Select Committee · Scottish Affairs Committee

Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links

Status: Open Opened: 31 Oct 2025

Transport infrastructure plays an important role among island communities, supporting local economies and ensuring access to essential services. In Scotland, geographic barriers and limited transport options can restrict mobility and contribute to depopulation. This inquiry will examine the strategic case for permanent transport links—such as tunnels and bridges—between Scotland’s islands and assess whether there is … Show more

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
17 Jun 2026 Duncan Mackinson · CalMac, Louis de Wolff · CalMac, Moraig Lyall · ZetTrans - Shetland's Regional Transport Partnership, Nicky Sobey · Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Ranald Robertson · HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership) View ↗
20 May 2026 Andy Sloan · COWI, Councillor Gary Robinson · Shetland Islands Council, Councillor Heather Woodbridge · Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Paul F Steele · Western Isles Council View ↗

Who gave evidence

9 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Andy Sloan · Managing Director, UK and Ireland COWI 1
Councillor Gary Robinson · Depute Leader Shetland Islands Council 1
Councillor Heather Woodbridge · Leader Orkney Islands Council 1
Councillor Paul F Steele · Leader Western Isles Council 1
Duncan Mackinson · Chief Executive CalMac 1
Louis de Wolff · Fleet Director CalMac 1
Moraig Lyall · Chair ZetTrans - Shetland's Regional Transport Partnership 1
Nicky Sobey · Senior Policy Manager Highlands and Islands Enterprise 1
Ranald Robertson · Partnership Director HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership) 1

Correspondence

4 letters
DateDirectionTitle
14 Jul 2026 Correspondence from CalMac following up from 17 June evidence session, dated 7…
8 Jul 2026 Correspondence from the Shetland Islands Council, regarding the Inter-Island Tr…
17 Jun 2026 Correspondence from Cllr Heather Woodbridge, Leader of Orkney Islands Council …
14 Jan 2026 Correspondence from Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport regardin…