Scottish Budget 2019-2020

Chapter 10 - Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity

Portfolio Responsibilities

The Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity portfolio is responsible for both physical and digital connectivity and infrastructure through working with the public, private and third sectors and with local communities. It is also responsible for energy policy and delivery as well as City Region and Growth Deals and implementation of the Islands Act. It includes Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government agency with responsibility for public transport services, infrastructure and the trunk road network in Scotland. This also entails the sponsorship of the following public bodies: Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited; David MacBrayne Limited; Highlands and Islands Airports Limited; Scottish Canals; and the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.

Portfolio Priorities

The priorities of Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity contribute to all the National Outcomes that form part of the National Performance Framework and provide the energy and infrastructure that underpins the effective functioning of our economy and society.

Our overarching priority is to ensure sustainable economic growth across all of Scotland's communities and that all of Scotland has the traditional and digital infrastructure needed to deliver real economic benefits and improved connectivity.

We will do this by:

• Extending superfast broadband access to every home and business across Scotland and extending 4G mobile coverage in non-commercial areas, while making Scotland the best place in the UK to invest in digital infrastructure.
• Enabling and encouraging sustainable development, enterprise and investment in key transport infrastructure, including Scotland's lifeline ferry services.
• Investing in low carbon transport and promoting active travel to deliver our climate change ambitions, help improve our nation's health and wellbeing, and tackle poor air quality in towns and cities.
• Providing vital transport links to improve physical connectivity, economic productivity, the environment, public health and social inclusion.
• Delivering better journey times and transport connections, with reduced emissions and greater quality, reliability, accessibility and affordability.
• Supporting economic development in cities and their regions through the Scottish Cities Alliance, City Region Deals and other appropriate mechanisms.
• Supporting all parts of Scotland to thrive by committing to 100 per cent coverage of Scotland by Growth Deals.
• Committing to a National Infrastructure Mission to increase annual investment by one per cent of current GDP by 2025-26.

Establishing an Infrastructure Commission to advise on strategic infrastructure investment priorities.

Digital Connectivity priorities

The Scottish Government sees digital connectivity as a driver for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the country. That is why we will provide 100 per cent rates relief to all companies investing in new connectivity for the next 10 years – double the time period the UK Government is providing.

Building on the success of the £400 million Digital Scotland programme, the Reaching 100 per cent programme will see future-proofed connectivity reaching key rural locations, whilst ensuring all premises across Scotland can access superfast speeds. Having exceeded our target of 95 per cent fibre access across Scotland, roll-out under the current contracts will continue throughout 2019, meaning no gap in deployment whilst the Reaching 100 per cent contracts are finalised. We have awarded a contract to deliver Scottish 4G Infill Programme and we will also develop a forward-looking 5G strategy for Scotland.

In 2019-20 we will:

• Make Scotland the best place in the UK to invest in digital infrastructure and connectivity, through 10 years of 100 per cent non-domestic rates relief on newly-lit fibre.
• Deliver the final phase of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme which, due to better than expected take-up, will increase fibre broadband coverage further across Scotland.
• Award contracts for the Reaching 100 per cent (R100) programme and begin deployment.

Continue delivery of the Scottish 4G Infill Programme which will address gaps in 4G mobile coverage by constructing new masts in selected notspot areas.

Energy priorities

'Scotland's Energy Strategy',^[1] published last December, set out the Scottish Government's vision for a flourishing, competitive energy sector, delivering secure, affordable, clean energy for Scotland's households, communities and businesses. The Strategy established six strategic priorities to deliver that vision: efficiency; renewable and low carbon solutions; oil and gas industry strengths; innovative local energy systems; consumer engagement and protection; and system security and flexibility.

In 2019-20 we will:

• Support the implementation of the Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map and Transition Programme in its drive to improve the energy efficiency of Scotland's buildings.
• Continue support for offshore and onshore wind, hydro, wave and tidal energy projects that have the potential to curb global emissions and develop Scottish supply chains. This will include continued support for the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and delivery of energy consents in Scotland.
• Support the development of low carbon infrastructure projects and continued delivery of the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) including non-domestic energy efficiency and district heating and the development of innovative financial mechanisms to encourage investment in low carbon infrastructure. Support via the Energy Investment Fund to provide flexible investment and debt funding for energy projects in Scotland will facilitate, catalyse and accelerate Scotland's transition to a low carbon economy.

Support maximising the return from the oil and gas sector, within the context of reducing emissions and maximising the opportunities for Scotland of decommissioning in the North Sea through the Decommissioning Challenge Fund and continued support for an Ultra Deep Water Port to be based at Dales Voe in Shetland.

