Seòmar agus comataidhean

Taking freight off congested roads and moving it by rail or water can ensure that freight is moved in an efficient, flexible and sustainable manner. Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) can act as an enabler for companies investing in facilities that without FFG, would not happen as they would not be commercially viable

To date, no applications under Freight Facilities Grant have been received specifically promoting low carbon or zero emission solutions. However, the movement of freight by rail rather than road, especially over long distances, can result in lower emissions.

To date, no applicant has sought to include within an award of Freight Facilities Grant the integration of digital technologies as a specific element of a funded project.

I am aware of the recently reported worrying that is doing the rounds and that leading up to lambing I will once again be reminding people of their obligations to understand the responsibilities they have when in the countryside with dogs.

The worrying of livestock by dogs is completely unacceptable and is something the Scottish Government takes very seriously, recognising the distress and the serious welfare and financial implications it causes.

That is why we supported the introduction of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, which came into force on 5 November 2021.

The Scottish Access code is quite clear as to what is considered responsible behaviour when dog walking in the countryside. I would encourage people to familiarise and remind themselves of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to exercise caution and vigilance when in and around farms and fields with livestock to help prevent livestock worrying incidents.

Please see the data below from both the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Service. Please note that The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 November 2021. The 2021 Act amends the offence under the 1953 Act so all proceedings are still under the 1953 Act (as amended).

Table 1: Charges reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) under:-Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 S1(1)&(6)-Worry livestock on a farm – attack.

Detailed below is a table containing Freight Facilities Grant awards linked to the development of intermodal transport facilities with the commodities that were removed from being transported by container from road onto rail or water instead.

The Freight Facilities Grants (FFG) is intended to bring about a number of benefits from the removal of freight from roads to other modes of transport. This includes but is not limited to emissions reduction.

Freight Facilities Grants are open to any company, including SMEs, who can demonstrate that they can transfer freight from road to rail or water.

Any company, in either a rural or urban area, which wants to move freight by rail or water rather than by road and which is proposing to invest in new freight handling facilities in Scotland or re-invest in existing facilities in Scotland may apply for Freight Facilities Grant. All applications are treated on their merits.

With all applications, Transport Scotland officials are available to discuss any proposal and provide assistance on what information should be included in an application and what evidence is required prior to any formal decision being made on awarding a grant.

To date, no applicant has applied for a grant under the Freight Facilities Grant with the specific purpose of supporting the transition to greener technologies such as alternative fuels.