Question reference: S5W-29872
- Asked by: Dean Lockhart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 12 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 26 June 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it will bring forward guidelines for ferry companies seeking to balance the demands of social distancing, connectivity for local businesses and the restart of the tourism industry from 15 July 2020.
Answer
On 21 May 2020, the First Minister published the COVID-19 – Framework for Decision Making setting out Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis, ‘the Route Map’. This was supported by the Transport Transition Plan published 26 May 2020. The Transport Transition Plan is available on www.transport.gov.scot and contains guidance for all transport operators on these important matters.
The Scottish Government is acutely aware that supporting island communities to move out of lockdown is a complex issue. We are working closely with ferry operators to address the capacity and logistical issues that arise from the need to maintain physical distancing measures for the protection of public health.
The First Minister confirmed on 18 June 2020 that Scotland is moving carefully to Phase 2 of the Route Map and we will continue to engage with key stakeholders as we consider the options for ferry services through the phases of the Route Map.