Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The Scottish Government recognises the challenges that certain plant and animal species pose to agricultural businesses and is supporting farmers to manage those impacts.”
“Will the Government also commit to implementing a more pragmatic licence application scheme for the removal of species where the impact on business and other conservation species or habitats is clear? Jim Fairlie: As Amanda Lindsay points out, there is a management scheme.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to that work. Indeed, in September, in the Scottish Parliament, I hosted and chaired a constructive round-table discussion on alternative farrowing systems with representatives from the Scottish pig industry, animal welfare organisations and academia.”
“Therefore, we will be working closely with the UK Government and other devolved Administrations on the delivery of the programme. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting.”
“I welcome Joe Fagan to the chamber. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting agriculture, food production and our food and drink sectors in a fair manner. In March, we published our first rural support plan, outlining support for the next five years and providing the clarity, certainty and opportunity to plan.”
“At column 3, paragraph 3— Original text— I point out to the member that we are doing this in concert with the UK Government. There is a joint consultation ongoing as we speak, and I have confirmed with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers our agreement to do that joint consultation.”
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“Douglas Ross made a fair point—when I say “fair”, I mean that he made it robustly—about the fact that the motion does not talk about ferries. So, I am going to talk about ferries. I note that £530 million will be invested over the coming year and that the contract for seven new electric ferries has been signed. When those are added to the Glen Sannox and the five new major vessels that will join the fleet, we will have invested to renew more than a third of CalMac’s fleet, and the 2025-26 budget confirms that we plan to do more. I commend Fiona Hyslop for the work that she has done to drive that forward. Yet again, Mr Ross has shown what a loss he will be to the chamber—I am sure that it will be improved enormously by his absence next year. As far as number 6 is concerned, talking to islanders is at the heart of everything that we do.”
“However, the document was shared with Shetland Islands Council and nobody picked that up. She also talked about having connecting tunnels, and we are considering what that might look like. There are mixed views on the idea, but we are happy to continue to have the discussion. We are also committing more than £70 million to inter-island connectivity. Fergus Ewing and Kenny Gibson both talked about the need for island communities to have board representation. I note that CalMac has a community board and the chair of NHS Highland is an islander, but their points were well made. It is not just about where people live, though, but about the language that they speak, as Colin Beattie noted. It is important that language, as much as anything else, is recognised.”
“The Minister for Equalities has responded to the Scottish Human Rights Commission and has copied that response to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. It sets out what action we are taking to address the issues that Ms Burgess raised. Alex Rowley: Will the minister and the cabinet secretary make representations to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care about the position of the care home on the Isle of Bute, which was highlighted by STV last week, given that that is an unacceptable situation? [Interruption.] Jim Fairlie: I seem to have lost my speaking notes, Presiding Officer. I think that Jenni Minto is taking the matter up. There is on-going work to address that. Beatrice Wishart mentioned the road map’s spelling of Up Helly Aa, which was a point well made.”
“In line with the respondents’ advice—I say “advice” advisedly— the new plan will feature few objectives and commitments in comparison with the 2019 document. It will focus on a narrower set of tangible and relatable actions that will add to what the Scottish Government is already delivering. We are working openly and transparently with partners to address the islanders’ expectations and to ensure that the plan features impactful commitments. The suggestions that have been made during the debate will help us to shape the development of the plan, so I thank members again for their valuable contributions. Ariane Burgess talked about human rights.”
“To touch on Tim Eagle’s point, in order to get to the point at which the crofting bill can properly take shape, I spent days on the islands, talking to crofters and local communities to find out what they want to do. With crofting at the centre of our island communities, the bill is designed to strengthen and support the sector and the crofting communities for future generations. The examples that the cabinet secretary and I have offered are testament to the Scottish Government’s on-going efforts to address island challenges and ambitions. However, we recognise that more remains to be done. The new national islands plan offers a vehicle to further strengthen our delivery for, and with, the island communities. Consultation events that have been held to date have shown strong support for a plan that takes a hands-on and targeted approach.”
