Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35934 on 18 March 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx 

The Ardrossan Harbour project is currently in the design and planning stage. There have been some delays due to the pandemic; such as project communications, with public information events being cancelled and project updates being issued using alternative media forums.

Berth infrastructure works are currently set to commence in Summer 2022 with completion of the works expected in 2024. These dates are however, subject to change taking account of tender and contract award stages. A more detailed programme will be available once a contractor is appointed.

Progress has continued on the new vessels within the constraints of the pandemic. The timing of this work has had no direct impact on the delivery of the Ardrossan project.

The Ardrossan-Brodick/Campbeltown ferry service is expected to operate from Troon Harbour for around 18 months while construction works are carried out at Ardrossan harbour.

The transfer of services will not take place until construction work begins which is expected in Summer 2022. However this date is subject to the tender and procurement stages. A more defined programme will be provided once a contractor is appointed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-36024 on‎ 15 March 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx '

Where there is no SIGN guideline on a particular topic, the Scottish Government expect healthcare professionals to look for another high quality, evidence-based guideline (e.g NICE, RCP, RCEM). This was the expectation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be the position throughout the pandemic.

The appraisal process within the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), not the National Transport Strategy (NTS2) Delivery Plan, is the appropriate mechanism to consider the impact of potential changes to movement of people and goods at a national level. Access to major ports across Scotland is within the scope of STPR2, therefore my officials will continue to engage with the Greenports bidding process to ensure that the potential impacts of this, such as potential further development of additional facilities at successful location(s), are appropriately considered within STPR2.

All legislative and regulatory responsibility for telecommunications rests with the UK Government and Ofcom respectively, and as such, the current consultation relates to a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Government is supportive of the Electronic Communications Code which aims to reduce barriers to deployment of digital infrastructure and promote infrastructure sharing between operators. It is important that UK legislation and regulations supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to be a truly digital nation.

The Scottish Government is in dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on a number of issues relating to barrier removal and shares the view that the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code have had a more limited impact than originally envisaged. Scottish Government officials have engaged with stakeholders to understand any issues that have been experienced in utilising the Electronic Communications Code, and in particular, any Scottish-specific impacts that have emerged. If appropriate, our consultation response will reflect this and we will continue to engage with DCMS to try and ensure that Scottish interests are represented and reflected in any revised Electronic Communications Code.

South Ayrshire Council are leading on the work to determine the most appropriate option for the former Ayr Station Hotel via a comprehensive feasibility study coordinated through the Ayr Station Strategic Governance Group.

The Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland and other key stakeholders including Network Rail, continue to press the Council in regard to the importance of the interface with the railway station and the need to reach a timely decision on the preferred option.

The following table sets out the information requested based on Passenger Locator Form data provided to Public Health Scotland:

Yes. I have been quite happy to discuss the Island Connectivity Plan with the unions during our regular quarterly meetings. I would anticipate that this dialogue will continue as the Islands Connectivity Plan is developed, given that the trade unions are important stakeholders in the delivery of Scotland's supported ferries.