Minutes: 21 September 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take agenda items 4 and 5 in private.

2. New vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides: Arrangements to deliver vessels 801 and 802:

The Committee took evidence from—

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport and Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development , Scottish Government;

Alison Irvine, Interim Chief Executive and Chris Wilcock, Head of Ferries Unit, Transport Scotland.

3. The 2021/ 22 audit of Scottish Canals:

The Committee took evidence from—

John Paterson, Chief Executive, Maureen Campbell, Chair, Sarah Jane Hannah, Director of Finance and Business Services and Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Canals;

Alison Irvine, Interim Chief Executive, Gary Cox, Interim Director Aviation, Maritime, Freight and Canals and Kerry Twyman, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Transport Scotland.

4. The 2021/ 22 audit of Scottish Canals:

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this item to a future meeting.

5. New vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides: Arrangements to deliver vessels 801 and 802 (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard at agenda item 2 and took further evidence from—

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland;

Mark Taylor, Audit Director, Audit Scotland.

The Committee will consider its next steps at a future meeting.