“Through the Scottish Languages Bill, we are strengthening Gaelic education and elevating the role of community development through the establishment of areas of linguistic significance in places where the language has particular strengths. Those will, of course, include many island communities. As members know, agriculture and crofting are subjects that are very close to my heart. As well as cultivating the land and tending stock, crofters contribute to protecting island biodiversity and play a key role in maintaining their communities’ heritage and resilience. Through the proposed crofting and Scottish Land Court bill, which was announced in the new programme for government, we will help crofting by streamlining administrative processes, facilitating the use of inby croft and common grazings, and making regulations less onerous.”
“I am also proud of the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest up to £700,000 in the international island games, which will get under way in Orkney in July and will be one of the largest sporting events ever held on our islands. I wish everyone who is involved very well, and I hope to see Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles teams very high up the medals list. Kenneth Gibson: Does the minister share my disappointment that, over many years, Arran and Cumbrae have been denied entry to those games because the organisers say that they are full up? Jim Fairlie: That will be an issue for the games organisers, I would say.”
“The Scottish Government’s decision, made in partnership with the communities and the local authorities—to touch on Alex Rowley’s point, it was widely consulted on—was to have population retention and attraction as the overarching objective of the new national islands plan, as unequivocal evidence of our commitment to building a vibrant future for our islands. Of course, the vision has to be backed by actions and investments. In her opening remarks, the cabinet secretary provided an overview of some of the initiatives that the Scottish Government has already put in train. It is also worth mentioning the support that the Scottish Government has provided for island tourism, with non-domestic rates relief of up to 100 per cent for hospitality businesses on islands continuing into 2025-26.”
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to say a few words in bringing the debate to a close and to reflect on the contributions from members. It is clear from what we have heard that there is a strong consensus on the crucial role that islands play in enriching Scotland’s economy, culture and society. It is vital that we continue—across the chamber, when we can—to support our islands’ aspirations and to make sure that their voices continue to be heard. Jamie Halcro Johnston and Claire Baker both made very good points. Jamie Halcro Johnston said that we want to talk only about the good stuff, but we do not—we want to talk about everything, so that we can find solutions for the island communities. That is what the debate is about.”
“I move amendment S6M-17598.1, to leave out from first “welcomes” to end and insert: “notes the first ever national islands plan; believes that much more needs to be done to support island communities; recognises that depopulation is a major issue impacting the islands and that not enough work has been undertaken to counteract this; notes that the Scottish Government has not used the powers available to it to ‘island proof’ policy, resulting in the need to shelve policies such as Highly Protected Marine Areas, the ban on wood burning stoves, and the island bonds plans; believes that the Scottish Government-caused ferry fiasco has had a disastrous effect on the economy, wellbeing and future of many islands; further believes that a new procurement plan that ensures the timely replacement of all ferries is vital; recognises that islanders are best placed to make the decisions affecting their communities, and calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to empower island communities and ensure that there is proper local representation on ferry boards for CalMac and CMAL.” 15:43”
“Although I welcome initiatives such as the key housing fund, it does not help those young people who are already there. People with capital can come in and outbid them, which means that they can no longer stay on the island. In health and in local government, we have the distant island allowance for workers, but colleges do not get that as part of their funding package. Paying such an allowance would make them even more financially precarious, but not paying it means that college staff are worse off than their mainland counterparts. I could go on. The Scottish Government could, and should, take steps to deal with those issues. I urge it to do so, and to empower our island communities.”
“We should ensure that we are never in that position again. Our islands have much to offer— they provide the green energy that we need, and when we perfect wave and tidal energy technology, that potential will be even greater. At the heart of that, we have the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. I should also add that Heriot-Watt University has sent members a briefing about its work and its concerns about the future, given the funding pressures on further and higher education. Basically, all of that is crucial to the wellbeing not only of our islands but our whole country. We need to provide homes for young people to live in, because young islanders are being forced out of their communities due to the lack of affordable housing.”
“Rhoda Grant has pointed out that those ferries are the responsibility of the local authorities. Does she accept, however, that, in Orkney in particular, we have had some very good news about replacing the interisland ferries, particularly with a ferry that has been funded through the zero emission vessel and infrastructure—or ZEVI—fund? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Rhoda Grant, I can give you time back for the interventions. Rhoda Grant: Yes, indeed. After many years of trying to get help from Government, some is now forthcoming; however, it is late, and the replacement needs to happen a bit faster than is currently the case. It is not one ferry, but the whole fleet, that needs to be replaced to bring it up to date. For example, it is not acceptable that people with disabilities are not able to access the ferry.”
