Scope

Issue

Some respondents said ICP is too focused on ferries and does not sufficiently address wider island transport connectivity issues including fixed links and air services, which can improve transport resilience, and the potential for strengthening and prioritising connectivity between islands to their mutual benefit, potentially bringing longer-term efficiencies.

Response

Review the Strategic Approach paper to make clearer its inclusion of aviation and fixed links and their current and potential contribution to supporting reliable and resilient connectivity. The planned community needs assessments will identify options to address transport connectivity problems that could include aviation, fixed links and onward and connecting travel, as well as ferries. This will recognise whether responsibility for these services rests with private operators or local authorities, who would then be responsible for considering services changes as appropriate.

The draft Strategic Approach paper noted that we would be publishing an aviation document setting out our wider actions for aviation for all of Scotland, including Highlands and Islands air travel. The Scottish Government’s Aviation Statement  was published on 24 July and includes various new action points that relate to the Highlands and Islands, primarily on decarbonisation.

The final version of the ICP Strategic Approach paper will provide an update on how the Aviation Statement actions related to the Highlands and Islands will be taken forward alongside our wider work on islands transport connectivity.

Issue

Local authorities with ferry responsibilities commented that funding is a barrier to changes, including investment to help achieve national targets, or adoption of the proposed ICP Vision and Priorities. Concerns that with no additional funding being allocated to local authorities through ICP, it is difficult to see how this will significantly improve island transport connectivity over the lifetime of the Plan. Local authorities also put forward their views on future delivery responsibility for ferry services.

Response

We will review the Strategic Approach text to see if specific points raised, particularly around coverage of local authority services and current work underway, can be addressed whilst respecting local government autonomy. We remain committed to constructive engagement with local authorities on funding of their ferry services and vessel replacement plans, including through established Ministerial task forces.