Chamber and committees

The development of new vessels is led by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, Transport Scotland and the relevant operator. CMAL appoints naval architects and technical consultants to advise on design, safety, classification and route-specific issues. Various hull forms, propulsion options, fuel types and on-board arrangements are assessed. That includes opportunities for input from community voices and other stakeholders.

CMAL is aiming towards more standardised specifications as it continues to deliver significant vessel investments in the coming years. The four Islay class vessels under construction and the on-going work to develop the small vessel replacement programme are significant steps towards achieving that.

I am aware that some people have suggested that the Government and CMAL in particular have a predisposition against the use of catamarans. I want to make it clear that that is not the case. As stated, CMAL and Transport Scotland are looking for the delivery of the most efficient and economic vessels that will reliably provide a service on the routes that they serve. The minister for transport will update members further on future vessel contracts when that is possible.

The member’s arguments are the reason why the Scottish Government is supportive of the proposals for a station. Additional communities have been reconnected to the rail network, with stations at Conon Bridge, Robroyston, Kintore, Reston and Inverness airport, and, over the next two years, new stations at East Linton, Cameron Bridge and Leven will open. That is a clear demonstration of the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland’s commitments to reconnecting as many communities as possible to the rail network; that includes newly growing communities, such as Winchburgh.

I thank Siobhian Brown for raising the experiences that her constituent and other people across Scotland have been having. Bus travel should, of course, be accessible for all. I agree very strongly that accessible audio and visual information should be provided on bus routes. However, powers relating to accessible information on bus routes are reserved to the United Kingdom Government. It used the Bus Services Act 2017 to amend the Equality Act 2010 to require operators to provide audio and visual information on bus services across Great Britain.

In 2018, the UK Government consulted on proposals to improve information for bus passengers. My colleague Michael Matheson, who, at the time, was Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, responded to that consultation. Given the importance of ensuring that clear and consistent information is provided to all bus users, it is disappointing that the UK Government’s proposed legislation has still to be introduced. However, I noticed that the Department for Transport confirmed in a written answer earlier this year that it intends to introduce regulations that will

“require the provision of audible and visible information on local bus and coach services across Great Britain”.

Transport Scotland officials continue to engage with UK Government counterparts on the issue.

The core answer in relation to all areas is that the opportunities exist for local and regional projects to come forward. Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government’s officials are keen to engage with any constructive proposals, and I am sure that the new transport minister will respond to all members who have expressed an interest in that as soon as possible.

As I said in my first answer, the development of new vessels is led by CMAL as well as Transport Scotland and the relevant operators. There is considerable debate about, and a number of factors need to be considered in relation to, the standardisation of specifications. For example, CalMac is already considering the debate about live-ashore and live-aboard models, which is one of a number of factors that are under active consideration.

I hope that the member will acknowledge that the new transport minister, once they are appointed, will be the person to engage with on some of the specific issues that she has raised.

Emma Harper, too, will want to engage with the new transport minister. I hope that members understand that, in today’s context, I am not able to necessarily give as detailed an answer as the transport minister would be able to give.

Of the 45 STPR2 recommendations, 34 are applicable to South Scotland, which include a range of port improvements as well as the existing rail infrastructure and improvements to roads that are focused on safety, resilience, reliability and climate change adaptation.

I am certain that the Government as a whole, as well as the new transport minister, will be keen to listen to community groups that come forward with proposals as well as the views of the relevant local authorities.

Emma Roddick is right to welcome the fact that the charter is now in place. The primary focus will be to support resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides network, which should help to mitigate the impact of disruption or where islands are reduced to a single-vessel service.

Berthing trials will be completed before the vessel enters service to confirm the routes on which it can operate, with likely deployment on Arran and Islay routes. CalMac will engage with network community representatives over the next few weeks to discuss deployment options to support resilience across the network.

I have just explained to members that work will be on-going with community representatives to identify where the additional capacity will be deployed. I suspect that most people who rely on the service will be glad that it is there.