Chamber and committees

CalMac is currently engaged with an external consultancy to provide independent analysis on the use of LNG vs MGO by MV Glen Sannox. This report is due to be finalised by the end of August. Early results confirm the volumes of CO2 produced during dual-fuel use are lower than if MGO is used as a primary fuel source. CalMac records monthly emissions of CO2 across the fleet as per their reporting obligations. However, like-for-like emission comparison between vessels is challenging due to varied vessel designs and cargo carrying capacity.

While CalMac continue to monitor the performance of new and older vessels, a direct comparison is not available at this time. This is due to MV Glen Sannox operating on different routes/timetables compared to existing vessels while actions are progressed to enable the redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour.

The Scottish Government launched the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme within a matter of weeks in response to the spiralling prices caused by the Iran conflict and wider instability undermining energy security across Europe.

As at the end of 26 July 2026, 3,418 households have met the eligibility requirements, with the first payments being made within 24 hours of the Scheme launching on 1 April 2026.

Each award is for £300 and therefore £1,024,500 has been paid out thus far to ensure the most vulnerable households are supported during the cost of living crisis, which includes households on means-tested benefits but also those in financial hardship and at risk of self-rationing fuel who have unavoidable heating needs.

The Scottish Government continues to prioritise delivery of the Scottish Marine Recovery Fund (MRF) and is undertaking thorough due diligence to ensure the fund is lawfully constituted, financially sustainable, and operationally deliverable.

The Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy is expected to be adopted in Summer 2026.

Significant progress has already been made since our consultation on the draft Plan last year, including completion of the Appropriate Assessment, consultation with Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, and ongoing work to identify compensatory measures for seabird impacts.

The remaining work relates primarily to finalisation of the Plan and its associated impact assessments including Habitats Regulations Appraisal processes. These documents are currently being finalised and will be submitted for Ministerial consideration in the coming weeks. This includes consideration by UK Ministers.

Subject to Ministerial approval, the Plan will be adopted and all supporting documents will be published.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the offshore wind opportunity for Scotland is realised, maximising economic growth and creating well-paid jobs in communities across Scotland.

Including the Scottish National Investment Bank's investment in the Port of Ardersier, more than £150 million has been invested in projects to strengthen port infrastructure and supply chain capability. This is leveraging up to £675 million in private investment and £70 million from UK public finance institutions into projects that have the potential to support up to 5,000 jobs.

A list of announced investments can be found on the Scottish Government website.

The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme was announced and arrangements put into place in the lead up to the pre-election period of the Scottish Parliament Election of 7 May 2026.

The Scheme launched on 1 April and has been managed by Advice Direct Scotland (ADS). Details of the eligibility criteria and the application process have been made available on the ADS website since the launch of the Scheme. Additionally, ADS have utilised the heating oil and liquid petroleum gas supplier network and have contacted over 1,600 third sector organisations to raise awareness of the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme.

ADS are also assisting individuals with any queries that they may have on the Scheme or in making an application and I thank them for their on-going work.

Due to the pre-election period, the Scottish Government was limited in what could be done to promote the Scheme; we are now increasing awareness and will continue to use various channels to reach those households most in need.

My officials monitor the scheme on an on-going basis. As part of this, consideration is given to any adaptations that can be made.

The Scheme’s outcomes and performance will be assessed following its closure.

The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme launched on 1 April, with up to £10 million being made available to ensure those households who are most vulnerable would receive support. This includes those households on means-tested benefits but also those in financial hardship and at risk of self-rationing fuel who have unavoidable heating needs.

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) deliver the scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government. ADS draw-down funds when required to make payments to the eligible household’s chosen supplier. Within the terms of the grant, there is a claw-back option for any unspent funds.

The scheme is currently operational, with my officials providing advice regularly on performance, including current and projected spending, and on future operational requirements.

The Scottish Government has not identified any Barnett consequential funding specifically linked to the introduction of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund in England.

Under the Barnett formula, changes to the Scottish Government’s funding are calculated at the level of overall UK Government departmental spending, rather than individual programmes or schemes. UK Government ministers have confirmed that the funding for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund is included within the wider Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) settlement, and that Barnett consequentials are applied to the total departmental allocation rather than to specific funding lines.

Decisions on how to allocate funding received through the block grant are a matter for the Scottish Government, in line with devolved responsibilities.

The final decision to end the UK-wide scheme was also only confirmed to the Scottish Government after the 2026-27 Scottish Budget was set, further limiting Scottish Ministers' options. However, Ministers will continue to seek options.

All consenting decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in line with the planning, consenting and assessment framework available at the time. No delays to individual project determinations have occurred because of the development timeline of the Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, which remains on track for adoption in Summer 2026. Due to the conclusions of the plan-level Appropriate Assessment, adoption of the Updated Sectoral Marine Plan is contingent on UK Ministerial agreement.