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The Scottish Government through Transport Scotland instructed the Operating Company, Amey, to undertake investigation of the active travel route between Stranraer and Cairnryan to establish what infrastructure can be introduced. The route is being considered in two complementary sections; these being an upgrade of the existing facility from Stranraer to the Beoch Burn and the introduction of new infrastructure where none exists at present from the Beoch Burn to Cairnryan to provide a continuous route.

The investigation has been completed between Stranraer and the Beoch Burn and this has indicated the extent of upgrade of the existing infrastructure required. The investigation will continue this financial year on the section between the Beoch Burn and Cairnryan. This will initially encompass vegetation clearance and subsequently topographical surveys which will be completed to determine any constraints to implementing active travel infrastructure on this section of the route.

This investigation is a precursor to any future design work that may be undertaken and an essential step in the process, allowing the gathering of information to establish the feasibility of upgrading/ delivering an active travel facility between Stranraer and Cairnryan.

Should the investigation conclude that establishing active travel infrastructure is feasible for the whole section between Stranraer and Cairnryan, it is currently anticipated the principal design work will commence in financial year 2024-25.

Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is supported, with local authorities receiving £9.1m through the General Revenue Grant in 2023-24, and Dumfries & Galloway receiving £702k. This funding is not ring fenced, allowing local authorities flexibility in allocating resources as they see fit, including use of digital platforms. In addition, DRT is eligible for the same support as standard bus services through the Network Support Grant and the National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

The Scottish Government is committed to improving connectivity in the south west of Scotland and the second Strategic Transport Projects Review recommends that pilot schemes, involving demand responsive transport and Mobility as a Service, draw on innovative solutions, international best practice, and smart technologies. Digital DRT has been incorporated within the HITRANS, Tactran and SEStran MaaS Investment Fund pilots and, as such, we envisage that MaaS would be able to play a pivotal role in the future operation of digital DRT across Scotland.

The South West Scotland Transport Study Initial Appraisal – Case for Change (SWSTS) was a precursor to the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) and included 23 option packages to be appraised further in STPR2.

STPR2 was published in December 2022 and sets out 45 national recommendations for future investment in Scotland’s strategic transport network over the next 20 years.

A number of recommendations identified in the SWSTS for further appraisal within STPR2 have ultimately been recommended. Recommendation 40 ‘Access to Stranraer and ports at Cairnryan’ is specific to the south west and would lead to improving the transport assets and supporting regeneration in the area to benefit the economy and local communities. Recommendation 40 also provides for safety, resilience and reliability improvements on the A75 and A77 strategic road corridors leading to more resilient connections to the NPF4 National Development at Stranraer Gateway and the ports at Cairnryan. Recommendations 18, 23, 44 and 45; ‘Supporting integrated journeys at ferry terminals’, ‘Smart, integrated public transport ticketing’, ‘Rail freight terminals’, and ‘High speed and cross border rail enhancements’, identified in the SWSTS and ultimately recommended in STPR2 will all have particular benefit for the south west.

Rail interventions recommended by the SWSTS including new stations at Beattock, Eastriggs and Thornhill, and new rail lines between Dumfries and Stranraer, between Stranraer and Cairnryan and between the Glasgow South Western Line and the West Coast Main Line were considered as part of the long list of multi-modal options in STPR2. However, none of these three stations (or any rail stations or new lines across the county) have emerged as STPR2 recommendations. Other SWSTS recommendations which were not ultimately recommended by STPR2, including ‘Development of Enhanced Diversionary Routes and Route Planning on the local road network’ and ‘Development of the Timber Transport Network’ were deemed to be more appropriate for progression at the regional or local level.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) does not record this information formally as it is not required for the licence return to NatureScot.

Forestry and Land Scotland does not record this information formally as it is not required for the licence return to NatureScot .

Forestry and Land Scotland does not record this information formally as it is not required for the licence return to NatureScot.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives the lead management role for access to local and National Park Authorities (“access authorities”). Access authorities have a statutory duty to uphold access rights and have various powers with which to do this, such as serving written notices requiring remedial action where a land owner puts in place an obstruction to access. The Scottish Government attends as an observer of the National Access Forum which is a national body that provides advice and develops guidance on access rights and access management as well as facilitating national liaison about access rights.

All access authorities have now adopted core paths plans. The access authority may take appropriate action to maintain a core path and keep it free from obstruction. Access authorities may review and amend their core paths plan.

The 2023-24 Local Government Finance Settlement of nearly £13.5 billion provides a cash increase of over £793 million, which represents a real terms increase of £376 million or 3 per cent. The Scottish Government’s policy is to allow local authorities the financial freedom to operate independently. It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to allocate the financial resources available to them on the basis of local needs and priorities.

The National Park Authorities’ budget allocation of £20.9 million in 2023-24 will enable them to continue to deliver the statutory aims of both National Parks and undertake their statutory functions and duties, including as access authorities. The allocation represents a 13% increase on the budget for 2022-23.

We are fully aware that energy costs are an issue facing many sports facilities, particularly ice rinks.

However, given that the levers to respond to rising energy prices and the wider cost of living crisis are reserved, we continue to urge the UK Government to use all the powers at its disposal to tackle this crisis.

Scottish Government officials recently met with the Scottish Ice Rink Association to discuss the difficulties facing ice rinks.

It is vital that partners at a local level work together to explore all avenues and approaches to support local sport and leisure facilities.

Local sport and leisure facilities are vital in supporting the physical and mental health of the nation. We recognise the importance of facilities, such as Ayr Ice Rink for the overall wellbeing of those who use them regularly.

In recognising the important role that ice rinks play in many communities the Scottish Government supported thirteen privately operated ice rinks with over two million pounds (£2m) during the pandemic, through our Covid sport fund. Ayr Ice Rink received £181,000 through this fund.

sportscotland, our national agency for sport, will be meeting with representatives of Ayr Ice Rink to understand the current situation at the local level. It is vital that partners at a local level work together to explore all avenues and approaches to support local sport and leisure facilities.

We will continue to keep a dialogue with sportscotland and the sector on these issues, and consider how we can further support the sector.