Appendix 4 - Assessment Proforma

“Scotland’s ferry services, supported by other transport services, will be safe, reliable, affordable and inclusive for residents, businesses and visitors enabling connectivity, sustainability and growth of island and peninsula communities and populations”.

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

P

P

Safety, reliability, affordability, and inclusivity are the primary drivers for the ICP. These would overall improve connectivity, and support the development of a resilient transport network, as well as economic and population growth, ensuring access to essential services and reducing inequality– on this basis, there is potential for the ICP to have likely direct / indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets) and 9 (population and human health) in the long-term.

The Vision also specifically includes a desire to enable sustainability. However, this could be a reference to economic and social (population) sustainability as it makes no specific mention to the natural and historic environment.

The fact that the ICP will enable growth could suggest an increased uptake of ferry services by users, resulting in an increased number of people / vehicle / vessel traffic, which could have associated negative effects. However, through CNAs, and in response to actual needs identified for relevant communities, the ICP could also result in a reduction of people / vehicle / vessel traffic. Given the uncertainty on the practical implications of implementing the Vision, potential effects on SEA objectives 1-7 are rated as unknown.

The ICP has the potential to provide opportunities not only to protect, but to improve Scotland’s natural and historic environment. Proposed enhancement includes consider rewording the overall Vision and/or accompanying text, or adding new text elsewhere in the document, to include specific reference to the protection and enhancement of Scotland’s unique natural and historic environment when designing and implementing policies and actions that support the Vision, and clarify how the term ‘sustainability’ applies to the Vision.

1.1 Will provide reliable and resilient service

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

P

P

This Outcome focuses on the reliability (i.e. services with good performance and low risk of disruption, including under adverse weather conditions, and that run on time) and resilience (i.e. services with capacity to deal with, adapt to and recover from disruptions) of ferry services, which the SAP notes would potentially increase the number of services / vessel movements and increase the capacity of ferries for people and vehicles. Although not described under this Outcome, the SAP also makes reference to the potential for air services and fixed links to improve reliability and resilience of island transport connectivity.

By increasing the reliability and resilience of ferry services, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as this Outcome supports the development of a safe, reliable, and resilient transport network) and 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome ensures access to essential services, employment, tourism and recreational services; improves competitiveness, productivity, and investment for local businesses; and overall improves transport services and connectivity and sustainable economic development, including within the tourism sector) in the short, medium and long-term.

However, it is not clear whether increasing reliability and resilience may necessarily result in an increased number of vessel and vehicle movements across all services / routes, which shall be determined in CNAs separately. Accordingly, potential effects on SEA objectives 1-7 are rated as unknown.

Proposed enhancement includes considering adding reference to protection of the natural and historic environment that is relevant to SEA objectives 1-7 when designing and implementing policies and actions that support this Outcome; and consider rewording to ensure this Outcome is aligned with Outcome 1.2 (see below). Reference to a sustainable transport hierarchy in which active travel and integration with public transportation are prioritised over measures that support private vehicle uptake would also be beneficial to increase clarity on this Outcome.

1.2 Will get people and goods where they need to get to

P

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

P

This Outcome focuses on the effective integration between ferry services and other transport modes, which could result in time and cost savings to users, and improved accessibility, and promote active travel and public transportation uptake, potentially increasing the number of non-vehicle passengers and reducing the number of private vehicle journeys.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objective 1 (air quality, as this Outcome contributes to reducing the number of private vehicles using ferry services); By effectively integrating ferry services with other transport modes, there is potential for the ICP to also have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as this Outcome supports the efficient and sustainable use of infrastructure) and 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome overall improves transport services and connectivity) in the medium and long-term. Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

Proposed enhancement includes considering highlighting benefits from the effective integration of ferry services with other transport modes relevant to SEA objectives 1-7.

1.3 Will be transparent

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

This Outcome focuses on being transparent to society on decisions being made, allowing operators and businesses to align with government investment priorities and strengthening trust on decision-makers by the wider community.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome would improve investment opportunities / planning for local businesses) in the medium and long-term. Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

2

2.1 Will ensure that marginalised members of our communities have safe and fair access to ferry services they need

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

O

P

This Outcome focuses on reducing inequality, which would facilitate access to ferry services by marginalised members of communities.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome could support reducing disparities in poverty and social deprivation) in the medium and long-term.

