Station
To ask the Scottish Government what improvements have been made at Stirling railway station to improve the experience for passengers. (S4O-05640)
Stirling station has received significant investment in passenger facilities over the past few years. That investment has delivered full refurbishment of the ticket office, new ticket counters, automatic doors at the waiting areas, automatic ticket gates, two ticket machines, platform resurfacing and new customer information screens.
With its attractive layout and excellent backdrop, Stirling was chosen as the venue to mark the beginning of the new ScotRail franchise in April 2015.
I feel totally spoiled by the minister’s answer. Will he please confirm that he is aware that individuals who have a mobility disability can face difficulties accessing some platforms at Stirling station? Will he tell me whether Stirling Council has ever made a bid to the Scottish stations fund to improve disability access at Stirling station? Does he agree that it is, given the huge importance of tourism to the Stirling economy, important that left-luggage facilities be introduced at the station, and will he encourage Network Rail to introduce such facilities at the earliest possible date—to spoil me even more?
That was more than one question. Minister.
I will be brief, Presiding Officer.
The left-luggage issue is a commercial decision for Abellio. I would encourage having left-luggage facilities, because it would make commercial sense to have them, with Stirling being the tourist destination that it is.
I am aware of the accessibility issues. United Kingdom accessibility funds are involved, to an extent. We have not received a bid to the Scottish stations fund. I would welcome such a bid because of Stirling station’s issue with disabled access. I have been working on that, as has Keith Brown, and we will continue to do so.
Prestwick Airport (Railway Station)
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Network Rail regarding the upgrading of the railway station at Prestwick airport. (S4O-05641)
The Scottish Government has not had any recent discussions with Network Rail regarding the upgrading of the railway station at Prestwick airport, but Transport Scotland officials met the owner on 9 February. Any potential upgrades to the station are the responsibility of the owner, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which operates on a wholly commercial basis and at arm’s length from the Scottish Government.
Three years ago a full development plan of £4.2 million was produced by Network Rail in concert with the owner. The report anticipated bringing the existing railhead up to a standard that is expected by tourists. It may be in a locked cabinet somewhere. Will the cabinet secretary ask Network Rail to resurrect it?
I refer the member to the part of my first answer that explained where the responsibility lies. The 2013 Network Rail report to which he refers indicated that it would cost between £4 million and £5 million to bring the station up to the standard required of an international gateway. I repeat the point that any future investment will be considered by the business.
I know that the member is regularly involved in discussions with Prestwick airport. Investment in the station will be considered alongside other investment demands across the Prestwick airport estate.
Forth Road Bridge Closure (Effect on Road Condition)
To ask the Scottish Government how the Forth road bridge closure has affected the condition of roads on diversionary routes. (S4O-05642)
Where possible, Transport Scotland kept diverted traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, on the trunk road network to avoid disruption on local roads. For example, we utilised the prearranged standard incident diversion route for the Forth road bridge, using the M9, M876, A876 and A985.
To keep the diversion route running freely, Transport Scotland completed additional pavement inspections during the bridge closure. Any perceived accelerated deterioration will be taken into account when planned remedial works and reconstruction schemes for those routes are decided in the coming months and years.
The maintenance and management of local roads is the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. The Scottish Government greatly appreciates their efforts during the closure period.
Can the minister tell me whether the assessment of the trunk road network has flagged up any issues related to the higher than normal volume of traffic, especially during the extended period when HGVs were using the routes? Have local authorities made any claims in relation to additional damage to the road networks that they are responsible for? Does the minister have an indication of the cost to central and local government of the diversions that were in place?
I assume that the question is really about the condition of the carriageways. I do not have that level of detail on accelerated deterioration, but the general wear and tear would have increased as the roads were potentially more heavily used by HGVs.
I am not aware of any detailed claim from a local authority, but there has been engagement with the business sector, local authorities, communities and others following the issues around the Forth road bridge. As regards future investment decisions, as I said earlier, roads are inspected and remedial works and reconstruction are programmed on the basis of need. It is on that basis that we will proceed.
Active Travel
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to increase active travel. (S4O-05643)
We are increasing our investment in active travel, with the annual budget for walking and cycling in 2015-16 at record levels and 70 per cent higher than in 2013-14. The funding has helped to deliver 330 miles of new paths, with a further 95 miles being upgraded or resurfaced, between April 2011 and April 2015. In addition, 40.1 per cent of schools now offer bikeability Scotland on-road cycle training, which is up from 31.5 per cent in 2010.
Scottish Canals is currently upgrading towpaths across Scotland, including the path on the Union canal in my constituency between Ratho and Hermiston, which will benefit walkers and cyclists. Does the minister agree that such investment is desirable, not only in reducing carbon emissions but in improving health, fitness and wellbeing?
Yes, I entirely agree with Mr MacDonald. As it happens, I started off the ministerial week with a visit to a canal, looking at regeneration opportunities and investment. Such investment is good for healthier lifestyles, for the environment and for economic opportunities, so I absolutely concur with what Mr MacDonald has said. I think that Scottish Canals is doing a good job with the settlement and the resources that it has.
Lifeline Ferry Services (Clyde and Hebrides)
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the RMT union-commissioned report, “The Economic Benefits of Public Sector Ferry Provision”, on lifeline ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides. (S4O-05644)
The Scottish Government fully recognises that Scotland’s ferry services provide economic benefits to our island communities. We are fully committed to the continued delivery of safe, reliable, publicly owned ferry services, as evidenced by the record £1 billion investment in those services, vessels and ports since 2007.
I point the minister to the report’s conclusion, which suggested how damaging the privatisation of the ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides would be should the tender process go to Serco.
Is the minister also aware that, prior to the Scottish Government overturning North Lanarkshire Council’s decision to reject the planning development proposed by Peter D Stirling Ltd in my constituency, Transport Scotland officials had approached a freight transport company in my constituency to encourage it to speak to that developer before it had been given planning permission in order to take advantage of the potential privatisation of the Hebrides ferry services, pushing it towards Serco?
How could Transport Scotland officials talk to a private company and advise it to speak to another private company to take advantage of a decision that has not yet been made?
I have no direct knowledge of the secondary issue that the member raises. However, I have deep concerns about the accusation that has been made about Transport Scotland officials—very deep concerns indeed.
On the ferry services issue, this Government has invested substantially in ferries, including the procurement of two new ferries that will be built in Scotland at Ferguson’s shipyard. However, when it comes to the tender process, Mr McMahon of all people is well aware that the previous Executive undertook a tender process—in fact, I am fairly sure that Mr McMahon said that not to undertake that process would have been dangerous and risky in itself and would put the services at risk.
We are not putting the services at risk. The vessels will stay publicly owned, we will continue to set the fares and the timetables, and we will continue to invest in the ferry services of Scotland. We will comply with the law.
I think that the people of the islands know that, when it comes to the islands, this Government has delivered on ferries, on the road equivalent tariff, on enhancements to aviation and on a whole range of areas. We will continue to deliver for the public services of our island communities.
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