Scottish Island Communities 2022-03-16
2022-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to support Scottish islands with specific funding and forums.
What steps his Department is taking to support Scottish island communities. The UK Government have committed £50 million to the islands growth deal, which has resulted in islands communities benefiting from the highest per capita deal in Scotland.
The UK Government have committed £50 million to the islands growth deal. The levelling-up White Paper announced the development of an islands forum, and discussions with local partners on how to progress that important work are ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The announcement of an islands forum in the levelling-up White Paper has raised interest among island communities.
What progress is being made on the new islands forum proposed in the levelling-up White Paper? It will connect island communities from Scotland to the south-west with key decision makers.
On Monday, I had a useful conversation with the leader and chief executive of Orkney Islands Council. We are inviting local partners to discuss with us how best the forum can operate and deliver what we want to achieve in the islands.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the reliability of ferry services for Scottish islands have been raised, citing specific failures by the SNP government.
The best support that any Government can give to an island community is access to a reliable and frequent ferry service. The SNP has failed miserably in this regard. Does my hon. Friend agree that the SNP has let down island communities across Scotland?
It is of great concern to island communities that they cannot rely on ferry services. I welcome proposals in Transport Scotland's strategic plan for the renewal and replacement of Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, but its record does not fill me with confidence.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about the SNP's failure was only partially addressed without a clear commitment or denial.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Scotland's islands face challenges with fuel costs, fertilizers, and import competition.
Farmers and crofters in all Scotland's islands communities are facing the perfect storm of massive increases in the cost of fuel and fertilisers and increased competition on price from imports. Does the Minister agree that this would be a good time to revisit the work of the Groceries Code Adjudicator? Would he meet me and a delegation from the National Farmers Union of Scotland?
I have made two visits to Orkney and Shetland, hearing these concerns first hand. I would be delighted to meet Mr Carmichael and a delegation from NFU Scotland.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for revisiting the Groceries Code Adjudicator's work was not directly addressed, only an offer of meeting was given.
Response accuracy