Orkney Internal Ferry Fleet

Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:00 pm on 31 October 2024.

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Photo of Emma Roddick Emma Roddick Scottish National Party 2:00, 31 October 2024

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support the internal ferry fleet in Orkney. (S6O-03867)

Photo of Jim Fairlie Jim Fairlie Scottish National Party

Since 2018-19, the Scottish Government has provided Orkney Islands Council with £87.7 million to support the operation of its internal ferry fleet. We also recognise the fleet replacement challenge that faces the council and, in that regard, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and I met the council at the Orkney ferry replacement task force earlier this month. We were pleased to confirm the allocation of £3 million in additional funding to support the council’s electric ferry trial, design work for the northern isles ferry, and desktop-based work on the proposed port upgrades.

Photo of Emma Roddick Emma Roddick Scottish National Party

The news that the Scottish Government is investing £3 million in Orkney’s internal ferry fleet will be really positive for Orcadians who rely on the services to travel for various professional, educational and social opportunities. Will the minister outline how the Scottish Government will continue to work in partnership with Orkney Islands Council to ensure that decisions on improvements to local transport links are made in consultation with local communities and with the best interests of islanders at their core?

Photo of Jim Fairlie Jim Fairlie Scottish National Party

Ms Roddick highlights an important issue, which has been made clear to me in meetings and visits with the islanders. Transport links are key to economic and social wellbeing, especially for island residents, communities and businesses, who must be involved in the decisions that affect those services. In light of that, the importance of hearing the voice of communities is a key theme in our islands connectivity plan. From meetings with the task force, it is clear that Orkney Islands Council is focused on meeting the needs of its island communities, and we remain committed to supporting the council with that work, including the progression of its business cases.