2. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to make ferries serving Argyll and Bute more accessible for disabled people. (S5O-00232)

The Scottish Government has established the ferries accessibility fund in line with the commitment that we set out in the ferries plan that was published in December 2012. The second round of applications for the ferries accessibility fund was announced on 13 September 2016. In addition, we have recently published a 10-year accessible travel framework for Scotland that supports disabled people’s rights by removing barriers and improving access to travel; and it ensures that disabled people are fully involved in the work to improve all aspects of travel across the various modes of transport and travel, including of course ferries. The framework has been developed in close engagement with disabled people from across Scotland.

A few weeks ago in Dunoon, I met an Enable Scotland group for adults with learning disabilities, who expressed serious concerns about disabled access. Although I strongly welcome any proposals to ensure that future ferries are fully accessible for everyone in our communities, what reassurances can the Minister give today to groups such as Enable Scotland about alleviating this problem now, rather than down the line?

I appreciate that question. I would be more than happy to meet the member to discuss the issue further or, if he wishes to write to me with the specific concerns that were expressed to him, I would be more than happy to take them on board.

I can say what we are doing here and now. We have just announced a ferries accessibility fund of £500,000 of match funding, which means that there is the potential for a £1 million pot of money to be spent to improve access to ports, harbours and ferries.

During my summer tours in the past few months, I noticed that ferries can be much improved for those with accessibility issues. I am more than happy to meet the member to discuss those specific concerns with him. There are opportunities to do things here and now and, as I say, I am open to listening to people’s concerns.

I am delighted that the Minister for Transport and the Islands came to Arran on 26 September to officially launch the new £12.3 million hybrid ferry, the MV Catriona.

Can the minister tell the chamber how the greater capacity of this new Port Glasgow-built ferry will help more people—disabled and otherwise—as well as goods and services to travel between Arran and Argyllshire, boosting both economies?

I was delighted to visit Arran a couple of weeks ago with Mr Gibson. Of course, it would be discourteous of me to mention the fact that he nearly broke the soap machine at Arran Aromatics, almost annihilating the entire industry of the island.

I was also pleased to visit the MV Catriona, which is a great vessel that highlights the importance of Ferguson Marine Engineering and its importance to Scottish commercial shipbuilding.

It is worth saying that the vessel will bring great advantages to the economy, as it accommodates 150 passengers, 23 cars and a number of heavy-goods vehicles. It is also important to say that the environmental impact of these new hybrid ferries can be more easily discounted. They are fantastically energy-efficient and will help us to meet the CO₂ reduction targets that we have set ourselves.

I look forward to returning to Arran in the near future.