However, it is not clear whether reducing inequality may necessarily result in an increased number of vessel and vehicle movements across all services / routes, which shall be determined in CNAs separately. Accordingly, potential effects on SEA objectives 1-7 are rated as unknown.

Through this Outcome, no potential effects on SEA objective 8 (material assets) are considered likely.

Proposed enhancement indicated for Outcome 1.1, also applies to this Outcome.

2.2 Will be easy to use for all

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

This Outcome focuses on ensuring accessibility for all, reducing barriers where possible.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome would support safe access to essential services, employment, tourism and recreational spaces) in the medium and long-term. Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

2.3 Will be affordable

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

This Outcome focuses on the affordability and economic sustainability of ferry services, which would deliver value for money to residents and tax payers.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome would support safe access to essential services, employment, tourism and recreational spaces) in the medium and long-term. Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

1.

2.

3.

3.1 Will support people making sustainable and active travel choices

P

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

P

This Outcome focuses on promoting active travel, making sure that ferry services accommodate for this and are better integrated with other transport modes, as per Outcome 1.2. For clarity, active travel refers to journeys made my modes of transport that are fully or partially people-powered, including walking, cycling, etc., which could result in an increased uptake of ferry services by non-vehicle passengers. Although the Outcome makes specific reference to ’sustainable travel’, this is understood to include public transport and/or community transport initiatives.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objective 1 (air quality, as this Outcome contributes to reduce the impact of transport on air quality through a reduction in the need for private car use/ modal shift); SEA objective 8 (material assets, as this Outcome supports the efficient and sustainable use of infrastructure) and on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Outcome would support health and wellbeing) in the short, medium and long-term. Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

Proposed enhancement include further highlighting benefits from promoting active travel on SEA objective 1.

3.2. Will support integrated travel choices

P

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

P

This Outcome focuses on a better integration between ferries networks and other modes of transport, as per outcome 1.2 and 3.1, and accordingly, the same assessment findings apply.

3.3. Will help make our island and other ferry dependent communities great places to live, work and visit, supporting healthy population balances

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

This Outcome is very high level and overarching, and potentially could result in a vast range of activities for which potential effects cannot be predicted.

1.

2.

3.

4.

4.1 Will allow people to make travel choices that minimise the long-term impacts on the environment and the wellbeing of future generations

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

This Outcome focuses on supporting travel choices that minimise long-term impacts, which are understood to include active travel and increasing public transportation uptake, as per Outcomes 1.2, 3.1, 3.2. However, in this case, there is specific reference to minimising long-term impacts on the environment and human health, suggesting that environmental protection is promoted.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 1 – 9, as this Outcome specifically refers to minimising impacts on the environment (SEA objectives 1-7), human health (SEA objective 9) and support the sustainable use / management of infrastructure (SEA objective 8) in the long-term. However, given that the mechanism for implementing this Outcome is unclear, the potential for the positive effects is unknown.

Proposed enhancement includes specifying environmental protection requirements, which could be described under the Outcome or presented as a separate set of policies that underpin the ICP.

4.2 Will adapt to the effects of climate change

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

P

This Outcome focuses on adapting ferry services to remain resilient to climate change impact, which is understood to be limited to increasing the resilience of ferry services (not of port infrastructure).

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as this Outcome supports the development of a safe, reliable, and resilient transport network) and 9 (population and human health), as this Outcome ensures access to essential services, employment, tourism and recreational services; improves competitiveness, productivity, and investment for local businesses; and overall improves transport services and connectivity). Through this Outcome, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

Proposed enhancement includes extending the scope of this Outcome beyond ferry services, including reference to adaptation of port infrastructure and other transport services (where relevant) to climate change, and highlighting the benefits achieved for other SEA topics.

4.3 Will help deliver our net-zero target

P

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P/U

P

This Outcome is specific, measurable and timed goal, i.e. the Scottish Government is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and is focused on lowering emissions of ferry services.

Through this Outcome, there is potential for the ICP to have direct/indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 1 (air quality, as it would contribute to reduce the impact of transport on air quality) and 9 (population and human health), as this Outcome would reduce air pollution and therefore promote health and wellbeing in coastal areas. Effects on SEA topics 2-8 are rated as both potentially positive and unknown due to a lack of specific reference to environmental benefits in the Outcome description.

