Introduction

This summary sets out headline findings from the analysis of responses to a public consultation, along with a number of engagement events held by Transport Scotland officials, on the draft Islands Connectivity Plan: Strategic Approach and Vessels and Ports Plan. It also covers

The purpose of the Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP) is to set out how ferry services, supported by other transport modes, will be delivered, and strengthened, working towards a long-term vision, and supported by clear priorities and defined outcomes for people and places. The Strategic Approach Paper is one part of the ICP and proposes an overall strategic approach to island transport connectivity including ferries, aviation, fixed links and, especially, addressing the strategic challenges facing Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) and Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS). Alongside the draft Strategic Approach Paper, Transport Scotland has published the updated Vessels and Ports Plan (VPP) for the CHFS and NIFS networks.

The consultation exercise on the two documents was launched on 1 February 2024 and ran until 6 May 2024, with the consultation documents available on the Scottish Government’s website.

The consultation asked a mix of closed and open questions, and the summary results at the closed questions are set out below. The analysis of comments at the open questions is thematic rather than according to the answer at closed questions. This approach was taken because respondents may have raised similar points or suggestions irrespective of their answer at the closed questions. If a point was more frequently raised this will be indicated, but otherwise the focus is qualitative and on giving on overview of the types of issues raised by respondents. This approach reflects not only the relatively small and self-selecting sample, but also the nature of qualitative data of this type. For example, comments may vary considerably in both length, focus and precision. Given this diversity, it is often the case that specific points have been made by only one or a small number of respondents.

It is also important to note that an analysis of this type reflects the comments made and does not seek to verify the accuracy of those comments or make any judgment on the views expressed.

The full qualitative analysis of the comments at open questions, along with further detail on the results at the closed questions, is set out in the main consultation analysis report.