Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to improving, decarbonising and modernising the small ferry fleet and better meeting the needs of island residents, businesses and communities. After careful consideration of the SVRP Phase 1 outline business case and procurement options, I can announce that a competitive process will begin today (Tuesday 16 July) to secure delivery of seven new electric vessels for our small vessels fleet. This will be progressed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited as the procuring authority. It is expected that the relevant processes will be completed in around eight months, at which point a contract can then be awarded. I will provide further updates to Parliament at key stages of the procurement process.

The Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) provides a total of at least £65 million for nature restoration projects led from communities across Scotland over this parliament. Financial decisions beyond that time will be announced as part of the annual budget process in the next parliament.

The Scottish Government is committed to measures which deliver an available, affordable and accessible public transport system which enables people to make positive and proactive choices to use public transport. ScotRail continue to develop fares initiatives which can help attract more passengers, while offering savings and added value to existing rail users such as the recently extended ScotRail Peak Fares Removal Pilot.

The internal review is focused on the procedures and policies set out in the Chief Executive Framework section of the Public Sector Pay Policy Technical Guide for public bodies and government officials. The report is being finalised and Ministers have still to consider the recommendations, including any publication arrangements. Any agreed recommendations will be included in a renewed Chief Executive Framework.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The member may wish to contact ScotRail directly for this information.

The final evaluation report will be undertaken before the Pilot ends. The final report will include data on the time passengers are travelling, by location and by socioeconomic background.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The member may wish to contact ScotRail directly for this information.

The Scottish Government and partners continue to take a variety of steps to promote healthier food and diet, including an increase in plant-based meals. The 2021 Out of Home Action Plan (OOHAP) and the 2018 Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan underpin this approach.

Public Health Scotland’s pilot of the Eating Out Eating Well Framework (announced in the OOHAP) is supporting people and business to facilitate access to healthier and sustainable options including, for instance, suggesting businesses may want to display and promote vegan and vegetarian meal options, or switching high-fat dairy products to plant based ones.

The Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020 have strengthened the provision of balanced and nutritious food to children, including setting standards for the maximum amount of red and processed meat that can be provided to primary and secondary school children each week, in addition to setting standards on the provision of fruit and vegetables.

The Healthy Living Programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Grocer’s Federation is supporting over 2,400 convenience stores to provide affordable healthier food options, especially in lower income areas, including promotion of fruit and vegetables as recommended by the Eatwell Guide.

Our Parent Club website provides free advice on healthy eating, as well as recipe ideas to support individuals and families prepare healthy meals including how to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables, featuring a range of vegetarian options. In 2023-24, the recipe page had 326,979 visits.

The Fair Fares Review was undertaken to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the future long-term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available, and affordable for people throughout Scotland.

The review considered the current provision of concessionary travel schemes, including both the Young Persons’ Scheme and Older and Disabled Persons Scheme, which provide free bus travel and were established under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005.

The Fair Fares Review was published on 22 March 2024 and is available on the Transport Scotland website. Fair Fares Review | Transport Scotland .

The Fair Fares Review, which was undertaken to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the future long-term viability of a public transport system that is accessible, available, and affordable for people throughout Scotland, reviewed the current provision of concessionary travel schemes and reaffirmed our commitment to maintain existing eligibility to the National Concessionary Travel Schemes for those who currently benefit.

Whilst the Scottish Government has no plans to extend the existing National Concessionary Travel Schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 beyond the current eligibility criteria, the Review included a medium to long term recommended that further policy development be undertaken to consider better targeting of public funds towards supporting access to public transport for those who need it most, including consideration of concessionary travel support for those experiencing financial poverty.

The Fair Fares Review was published on 22 March 2024 and is available on the Transport Scotland website. Fair Fares Review | Transport Scotland .