Seòmar agus comataidhean

We have unanimity among the witnesses.

The first question from committee members comes from Jackie Dunbar.

There used to be a basic route organised, which was accepted as a distillery flight to get people out there.

The next questions come from Mark Ruskell.

Rob, do you think that the ability to flex up and down in order to meet demand and to ensure that boats are not running half full is the way forward and will allow more maintenance?

Do you wish to comment, Martin?

Good morning and welcome to the 29th meeting in 2022 of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. We have received apologies from Natalie Don.

Agenda item 1 is consideration of whether to take items 3 to 6 in private. Item 3 is consideration of the evidence that we will hear today; item 4 is consideration of a draft report on Environmental Standards Scotland’s strategic plan; item 5 is consideration of a draft letter to the Scottish Government on environmental common frameworks; and item 6 is consideration of the committee’s work programme. Is everyone happy to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

That reflects members’ experience when we visited Arran yesterday; one of our ferry trips was cancelled, so we had to leave without completing our business.

Martin, well done. No one noticed you being kicked under the table to correct your earlier answer with more information.

Liam Kerr wants to come in with a question on the back of that.

Peter—do you want to add anything?

That is helpful. I want to come back to Peter Clark and then ask a general question of everyone, to close the session.

Freight demand has never been greater. We heard that your industry is doing particularly well on Islay, Peter. Is it getting to the stage at which you might have to consider purchasing or acquiring the services of a ferry operator just to service your industry so that it gets the reliability that it needs?