City Deal priorities

Cities and their regions are the engines of our economy. The Scottish Government has committed up to £1.3 billion to support Scotland's seven cities and their regions to maximise the economic opportunities of the future and thrive. Funding has been allocated to continue the commitment to the City Region Deals already agreed and progress the deals in development. This investment will benefit all of Scotland, creating thousands of jobs and up-skilling local labour markets.

Each deal is tailored to maximise the value from the economic strengths and opportunities of its region: the oil and gas technology centre in Aberdeen is supporting the industry to collaborate for the future; science skills academies in Inverness and across the Highlands are helping young people see career opportunities in STEM subjects; significant investment in Sighthill in Glasgow will see a whole new community become far better connected to the jobs and opportunities of the rest of the city; Edinburgh is using the world-leading data expertise of its universities to drive inclusive economic development across the entire region.

The Scottish Government supports 100 per cent coverage of Scotland through City Region and Growth Deals to drive inclusive economic growth throughout the country and to further develop regional economic partnerships to represent every community in Scotland.

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue to support agreed City Region Deals to deliver the outcomes agreed for Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.
• Secure fully agreed City Region Deals for Stirling and Clackmannanshire and for the Tay Cities Region.
• Progress with our 100 per cent commitment by securing Heads of Terms commitments for Growth Deals for the Ayrshires and the Borderlands.
• Continue to progress discussions for Moray, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and the Islands.

Support the development of a Scotland-wide network of Regional Economic Partnerships which will learn from, and build on, the foundations laid by City Region Deals.

Transport priorities

Transport provides vital links between urban, rural, island and remote communities, enabling them all to thrive, and it plays a pivotal role in realising the vision of a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive economy. The budget will continue to enable the provision of vital services as well as focusing investment on our strategic aims.

At the heart of our transport strategy is a commitment to a sustainable transport system. One which not only provides lifeline services but which lowers Scotland's carbon footprint, improves air quality, and positions us to take advantage of the economic, as well as the environmental, benefits of innovation in this area.

Rail Services priorities

We will continue our significant investment in Scotland's railways to support a safe and high-performing railway through the delivery of new and better services, new and refurbished trains, and substantial improvements to the infrastructure to increase capacity and reliability.

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue the delivery of the rolling programme of electrification, including the line between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Shotts.
• Continue the redevelopment of Glasgow's Queen Street station, creating a bigger and brighter, modern station with additional platform capacity to accommodate longer electric trains and an expanded concourse.
• Continue delivery of improvements to the route between Aberdeen and Inverness, and on the Highland Main Line between Inverness and Perth.
• Continue the development work for projects to be delivered during Control Period 6 (2019 to 2024) and beyond.
• Continue to tackle overcrowding with 200 extra carriages to be added to the ScotRail fleet increasing it to more than 1,000 carriages and the roll out of new sleeper rolling stock, delivering a step change in overnight rail travel for passengers.
• Complete the introduction of 26 refurbished High Speed Trains to operate on inter-city routes, with 40 per cent more seats on those routes.
• Continue to support the redevelopments planned for Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling Stations and the delivery of new stations at Robroyston, Kintore, Dalcross, Reston and East Linton.
• Continue development work to increase movement of goods by rail, supporting local businesses and communities.

Continue our work to identify a suitable body to make a robust bid for a future rail franchise and take initial steps to ensure that the body is in a position to make such a bid.

Concessionary Fares and Bus Services priorities

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue to provide concessionary travel for older and disabled people and introduce companion cards for eligible disabled children aged under 5.
• Work with partners to develop analysis and options for free bus travel for modern apprentices.
• Continue to support bus services and the use of greener, less-polluting vehicles.
• Continue to ensure Scotland's electronic ticketing systems are maintained to the appropriate standard required to deliver concessionary travel and developed to allow commercial smart ticketing, upgrading systems and infrastructure in line with technological advancements.

Continue to work towards our ambition of having a fully accessible public transport system that enables disabled people to travel with the same comfort and dignity as others.

