Introduction from Stewart Stevenson Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Scotland's ferry services play a key role in sustaining and enabling economic development in our fragile island and remote rural communities. At the time of the last census in 2001, there were 95 inhabited Scottish islands with a total population of almost 100,000 people. These numbers understate the substantial social, cultural and economic contributions our islands make to Scotland. Links to our islands need to be an integral part of Scotland's transport network.
We want to identify where changes and improvements to ferry services can support and enable the creation of dynamic and growing economies for our island and peninsular communities.
We wish to support and grow the potential of these communities to contribute to Scotland's economy. We recognise the current contributions from e.g. the oil and gas sector, fishing, aquaculture, tourism and whisky production. We are excited at the expanding possibilities for renewable energy. We also understand that the quality, reliability and affordability of transport links, along with other measures, are vital for successful social and economic growth.
Many of the suggestions made to Government during the pre-consultation phase of our work may be seen as radical. It is important that you give us your views so we can take forward workable proposals that meet the aspirations of our island communities. Following the publication of this document my officials will be carrying out an extensive programme of consultation events around the country. Please come along to an event if you can and please respond to this consultation. Your opinion will be vital in designing the ferry services of the future.
