Shetland Ferry Replacement - Task Force Meeting - 28 November 2024
Attendees
- Shona Robison MSP – Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government
- Cllr Emma Macdonald – Leader of SIC
- Maggie Sandison - Chief Executive of SIC
- Official - TS Ferries Policy
- Official – SG Finance Team Leader
- Official – SG Finance Business Partner
- Official - TS Ferries Policy (note taker)
- Official – TS Finance Business Partner
Apologies
- Jim Fairlie MSP – Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity
Key Points
- Congratulations were made to Emma Macdonald for winning Local Authority councillor of the year.
- Maggie Sandison highlighted the need for an additional £1.597 million revenue support in 2025/26 due to vessel/terminal maintenance and staffing costs which include increased overtime and NI contributions. Though reduction in fuel costs has mitigated the rise.
- Shona Robison advised that the detail of the 2025-26 Scottish Budget would be announced on 4 December. Ms Robison noted that Local Government Finance officials had scheduled a meeting with Maggie Sandison on Thursday 5 December to discuss the 2025-26 budget and the funding for Inter Island Connectivity in more detail.
- Ms Sandison delivered presentation on Ferry Operations Resilience Review 2024.
Key points made regarding vessel/terminal maintenance, staffing and proposal for a new mid-sized vessel for resilience purposes, which was the main conclusion of the presentation.
- An update was provided on the Connectivity Review. Officials to meet shortly to discuss further. SIC noted that UKG is aware of the fixed link plan.
- Fair Isle ferry update: UKG have reconfirmed commitment to the project. SIC have revised the business case and will be taking it to full Council in December ahead of submission to UK Department for Transport in January 2025 for agreement.
- Cllr Macdonald expressed her gratitude for Scottish Government’s continued support.
Action
- Post- budget debrief with officials set for 5 December 2024.
- SIC and TS/SG officials to meet to regarding Connectivity Review.
- Next Task Force mtg – April 2025 – date to be confirmed.