Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question: S6W-14424 on 10 February 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

No Ministerial direction was issued related to the freezing of ferry fares.

The diagnosis and care of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is largely managed and coordinated by primary care, as people with ME/CFS experience a wide spectrum of symptoms and commonly require input from clinicians from a variety of specialisms. This can include referral to consultant-led care within neurological services where appropriate.

People living with ME/CFS who need assessment or provision of care by a consultant or other professional can access this after an appropriate GP referral. Individuals can be referred to any further services as required for investigation, management and support, including within neurological services.

The Scottish Government has engaged with The Highland Council during the previous appraisal work carried out by HITRANS, on behalf of the Council, which considered a range of options for the Corran Narrows. We are aware the Council is now pursuing an upgrade to the existing ferries, but maintain a longer term aspiration for a fixed link connection across Loch Linnhe.

The Highland Council was part of regional working group which helped to inform the second Strategic Transport Projects Review. During this time, the transport options for the Corran Narrows was raised by the Council. However, ferry services and their replacement were not within the scope of that national review.

I am advised by Transport Scotland that CalMac Ferries informed West Coast Motors, who operate the bus service on Mull, of their revised timetable for the Oban-Craignure route on 29 December 2022. A revised bus timetable was implemented by West Coast Motors between 31 December 2022 and 8 January 2023 allowing ferry connections.

Scottish Ministers have no locus in this decision. Transport links across the Corran Narrows are wholly the responsibility of The Highland Council and, as such, any decision to replace ferries or deliver a fixed link (including funding of this) would be a matter for the Local Authority. Therefore, the Scottish Government has not undertaken any specific consultation regarding future transport options for Corran Narrows.

The Scottish Government recently completed a national review of future transport infrastructure. The second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) was an example of effective collaboration with stakeholders and the public. It included a considerable programme of engagement activities at a national and regional level with participation from local residents and business owners at various points throughout the process, including within the Lochaber area.

We continue to monitor the introduction of the £2 fare cap in England, however in Scotland we already provide free bus travel for more of the population compared to the rest of the UK, investing £300 million annually to the benefit of over 2 million people, helping improve access to education, leisure, and work. The network support grant plus was also extended to 31 March 2023 which is conditional on participating operators meeting terms and conditions including in relation to freezing fares to help keep bus travel more affordable.

Additionally, the Scottish Government is progressing the Fair Fares Review to ensure a sustainable and integrated approach to public transport fares that supports the long term viability of our public transport system as we recover from the pandemic. The Review is considering both the cost and availability of services and the range of discounts and concessionary schemes which are available on all modes including bus, rail and ferry.

Transport Scotland continues to collaborate with bus operators through the bus taskforce, to support the industry in addressing the immediate challenges, and improve bus services for people in Scotland.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6O-01862 on the 2 February 2023 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at Meeting of the Parliament: 02/02/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website .

We know that poverty is a key driver of poor mental health, and that those already struggling with poor mental health and money worries are likely to be amongst the hardest hit.

It is vital, therefore, that people can access the right practical advice and support to help them cope with the cost of living crisis and that this is accessible to everyone who needs it, in a range of formats.

Officials routinely engage with individual NHS Boards, providing a platform for Boards to openly discuss any particular pressures they are seeing with government. These meetings include discussion around the impact the cost of living is having on systems, referral rates and severity of presentations. This helps inform government policy around this issue, and is routinely escalated to Ministers. We also provide Boards with access to professional advice to manage any impacts the cost of living crisis has on services.

We have invested £36 million over 2021-22 and 2022-23 through our Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults which seeks to address the mental health inequalities made worse by the pandemic and the cost crisis. The Fund aims to build and develop capacity within community organisations and grass roots groups to support the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and has a particular focus on supporting at-risk groups including people facing socio-economic disadvantage. A range of community projects have been funded in 2021-22 which provide financial support and advice which can help provide a response to the cost crisis affecting communities across Scotland.

The Scottish Government has also launched a dedicated Cost of Living portal, signposting to helpful information across a range of subjects including energy and bills; debt and money; children and families; and health and wellbeing. Cost of living crisis - Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot) .

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, as the operator of 11 airports across the Highland and Islands and Dundee, assessed the potential impact of the industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services Union on 1 February 2023 as part of their day to day business continuity planning. They concluded that there would be no impact on their operations and did not anticipate any disruption to passengers.