Marine Directorate Marine Protection and Research vessels range in age from between seventeen and twenty-seven years old. A zero and 'low carbon' fuel is generally associated with zero or low emissions at point of combustion onboard a vessel. Low emission fuels being explored by the shipping industry and its regulators include Ammonia, Methanol, Biofuel and Hydrogen. Each of the Scottish Governments (a) marine protection vessels, and (b) marine research vessels are fuelled with Marine Gas Oil (MGO), but low carbon fuelling options will be a key factor in any vessel replacement moving forward to meet emissions regulations and targets.

The following organisations have received funding from the victim surcharge fund since 31 March 2024

Henry Graham.

Through the FONE membership itself, which comprises a range of stakeholder membership organisations, and by routinely engaging with individuals who can add value to discussions.

Since 31 March 2024 three organisations have been unsuccessful in applying for support from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

Each financial year, £10,000 is budgeted for the chair’s remuneration. No further funding is provided to the FONE group directly.

Yes. FONE has provided considerable and ongoing governance support to each of these Scottish Government funded programmes. FONE group members discuss the SLMS’ progress against its objectives and highlight opportunities for succession that are relevant to the service. It scrutinises progress made against the Scottish Government’s initiative to relaunch the Next Generation Practical Training Fund and takes a similar approach regarding the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Programme. The FONE group is actively considering what further new entrant and next generation support the Scottish Government could consider in the future.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-33363 on 28 January 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

Yes. The FONE group’s membership comprises a diverse group of stakeholders with an interest in new entrants to agriculture and next generation policy development. The group has met three times so far in 2024-25 to share information on progress, challenges and opportunities across a range of support mechanisms.