Proposed enhancement includes extending the scope of this Outcome beyond ferry services, including reference to promoting net-zero targets in port infrastructure development and other relevant interventions associated with other transport modes; and highlighting the benefits achieved for other SEA topics in the description of the Outcome, i.e. how Outcome 4.3 contributes to reducing GHG emissions and how this benefits SEA topics 2-8.

1 To maintain and safely operate ferry connections for CHFS and NIFS communities, and that opportunities continue to be taken through vessel and port investment to enhance services in support of the growth of island populations and economies.

U

U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

P

P

Through Objective 1, there is potential for the VPP to have direct/indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as it would contribute to the development of a resilient transport network, and support the sustainable use / management of port infrastructure), and 9 (population and human health, as it would support the continued operation of ferry services to ensure island connectivity, having a number of socioeconomic benefits in the short, medium and long-term (operational phase). Also, the fact that the Objective specifically refers to supporting growth of island populations and economies suggests that future capacity needs would be considered, having a long-term effect.

Whilst it is not clear whether this Objective may necessarily result in an increased number of vessel and vehicle movements across all services / routes, without specific reference to environmental protection in the description of the Objective or elsewhere in the VPP, there is potential for the VPP to have direct / indirect negative effects on SEA objectives 1-7, as any investments in port infrastructure, and associated construction works required to realise this Objective, could have a negative impact on the natural and historic environment in the short-term, during the construction phase. At the same time, in the long-term, a modern and decarbonised fleet and port infrastructure could introduce benefits, particularly to SEA objectives 1 (air quality) and 2 (noise). Accordingly, potential effects on SEA objectives 1 and 2 are rated as unknown, and potential effects on SEA objectives 3 – 7 are rated as both negative and unknown.

Proposed mitigation includes adding reference to protection of the natural and historic environment relevant to SEA objectives 1-7 either in the description of the Objective, or presented separately, as a set of principles or policies that underpin the VPP to guide future developments towards construction practices that ensure environmental protection.

2 To improve weather and technical reliability, primarily through renewing the fleet and upgrading ports in response to asset age and condition.

U

U

N/U

U

N/U

N/U

N/U

PP

P

Through Objective 2, there is potential for the VPP to have potential direct/indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 4 (water environment, as it would contribute to the reduction of flood risks / disruption at ports), 8 (material assets, as it would support the development of a safe, reliable, and resilient transport network, including in response to climate change), and 9 (population and human health, as it would improve accessibility and connectivity opportunities (operational phase).

On the other hand, Objective 2 places an emphasis on “renewing” and “upgrading” which the VPP describes to not only include acquisition of new vessels / development of new infrastructure, but also considering other sustainable options such as rebuilding, adapted vessel / port designs or retrofitting. Accordingly, this adds to the benefits of Objective 2 on SEA objective 8, and there is potential for the VPP to have likely direct/indirect significant positive effects during the operational life of these assets.

As noted under the assessment of Objective 1, whilst it is not clear whether this Objective may necessarily result in an increased number of vessel and vehicle movements across all services / routes, without specific reference to environmental protection in the description of the Objective or elsewhere in the VPP, there is potential for the VPP to have direct / indirect negative effects on SEA objectives 1-7, as any port upgrades, and associated construction works required to realise this Objective, could have a negative impact on the natural and historic environment in the short-term, during the construction phase. At the same time, in the long-term, a modern and decarbonised fleet and port infrastructure could introduce benefits, particularly to SEA objectives 1 (air quality) and 2 (noise). Accordingly, potential effects on SEA objectives 1, 2 and 4 are rated as unknown, and potential effects on SEA objectives 3, 5, 6 and 7 are rated as both negative and unknown.

Given that the source of potential negative effects associated with this Objective is the same as identified in relation to Objective 1, the same proposed mitigation applies. It is also noted that it may be prudent to re word the VPP Objective to state ‘to improve reliability associated with both the weather and technical issues’ to clarify its scope.

3 To reduce the average age of the total fleet (across both CHFS and NIFS networks) to around 15 years by the end of this decade.

