Jamie Halcro Johnston

5 Sep 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to increase transparency in the four-tiered payment structure in its proposed Agriculture Bill.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21034 on 15 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commi…

5 Sep 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to respond to the concerns expressed in the consultation on the Agriculture Bill that commercial forestry will not benefit local communities.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon: A consultation on the Bill’s proposals ran from 29 August 2022 to 5 December 2022, where a wide range of views were received. On 22 June 2023, the Scottish Government published the Agriculture Bill - Analysis of Consultation Responses which details the find…

5 Sep 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it provide further clarification regarding what it means by "unforeseen circumstances" within the framework of its proposed Agriculture Bill.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon: I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-21034 on 15 September 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-commi…

12 Jun 2023 · Topical Question

To ask the Scottish Government what economic impact it expects businesses across Scotland to experience as a result of its decision to not provide compensation for the delayed Deposit Return Scheme.

7 Jun 2023 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement the rural affairs secretary has had with the fishing industry in communities that may be impacted by its proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas.

30 May 2023 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what support it is providing for modern apprenticeships.

24 May 2023 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it is tackling depopulation in rural and island communities.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what the anticipated final cost is of vessel (a) 801 and (b) 802.

Answer · Neil Gray: The CEO of Ferguson Marine will write to the NZET Committee later this month to provide an update on the results of the detailed costing exercise to deliver 801 and 802.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any discussions took place with Ferguson Marine in relation to (a) restarting construction on vessel 802 from the beginning and (b) constructing a replacement for vessel 802 at a different shipyard, and what the outcome was of any such discussions.

Answer · Neil Gray: A detailed options appraisal upon a range of options, to complete the delivery of Hull 802, was completed by the due diligence team of officials, independent experts and Ferguson Marine.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what quotes it received from all shipbuilders in relation to its work to establish how much it would cost to retender a vessel as a replacement for vessel 802.

Answer · Neil Gray: Any quotations received during this process would be regarded as commercially sensitive and therefore not appropriate for disclosure.  

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what estimated delivery dates it received from all shipbuilders in relation to its work to establish how quickly it could retender and deliver a vessel as a replacement for vessel 802.

Answer · Neil Gray: Specific information of this nature would be regarded as commercially sensitive and therefore not appropriate for disclosure. Ministers have however stated that re-procurement would have potentially added a delay of around 2 ½ years to the anticipated deliver…

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government which shipyards or maritime experts were consulted as part of the process to determine that May 2027, as stated by the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy during his ministerial statement on Ferguson Marine on 16 May 2023, was the earliest delivery date for a ne…

Answer · Neil Gray: Independent advisers Teneo and Woodbank Marine as well as Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) were consulted during the due diligence process.  

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether an islands community impact assessment was carried out before making the decision to continue to build vessel 802 at Ferguson Marine, and, if so, what the outcome was.

Answer · Neil Gray: An Islands Community Impact Assessment was not completed as part of the due diligence exercise. Previous analysis of the value to island communities of ferry services was however considered.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any design changes will be made to vessel 802, in light of the comment by the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, during his ministerial statement on Ferguson Marine on 16 May 2023, that the vessel will no longer be value for money.

Answer · Neil Gray: The design of the ship is the responsibility of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow. We are aware that detailed design of Hull 802 will draw upon lessons learned during the design and build of MV Glen Sannox.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any trade unions were consulted as part of the process to determine whether vessel 802 should continue to be constructed at Ferguson Marine or whether it should be retendered and built at another shipyard, and, if so, what the outcomes were of any discussions.

Answer · Neil Gray: Ministers continue to have regular dialogue with Trade Unions. Trade Union Representatives have welcomed the Written Authority as they acknowledge the Port Glasgow yard’s importance to the local community.

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what the additional financial cost is to continue to build vessel 802 at Ferguson Marine rather than retender and build it at another shipyard.

Answer · Neil Gray: This information will be included as part of the quarterly update to the NZET Committee by CEO of Ferguson Marine at the end of June.  

