Police Scotland publish data on their website in relation to the numbers of people who have been issued with Fixed Penalty Notices or arrested in relation to breaches of Covid-19 regulations. However the data does not identify the settings in which the breaches occurred. Specifically in relation to the railway network, cumulative intervention figures across all divisions in Scotland up until
21 July 2021 show there have been 6,229 interventions, 854 directions to leave and 34 Fixed Penalty Notices issued by British Transport Police in relation to non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations.

The responsibility for the enforcement of Covid-19 regulations on public transport rests with Police Scotland and, in the case of the railway network, British Transport Police. Police officers have enforcement powers to issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone 18 or over if there is reason to believe an offence has been committed under the regulations. These powers are used as a last resort where people are defying very clear and sensible advice, which is designed to protect them from harm.

In addition to regulations, Transport Scotland has published guidance for transport operators to enable them to keep their staff and passengers safe during the pandemic. This guidance reinforces the importance of signage, announcements and messaging to remind passengers of Covid-19 requirements whilst using public transport.

The seafarers on both MV Helliar and MV Hildasay have worked their usual 6 week on/6 week off rotation since March 2020.

The deployment of crew on the MV Arrow during the time charter between CalMac Ferries Ltd and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, is the responsibility of the vessel owner Seatruck Ferries Ltd.

The crew changeover procedures on the MV Arrow whilst on time charter to CalMac Ferries Ltd from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will be arranged by Seatruck Ferries Ltd, the owners of the vessel.

No. The ministerial reshuffle has no effect on the scope of the Island Connectivity Plan. Its focus remains establishing the transport connectivity needs of our island communities and how these needs can be met as well as providing greater travel integration across the transport network.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-01104 on
‎ 13 July 2021 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/ormain.aspx

The Scottish Government are in contact with Ferguson Marine and CMAL on a regular basis regarding the delivery timetable and completion dates for MV Glen Sannox and Hull 802.

Tim Hair, Turnaround Director of Ferguson Marine, updated the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on the delivery timetable and budget for vessels MV Glen Sannox and Hull 802 in March 2021 as requested by the committee in their report on ferry procurement. The latest quarterly update on progress, was submitted to the newly formed Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on 24 June 2021.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-35362 on‎ 11 March 2021. 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

As set out in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan, published 4 February 2021, and projects, working with CalMac Ferries Ltd and Caledonian Marine Assets Ltd, we aim to replace ferries by the end of their normal working life.

The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining and improving the reliability of lifeline ferry services that play a key role in supporting the economic, social and cultural development of island and remote communities - including the Arran service.

We continue to invest in the reliability of vessels in Clyde and Hebrides network through the Resilience Fund which was established in 2008 to improve the future reliability and availability of vessels, including both vessels operating on the Ardrossan to Brodick route and for ensuring the resilience of the Lochranza service.

It is extremely disappointing that Pentland Ferries has taken a business decision not to make the MV Pentalina available for charter. However, the Scottish Government will continue to work with CalMac and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to actively explore opportunities for chartering alternative additional tonnage for the Clyde and Hebrides network.