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Due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken a two phased approach to the second Strategic Transport Projects Review. Phase 1 recommendations, which were published on 3 February 2021, identify short-term investment priorities in line with the five year spending review; to help ‘lock in’ some of the sustainable travel choices observed over the past year and provide a step change in investment which supports the priorities and outcomes of the second National Transport Strategy.

Phase 2, which looks beyond the spending review period, is aligned with National Planning Framework 4 highlighting the critical nature of transport and land use interaction. As such Transport Scotland will complete the review in Autumn this year, thereafter it will be published for formal public consultation.

Transport Scotland published the draft Phase 1 recommendations and an update on the second Strategic Transport Projects Review on 3 February 2021. This included National and Regional Case for Change Reports which contained a list of transport options that are being considered further in Phase 2. We invited stakeholders and the public to feedback with a closing date of
‎ 31 March 2021.

As a result of our engagement we received a total of 461 responses, of which 333 are on the Phase 1 Recommendations report and 128 on the Case for Change reports. Given the substantial amount of feedback we have received we are now carefully considering how this will inform Phase 2 of the review.

We will share these key points with the Regional Transport Working Groups in the first instance, and use them to inform the ongoing appraisal, prior to publishing later in the Summer.

Consideration of options for extending the Borders Railway continues to be undertaken through the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). This is a national appraisal of strategic transport interventions and will conclude later this year.

As detailed in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, STPR2 will create the evidence base for future transport investment decisions by the Scottish Government. Depending on the outcome of STPR2, feasibility work would then progress on the basis of, and informed by, findings from this appraisal work.

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

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 Scottish Government has not yet identified a preferred location for a Border Control Post to service the ports at Loch Ryan and Cairnryan. A number of sites have been identified, one of which is the old Ferry Terminal in Stranraer, which is the stated preference of Dumfries and Galloway Council. Careful consideration will be given to the suitability of each of these sites, taking into account the size of site required, its operational suitability, connectivity and environmental factors.

You will be aware that we have laid a Special Development Order in Parliament. This is not to bypass traditional planning routes or to avoid statutory engagement with the public. This is a contingency measure to ensure that the project can proceed at pace within its demanding timescales and save time in the planning process, especially if it were to be a major development. In the event that it necessary to rely on the SDO, it does include a 21-day consultation period, and the Scottish Government is committed to working with Dumfries and Galloway Council to enable any consent granted through SDO, and in particular any conditions attached, to be as consistent as possible with the Council’s usual approach.

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.

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.

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 '