Chamber and committees

Due to operational requirements and network-wide pressures at that time, CalMac decided not to re-gas MV Glen Sannox with Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), as doing so would have delayed the vessel’s return to service.

Rent Control Assessments & Periodic Reports - Guidance for Local Authorities was issued to local authorities on 7 October and published on the Scottish Government website on 22 October 2026. The guidance can be found at the following link https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807756796

Franchising is a valuable tool for local transport authorities like Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to improve local services and I know that SPT has commenced work on developing their franchising proposals. That is why, we have committed to invest £4 million to support SPT and other local transport authorities to develop business cases for local bus improvements through franchising. Discussions with stakeholders on the design and implementation of the fund are ongoing.

The terms and conditions of the furlough subsidy are commercially sensitive legal documents.

On 8th January 2026 CalMac staff attended an in-person meeting with Campbeltown Ferry Committee when the Ferry service was discussed and it was noted that a 2027 service would be looked at in the context of network-wide vessel deployment. There were also several exchanges on the subject between CalMac staff and Cllr John Armour - a member of the Ferry Committee, during August and September 2026.

The Scottish Government does not hold this or any similar type of financial information for Campbeltown as this port/harbour is the responsibility of Argyll & Bute Council.

There are no plans to commission an independent review on these funding schemes.

Transport Scotland has had a number of discussions on the Campbeltown service with CalMac and CMAL, over a number of years. We have no record of an overall number of such conversations.

The proposed NHS Scotland restructuring work is currently in the design phase and will be developed in partnership with stakeholders and the public, with a strong focus on the needs of rural and island communities. Detailed impact assessment will be undertaken as part of the programme's next phase.

The changes to the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme are a direct consequence of the UK Government’s decision to remove tax exemptions from the Motability Scheme in its November 2025 Budget. The Scottish Government was not consulted on the UK Government’s tax changes, despite the clear and significant implications for Scottish customers.

The Scottish Government worked with Motability to understand how its proposed changes might affect customers in Scotland, with a focus on those living in rural and remote communities. As a result, Motability agreed to provide additional mileage to customers living in certain very rural and island communities.

The changes to the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme are a direct consequence of the UK Government’s decision to remove tax exemptions from the Motability Scheme in its November 2025 Budget. The Scottish Government was not consulted on the UK Government’s tax changes, despite the clear and significant implications for Scottish customers.

The Scottish Government worked with Motability to understand how its proposed changes might affect customers in Scotland, with a focus on those living in rural and remote communities. As a result of Scottish Government engagement, Motability has committed to providing an additional automatic 3,000 miles per year mileage allowance to customers living in very rural and island communities, both in Scotland and the rest of the UK. This support recognises that customers living in these communities often have to drive further to access key services.