P

P

O

O

O

O

O

PP

P

Objective 3 builds on Objective 2, as it specifies the quantifiable and time-bound target for the vessel fleet, e.g. average of fleet to be 15 years or less by 2030, and accordingly, the same assessment findings apply in relation to the renewal of the vessel fleet (for SEA objectives 8 and 9).

Given that the focus of Objective 3 is on reducing the age of the fleet, it can be assumed that new vessels will incorporate measures to reduce air and noise emissions, and accordingly, there is potential for the VPP to have a likely indirective positive effect on SEA objectives 1 (air quality) and 2 (noise (operational phase)). No potential effects on SEA objectives 3 - 7 are considered likely.

Proposed enhancement includes highlighting the benefits of replacing the existing “old” fleet with new modern vessels that incorporate mechanisms to ensure environmental improvements. 

4 To improve resilience through an expansion in the CHFS major vessel fleet and through increased interoperability and standardisation of vessels and ports within the major and small vessel fleets.

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

P

P

Objective 4 seeks to further improve resilience of ferry services by ensuring that vessels can work from different ports (interoperability) and that their design is the same or similar (standardisation). Standardisation of ports is also understood to involve interventions on existing / new ports that reduce constraints to ferry access and use, which can involve construction activities such as dredging.

Through Objective 4, there is potential for the VPP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as it supports the efficient use of port infrastructure) and 9 (population and human health, as it supports transport connectivity and its socioeconomic benefits) (operational phase).

Objective 4 also suggests that the CHFS major vessel fleet would be expanded, adding two new vessels, which could result in an increased number of vessel movements. In addition, port interventions to ensure standardisation would potentially involve physical interaction with the natural and historic environment. Without appropriate mitigation, increased vessel traffic and port interventions could have direct / indirect negative effects on SEA objectives 1 - 7.

Proposed mitigation and enhancement include adding reference to protection of the natural and historic environment relevant to SEA objectives 1-7 either in the description of the Objective, or presented separately, as a set of principles or policies that underpin the VPP.

5 To improve accessibility for transport users through vessel and port design, informed by the proposed Accessibility Standard, once available.

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

Objective 5 focuses on increasing accessibility.

Through Objective 5, there is potential for the VPP to have indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Objective would support safe access to essential services, employment, tourism and recreational spaces) in the medium and long-term (operational phase). Through this Objective, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

6 To provide additional vehicle-deck capacity to address identified “pinch points” where there is practical, beneficial and affordable.

U

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

Objective 6 focuses on increasing vehicle-deck capacity, a key issue identified in the SAP to affect some ferry routes at peak times.

Through Objective 6, there is potential for the VPP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as this Objective would facilitate connectivity where this is needed, and therefore sustainable economic development, including within the tourism sector, and competitiveness, productivity, and investment for local businesses. In addition, given that it specifically refers to identified issues that are likely to persist in the future, it can be considered to account for future capacity needs).

At the same time, it is not clear whether this Objective may necessarily result in an increased number of vehicle movements across services / routes, and accordingly, potential effects on SEA objective 1 (air quality) are rated as unknown. Through this Objective, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

Proposed mitigation includes adding clear reference, in the description of this Objective or elsewhere in the VPP, to the adoption of a sustainable transport hierarchy in which active travel and integration with public transportation are prioritised over measures that support private vehicle uptake.

7 To progressively decarbonise both vessel fleet and port operations, by 2045.

P

P

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

P

P

The VPP indicates that a range of decarbonisation options will be explored and implemented, including increasing the uptake of electric vessels, implementation of retrofitting solutions to make vessels / port operations more efficient, adoption of alternative fuels or increase in the provision of shore power.

Through Objective 7, there is potential for the VPP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objective 1 (air quality, as it would contribute to reduce emission of key air pollutants and GHGs), SEA objective 2 (noise, as it would contribute to reduce noise generation at port locations), SEA objective 8 (material assets, as it would support the efficient and sustainable use and management of port infrastructure), and SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as human health would benefit from improved air quality) in the long-term (operational phase).

Not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on the remaining SEA objectives.

Proposed enhancement includes adding specific reference to the protection / benefits to the wider natural / historic environment as part of this Objective to allow for positive scoring on other SEA objectives. It is recommended that a staged timeline be prepared to ensure a 2045 can be achieved.

