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In October 2019 PWC provided support and detailed analysis on a full range of options for Ferguson Marine. Scottish Ministers considered the evidence and on that basis the Scottish Government stepped in to take ownership, to ensure a viable future for the yard, it's workforce and completion of the much needed vessels. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the yard to explore all possible options to ensure a viable future for the business.

Ferguson Marine closely tracks all projects that could potentially benefit the shipyard.

CalMac Ferries Ltd will apply its standard ticketing arrangements and fares for whatever route the MV Pentalina is operating on.

The Scottish Government will be able to provide more detail about a Scottish exchange programme in due course. The programme will be developed based on what would deliver the best value for Scotland and on the needs of Scotland and those of our learners and institutions.

In the meantime, we are engaging with the European Commission and European institutions in line with our commitment for Scotland to remain close to the Erasmus+ programme.

To improve the resilience of ferry services serving island and remote mainland communities, we are exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage including the temporary time charter of the MV Pentalina. Industrial relations are a matter for CalMac Ferries Ltd, its employees and the recognised trades unions. I understand discussions have been taking place between CalMac and its local Union representatives on these matters.

CMAL employ a number of shipbrokers in their continuing search for second hand tonnage and engage closely with CalMac Ferries Ltd. In 2020 and up to 31 May 2021, CMAL assessed 133 vessels for possible suitability to operate on Scottish Government ferry routes.

Berthing trials of the MV Pentalina were carried out during the week commencing 14 June 2021, at the following ports on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network: Campbeltown, Ardrossan, Brodick, Craignure, Kennacraig, Port Ellen, Oban, Stornoway and Ullapool.

Discussions are progressing between CalMac and Pentland Ferries with regards to the time charter of the MV Pentalina. The impact on the annual level of subsidy cannot be confirmed until negotiations have been completed.

As set out in Scotland’s Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan (CESAP - December, 2020) the Scottish Government is working with SDS, agencies, skills providers, industry and independent experts to design a Green Jobs Workforce Academy capable of supporting the retraining and upskilling interventions needed for the transition to net zero. As part of the 100 day manifesto commitment, phase 1 of the Green Jobs Workforce Academy will be launched by 26 August 2021.

A budget of circa £10 million was agreed to cover the necessary activities associated with the mobilisation of ScotRail Trains Ltd, in a manner that complies with the UK Government’s railway legislation. This is a significantly smaller sum than the costs to all parties which would be incurred through a procurement competition under the UK Government’s failed franchising model.