“People in Glasgow and Rutherglen face daily food insecurity, yet there is nothing in yesterday’s programme for government to address the issues in the food supply chain that leave parts of Glasgow as fresh food deserts. Will the minister back Labour’s call to enshrine in law the right to food and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can access affordable, healthy food? Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government absolutely supports the production of food—and good-quality food—across the country. As I said, we have the small producers pilot fund, and there are various other initiatives. We work with Trellis and various other organisations to ensure that good food is available right across the country.”
“We published the first update on the policy package in March. Two policies are complete. The First Minister announced the funding split for future agricultural support in February, and the whole farm plan was introduced this year. We continue to make progress on developing options for a methane-suppressing feed products pilot; work is on-going to transition the regional land use partnerships to a formal initiative and to deliver small pilot schemes on deer management; and research is being commissioned to understand the potential for the partial rewetting of peatland. Pam Duncan-Glancy: The minister will be aware of the impact of agriculture on policies to promote healthy eating.”
“Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service also provides support in areas such as renewable energy, reducing energy bills on farms, energy use and fuel management, energy improvements and future energy solutions. Farmers are small and medium-sized enterprises and should be able to benefit from using Business Energy Scotland’s one-to-one advice services and funding. I encourage farmers to contact Business Energy Scotland to discuss any plans as early as possible.”
“Jim Fairlie: We recognise the benefit and value of small farm-scale renewable production, and that farmers may wish to take advantage of it to decarbonise their operations and reduce costs. Renewable energy production, including from anaerobic digestion, could also help farmers to increase their energy security. Biomethane production is supported by the United Kingdom Government’s green gas support scheme, which provides tariff support for biomethane that is produced via anaerobic digestion and is injected into the gas grid. Producers will receive tariff payments for a 15-year lifetime. It is funded by the green gas levy and licensed on Great Britain’s gas suppliers.”
“Emma Harper: With 48 per cent of Scotland’s dairy herd in the south-west of Scotland, there is potential to harness anaerobic digestion and biogas production to not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but to provide a source of off-grid energy for rural areas, which have disproportionately higher numbers of households that are in fuel poverty. Meanwhile, 39 per cent of homes in Dumfries and Galloway are not connected to the main gas grid. What role does the Scottish Government envisage anaerobic digestion and biogas playing, and what sources of information and advice exist for farmers who might be looking to adopt that innovative technology on their farms?”
“Although I have not had specific discussions on this issue, our draft bioenergy policy statement recognises anaerobic digestion’s potential to support decarbonisation across hard- to-decarbonise sectors, including agriculture, and to contribute to a more circular economy. The Scottish Government is supportive of farmers and crofters wishing to reduce their energy costs and emissions through small farm-scale renewables and energy efficiency measures. We also recognise the value of processing farming and other organic waste through anaerobic digestion and the important contribution that that makes to Scotland’s renewable and bioenergy ambitions and to reducing our emissions.”
“Jim Fairlie: The evaluation found that the trial had achieved its aims, and that QMGs are a viable alternative to producer organisations and had improved the information available to the Scottish Government. It recommended that QMGs be formalised. The Scottish Government is considering its next steps following the report; however, the trial has given us a greater understanding of the operation of the quota management system, and in particular how the fish quota is utilised by sectoral groups.”
“The “Evaluation of the Quota Management Group (QMG) Trial” report was published on 7 April 2025. The report explores the suitability of quota management groups as a means of managing Scottish sea fish quotas, and recommends that the quota management groups are formalised by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government will consider the report and the next steps in relation to the trial. Audrey Nicoll: I thank the minister for the update. In 2020, the Scottish Government initiated a quota management groups trial. What does the evaluation of that trial demonstrate, how has any learning from the trial been carried forward and how does the Scottish Government envisage that QMGs might maximise the contribution that fisheries make to Scotland?”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: We have a couple of supplementary questions.”
