To ask the Scottish Government, as part of the cross-Government co-ordination on islands, what discussions the rural affairs secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding action to ensure that island communities are protected through an effective flood resilience strategy, in light of Audit Scotland’s reported findings on weaknesses in preparedness. (S6O-04901)

Climate change adaptation and improving resilience to flooding, including for our island communities, are priorities for the Scottish Government across ministerial portfolios. The recently completed Millport coastal flood protection scheme exemplifies that commitment. We have invested £39 million to safeguard island homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, which demonstrates how national leadership and local delivery can build real resilience for island communities. We are carefully considering Audit Scotland’s report, while noting that many of its recommendations align with work that is already under way as part of our national flood resilience strategy, which itself was subject to an island community impact assessment and requires cross-Government working.

The Auditor General’s report highlights that Scotland does not have a clear national plan to improve communities’ resilience to flooding. It says that the funding model is

“not fit for purpose”,

with costs rising from

“£350 million to over £1 billion.”

In a previous answer, the Minister spoke of providing whole-hearted support for farmers and crofters—and I assume that he also meant support for our communities—so why is it that, after 17 years in government, the Scottish National Party has failed to produce a fully costed, time-bound flood resilience plan? When will such a plan finally be put in place?

I dispute Martin Whitfield’s characterisation. I point out that the report stated that there has been

“a positive step forward in providing the strategic leadership that is needed”.

The Scottish Government has funded improvements to flood resilience across communities in Scotland since 2016. It has allocated more than £570 million to local authorities to support flood protection schemes and wider flood resilience.

There are a number of supplementary questions—I will try to get in as many as I can.

My Constituency is prone to significant flooding, and at the weekend alerts were again issued for Stornoway and Baleshare. The Minister might be aware that the Baleshare causeway was built in the 1960s. Given that, since the original construction, upgrades have been limited, and given that the community in Baleshare is now frequently cut off from the rest of North Uist due to flooding, what avenues might be available to support that vital work?

As ministers, we take the impact of coastal flooding and erosion on local communities, such as the community in Baleshare, very seriously. As such, we have published guidance to support local authorities to develop coastal change adaptation plans. Over this parliamentary session, almost £12 million will be invested to support such adaptation.

Scotland’s national islands plan sets out the actions and investments that the Scottish Government intends to put in place to meaningfully improve outcomes for island communities, including building resilience to climate change. A new national islands plan will be developed for publication this year, and we will continue to listen to and be guided by islanders to ensure that it continues to deliver on our shared vision for thriving, sustainable and successful island communities.

The Government cannot do that on its own. It needs partnership with farmers and landowners, both on islands and across the country, but that simply is not happening. We should be using best practice and natural water management measures. However, there has been no proper discussion and no roll-out of best practice. When will that happen?

I hear Willie Rennie’s points. We have had these conversations before. I am alive to the fact that we need those landscape-scale interventions if we are to ensure that we develop proper flood strategies. I am absolutely committed to looking at that.

A number of flood prevention schemes have been constructed on the isle of Cumbrae in recent years, the most recent being on Millport waterfront—a £48 million investment that is 80 per cent funded by the Scottish Government. What impact does the Minister envisage that that investment will have on the long-term security of Millport against the adverse impacts of climate change?

The Millport coastal flood protection scheme exemplifies our commitment to improving resilience to flooding in our island communities. It was completed last year and provides a one-in-200-year standard of protection for the 2km of Millport’s coastline. It has improved flood protection for more than 650 homes and businesses by reducing the risk of flooding and tidal overtopping and by improving community resilience to the impacts of climate change and the increased frequency of storms. The scheme not only safeguards homes, businesses and critical infrastructure in Millport; it demonstrates how national leadership, local delivery and partnership working, which relate to Willie Rennie’s point, can help us to build real resilience for island communities.