2nd Report - Fixed link connectivity in Scotland’s islands

The government's response

What the committee recommended 7

1. 1
   Ferries are a lifeline for Scotland’s island communities. Conclusion
2. 2
   Fixed links have the potential to deliver transformative benefits for Scotland’s island communities. Conclusion
3. 3
   Some of Scotland’s islands, particularly the Shetland Islands, have well- developed proposals for fixed links. Conclusion
4. 4
   These risks underline our view that the decision on whether to progress with fixed links... Conclusion
5. 5
   Devolved responsibility for transport does not mean the UK Government’s role in fixed link projects... Conclusion

See all 7 recommendations and conclusions

Sources

• 2nd Report - Fixed link connectivity in Scotland’s islands ↗The committee's report, HC 167, parliament.uk

Recommendations and conclusions 7

1. 1
   Ferries are a lifeline for Scotland’s island communities. Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   Ferries are a lifeline for Scotland’s island communities. However, fleets are under considerable pressure, and the poor level of service across much of the network is placing intolerable limitations on people and businesses. Fixed links offer permanent, reliable connections but, realistically, they will only ever be a viable solution on a handful of specific, shorter crossings, and the vast majority of islanders will continue to rely on ferry services. Fixed links are therefore only one small part of a full, reliable transport network, which affords islanders the agency they deserve. Discussion of specific proposals for fixed links must therefore not distract from the urgent need to improve the ferry network across Scotland. (Conclusion, Paragraph 20)
2. 2
   Fixed links have the potential to deliver transformative benefits for Scotland’s island communities. Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   Fixed links have the potential to deliver transformative benefits for Scotland’s island communities. Both national and international examples demonstrate that, when designed and implemented effectively, fixed links can help reverse depopulation trends, improve quality of life, and strengthen the economic prospects of fragile communities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
3. 3
   Some of Scotland’s islands, particularly the Shetland Islands, have well- developed proposals for fixed links. Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   Some of Scotland’s islands, particularly the Shetland Islands, have well- developed proposals for fixed links. We have heard a clear consensus, but not necessarily unanimity, amongst those communities in favour of these proposals. However, fixed links can also create additional pressures. While the benefits are clear, they can generate additional demand on local infrastructure, which will require long-term investment across the wider system and entail ongoing maintenance costs to ensure links are sustainable. Concerns that fixed links can also result in a loss of island identity and the potential centralisation of services must not be ignored when weighing the merits of specific proposals. (Conclusion, Paragraph 36)
4. 4
   These risks underline our view that the decision on whether to progress with fixed links... Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   These risks underline our view that the decision on whether to progress with fixed links lies, first and foremost, with the affected communities. Nonetheless, the proposals put forward in Shetland and the Western Isles 27 appear to have transformative potential. The proposals in Shetland are particularly developed and warrant serious consideration by the UK and Scottish Governments. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37) The role of the UK Government
5. 5
   Devolved responsibility for transport does not mean the UK Government’s role in fixed link projects... Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   Devolved responsibility for transport does not mean the UK Government’s role in fixed link projects in Scotland should be limited. Fixed links could be a key enabler of industries which are strategically important to the whole of the UK, including space launch and clean energy. They could also strengthen national security, and help preserve the viability of island life, culture and heritage in the UK—all of which should be strategic priorities for the UK Government. (Conclusion, Paragraph 52)
6. 6
   It is clear that the scale, complexity and cost of any fixed link projects would... Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   It is clear that the scale, complexity and cost of any fixed link projects would benefit from UK Government support. This need not be solely financial. The question is therefore not whether the UK Government can support fixed link projects in Scotland, but whether it is willing to do so. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
7. 7
   While it is for island communities themselves to determine whether fixed links should progress, we... Conclusion · addressed to Scotland Office Conclusion (the committee's words)

   While it is for island communities themselves to determine whether fixed links should progress, we welcome the UK Government’s open mind to projects. The UK Government should actively engage with any proposals progressed by those communities and give serious consideration to the support it could offer them. However, in doing so, it must recognise that fixed links are unlikely to be viable on the basis of economic return alone. In assessing any potential support, the UK Government should ensure that its appraisal of any projects fully captures the social and cultural benefits they could deliver, recognising that limited direct economic return on investment does not necessarily limit their worthiness. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61) 28