Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Our experience of ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper coming into public ownership is that greater accountability to ministers results in better outcomes for passengers. Public ownership has allowed for significant benefits to passengers, such as the scrapping of peak fares.”
“GBR will also deliver passenger services that are currently the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport. The Scottish ministers will retain their current devolved responsibilities, including securing the provision of ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper and specifying and funding rail infrastructure in Scotland.”
“As colleagues know, I have consistently advocated for full devolution of Scotland’s railways to better integrate track and train. Unfortunately, the UK Government is not willing to pursue that change at this time.”
“I support the policy intent of the bill, in particular its ambition to maximise the benefits of greater integration while respecting devolved arrangements. The Scottish Government supports open access and freight development and the LCM is about devolved responsibilities.”
“I thank all those who have been on the journey with me: parliamentary and constituency staff; members from all parties; and, of course, the people of Scotland, with their hopes and dreams of a Scotland that is fair and just for all and is the country that they know it can be.”
“From speaking to drivers across my Lothian region, who are spending hours of their time caught up in traffic every month, I know that there is growing frustration that we have not seen work begin on that upgrade. I welcome the answer that the cabinet secretary outlined to Parliament.”
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“I have listened carefully to the range of points that have been made during the debate and I would like to reassure members of the Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure across the country, including in Edinburgh and the south-east of Scotland, building on our strong delivery record. Notably, 2025 marks 10 years since the Government reopened the Borders railway line, after its being closed for nearly 50 years. That has increased accessibility, economic growth and social benefits for the region. Additionally, 17 years ago, the Government completed construction of the nearby Dalkeith bypass, bringing relief to towns and settlements along that route. I would also like to reassure members that I am fully aware of the challenges and frustrations faced by all users at the Sheriffhall junction.”
“I thank Miles Briggs for raising this issue and for doing so in a constructive way. His case has been somewhat destroyed by Alexander Stewart, though, who did not acknowledge the support that the Scottish Government has successfully given to considerable road projects, not least the Queensferry crossing; the Aberdeen western peripheral route; the M8 raised interchange; the short, medium and long-term developments that are being prepared for the A83; and the investments in the A77 and the A75. Alexander Stewart does not help to persuade me in favour of his case and give a constructive response when he hijacks the reasonable and articulate case that has been made by other members in relation to something that we must consider in the round, following due process.”
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“The Scottish Government welcomes the development of the Glover garden in Fraserburgh, which is an initiative that honours someone who made a significant contribution to the development of Japan. It will serve as a reminder of the long- standing connection between Scotland and Japan and as a symbol of our lasting friendship. On behalf of the Scottish Government, I wish the organisers well in delivering the first Thomas Blake Glover festival, and I hope that the day is a great success. I thank the local constituency MSP, Karen Adam, for lodging her motion and for bringing this debate to our national Parliament. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 13:22. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting.”
“I firmly believe that, as a friendly, open and outward-looking nation, Scotland should always encourage and explore connections with other nations, as Martin Whitfield pointed out in his thoughtful speech. Thomas Blake Glover’s life and legacy is a prime example of the impact that Scottish individuals and businesses can have abroad, and the best tribute, as Karen Adam said, is using that legacy to build for the future. The Scottish Government’s “Scottish Connections Framework”, which was launched in 2023, sets out our ambitions to expand our relationships with and between Scotland’s international communities. We are rightly proud of our long history of intellectual, cultural and economic exchange. Scotland’s diaspora and our Scottish connections are an extension of Scotland itself.”
“A series of Japanese-Scotch whisky fusions have been created and named after him to honour his achievements—it is very fitting to see him memorialised through Scotland’s national drink. Thomas Blake Glover was a true pioneer, and it is only right that he is remembered in Scotland as he is in Japan. Reflecting on the remarks of Jackie Dunbar and Douglas Lumsden, I think that there is an issue about what happens with the Glover house in Aberdeen. An idea was being explored—this was before Covid—to base Japanese students there. The Nippon Foundation is encouraging and supporting students to study in Scotland, so perhaps that is an avenue that can be explored.”
“That scanned data helped to conserve a site that was of major significance to Thomas Blake Glover and other prominent Scots who were present in Japan in the 19th century, and it was influential in securing the site’s United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage status As we have heard, we now have the Glover garden in Fraserburgh, which acts as a memorial to mark Thomas Blake Glover’s birthplace and is a demonstration of the connection and friendship between Scotland and Japan. As part of the memorial, the inaugural Thomas Blake Glover festival will take place on 8 June, marking his contributions to both nations. Thomas Glover’s legacy transcends even his industrial ventures.”
