Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government is aware of the unique challenges facing those who live, work and do business in Scotland’s remote and island communities. That is why we continue to support and improve ferry services to those communities. Transport Scotland meets regularly with CalMac to discuss a range of issues under the terms of the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and CalMac. CalMac has been in discussion with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for a number of months with regards to the fitting of a suitable secure petrol can stowage facility onboard the MV Loch Striven. This design was approved by the MCA on 19 June 2015 and fitted on 22 June 2015. This will allow Lismore residents to transport petrol safely on the MV Loch Striven in line with the previous practice on the MV Eigg as soon as the final installation is approved by the MCA which is anticipated shortly.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26188 on 6 July 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The 15 ports under consideration are as follows:

Ardrossan

Brodick*

Castlebay

Coll

Craignure

Gourock

Lochboisdale

Lochmaddy

Oban Number 1 berth*

Oban Number 2 berth

Stornoway

Tarbert

Tiree

Uig

Ullapool

*After planned works

The targeted carrying capacity of the proposed vessels was outlined by CalMac Ferries Limited on the basis of an analysis of forecast demand. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s invitation to tender requires a vessel design that can accommodate these capacities within the length, breadth and draft restrictions on a number of routes.

The various shipyard designs submitted in response are being evaluated.

The vessels specified cannot be described as “very long” when compared to existing CalMac vessels.

CalMac Ferries Ltd has requested that the new vessels operate initially on Uig Triangle (Uig to Tarbert to Lochmaddy) and to Arran (Ardrossan to Brodick).

Tenderers were required in preparing their bids to consider the reliability required of a lifeline vessel in terms of sea keeping, manoeuvring, mechanical redundancy and machinery availability and also the environmental benefits these vessels are aiming to achieve through careful design, maximising efficiencies, new technologies and innovations. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd is scrutinising, clarifying and evaluating the bids submitted to ensure that the optimum design specification including new technologies and innovations are incorporated to maximise the vessel effectiveness and efficiency.

Emissions are directly related to fuel consumption for the same type of fuel. For example, a 20% reduction in fuel consumption will result in a 20% reduction of CO2, SOx, NOx and particulate matter. An important element to drive down direct operating costs relates to the fuel consumption. Consequently, a key aspect of the vessel design is reducing fuel consumption and emission levels through use of new technologies and innovations.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-26188 on 6 July 2015. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

All objections to the Argyll and Bute Council Core Paths Plan were considered by reporters from the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, who investigated the circumstances surrounding the objections and made recommendations to Scottish Ministers.

The recommendation in respect of Core Path C223 was accepted by Scottish Ministers who, under the powers in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 section 18(7), have directed Argyll and Bute Council to adopt their core paths plan. The Core Path C223 is also an agreed timber haulage route and, in recognition of this, the direction letter asks the council to ensure that there is information and signage both for vehicle drivers and path users, and that the situation is monitored.

<>I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-25965 on 17 June 2015 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The Scottish Government recognises the difficulties on some islands and remote rural areas if there is not a local Justice of the Peace available to sign affidavits. Affidavits can also be signed by notary publics, although there may be a charge for this.

The transportation of petrol by CalMac on the Lismore ferry service is subject to the requirements of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods legislation. Roadtankers carrying up to 12000 litres of petrol are able to travel on the MV Loch Striven which operates the service.