8 To retain a major vessel in the fleet for resilience purposes until at least 2030.

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

P

Objective 8 seeks to further improve resilience of ferry services by retaining a major vessel until at least 2030, which suggests some level of duplication with Objective 4, and accordingly, would mainly result in positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health, as ferry users would benefit for any increased resilience). Through this Objective, no potential effects on other SEA objectives are considered likely.

A. Fleet renewal

P/U

P/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

O

P

P

The VPP indicates that fleet renewal would be delivered by:

· Vessel replacements, including with both newbuild, acquisition of second-hand vessels or vessel chartering. At this stage, a total of two new vessels are anticipated to be acquired and 38 vessels are anticipated to be replaced between 2021 and 2045.

· Adapting the existing fleet for redeployment or through retrofitting to increase their interoperability, capacity to adopt alternative fuels, vehicle capacity, and/or reducing passage time and carbon footprint (conversion of vessels to zero/low emission technology).

· Releasing existing vessels for disposal.

The VPP makes reference to reviewing assets at their approximate mid-life to plan life extensions or programme timing of replacement / disposal, and develop outline business cases to inform decision-making.

Whilst fleet renewal could result in an increased number of vessel and vehicle movements across all services / routes, and potentially have negative effects on SEA objectives 1 – 7 due to increased air and noise emissions, increased risks of coastal and seabed erosion (potentially affecting known / unknown marine heritage assets), accidental spills into the water environment, collision between ferries and marine mammals, and of introduction / spread of non-native invasive species. Any potential increases in vessel activity would not be anticipated to have an effect on SEA objective 7 (landscape) are considered likely.

The above potential negative effects would likely be small in scale, as although there is uncertainty on vessel movement changes, only two additional vessels are anticipated to be added to the fleet. At the same time, in the long-term, a modern and decarbonised fleet could introduce benefits, particularly to SEA objectives 1 (air quality) and 2 (noise). Accordingly, potential effected are rated as both positive and unknown. Benefits to SEA objectives 3 – 6 are not clear and potential effects are therefore rated as both negative and unknown.

Through fleet renewal, there is potential for the VPP to have an indirect positive effect on SEA objective 8 (material assets, as this supports to the whole life cycle of vessels and circular economy objectives, and adoption of the waste hierarchy).

Through fleet renewal, there is potential for the VPP to also have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health as ferry users would actually benefit from the increased reliability, efficiency and capacity of the renewed fleet).

Mitigation and enhancement measures include adding specific reference to adherence to circular economy / waste hierarchy principles as part of “principles for fleet renewal” or similar to further strengthen associated benefits, and to include the principles by which new vessels, engaged in the provision of lifeline services, should be designed and built. A set of principles are actually outlined in the latest publicly available Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan (Annual Report 2016), now superseded, noting that they are kept under regular review, and therefore opportunities for principles to include environmental / heritage protection requirements that benefit SEA topics exist.

B. Port upgrades

P/U

P/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

P

P

The VPP indicates that port upgrades would comprise:

· New port construction

· Major redevelopment of existing ports

· Enabling works at existing ports, such as dredging for vessels with a deeper draught; ensuring piers and fendering can accommodate heavier vessels; providing wider linkspans to accommodate vessels with a larger beam; or increasing the provision of shore power among others

· Consideration of increasing resilience to climate change impacts

· Consideration of opportunities for improved integration with public transport / active travel

The VPP makes reference to the development of outline business cases to inform decision-making.

Port upgrades would likely involve physical interaction with the natural and historic environment, which, without appropriate natural and historic environmental protection, could have direct / indirect negative effects in the short-term (during construction works) on SEA objectives 1 – 7, due to increased air pollution, increased noise production, increased risks of coastal and seabed loss due to dredging or reclamation requirements (potentially affecting known / unknown marine heritage assets), increased risks for accidental spills, introduction of marine litter and sediment disturbance, biodiversity disturbance and impacts on landscape values due to land use changes.