“There is an interesting connection with Fraserburgh, with its links to the ocean as a field being its fishing and the future opportunities with the sea. During my visit, I presented Japanese stakeholders with 3D digital models of the Nagasaki industrial site, which was scanned as part of the Scottish Ten project, which is a joint collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland and the Glasgow School of Art.”
“The Glover house and garden, which sits in Nagasaki, allows visitors to learn about Glover’s life and influence on Japan, including the technologies that he helped to advance. Up to 2 million people visit it annually, which ensures that his history is not forgotten. In 2015, I was lucky enough to see that marvellous garden on a trip to Japan, when I also visited the wider Nagasaki industrial area and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co, which is still there. I was given the honour of a tour of the Thomas Blake Glover house by trustees, and, interestingly, I saw some framed calligraphy on the wall. I asked for a translation. It said: “The ocean is a field”. That obviously held meaning for Thomas Blake Glover in relation to trading and shipbuilding.”
“Our shared history is marked by numerous pioneers who continue to have a significant impact on our relations to this day. Thomas Blake Glover is rightly seen as someone who has great significance in the development of modern Japan. His name is synonymous with the early links between Japan and Scotland. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mitsubishi Corporation, helping to develop its shipbuilding operations. Mitsubishi has gone on to become one of Japan’s largest trading companies, employing more than 60,000 people. His legacy lives on today in both nations. I congratulate Karen Adams’s father for helping us to rediscover the deaf education connection between Scotland and Japan.”
“I thank all members who have taken part in the debate and Karen Adam for lodging the motion. I also extend my welcome to our honourable visitors. Scotland’s relationship with Japan has endured for centuries and continues to grow from strength to strength. Indeed, I had the pleasure, when I was the cabinet secretary with responsibility for external affairs, of promoting Scotland’s economy and other interests on three visits to Japan over the 11 years when I held that portfolio. Our relationship is marked by a deep mutual respect and admiration for one another’s traditions and cultures, as well as an eagerness to promote further collaboration wherever possible. Last week, the First Minister hosted Japan’s ambassador to the UK at Bute house to recognise the close relationship that Scotland and Japan share.”
“ScotRail is working hard to address that historical issue, which was inherited from the previous private sector franchisees, by recruiting drivers, as I mentioned, in order to have full availability on all routes. Last summer, industrial action restricted the availability of drivers who chose not to work their rest day, as is their right. That also affected timetables. The process of training drivers is complex, and ScotRail is also dealing with significant staff attrition as drivers reach their retirement age. ScotRail has a robust recruitment process in place that will improve driver availability even further, including for stations at Lenzie and Bishopbriggs. I recognise the member’s constituency interest in the routes that she specified. Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies 8.”
“The number of trainee drivers is limited by ScotRail’s ability to safely deliver practical handling experience at any one time without disrupting service provision. With the efforts made on recruitment and training, ScotRail expects to see improvements in reliability from autumn this year. Rona Mackay: Last summer, ScotRail removed Bishopbriggs and Lenzie from the Edinburgh service due to driver shortages, which significantly impacted commuters in my constituency. Will the minister confirm whether driver numbers have now recovered sufficiently to prevent a repeat of such timetable reductions, and whether full service retention is planned for those stations? Fiona Hyslop: The previous temporary timetable related to historical issues of driver availability and was lifted in early October last year.”
“We have worked hard in Scotland to ensure that employers are in a position to table and negotiate a fair and affordable settlement on pay. I am pleased that the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen accepted a multiyear pay offer for train drivers that meets inflation and gives drivers and their families security for the next two years. ScotRail is taking steps to eradicate its reliance on rest-day and overtime working, which is all too common in the rail industry. With 160 drivers recruited per year, its recruitment is at a record level that is higher than that of any other operator in Britain. Those highly skilled jobs require a carefully delivered training programme before recruited candidates can perform their roles safely.”
“Fiona Hyslop: I assure Colin Beattie that the Government remains committed to the Edinburgh and south-east Scotland city region deal, which includes up to £120 million for grade separation at Sheriffhall roundabout. The financial risk for any cost over and above that figure lies with Scottish ministers. As is the case for all other road infrastructure projects, the cost estimate will be updated once the statutory process has been completed and in advance of procurement. Funding to progress the construction stage will be determined as part of the annual Scottish budget-setting exercises.”
