Island supply-chain

The island’s population will generally dictate the level of retail and other services provided and hence the volume of goods brought in to meet the direct needs of residents. Island-based industries will have an impact on the import of raw materials and the export of products and goods. There are three main components to the island supply-chain:

• Imports – will reflect:
  • The scale of on-island public services (including retail).
  • Imports to support on-island industry.
• Exports – will reflect:
  • The presence of exporting industry.
• Service based activity – e.g., Scottish Water, BT Openreach etc.

The extent and importance of each of these components including narrative on the type of import / export (e.g., fuel, gas, food, newspapers, waste, livestock etc) should be explored through desk-based research, stakeholder engagement and analysis of the route carryings data (Step 3).

Potential Indicators

As the movement of freight is inelastic and essentially non-discretionary, the best indicators would be the measures of actual freight carried. The following indicators should be considered: 

• Operator booking data (if available) may provide a breakdown of the balance of island export / import and the extent of empty running in one direction.
• Annual CV LM per head of population.
• Average CV LM per week.
• Ratio of cars to commercial vehicles (i.e., the absolute number of vehicles) monthly and annually.