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any discussions took place with Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in relation to constructing a replacement for vessel 802, and what the outcome was of any such discussions.

Answer · Neil Gray: The Scottish Government did not have any discussions with Cemre Marin Endustri in relation to the production of vessel 802. CMAL is the procuring authority and would therefore be responsible for any market engagement that might be required.  

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any shipyard stated that it could deliver a vessel before the May 2027 date stated by the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy during his ministerial statement on Ferguson Marine on 16 May 2023.

Answer · Neil Gray: Specific information of this nature would be regarded as commercially sensitive and therefore not appropriate for disclosure. However, it should be noted that the timetable associated with the delivery of an alternative vessel would include the time taken to …

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the ministerial statement on Ferguson Marine on 16 May 2023, what costs were incurred as part of the due diligence process that determined “that the narrow value for money case has not been made” for vessel 802.

Answer · Neil Gray: Details of all contracts relating to the provision of independent expertise to enable completion of due diligence upon the delivery of MV Glen Sannox and Hull 802 can be found via Public Contracts Scotland. The assessment of the value for money case was one …

23 May 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether any island communities groups or representatives were consulted as part of the process to determine whether vessel 802 should continue to be constructed at Ferguson Marine or whether it should be retendered and built at another shipyard, and, if so, what the outcomes were of any …

Answer · Neil Gray: Ministers engage with Island Communities on a regular basis.

3 May 2023 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the rural affairs secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding how the Scottish Government analyses the impact on island communities of disruption to ferry services.

26 Apr 2023 · Portfolio Question

To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of any potential impact on local communities of the reported deterioration of vital transport links in the Highlands and Islands region.

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to support sporting activities on Scotland's islands in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) island group and (b) government body providing the funding.

Answer · Maree Todd: The Scottish Government understand the importance of sport and physical activity and the positive impact that it has on physical, mental, and social health. We want to create and provide every opportunity for participation in sport and physical activity for e…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to support work or initiatives regarding diversity on Scotland's islands in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) island group and (b) government body providing the funding.

Answer · Mairi Gougeon: The Scottish Government does not currently hold this information. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the question, (a breakdown, per year, per island from every government body who may or may not have delivered diversity initiatives) attempting to gather the i…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to mitigate the economic impact on (a) South Uist and (b) other island communities of any extended periods when there is no ferry service.

Answer · Kevin Stewart: I recognise that every cancelled sailing can have a significant impact and realise that this is not just about ferry service performance, it’s about delivering the confidence needed to sustain island communities, businesses, and populations. In addition to i…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government when all (a) residential properties and (b) businesses on Scotland's islands will have access to superfast broadband, broken down by island group.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government is enabling access to superfast broadband through the £600 million R100 contracts (North, Central and South) and the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS). All three island local authority areas are covered by the R100 North C…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of (a) residential properties and (b) businesses on Scotland's islands have access to superfast broadband, broken down by island group.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: Information regarding superfast broadband coverage in Scotland can be accessed on Ofcom’s website. Ofcom’s most recent figures, published in December 2022 , show that as of September 2022 the percentage of residential and commercial premises able to access …

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development will attend the Tall Ships Races Lerwick 2023.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: I am delighted that the Tall Ship Races will be coming to Lerwick at the end of July this year. They represent a fantastic opportunity for Scotland, in particular Shetland and our island communities. This event, supported by £130,000 of EventScotland funding,…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government what impact it anticipates that the SaxaVord Spaceport will have on Shetland’s economy.

Answer · Richard Lochhead: SaxaVord Spaceport has the potential to have a major beneficial impact for Shetland’s economy. An economic impact assessment produced as part of the Spaceport’s planning application, estimates that once operational the spaceport will support over 209 jobs in…

18 Apr 2023 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been provided to support cultural activities on Scotland's islands in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) island group and (b) government body providing the funding.

Answer · Christina McKelvie: Creative Scotland, as the national arts development body and funded by the Scottish Government, provide a range of support for cultural activities across Scotland including the islands. To provide the specific information requested, Creative Scotland will wr…