“We continue to progress the proposed improvements at Sheriffhall through the statutory process. Given the large number of objections received following publication of the draft orders, a public local inquiry was held between 31 January and 8 February 2023. The independent reporter’s conclusions and recommendations have been submitted to the Scottish Government and are under active consideration prior to advice being provided to Scottish ministers, who will then decide whether the statutory process should be completed. Colin Beattie: It is coming up to two years since the independent reporter submitted her conclusions to ministers. Can the cabinet secretary confirm whether the money allocated previously is still ring fenced and, given cost inflation, whether it is still adequate to meet the construction costs?”
“I encourage everyone to recognise that the Scotland that we want is a Scotland that embraces all of that and that there are ways of articulating that by lots of different means and measures. Budget (East Kilbride) 6.”
“Indeed, as a young nationalist, I engaged personally with Mick McGahey through dialogue and debate—he took time to listen and to debate. Our politics would be far better if there was more listening, engagement and understanding of people from different persuasions. I also recognise the existing monuments. I was struck by the one in King George V park in Bonnyrigg that was unveiled in 2006. It is a simple, rough-hewn block of stone with a low-relief profile of Michael McGahey, which includes a dedication that reads: “We are a movement, not a monument.” The member has recognised that trade unions, education and all those aspects are part of our culture and heritage.”
“Richard Leonard: Today marks the centenary of the birth of Mick McGahey, born in Shotts on this day in 1925. He described himself as a product of his movement and his class. Self- educated, internationalist in outlook and never afraid to hide his politics. Is that not a life to be celebrated? Are these not values to be revered? What is the Scottish Government going to do to nurture future generations of trade unionists and to ensure that working-class history is properly recognised in our cultural heritage and properly taught in our education system? And would our politics today not benefit from a bit more of the principle, the honesty and the integrity that Mick McGahey stood for all of his life? Fiona Hyslop: I thank the member for his tribute to Michael McGahey on the anniversary of his birth. I recognise his role.”
“The 2023 culture strategy for Scotland aims to extend the view of culture to include the everyday and the emerging, the established and the more formal, recognising each community’s own local cultures and encouraging collaboration across partners to realise the transformational power of culture. It is by recognising that culture and heritage helps to bring us together, celebrates our achievements and reminds us of our shared past that communities can also examine the contribution of key figures at the centre of our history, such as Michael McGahey, who was an early champion of this Parliament. The Scottish Government has demonstrated our commitment to the culture sector and the heritage sector, with an increase of more than £34 million in 2025-26. That takes us to more than £50 million more in culture funding than in 2023-2024.”
“I am more than happy to arrange a further briefing for Ms McNeill from officials, as she has had previously. The Presiding Officer: I ask members for concise questions and responses. Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme 4.”
“Pauline McNeill: Obviously, that would take into account overtime and anything else. Fiona Hyslop: I am more than happy to ask officials to ensure that the website is up to date. I have explained the recent issues, particularly in relation to unanticipated concerns. What is unacceptable is to question the work that is required to ensure that the works are carried out safely. As of May 2025, props have been installed at 13 of a total of 23 locations and 10 locations have been fully jacked, meaning that the load from the bridge deck is being transferred away from the existing supports and on to the newly installed propping system. I understand members’ requests and interest in the work; that is why I personally asked for MSPs and councillors to be updated.”
“However, the works are being advertised as “to be completed in early 2026” on the Transport Scotland website. Is the cabinet secretary at all concerned that Transport Scotland wrote to me on 21 May to say that it now cannot confirm that completion date—which is what I think the cabinet secretary is saying today—but that the website still says that the work will be completed in “early 2026”? It is unacceptable that the public, who are putting up with these delays, are not getting up-to-date, accurate information. In fact, as far as I can see, the website is just a showcase for Amey. Will the cabinet secretary tell Parliament and the public what is being done to bring the project in on the timescale that is scheduled, or as soon as possible? The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms McNeill.”
“I will notify the public of any changes to the project timeline when they are known. I acknowledge the disruption that is being experienced by the travelling public and the local community, and I appreciate the patience of road users. However, the work is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of that section of the M8 for the approximately 150,000 road users who travel on that section of the motorway daily. Pauline McNeill: The M8 project in Glasgow was due for completion in late 2023. Since 2021, those using the M8 have had constant delays as part of their daily commute, which is impacting on the west of Scotland economy. We know that the project is complex, and I am glad that the cabinet secretary has acknowledged the impact on the public.”