At the same time, through port upgrades, there is potential for the VPP to have likely indirect positive effects on SEA objectives 1 and 2 (as it supports the decarbonisation and modernisation of port infrastructure, which would benefit air quality and noise climate), SEA objectives 8 (material assets, as it supports the efficient use of port infrastructure and increases its resilience to climate change,) and 9 (population and human health, as it supports transport connectivity and its socioeconomic benefits). Therefore, potential effects on SEA objectives 1 and 2 are rated as positive and unknown, potential effects on SEA objectives 3 – 7 are rated as negative and unknown, and potential effects on SEA objectives 8 and 9 are rated as positive.

Although in most cases port upgrade works would be subject to planning policy and planning permission, and be subject to project-specific EIAs, proposed mitigation includes considering the development of policies / principles to follow during the planning of port upgrades, so environmental protection can be considered from the outset, and increase opportunities for enhancement measures to be considered at an early stage, which would benefit other SEA objectives.

Intention ”deliver first class sustainable ferry services to communities, stimulating social and economic growth across Scotland”

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

O/U

P

The overall intention of the Ferries Plan places its focus on social and economic growth through the delivery of ferry services, and there would be potential for positive effects on SEA objective 9 (population and human health). However, there is no reference to environmental / historic protection / enhancement, which could potentially result in negative effects on the other SEA objectives at the cost of social and economic growth. However, not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on the remaining SEA objectives.

Working Principle

”concentrate on the correct service profile to meet the needs of the community”

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

O/U

P

As above, this working principle prioritises meeting the needs of the community above everything else, it is not clear if it could result in an increased / reduced number of vessel / traffic movements.

Working Principle

”ensure that there is always sufficient capacity on the route to meet demand”

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

O/U

P

As above, this working principle prioritises meeting demand, and in this case, it would likely result in an increased number of vessel / traffic movements and therefore associated potential negative effects on SEA objectives 1 - 7.

Working Principle

”ensure wherever possible that each island or remote peninsula community has at least one direct ferry route to the Scottish mainland”

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

O/U

P

As above, this working principle prioritises connectivity between islands / remote peninsula communities and Scottish mainland, and potential for negative effects on other SEA topics cannot be ruled out.

Working Principle

”all second routes on the network are currently required”

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

N/U

O/U

P

As above, this working principle prioritises maintaining second routes, i.e. connectivity between islands / remote peninsula communities and Scottish mainland, and potential for negative effects on other SEA topics cannot be ruled out.

Working Principle

”work towards combining routes that overlap and compete with one another so that we emerge with a stronger single route option”

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

P

This working principle prioritises efficiency of ferry services achieved through the combination of overlapping routes, which could have an indirect positive effect on SEA objective 9, benefiting from a stronger single route option, and result in a reduced number of vessel trips and vehicle / good / people movements, which could potentially have positive effects on SEA objectives 1 – 7. However, not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.

Working Principle

”strengthen and augment existing routes rather than start up new routes”

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

P

This working principle prioritises strengthening long-established routes over new routes, making reference to avoiding costs associated with set-up of new routes. Whilst, this would result in more efficient services for ferry-dependent communities, with potential for positive effects on SEA objective 9, and avoid potential negative effects on other SEA topics (namely 1-7) associated with new routes, not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.

Proposal category

”Improved services”

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

O/U

P

Improved services are described as increments in the length of the operating day, frequency and/or the number of sailing days, resulting in an increase of traffic estimated at 0.3% - 200% on specific routes during specific times of the year. Whilst this would potentially have positive effects on SEA objective 9, without environmental / historic protection in place, increased levels of vessel traffic and associated increased levels of people / good / vehicle movements, could potentially have a negative effect on SEA objectives 1-7. Not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.

Proposal category

”Changes to routes, including new routes”

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

O/U

P

This proposal category seems to contradict the working principle that prioritises strengthening / augmenting existing routes. As above, new routes could imply increased levels of vehicle, people, good and vessel traffic, and without appropriate environmental / historic mitigation, result in negative effects on SEA objectives 1 – 7. Not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.

Proposal category

”New vessel provision (i.e. purchase / charter / replace)”

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

P

This proposal category involves the replacement and acquisition of existing / new vessels to further improve ferry services, which would result in positive indirect effects on SEA objective 9. Not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.

Proposal category

”Port upgrades”

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

O/U

P

This proposal category involves port upgrade works to further improve ferry services, which would result in positive indirect effects on SEA objective 9. Not enough information is provided to confirm any other potential effects on these SEA objectives.