Chamber and committees

I do not recognise this characterisation of the relationship among the parties with an interest in aquaculture and it is an unhelpful misrepresentation of the many ways in which key partners, including government, interact. However, there are always ways in which governments should consider generally how to improve, augment and embed constructive relationships. Accordingly, in June 2022 I established and chair the Scottish Aquaculture Council. The Council has met on four occasions to date and brings together senior representation from the aquaculture sector, wider government, regulators and other key organisations with a remit to collaborate and advise Scottish Ministers in helping deliver the Government’s aspirations for the sector.

This forum is enabling constructive discussions around key developments. Advice provided by the Council has already helped inform the development of the content and approach of our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture. The Consenting Task Group is enabling finfish sector, regulators and other stakeholders to work together, resulting in a pilot proposal for a new pre-application fish farm consenting process.

The Advisory Panel has served as a forum for interested parties to share their thoughts on, and priorities for, the refinement and improvement of the regulatory framework for marine finfish farms that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) implemented in June 2019.

The associated agenda, minutes and terms of reference for the Finfish Aquaculture Advisory Panel can be accessed on SEPA’s website at: Finfish Aquaculture Advisory Panel | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) .

Whilst we do not currently have plans to introduce a single accreditation scheme for salmon farming in Scotland, we take into account accreditation schemes when considering regulatory change. The Scottish Government recognises the role accreditation plays in driving innovation and improved practice, as well as providing retailers and consumers with confidence.

I wrote to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade in November 2023 welcoming the UK Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan, and to offer the Scottish Government’s commitment to work collectively to deliver on the key elements of direct relevance to Scotland. The Advanced Manufacturing Plan will be supported by the Green Industries Growth Accelerator fund.

Details of the precise delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan and Green Industries Growth Accelerator are yet to be finalised. The Scottish Government will continue to offer support to the UK Government at official and Ministerial level, ensuring that opportunities within Scotland are maximised.

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme is complex. Costs, delivery timescales and funding profiles evolve as details develop through the ongoing outline business case process. The re-profiling of budget from 2023-24 will not impact on the timelines for delivery as set out in recent public engagement events. The first vessel is currently expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2026 with further vessels at four to six month intervals thereafter until 2028.

To date there have been two call-off contracts under the Multiple Supplier Framework Agreement for Maritime Consultancy Services. They have a combined total value of £82,170.

As transport is a devolved matter there is no formal requirement for Scottish Government to discuss the next contract for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service with representatives of the UK Government. Transport Scotland officials do, however, have regular discussions with UK Government Department for Transport officials regarding a number of maritime issues.

The Scottish Government’s position is that lifeline ferry services are classed as Services of Public Economic Interest under the UK Subsidy Control Act.

There are currently seven members of staff in the Scottish Government subsidy control team.

Transport Scotland are working closely with specialist commercial and technical advisors, Turner and Townsend, to progress development of the next Clyde and Hebrides (CHFS) contract specification. Alongside other internal and external specialists, and together with ongoing community and other key stakeholder engagement, this work will continue throughout the due diligence exercise to confirm the most effective, efficient and affordable approach delivering the CHFS network.