To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on upgrading the infrastructure of ports. (S6O-03769)

We recognise how crucial the Scottish ports sector is to our economy and in supporting lifeline ferry services. Scottish ports are mostly independent statutory bodies and, hence, are deemed independent commercial entities. The Scottish Government has no role in their day-to-day operations or in business decisions, such as the upgrading of infrastructure.

Exceptionally, the Scottish Government provides grants towards significant upgrades at ports that ferry services under the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles contracts use, which ensures that those ports remain safe and operable for contracted ferry services, can accommodate increasing traffic and become more accessible to a range of vessels.

The cabinet secretary will be aware of the on-going discussions about the re-establishment of a freight and passenger ferry from the port of Rosyth to Dunkirk, which is the third-largest port in France. Will the cabinet secretary agree to meet representatives of DFDS Seaways to discuss the current status of that exciting project? In light of that project, will she consider what upgrades to port infrastructure might be required—leaving to one side who would be doing them—in order to boost exports and tourism through direct maritime links with the European Union?

I am aware of the proposal to explore the viability of a Rosyth to Dunkirk ferry service, and I have already met individuals who are promoting it. Transport Scotland officials have continued that dialogue. If the Scottish Government can assist with any new specific developments, a meeting might be appropriate.

Of course, Forth Ports is a private port operator, and any decision to invest in its infrastructure is for it to make, in liaison with its commercial shipping partners. I suggest including DFDS in scoping what would be required for business and exports, with consideration of the potential return on investment from which it would benefit.

The Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government have supported Forth Ports through the creation of the Forth green freeport site, which includes Rosyth. That support includes seed capital funding and the ability for businesses located within the tax site to access a package of devolved and reserved tax incentives, which should assist the port of Rosyth in continuing to be an attractive place for any future developments, such as those in relation to DFDS.

It has been seven months since I first raised the issue of the Irish berth at Ardrossan harbour going offline for safety reasons. That is the principal reason why the MV Alfred is now operating out of Troon and not out of Ardrossan, as it should be. It has been seven years since the Scottish National Party Government promised action on the port infrastructure at Ardrossan—seven whole years, and a decision has yet to be made. My question is simple: when will a decision be made on the vital upgrade to Ardrossan harbour? By when, I mean by which date.

I know that the member wants a date—I would like a date—but we need to ensure that we have a robust business plan that addresses critical legal and financial issues, which have changed recently, and that are not the responsibility of the Scottish Government. Jamie Greene referred to the Irish berth. He will also know—as I referred to it in my initial answer to Annabelle Ewing—that ports are, by and large, privately owned and are independent. Peel Ports has the responsibility for Ardrossan harbour and for keeping the Irish berth in the state that it is required to be. That is a material factor in anticipating what work needs to be done. Peel Ports is part of the task force and is taking part in the discussions. The solution to the situation at Ardrossan harbour needs to be one that can be depended on. That will require the co-operation of the current partners. Should the situation change any time soon, I will let Jamie Greene know. However, I appreciate his frustration, which I, as the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, share.