Vessels and ports

Transport Scotland is proposing that the following factors are taken into consideration when making decisions on prioritisation:

• The sustainability of ferry services by maintaining and increasing reliability and resilience.
• Ferry routes and services providing the primary transport connection for people, goods and services required for the sustainability of each community.
• Those communities identified as at greater risk of depopulation and economic decline.

A majority of respondents – 78% of those answering the question – agreed that the factors set out are the right ones to consider when making decisions on prioritisation. Organisations were more likely to agree than individuals, at 85% and 75% respectively.

The issue of funding and investment was raised, with concerns about references to budget constraints; while it was recognised that the current financial environment is challenging, it was also noted that it is not just about national budgets, but about impact on communities, including those for whom ferries are lifeline services. Equally, the risk of having to prioritise lifeline services in the short term at the expense of long-term sustainability was highlighted, with planning and investment around vessels and ports described as the most fundamental part of the ICP.

In terms of the three factors (as above), respondents were most likely to comment on communities identified as at greater risk of depopulation and economic decline. When looking at depopulation, it was seen as important to consider not only total population but also the demographic structure, such as loss of young people and an ageing population. Good connectivity was seen as vital to supporting population growth, including by retaining young people and attracting those of working age.

While most of those commenting on depopulation were looking to see it halted or reversed, there were also a small number of queries about whether this is a sensible or reasonable priority. Comments included that the approach could hold back areas that are currently growing and that, where economic decline and depopulation is already taking place, ferry services will be far from the only issue.

A majority of respondents – 59% of those answering the question – did not think that the factors set out should be ranked. Those who did not favour ranking were most likely say that the factors were all of equal importance, and sometimes also that they are fundamentally linked and need to be considered as a whole. There were also references to priorities needing to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the needs of different communities.

Some of those who did support a ranking approach went on to suggest a range of possible ranking orders. They were most likely to suggest the order currently set out is the right one; maintaining and increasing reliability and resilience (Factor 1); providing the primary transport connection required for the sustainability of each community (Factor 2); followed by a focus on depopulation and economic decline (Factor 3).