“The M8 Woodside viaducts project is a complex one that involves constructing temporary propping in a constrained urban environment to enable repairs to the half-joints that support the motorway. Transport Scotland and its contractor, Amey, have been examining each and every activity that is required to complete the works to ensure completion as soon as possible. However, there have been delays to the piling work around the subway tunnel, which has to be carried out very carefully. That information was explained to elected members, including Ms McNeill, when they attended a site visit and were briefed by the Transport Scotland project team. Uncharted obstructions have recently been discovered, and officials are assessing them to determine whether they might impact on the current estimated completion dates.”
“Fiona Hyslop: In relation to the member’s concern about visitors, I thank him for the opportunity to announce that we launched our drive on the left campaign this week. It provides clear, practical advice for overseas drivers, including how to use passing places and navigate junctions, and states the importance of staying alert and keeping left, particularly when roads are quiet. Those resources are available on the Road Safety Scotland website. We are working with the tourism and hospitality sectors, including vehicle-rental companies, to help visitors to remain safe. I encourage Jamie Halcro Johnston and all MSPs who have visitors in their constituency or region to share that campaign material.”
“Jamie Halcro Johnston: Those of us who use the A9, or any of the other major or smaller roads across the Highlands and Islands, will be well aware that visitor numbers are already increasing ahead of the summer. This time last year, I asked the cabinet secretary about some of the specific issues that are caused by camper van drivers, those using e-bikes and other visitors who are unfamiliar with roads that are often challenging and, too often, are in a poor state of repair. Is the cabinet secretary confident that the Scottish Government is doing enough to improve road safety across the Highlands and Islands in particular? Will she reassure me that she believes that my constituents are safer on our roads this year than they were last year?”
“Over the past year, the Scottish Government has implemented a range of measures to improve road safety across the Highlands and Islands. Those include £1.7 million for targeted engineering improvements on the A9, and £14 million for local authorities to improve road safety and introduce 20mph limits where appropriate. In 2025-26, a further £48 million will support a further range of measures, including national driver behaviour campaigns, targeted infrastructure improvements and safety camera deployments. That includes £20 million for local authorities to make local roads safer and to complete the roll-out of 20mph limits. Collectively, those efforts are designed to reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on roads across Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands.”
“After a decade of inaction, is now not the time to commit to a fully costed, time-bound upgrade plan for the A75 to ensure the safety and economic viability of the local communities, and the wider UK, that it serves? Fiona Hyslop: I am aware of recent incidents, most recently just yesterday in the Ardwall area. I have asked my Transport Scotland officials to work with local communities along the A75 to identify other improvements that can be made. However, on the issue of investment that the member raises, I reiterate that, since 2007, we have completed six major road improvement projects along the A75, with a value of more than £50 million, and we have invested more than £152 million to ensure its safe and efficient operation.”
“In reality, the bypasses at Crocketford and Springholm are being funded by the United Kingdom Government, so it is quite incredible that the cabinet secretary has refused to meet the local MP to discuss the matter. In the light of yet another accident on the A75, this time near Gatehouse, which forced another closure, following the tragic fatal crash earlier this month near Castle Douglas, on top of the daily near misses because of poorly designed junctions at the Haugh of Urr and Twynholm, how can the Scottish Government continue to justify its chronic underinvestment in this vital arterial route through Dumfries and Galloway?”
“The Scottish Government recognises the strategic importance of the A75 and we are committed to improving safety, resilience and reliability for everyone who uses that key route. A number of improvements are being delivered on the A75, including the introduction of signalisation at the Cuckoo Bridge roundabout, which is expected to get under way this year. Design and assessment work to consider options for realigning the A75 trunk road with bypasses at the villages of Springholm and Crocketford is also under way and is proceeding at pace. That work will culminate in the identification of a preferred route option for the scheme in early 2027. Finlay Carson: The honest truth is that the Scottish National Party has failed to invest in the road—what we have heard about is a traffic lights upgrade.”
“Evelyn Tweed: Temporary clearways on trunk roads in popular rural locations such as those near the A84 and A82 play an important role in keeping our roads safe. What consideration has the Scottish Government made of whether such clearways should be made permanent? Fiona Hyslop: Several permanent clearway orders for popular tourist locations on the trunk road network are under consideration, including for the locations that the member has mentioned. Those orders will proceed through the relevant legislative processes. The areas under consideration include the A84 at Loch Lubnaig and the A82 at the Falls of Falloch. Clearways might have a role to play there, but those determinations must follow the relevant legislative processes. Housing Emergency”
“In Scotland, the majority of car parks and roads in rural areas, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, are managed locally by local authorities or private car park owners. It is a matter for each local authority to engage with stakeholders to promote the safe use of roads and car parks in its area and to adhere to any legislation that applies. On the specific issues that are affecting the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park, the Scottish Government is a member of the national park safe recovery action group, which was formed in 2020 in response to increased visitor levels following the Covid pandemic. The group’s primary objective is to collaboratively manage visitor-related pressures across the national park.”