“Labour is threatening family farms with its agricultural property relief changes, it has Barnettised agricultural support funding and it does not seem to be in any hurry to take steps to undo the harms of Brexit. Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to working with and supporting our agricultural sector. As part of that, we engage with counterparts in the UK Government, as I did last week, to ensure that we are doing all that we can to support our farmers, crofters and landowners. Although I was encouraged that the Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Scotland wanted to hear from Scottish agricultural stakeholders last week, I was very clear about pressing our position on a variety of issues, including the APR changes, and I will continue to do so in the future.”
“The Scottish Government takes every opportunity to engage with the UK Government, and we continue to make representations to the Government on a range of issues, such as food security. The formal mechanism is the interministerial group for environment, food and rural affairs, which last met on 27 January. There are also regular meetings at official level to discuss food security. We were deeply disappointed that the March IMG was cancelled, because the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was unable to attend, so we have urged the UK Government to prioritise those important meetings. Jackie Dunbar: Was there any indication at the previous meeting attended by the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland that Labour cares about, or even understands, the needs of our agricultural industries in Scotland?”
“I also recognise the work of colleagues in advocating for the sector, particularly Annabelle Ewing, Christine Grahame and even my old friend Rachael Hamilton, and the work that they do on the cross-party group. The Deputy Presiding Officer: On that note, I call”
“I recognise the significant role that the sector plays in the Scottish Government’s policy priorities; indeed, I recently wrote to ministerial colleagues to highlight cross-portfolio interests, and I will soon facilitate a meeting to pursue integration of environmental and therapeutic horticulture into cross-Government strategies. I very much welcome the Horticultural Trades Association’s regular engagement, which has highlighted opportunities for us to work with the sector towards shared goals across a wide range of policy areas, and I look forward to updating ministers and sector representatives on my continuing work to promote the success of horticulture in Scotland.”
“Annabelle Ewing: The horticultural sector has the potential to play an even more significant role in Scotland’s economic life and wellbeing, but to do so, horticulture needs a champion in Government, given its cross-portfolio impacts in areas such as the economy, tourism, health, education, environment and biosecurity. Will the minister commit today to being horticulture’s champion across Government, and will he outline what further action the Government will take to promote the success of the horticultural sector in Scotland? Jim Fairlie: I would be absolutely delighted to commit to being the champion for horticulture.”
“The Scottish Government greatly values the horticultural sector’s important contributions to the Scottish economy, society and the environment, providing plants and trees for gardens and green spaces and producing high- quality fruit and vegetables. I have engaged extensively across the horticultural sector to address challenges. Examples of action that we have taken to promote horticulture include our small producers pilot fund, support for grow-your-own initiatives and the berry festival, which will be launched at this year’s Royal Highland Show. I am pleased that the fruit and veg aid scheme will continue to support producer organisations in Scotland operating in the edible horticultural sector from 2026.”
“We have introduced processes to ensure that fisheries licensing decisions are carried out in line with the court’s ruling. As part of those processes, we have developed an assessment template to support the consideration of the relevant policies in the national marine plan, and I will ask my officials to write to Mr Harvie to confirm that. Horticulture 3.”
“Will the minister commit to publishing in detail the new arrangements that he refers to—the detail of which, I understand, has not been made public— and to ensuring that the Government starts following the legal duties of the 2010 act and that authorisations do not allow significant harm to happen to priority marine habitats? Jim Fairlie: Following the judicial review outcome, the Open Seas Trust and the marine directorate have been in regular correspondence on the processes that have been adopted to comply with section 15 of the 2010 act and the specific information relating to individual licence transfers. The directorate continues to consider and respond to those information requests in line with our obligations, including in relation to data protection.”
“Following the outcome of the judicial review proceedings, the Scottish Government has put in place new arrangements in relation to fishing licence authorisation decisions to ensure that the national marine plan is taken into account, as is required by section 15 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. Marine directorate officials have developed training and tools for decision makers to support that process. Patrick Harvie: Scottish ministers have already lost two court cases on this matter, in July 2023 and April 2024. It is nearly two years since that first case, and my understanding is that the Open Seas Trust has alleged that Scottish ministers have continued to issue licences unlawfully and did not consider the national marine plan when they made those authorisations. Indeed, that has happened as recently as January.”
“We will be investing more than £660 million per year in Scottish agriculture; we have ensured that there will be direct payments; and we are working with the sector—and across all sectors—to work out how we can reduce emissions while delivering payments to allow our farmers to continue producing food. Fishing Licence Authorisation (National Marine Plan Consideration) 2.”
