Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 23 March 2022
23 Mar 2022 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Ferries
I want to make progress.
The purchase of the additional vessel secures an island-focused year-round timetable, as was requested by the Mull community. It also frees up other vessels that can improve services to Skye and South Uist. The actions have been welcomed by local communities.
CMAL, Transport Scotland and CalMac continue to work with communities and key stakeholders across the network to develop the required projects to a point at which they are ready for investment.
I recognise that we have been criticised for not engaging early enough with communities on such decisions. I hope that the work that I have described demonstrates that we have made significant improvements to our approach—a point that the ferries community board noted with reference to the Islay vessel experience.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-03712, in the name of Graham Simpson, on Scotland’s ferries. 15:25
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Con)
Con
When the then Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee published its report on the construction and procurement of ferries in Scotland in December 2020, it c...
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP)
SNP
Did the Conservative Party oppose the awarding of that contract to Ferguson Marine at the time?
Graham Simpson
Con
I say to Mr Gibson that ministers should listen to the experts. Perhaps if they had listened, we would not be in this mess, and we would not now be ordering ...
Stuart McMillan (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP)
SNP
Will Graham Simpson take an intervention on that point?
Graham Simpson
Con
No. There was then the £45 million loan to FMEL; we do not know what good that did. As things went belly up, the Government decided to nationalise the yard,...
Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con)
Con
Does Graham Simpson believe that the issue could be contributing to island depopulation?
Graham Simpson
Con
I just said that. People are now thinking of giving up island life altogether. That is tragic. I will end with a personal testimony from a lady on an island...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I call Jenny Gilruth to speak to and move amendment S6M-03712.2. 15:36
The Minister for Transport (Jenny Gilruth)
SNP
I thank Graham Simpson for securing this important debate on Scotland’s ferries, which is timely, given the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy’s s...
Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
When will the “Project Neptune” report be released?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I will come to that shortly. I have already given Mr Simpson an assurance that it will be published in due course. Although I note the undeniable challenges...
Dr Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP)
SNP
I appreciate the tone of much of what the minister has said about accepting the need for more responsiveness on the part of CalMac and CMAL. Does she agree t...
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I recognise Dr Allan’s interest in the matter, given his constituency. I am broadly sympathetic to his suggestion, but I do not want to make a decision on it...
Graham Simpson
Con
Will the minister give way?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I want to make progress, but I will give way to Mr Simpson.
Graham Simpson
Con
I am grateful. Does the minister recognise concerns that £580 million is nowhere near enough and that the budget needs to be at least doubled?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I recognise what Mr Simpson argues for. I also note that the Conservatives voted against the Scottish Government budget, which increased funding for our ferr...
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Will the minister take an intervention?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I want to make progress, if Mr Bibby would allow me to do so. The investment will enable delivery of improved infrastructure, including three ports on the S...
Jamie Halcro Johnston (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
Will the minister take an intervention?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I want to make progress. The purchase of the additional vessel secures an island-focused year-round timetable, as was requested by the Mull community. It al...
Jamie Halcro Johnston
Con
Will the minister take an intervention on that point?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I would like to make progress. Since 2007, our investment in ferry services has exceeded £2 billion, to provide new vessels and improved infrastructure and ...
Neil Bibby
Lab
Will the minister take an intervention on that point?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I would like to make some progress. Discussions took place this morning with stakeholders from both networks. I again wish to provide the Opposition with an...
Jamie Halcro Johnston
Con
Will the minister give way?
Jenny Gilruth
SNP
I am aware of the time—I think that I have 10 seconds left. That discussion could better ensure a collaborative approach, going forward. I assured Mr Kerr ...
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
At the outset, I welcome the Scottish Government’s reference in its amendment to the situation at P&O Ferries. Labour MSPs, whether here in Parliament to...
Willie Rennie (North East Fife) (LD)
LD
The ferries fiasco is a national embarrassment of the SNP’s making. The ferries are four years late and after today will be five years late, at two and a hal...