Inquiry · Opened 31 October 2025
Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links
From: Scottish Affairs Committee
What this inquiry is asking
This inquiry examines Scotland's fixed transport links—principally bridges and ferries connecting island and peninsula communities to the mainland. It's investigating whether current infrastructure, funding mechanisms, and governance adequately serve connectivity needs, affordability, and economic development across Scotland's fragmented geography.
Status / emerging findings
- Inquiry opened October 2025; currently in evidence-gathering phase
- Cabinet Secretary for Transport engaged via correspondence (December 2025), indicating government is aware of inquiry scope
- No formal evidence sessions completed yet; one publication issued to date
- Focus appears to span both physical infrastructure condition and accessibility/cost barriers for users
Why it matters
Fixed links directly affect whether people in Scotland's islands and remote peninsulas can access jobs, healthcare, and services—making this a question of regional equity and economic viability.
Themes
Key witnesses
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Scottish Affairs Committee members
Witness sessions
Oral evidence · 26 May 2026 · HC 167
Session 1 of 2Councillor Paul F Steele; Councillor Gary Robinson; Councillor Heather Woodbridge; +1 more
Oral evidence · 17 June 2026 · HC 167
Session 2 of 2
Written evidence & correspondence
Correspondence · 14 July 2026
Correspondence from CalMac following up from 17 June evidence session, dated 7 July 2026
Correspondence · 17 June 2026
Correspondence · 14 January 2026
Themes & actors
Topics across publication summaries
Top organisations & named entities
- Orkney Islands Council·2 references
- Scottish Affairs Committee·2 references
- Patricia Ferguson MP·2 references
- Scottish Government·2 references
- Councillor Heather Woodbridge·1 reference
- UK Government·1 reference
- John Swinney·1 reference
- Orkney Ferries Taskforce·1 reference
- Fiona Hyslop MSP·1 reference
- Shetland Islands Council·1 reference
Source · parliament.uk inquiry record ↗