Task Force on LA Ferry Fleet Replacement - meeting with Shetland Islands Council (SIC) - minutes - 14 March 2023
Attendees
- John Swinney MSP, DFM and Cabinet Secretary for COVID Recovery
- Jenny Gilruth MSP, Minister for Transport
- Cllr Emma MacDonald, Leader, SIC
- Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive of SIC
- [Redacted] Unit Head, Local Government Policy
- Roddy Macdonald, TS, Director of Ferries
- [Redacted] TS, Head of Ferries Policy
- [Redacted] TS, Ferries Strategy Programme Officer (note taker)
Agenda
Item 1 – Welcome and Introductions
Deputy First Minister (DFM) welcomed the delegates from Shetland and thanked them for arranging their travel plans to accommodate this in person meeting. Shetland Islands Council (SIC) provided a briefing paper which highlighted their key elements.
Item 2 – SG Context
DFM outlined the purpose of the meeting which was to agree preparatory work to be carried out in looking at the challenges faced by SIC. There was a general agreement on the need to work together to support SIC's
consideration of fleet replacement options and secondly potential fixed link and other options.
Item 3 – SIC overview
SIC advised there is a need to work towards a more sustainable position. DFM highlighted that he was content to take SIC through the same approach as Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and advised SIC should be the driving force of this process as they know the requirements of the islands. SIC agreed noting they are already having internal discussions to identify community needs.
SIC highlighted due to time constraints and the urgency it’s likely ferry replacement would be a more preferred option before fixed links. Their ferry fleet averages at an age of 30 years and although they noted it was their
responsibility, SIC cannot afford to finance these solutions themselves. There was a discussion on the benefits of more fleet standardisation.
Both DFM and SIC acknowledged significant funding challenges for SIC and SG.
SIC also noted their concerns with air transport on the island and advised the ideal scenario would be more involvement of Logan Air. MfT advised it would be beneficial to set up a meeting with AMFC director to discuss further.
Item 4 – Next Steps
DFM advised it would be useful to for a meeting with Scottish Futures Trust and SIC to be arranged in order to explore next options.
MFT advised it would also be beneficial to arrange a call then a visit involving CMAL and SIC as CMAL would be able to provide expertise on the issues.
Actions
To arrange a meeting with SIC and Scottish Futures Trust.
Action owner: [Redacted]
To arrange a meeting with SIC and CMAL.
Action owner: [Redacted]
To arrange a meeting with [Redacted] and Roddy Macdonald to discuss air transport in Shetland.
Action owner: [Redacted]