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In ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) we already have one of the most comprehensive EV networks in Europe with over 700 charge points, including over 175 rapid chargers. The ChargePlace Scotland website (www.chargeplacescotland.org) provides location and availability details of all these charge points. We do not hold a central record of non-CPS charge points.

The following table details both the original contracted non-fuel subsidy payment and the actual non-fuel subsidy payments from Contract Year 1 to Contract Year 6 of the Public Service Contract between the Scottish Ministers and Argyll Ferries Ltd.

There are a variety of reasons that contribute to differences between the initial contracted subsidy amount and the actual subsidy amount. One reason arising is that during the lifetime of the contract, maintenance and fuel costs have increased. Another reason being contract variations implemented, such as the charter of the MV Coruisk to improve winter reliability and the related replacement bus service. The details of these costs and their variances from original contracted subsidy are commercially sensitive to the operator.

The Gourock to Dunoon ferry service provides a vital transport link for foot passengers between Dunoon town centre harbour and the rail head at Gourock harbour. The public service obligation is set by the Scottish Ministers and the need for the service is defined by the impact it has on the wider economic and social sustainability of the community served. In its 2009 Decision on Scottish Ferry Services, the European Commission concluded that there is a sound economic and social justification for public support of a passenger service on this route.

Due to significant weather disruption during winter 2011-12 and particularly, winter 2012-13, the Scottish Ministers took the decision to deploy the MV Coruisk on the Gourock to Dunoon route in passenger mode only to improve the resilience of the service.

Argyll Ferries Ltd charter the MV Coruisk from the CalMac fleet at a time when she would otherwise be surplus to requirements. This reduces the net cost to Transport Scotland and provides more effective value for money.

Scotland have reported on the MV Coruisk’s deployment every winter period. Statistical information on her service and resilience operations on the route can be found on Transport Scotland’s website at the following link.

No significant issues have arisen. As a matter of course, Transport Scotland keep under review the requirement for training in respect of procurement issues, including the use of the new pre-qualifying European Single Procurement Document for future procurements.

Transport Scotland has not undertaken any assessment of the cost of improving the junctions on the A90 between Dundee and Stonehaven, other than at Laurencekirk, where design work is being taken forward to deliver a grade separated junction on the A90. It is therefore not possible to provide a cost estimate at this time.

Average speed cameras on the A90 are expected to improve road safety.

The cameras are already encouraging improved driver behaviour and better speed limit compliance, which will lead to fewer camera detections, fewer penalty points, fewer drivers fined, and ultimately reduce the number of people being killed or injured on Scotland’s roads.

Information provided by the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) suggests there are around 60 staff and around 230 officers based in Scotland who would transfer to Police Scotland, with the details currently being refined as part of the work of the Joint Programme Board. We have no information on staff leaving as a result of the merger.

I announced in September that £22.5 million will be invested in 5 projects from now until 2022, as part of the Community Links PLUS programme. There will be 2 projects delivered in Edinburgh and one each in Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling. In addition, the winner of the first round of Community Links PLUS, Glasgow City Council, will receive £3.25 million. This Scottish Government investment will attract 50% match funding from the local authorities involved. A third round of CL PLUS will be announced shortly, which will again allocate funding for segregation and public realm improvements to encourage walking and cycling.

As part of the dualling plans for trunk roads, non motorised user groups are looking at preferred routes and public consultation for these routes is currently underway.

Discussions are on-going with all stakeholders about how the £80 million record funding for active travel will be allocated and announcements will be made in due course as part of the Budget Bill process.

The Public Service Contracts for ferry services subsidised by the Scottish Government are published on the Transport Scotland website. https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/ferries/ferry-services/#

The operators of these ferry services are required to deliver the scheduled services (routes and timetables) as agreed by Scottish Ministers. The contracts specify arrangements for publication of timetables and booking information for all routes. Winter timetables for all the contracts are published timeously to maximise the opportunity for ferry users to plan and book their travel.

The operators are also required to work closely with local tourist boards and participate in local tourism initiatives and permit other organisations to advertise relevant ferry services information.

These ferry service contracts recognise that the weather is not a factor within the control of the operator - where sailings are cancelled or delayed due to weather, it is termed a “Relief Event” and no performance deductions apply. All of these operators provide summary sailing statistics on their websites.