Introduction

A public consultation on the Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP) draft Strategic Approach and the updated Vessels and Ports Plan, which was accompanied by community engagement on a number of islands, concluded on 6 May 2024. This exercise allowed us to hear directly from communities and wider stakeholders, both online and through a series of in-person engagement events.

The consultation and engagement analysis report has now been published along with this initial response to themed consultation feedback. The report indicates good levels of support for our key proposals. There was particularly high support for Reliability and Resilience as the First Priority of ICP and for the development of an Accessibility Standard for ferry services. There was also clear majority support for the proposed Vision, the 4 proposed Priorities and the proposed 11 key themes.

Alongside support for retaining the current RET principles, there was support for a fares structure that encourages passengers to travel without a private vehicle, incentivising travel at quieter periods, and for creating different levels of fares for different users e.g. islanders/non-island residents.

Focusing on more reliable and resilient services will support the view that investment must be prioritised to firstly ensure that essential core transport services, including freight, are provided to all communities. This will be supported by the delivery of six new major vessels and the procurement of seven new smaller vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides network, as well as some major port projects. These investments will also increase capacity and enhance services.

A series of improvements on the community voice and transparency theme will be delivered to the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services through the recently published CalMac’s Enhancement and Change Plan. This includes strengthening local decision-making and the accessibility of CalMac management by reviewing processes and policies and, where possible, devolving decisions to local areas and adapting to meet local needs.

The finalised ICP Vision and Priorities alongside the Vessels and Ports Plan, will provide shared and recognised direction to ferry operators and vessel owners responsible for delivery of Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) and Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS), while recognising local community plans.

Over the coming months we will use the feedback received to finalise both the Strategic Approach and the Vessel & Ports Plan. This feedback will also inform the development of the remaining elements of the Islands Connectivity Plan, including work on ferry fares, Community Needs Assessments, onwards and connecting travel and the Islands Communities Impact Assessment.