“Local authority funding is determined at a local government level; the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government is actively involved in that. As I outlined in my initial answer, we have been very responsive to the request from”
“That includes the full £1.521 million requested by Highland Council for this year. Ariane Burgess: I welcome the funding for replacing the Corran ferry, which I had called for in the chamber. However, the rising costs of maintaining the ageing fleet, the Tory legacy of inflation and the Labour United Kingdom Government’s decision to increase employer national insurance contributions have put considerable pressure on the sustainability of those services. Will the cabinet secretary commit to asking Transport Scotland to boost Highland Council’s funding this year? Fiona Hyslop: The funding for local authority ferries, which I outlined and which has increased from £41.7 million to £70 million this year, acknowledges some of the increasing pressures. Transport Scotland does not fund Highland Council directly.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to continuing to improve the transport infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands, for which we have direct responsibility. We are introducing new vessels to our ferry networks and are delivering further upgrades to key trunk roads and public transport infrastructure. We have invested more than £2 billion in our ferry services since 2007, and we have outlined plans to invest around £700 million in a five-year plan to improve ferry infrastructure. That includes the delivery of more new major ferries and the small vessel replacement programme. We are also supporting the four local authorities that operate their own ferry services—we have increased funding from £41.7 million in 2023-24 to around £70 million in 2025-26.”
“That investment will be supplemented and supported by key performance indicators in the contract. I also met this morning with the chair of the ferries community board, and the board is actively involved in ensuring that the service delivery improvements that I spoke about will be realised for the benefit of islanders.”
“Now that a direct award has been made, what guarantees has the cabinet secretary received from CalMac, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and Ferguson Marine that the new contract will not result in the same poor level of service as the current one? Fiona Hyslop: We have announced that it is our preferred intention that the contract will be awarded in October, and we are working to deliver that. The most recent full-year statistics show that, out of 170,000 scheduled sailings between October 2023 and September 2024, only 3.4 per cent were cancelled due to technical and other reasons, such as weather-related issues. I had a meeting this morning with CMAL regarding the delivery of the four new vessels that we expect in the next year. Important work is also being conducted on ports and harbours.”
“This is a unique opportunity to change the emphasis from having a commercially driven arrangement to having a public-focused service that is wholly directed at meeting the important and particular needs of island communities. A direct award will enable Scottish ministers to have greater influence on strategic objectives and on significant decisions relating to the provision of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. That will provide the necessary flexibility to drive improvements and adapt to the evolving needs of our island communities. Sue Webber: CalMac services have been pushed to the limit and, as we head into the summer months, islanders are being left at the whim of an ageing fleet thanks to last week’s announcement that the issue of the MV Glen Rosa will not be resolved until next year.”
“From the day of opening, there will be double the provision that was available at the previous station. South Lanarkshire Council is working closely with its contractor to complete that work. I confirm that the bus service will call at the station from Sunday, with additional bus services calling at the station in the coming months. This transformational project will offer fully accessible and sustainable transport options for passengers as a result of the Scottish Government’s investment. [Fiona Hyslop has corrected this contribution. See end of report.] Given the role that the rail service plays in supporting commuters, I am sure that the Government’s decision to abolish peak rail fares for good from September will benefit Ms Stevenson’s constituents and all workers and rail passengers who rely on the train to get to and from work.”
“Given that South Lanarkshire Council is responsible for the car parking and transport interchange at the new Hairmyres station, what discussions have been had with it regarding progress on those points? Will the cabinet secretary outline the advantages to rail users of that Scottish National Party Government investment? Will she also say how the programme for government commitment to scrap peak rail fares will benefit my constituents who travel from East Kilbride, Hairmyres and Thorntonhall? Fiona Hyslop: The member is right to point out that local authorities have responsibilities in relation to such rail projects. There has been close partnership working, and I can advise that the full south car park and a small portion of the north car park will be available from Sunday 18 May.”
