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The Scottish Government has had no formal discussions with private operators on this matter since 2016.

I have discussed this with stakeholders over the summer and CalMac has been asked to investigate options to consider how there can be greater access for 'Islands Essential Travel' for those who need to make bookings at shorter notice. We will need to carefully consider any system and look to mitigate any unintended consequences.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-10694 on 27 September 2022. 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

I can confirm that, Network Rail Scotland, has developed a plan for installing platform edge tactile paving at all Scottish stations by the end of the current Rail Regulatory Control Period 6 (end of March 2024). The work is being completed over two phases. Phase 1 installed tactile paving at 18 high priority stations by the end of March 2022, phase 2 will address the remaining 148 stations.

The recent Resource Spending Review allocated £46 million to the Community Bus fund for the remainder of this parliament, with a further £30 million allocated in the Capital Spending Review. These financial envelopes are intended to guide financial planning and reform across the public sector, in anticipation of future Scottish budget setting processes. Work is ongoing with local authorities and COSLA to determine how best to allocate this funding.

As penalty charge notices can only be issued once Glasgow’s LEZ grace period expires (31 May 2023) no fines have been issued by Glasgow City Council as yet.

We are progressing work to develop a medium term resilient route through Glen Croe. We will bring forward proposals for this by late 2022.

Around 170 representatives from a wide range of stakeholder groups were invited to attend events across Shetland, Orkney, Stornoway, Oban, Glasgow and Benbecula in direct reference to the work highlighted.

As set out in the joint Bidding Prospectus, all green port bidders were required to ensure that their proposal embedded the second National Transport Strategy vision, priorities and outcomes for the transport system with in it as well as ensuring alignment with regional and local transport strategies.

Following selection there will of course be intensive discussions with each of the successful designations on all aspects of their proposals.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-11074 on 5 October 2022. 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