Chamber and committees

I thank Mr Kerr for his further question and I recognise the points that he raises about the importance of connectivity, particularly around bus travel, and the need for affordable rural bus fares across the country. That is important, which is why it is reflected in our commitment to extend across the whole of Scotland the £2 fare cap pilot that is currently in operation in the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and Shetland Transport Partnership areas.

The Scottish Government is always open to learning from best practice internationally. Daniel Johnson is absolutely right to highlight the importance of cost effectiveness, but that has to be balanced with ensuring that the project can be delivered in a way that is cognisant of market capacity and ensures a minimum amount of disruption for road users. That balance is reflected in the process that the Scottish Government has undertaken.

The Scottish Government remains committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035. The programme is estimated to cost £3.97 billion at April 2025 prices. When adjusted for inflation, that is broadly similar to the £3.7 billion at April 2023 prices that was reported in December 2023 and below the original estimate of £3 billion at 2008 prices. The 2026 delivery plan will see the proportion of dual carriageway between Perth and Inverness increase to 50 per cent by the end of 2030, 67 per cent by the end of 2032, 91 per cent by the end of 2034, and 100 per cent by the end of 2035.

Although the Scottish Government is supportive of direct ferry services to Europe, decisions on the introduction of an international ferry service and the timing of that introduction are considerations for the commercial ferry operator and relevant port authorities. The Scottish Government has received an application for funding through the waterborne freight grant scheme, which is currently being assessed.

The Scottish Government also amended the minimum requirements for the location of a border control post through the Official Controls (Location of Border Control Posts) (Scotland) Regulations 2026. That amendment provides flexibility for border control post requirements within green freeport zones.

I want to assure the member that we greatly value the interest shown from business in the Government’s commitment to support the funding of ferry services from Scotland to Europe. That is particularly timely as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, which has led to significant economic harm for Scotland and the wider UK. It is my hope that, by strengthening our connectivity with European neighbours, we will be able to renew our relationships again.

As for the question posed, I confirm to the member that work is continuing to assess the various options that are available to deliver that funding. We will work constructively with all interested parties regarding the introduction of an international ferry service.

I assure Ms Baillie of the Government’s commitment to that work, but, as she fully appreciates, budgets are ultimately determined through a parliamentary process. However, as with our commitments on the A9 dualling, we recognise the significant disruption that is caused when there are landslips on the A83, and I hope that Parliament will back us through the budgetary process to ensure that that capital investment can be delivered. We are committed to continued engagement.

On the specific points regarding alternative approaches, I will ask the cabinet secretary to update the member in writing.

The Scottish Government is delivering a range of measures in the short, medium and long term to reduce the risk of impact of landslides on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.

Following the publication of draft orders, Transport Scotland continues to progress the proposed medium-term solution through the statutory authorisation process. Construction of the medium-term solution can only commence if approved under the relevant statutory authorisation process. Thereafter, a timetable for construction can be determined.

I recognise the amount of work that Jenni Minto has undertaken to represent the interests of her constituents on the issue of the Rest and Be Thankful, and I thank her for raising awareness of those specific concerns.

I am aware that the cabinet secretary has received correspondence from the campaign group that outlines its views on a permanent solution to the landslip challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful. I reassure the member and Parliament that the Government will carefully consider that correspondence and is committed to building on the positive engagement that has been undertaken to date with the campaign group through the A83 task force.

The Government is committed to ensuring that all parts of Scotland are fully supported with regard to their connectivity, recognising the vital importance of effective, sustainable connectivity to economic growth and development. I am deeply committed to that through my ongoing engagement with South of Scotland Enterprise.

With regard to the specific points that have been raised in the question, ScotRail reviews its services regularly to ensure that they meet passenger demand and, wherever possible, adjusts its services accordingly. We are committed to improving services for passengers in Scotland, which is reflected in our sustained investment. I recognise the specific points that Ms Hagmann raises and I will ask officials to pass them on to the cabinet secretary.

I highlight that the commitment in Aberdeen was a manifesto commitment—I want to put that on the record to avoid any dubiety or misunderstandings that members may innocently stray into.

However, I welcome the member’s question, which recognises the importance of the People’s Palace and winter gardens, and the fact that it is cherished by many, not only across the east end of Glasgow but across Scotland. Indeed, many members in the chamber will have childhood memories of visiting it, perhaps as part of a school outing.

The member’s two central points were about the funding that the Scottish Government will bring forward and the securing of ongoing community engagement. I want to be clear that the work must be community led—I sought to reflect that in my statement. I want to ensure that the work of the partnership group that we bring together complements that engagement and provides national support for something that is community led. I am open to all suggestions from members to ensure that the voices of communities are heard. Too often, communities, particularly those in places such as the east end of Glasgow, had things done to them, not with them. This is their People’s Palace, and I want to make sure that their voices are not just heard but integral to what comes next.

With regard to funding, there have been challenges, which have been recognised and covered in the media. I want us to sit down and work with a range of partners, recognising that there are many shared interests and funders, to identify an appropriate funding package to make sure that that work can be delivered. With regard to the commitment from the Scottish Government, I will endeavour to keep Parliament up to date.