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When the island bond policy was shelved, we were assured that the £5 million would stay within the Scottish Government budget to deal with depopulation. Where is that money within the budget, and what other specific moneys are being set aside to deal with depopulation of our islands?

On the £250,000 for looking at employment and retention on the islands, is there something similar in the budget this year? We are very aware that island businesses are struggling because of the unreliability of the ferries. What money is there to encourage those businesses to stay on island?

My concern is about the Highlands and Islands Enterprise budget. This year, we see another large cut following year-on-year cuts during the past decade. Given the state of the economy and the need to repopulate and encourage population retention in the Highlands and Islands, what impact will those cuts have?

When do you expect that consultation to start, and what form will it take? A lot of relationships need to be rebuilt to ensure that everyone is happy and on board with future processes.

Why has the addressing depopulation action plan been delayed?

How can we measure the amount of money in the budget that is being invested in repopulation?

Can you give us reasons for the 50 per cent cut in harbour grants? How will that impact on harbours, in relation to fishing, after storm damage? Most harbours are multipurpose, so that will also have an impact on infrastructure for ferries and renewables.

Do you have concerns about those cuts, given the impact that they will have on your area of responsibility—islands, land reform, and the social and economic impact of fishing, farming and traditional industries? It all makes HIE less able to act and build upon those economic drivers.

So, you are telling us that the £5 million that was set aside for the islands bond is no longer in the budget to address depopulation and that it was not a commitment?

I will ask a quick supplementary on that. I have been involved for many years in pay settlements for Marine Scotland mariners. They are significantly lower paid than other mariners who are employed through the public purse. What impact will the budget have on a pay settlement for them?