“As Labour has let farmers down, farmers will now be turning to the Scottish Government for its support, but the last budget saw a real-terms cut for rural affairs, and yesterday’s programme for government will have given Scotland’s farmers little confidence or certainty. What new action can the Scottish Government take to support our farming sector? Jim Fairlie: The member talks about what the Scottish Government has done. It has given absolute certainty to the farming community that we are delivering a programme for government that delivers for Scottish farmers.”
“Disappointingly, the Scottish Government was not consulted on or notified of the UK Government’s changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief. The changes will hit family businesses across Scotland hard. We are now working constructively with the UK Government on ensuring that Scottish tenant farmers remain exempt from inheritance tax. The Scottish Government must be engaged in any reserved tax changes that will impact Scotland in the future. It remains our position that inheritance tax powers should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, as that would ensure that the tax could be suitably tailored to Scotland’s needs. Meghan Gallacher: Farmers in Scotland could face devastating consequences as a result of the UK Government’s proposed inheritance tax changes.”
“The Scottish Conservatives want to focus on a new vision for Scotland—one that is about common sense, shared values, bringing down bills, raising standards and delivering better value for money. That would be a programme for government that would deliver for rural Scotland. [Interruption.] Today is yet more rhetoric—we are still hearing it now—and nothing new from an out-of-touch, out- of-ideas and out-of-time Government. 16:10”
“The First Minister is talking a lot— Alasdair Allan: Will the member give way? Tim Eagle: I have not got time, I am afraid. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Eagle is in his final minute. Tim Eagle: Today, the First Minister has been talking a lot about the rural support plan, which is yet to come. We have been waiting for it for more than a year. SNP members speak about the world- leading Scottish fishing sector, yet it was the Scottish Conservatives who brought the debate on fishing after two years of waiting on the Government. They talk about new entrants being vital to farming, yet they have not delivered anything for new entrants in farming for 15 years. If I believed that the SNP had done something positive, I would like to think that I would say so, but it has not. The SNP wants to focus on fringe issues that rip Scotland apart.”
“I will make a couple of points to the member. First, a bill on crofting is on its way—it is being drafted as we speak. Secondly, it was the Tory Government that introduced a policy that absolutely crashed the farming economy in England, while the SNP Government continued to provide direct support here, in Scotland. We have a stable industry in Scotland, while the English one absolutely fell apart— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I think that Mr Eagle has got the gist. Mr Eagle, I remind you that you have only up to four minutes. Tim Eagle: I am quickly going to run out of time. I do not know whether I will be able to come back to Jim Fairlie on that in detail, but I say to him that the SNP has not delivered anything for agriculture in Scotland. That is the fundamental problem, is it not?”
“The Conservatives’ deregulation of bus services in the 1980s and 1990s has resulted in decades of decline, meaning that there is no viable public transport provision in many communities, especially in rural areas. Poll after poll demonstrates that people want access to high- quality and affordable transport. They want to reduce their travel costs, they want to take climate action and they want sustainable alternatives to car use. I believe that that is the case among members across the chamber.”
“I hope that we can reset the level of our discussion in order to find a solution that we can all agree to work on. Sue Webber: Can the minister refer to anything that I said in my remarks today that did not acknowledge that motorists want to be part of an affordable transition? Jim Fairlie: I am talking about the language that was used in the motion bringing the debate to the Parliament in the first place. I recognise the fundamental importance of our roads and their users to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Scotland. That includes drivers—who I hope will drive more electric vehicles—and public transport users.”
“I thank colleagues for the opportunity to set out to Parliament the importance and the impact of our policies and investments relating to road users, infrastructure and wider sustainable transport. The language of a “war on Scotland’s motorists” is used out of context to maximise political traction. Failing to consider the sensitivities of such language is reckless, given the wider global considerations. I genuinely urge members to consider that during our deliberations today. The First Minister has spoken about the dangers of the pushback against the climate crisis and the need for unity to make a renewed case for climate action. Talking about a “war” on motorists unfortunately falls into that trap. Sue Webber: Will the minister take an intervention? Jim Fairlie: I will take it in a second.”
