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The UK Government has not confirmed an intention to replace the UK Railways Act 1993. We are currently awaiting the publication of the outcomes from the UK Rail Review (Williams Review), which were originally due in the Autumn of last year.

It remains our long-held view that the devolution of our railway is required to enable the Scottish Government to consider the full range of options for structuring Scotland’s railway.

Further to the answer to question S5W-31754 given on 22 September 2020, while the Scottish Government is continuing to investigate if there are any suitable opportunities to utilise this funding, I need to be confident that any proposal identifies a gap in the market, can deliver the required outcomes and is deliverable in a way that practical for farmers and crofters. That assessment is continuing and if we are able to utilise this funding option. Parliament will be advised in due course.

In order to maintain rail passenger service continuity throughout this period, the Scottish Government released significant funding of £250m which enabled Abellio ScotRail to maintain full employment of staff. The management fee associated with the earlier Emergency Measures Agreement with Abellio ScotRail included a performance element, ensuring focus on immediate service continuity for essential journeys. A similar approach was taken by the Department for Transport at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scottish Government officials are continuing to investigate other opportunities to encourage low carbon and more sustainable farming and food production through the Agricultural Transformation Fund allocation for 2020-21. Parliament will of course be updated of any such proposals.

The global figure for all rolling stock costs during the EMA period until 20 September 2020 is £84.8m. Disaggregated information cannot be provided due to the commercial sensitivities for both Train Operating Companies as well as the Rolling Stock Companies involved.

The Scottish Government’s support for the aviation sector is focussed upon action led engagement in those areas where it can exert greatest influence. For example, we have been pressing the UK Government for a tailored substitute to the CJRS to help secure jobs in the short term. We have provided 100% non-domestic rates relief for aviation, airports and ground handling providers in 2020-21 - something that is not available in England or Wales. We continue to work with the UK Government and the aviation industry to explore the potential for alternatives to our border health measures which, although necessary, do have an impact on travel patterns. We have engaged directly with employers to explore whether targeted interventions could avoid job losses. We have offered support to employees who face redundancy through the PACE programme.

We are also working with airports on route recovery, to help rebuild connectivity for business and tourism and win back routes and employment opportunities.

The Scottish Government remains committed to convening structured, targeted discussions including trade unions and employers, which will focus upon maximising future employment opportunities at the appropriate and most impactful time.

Almost £24 million of this fund has been allocated to local authorities. We are considering how best to invest the remaining £1 million.

The breakdown of allocations to individual local authorities is set out in the following table. We are working with local authorities to collate and assure more detailed information on how their funding allocations have been spent.

Transport Scotland hold regular discussions with Caledonian Sleeper. Transport Scotland has also discussed the issue with RMT directly and has encouraged both parties to engage meaningfully to have the matter resolved.

The management fees due to Abellio ScotRail and Serco Caledonian Sleeper under the Emergency Measures Agreements (EMAs), which were in place from April to September 2020, will be agreed in the coming weeks once a full financial reconciliation has taken place on the information provided. As soon as the fees have been confirmed they will be published on the Transport Scotland website.