Seòmar agus comataidhean

How do Statens vegvesen and the municipalities involve communities at the outset with the development of ferry service specifications? What does that look like in practice? What engagement takes place with communities? How can they influence the specification of a ferry service?

I am looking at the CalMac stats for the number of cancellations because of adverse weather and some other categories. They seem to paint a picture of climate change and how weather will change in the future and cause significant disruption and challenges. Is there enough of an understanding of what is coming with climate change and how that will affect vessel specification, the way that ports and harbours will operate and the way that services should be configured in the future?

I want to ask you about catamarans. We have had quite a lot of evidence about using larger numbers of smaller vessels to achieve improved capacity service reliability, and some industry experts have mentioned having more fleet-of-foot catamarans. What are your thoughts on that, or is that completely CMAL’s concern?

How are you improving the integrated ticketing offering and providing an absolutely compelling product for people who are travelling?

Okay. It is good to hear that engagement has been taking place.

Obviously, the principle of transparency in land reform is hugely important. I note that that forms part of the consultation on the forthcoming bill. Can you say a little more about how you will take through the thread of transparency?

Has consideration of resilience been lacking up until now?

What form does a hearing take? Is it a discussion with a municipality? Is it a public hearing where a business user, a farmer or someone else can make representations? What form does the discussion take with communities?

Is on-going consultation required? Is there regular feedback from users, stakeholders and communities about the quality of service not just at the beginning when specifications are laid out, but in response to changing circumstances?

No—some of my other questions have already been asked.

What explains the difference between the northern isles and the west coast and Hebrides sailings? Is there a particular type of vulnerability in the Atlantic, or are there other issues?