“That requires collective action, so we will work together through a summit that I will hold later this year with key partners, including local authorities, to ensure that appropriate measures are in place ahead of next year’s breeding season.”
“Given the risk of serious injury and death, will the minister take the necessary action through a section 11 order under the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991, before it is too late? Jim Fairlie: I recognise the points that Mr Ewing has made. As I set out a moment ago, in order to reduce the risk of health and safety issues caused by gulls, NatureScot will consider an area-wide gull licence to deal with the immediate concerns related to the upcoming nesting season. I understand the potential issues that Mr Ewing has highlighted, and I have made them very clear to NatureScot. However, gull numbers are in decline, and the longer-term solution cannot be further population reductions where mitigation action can be taken.”
“As a result, I will chair a summit later this year that will bring together the key partners to put measures in place now to prevent those issues from arising again next year. Fergus Ewing: NatureScot has been considering this for ever. It is all too often the case in Scotland that, when there is a serious injury or death that could and should have been avoided, we have a public inquiry that often costs millions of pounds, followed by a report to ministers that says that we must learn lessons. Would it not be better to have taken the necessary action to prevent the injury or death from ever occurring where the risk is clear, direct and foreseeable, as in this case?”
“I recognise the significant impact that is felt because of urban gull populations in some of our towns and cities. I met NatureScot yesterday on the back of my meeting with Fergus Ewing and Douglas Ross, and it has agreed that it will consider, for potential health and safety reasons, area-wide gull licences to deal with the immediate concerns with regard to the upcoming nesting season, but it is mindful of our conservation obligations. There is a vital role for local authorities to play in working with local communities, building owners and businesses to reduce the appeal of urban areas as nest sites or feeding zones. I am sure that we have all seen plenty of people standing at the side of a pier throwing chips, which only encourages more gulls to come in.”
“Can any minister or cabinet secretary say that they have earned that increase and deserve it? The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Ross, I encourage you to stick to the theme of the debate—there is no motion, but there is a theme. That would be helpful. Douglas Ross: My point is very clear—”
“The member needs to correct the record. There has been no increase in the wage for ministers. Ministers’ pay is merely being aligned with that of every other MSP sitting in the chamber. Douglas Ross: I am not going to correct the record. Ministers are getting an extra £20,000 a year. In any other world, that is an increase, so let us put that point. I was not allowed a statement, and the Scottish Government has so far not made time for the matter. When we started this debate, there were about a dozen Government ministers in the chamber. We are now down to three and the First Minister. I am happy to use my remaining time to say this to Mr Gray, Mr Robertson and Mr Fairlie: as a result of the decision that was taken by John Swinney, Scottish Government ministers and cabinet secretaries will get an extra £20,000 per annum.”
“This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for RTPs and other organisations to take control of the public service provision of buses. I absolutely accept that point. From day 1, we have been quite clear that we want to give local authorities and transport authorities the ability to make that transition to franchising, and the provisions that we have put in place do exactly that. Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (Publication) 5.”
“For too long, Glaswegians have paid the highest bus fares of any British city for an unreliable and fragmented service, while Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds are powering ahead with bus franchising. It is a huge opportunity for Greater Glasgow to take back control of its bus system. The next transport commissioner for Scotland will convene the panel that will decide whether the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport can establish that bus franchise. Does the minister agree that the next commissioner must not stand in the way of bus franchising, which has overwhelming democratic political support? Will he ensure that the regional transport partnership, SPT, is fully resourced for that purpose? Jim Fairlie: I could not agree more with Paul Sweeney.”
“All local transport authorities in Scotland now have the power to start developing their franchising proposals. Later this spring, we will lodge a further set of regulations, which will focus on the process of transitioning from the current commercial market into a franchise, as well as transitioning out of a franchise. At the same time, officials are developing guidance for local transport authorities on the franchising process. That will cover the preparation of a franchising framework, the audit process, what an authority should expect when going through the franchising approval process, and the process for commencing a franchise. Paul Sweeney: Those provisions are more than welcome. This week, bus fares in Glasgow have increased. An adult day ticket now costs £5.90 and the cost of a single ticket has risen to £3.10.”
“That touches on some of what the member has spoken about, such as accessibility for disabled passengers. It will enable better assistance for passengers and staff to be more visible in order to deter antisocial behaviour and reduce fare evasion.”