“The East Kilbride enhancement project continues to make excellent progress in line with the committed delivery programme. The 16-week closure of the line for essential works will conclude very soon, and I can advise the Parliament that services will return on the route on Sunday 18 May. I can also announce that the relocated and refurbished Hairmyres station will open on that date. I thank the travelling public for their patience during the closure period while we have delivered this very welcome electrification and enhancement rail project. Collette Stevenson: I am grateful to the cabinet secretary for the update and for the Scottish Government’s support for this transformational project. I, along with many local rail users, welcome the fact that trains will be operating on the line again in the coming days.”
“Will she meet with me and my constituent David Quarrell to discuss the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s proposal for more pilot projects to expand that capacity while reducing road accidents in South Lanarkshire and the east end of Glasgow? Fiona Hyslop: I agree with the member about ensuring that there is support for and incentivisation of deer management. Transport Scotland is working in partnership with NatureScot and the trunk road operating companies to better manage the issues relating to deer and road users, to improve road safety and to protect the welfare of deer. I will ask the appropriate officials to meet the member’s constituent, as they will be better placed to explain some of the challenges that they are facing and how the issue might be managed.”
“The Scottish Government does not currently have data on road traffic accidents involving deer specifically in the central belt or for the requested five-year period. Transport Scotland is aware, from Police Scotland records, that 11 accidents involving deer in 2024 were recorded across all roads in Scotland where personal injury was sustained. Collette Stevenson: Estimates suggest that the deer population in Scotland has doubled in the past 35 years. In addition to the issue of road accidents, deer negatively affect biodiversity, so there is a need for more deer management to avoid collisions and protect the environment. Does the cabinet secretary agree that increased deer management is required?”
“The member will be fully aware that direct award of public contracts is possible only in strictly limited circumstances under public procurement rules. Shipbuilding is a competitive global market and a designated sensitive sector under the United Kingdom Subsidy Control Act 2022. Any direct award of a public contract must comply with that act and must be capable of withstanding legal challenge. Unless the member is suggesting that the UK Government is about to abandon the UK Subsidy Control Act, he knows that there are limits to what we can do currently.”
“What is the Scottish Government’s plan to secure future work for the yard? Why do the Scottish Government and CMAL not insert minimum social value weighting into their ferry contracts, as is done in other parts of the United Kingdom? Fiona Hyslop: The principles of what the United Kingdom Government refers to as social value are already embedded in Scotland. The Scottish Government has been increasing the scope of public procurement for two decades now, and we have complementary policies and legislation to encourage local business participation, growth and development as well as secure opportunities for and investment in jobs, skills and so on. I would point out that we operate under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.”
“The Scottish Government continues to meet CMAL on a regular basis. The most recent meeting was held on 24 April, when I discussed our strategic investments, including the delivery of the four new Islay-class vessels, the small vessel replacement programme procurement and other live ports projects. Neil Bibby: GMB Scotland has been clear that future work for the Ferguson Marine shipyard is vital for its future. However, we have recently seen the offshoring of Scottish Government contracts to Poland, despite the Port Glasgow yard having a strong track record of delivering smaller vessels. Now it has lost out on the Western Ferries contract, too. The workforce should not have to pay for the Scottish National Party’s incompetence—it is the Government’s job to clear up the mess that it has presided over.”
“They have suggested that, as other campaigners have done, they should discuss their proposals with their local council or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, their local regional transport partnership, and determine how to take forward the necessary appraisals. I should note that the study that Sharon Dowey referred to was the strategic transport plan for the whole of Scotland. It was not just a study on one issue; it covered the whole of”
“I welcome the campaigners’ enthusiasm in supporting transport interventions that could bring benefits to the Mauchline area. New local rail proposals are considered subject to the development of a strong business case with clear alignment to the Scottish Government’s priorities, with the affordability of such proposals being set out. I note that the evidence that has been provided to date is not in line with Transport Scotland’s published guidance, with a transport appraisal using the Scottish transport appraisal guidance still to be undertaken. That is required in order to inform a robust strategic business case for transport projects. My officials have recently written to the campaigners to note the points that have been suggested.”
“Sharon Dowey: Although I welcome any steps to improve public transport in the south-west, the reality for many communities in rural Ayrshire is that options remain severely limited. I recently joined the Cumnock and Mauchline railway stations action group to back its campaign to reopen both stations, which closed in 1965, and I saw at first hand the strength of community support. I appreciate that the cabinet secretary wrote to me this morning to point out that a Scottish Government study in 2022 did not back those plans and that there is no money in this year’s budget for them. With that in mind, does the cabinet secretary believe that the campaign has any chance of succeeding next year or beyond? Fiona Hyslop: The constituency member, Elena Whitham, and other campaigners have also contacted me.”