Other Transport Policy, Projects and Agency Administration priorities

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue the Programme for Government commitment to invest £80 million annually in cycling and walking to encourage a greater shift towards active travel and to build an Active Nation.
• Help create high quality walking and cycling infrastructure in towns and cities across Scotland to make them friendlier, safer and healthier places for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Support behaviour change programmes to promote active and sustainable travel for everyone, including older people, women and people on low incomes through schemes such as interest-free e-bike loans, subsidised bike hire and cycle training.
• Work towards the target to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 by a significant expansion of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Scotland, including pilots to address complex issues such as tenement areas and consideration of hydrogen options.
• Continue to support public transport operators and local government with developing and promoting smart ticketing and payment services to encourage public transport use as an attractive, convenient alternative to the car.
• Operate and invest in charging infrastructure to create the 'electric A9' and strengthen the ChargePlace Scotland EV network, including the development of charging hubs at strategic locations.
• Accelerate the uptake of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) through our Switched on Fleets programme to support the uptake of ULEVs in the public sector; and the Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund, which helps individuals and businesses adopt ULEVs.
• Work with local authorities to support the implementation of the Glasgow Low Emission Zones (LEZs), prepare for the introduction of LEZs into three other cities by 2020, and begin the assessment of other Air Quality Management Areas for LEZ mitigation.
• Support the Scottish Mobility Access Committee and the Scottish Disability Equality Forum, continue to develop and host an accessible travel hub; make grant awards to accessible travel initiatives; and continue to increase engagement with Scotland's disabled community in order that our Accessible Travel Framework is making measurable improvements for local communities across Scotland.
• Continue to support the maintenance and operation of Scottish Canals.
• Continue to fund Traveline and other transport information provision.
• Promote measures to transfer freight from road.
• Continue to support Regional Transport Partnerships and the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
• Continue our collaborative review of the National Transport Strategy to produce a successor.
• Continue our collaborative work on the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR).
• Undertake research, analysis and stakeholder engagement to inform strategic transport initiatives.
• Continue to support Scotland's Road Safety framework through Road Safety Scotland.
• Continue to support the running of Transport Scotland and the completion of the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry.
• Work with stakeholders to identify and embed new low carbon skills and capabilities into the Scottish workforce, engaging Scottish businesses to ensure economic benefits are secured from the shift to low emission vehicles.

Develop and implement a challenge fund to support the testing of Mobility as a Service in Scotland, to facilitate growth and innovative digital solutions in this marketplace.

Motorways and Trunk Roads priorities

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue to invest in major infrastructure projects to improve Scotland's road network.
• Continue to invest in essential road maintenance schemes, our bridge-strengthening programme; ancillary assets; and increasing the resilience of the network to unplanned events such as flooding and high winds.
• Continue to progress design and development work on dualling the A9 and A96 and continue to progress construction of the A9 Dualling Luncarty to Birnam project.
• Continue to progress construction of the A737 Dalry Bypass.
• Continue to progress construction of the A90/A96 Haudagain Improvements, A77 Maybole Bypass, A737 The Den realignment and improvements on the A9 at Berriedale Braes, following the commencement of these projects later in 2018-19.

Continue to progress design and development work on a range of projects including improvements to the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, the grade separation of Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A720, Longman Roundabout on the A9/A82 and also the junction at Laurencekirk on the A90.

Ferry Services priorities

In 2019-20 we will:

• Continue to support ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles routes, recognising that these are in many cases 'lifeline services'.
• Protect the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) fares on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services routes, and seek to reduce passenger and car fares on ferry services to Orkney and Shetland.
• Provide grant support for priority harbour projects on the Clyde and Hebrides network.

Continue to support construction of two new major dual-fuel vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides network and progress design work associated with the vessel replacement and deployment plan.

Air Services priorities

In 2019-20 we will:

• Ensure that Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has the necessary resources to maintain its 11 airports.
• Continue to fund the Air Discount Scheme to help make air travel more affordable for those living in the most remote communities, and fund the Public Service Obligations air services connecting Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree with Glasgow.
• Continue to support the repositioning of Prestwick Airport.

Continue to enhance Scotland's connectivity with the rest of the world through supporting new routes which are important for Scottish businesses and our tourism sector.

National Infrastructure Mission

We recognise the positive contribution investing in infrastructure has on the economy and this is supported by international studies and evidence of a strong correlation between our investment and overall construction activity.

Recognising the importance of infrastructure to our economy, our 2018 Programme for Government set out our commitment to a National Infrastructure Mission which will increase annual investment by one per cent of current GDP by the end of the next Parliament. This means that we will steadily increase Scotland's annual infrastructure investment until it is £1.5 billion higher by the end of the next Parliament than in 2019-20. Further detail on the National Infrastructure Mission is provided in the Infrastructure Investment chapter.

In order to ensure we make the right investments, we will also establish an Infrastructure Commission to provide long-term strategic advice to the Scottish Government on national infrastructure priorities, based on evidence and learning from good practice and to align investment with long-term inclusive economic growth and low carbon objectives.

Spending Plans

Table 10.01: Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Spending Plans (Level 2)

Level 2	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Digital Connectivity	114.6	36.7	32.9
Energy	80.1	93.6	105.1
Cities Investment and Strategy	56.9	122.2	192.4
Rail Services	775.8	808.8	989.0
Concessionary Fares and Bus Services	254.4	269.1	272.9
Other Transport Policy, Projects and Agency Administration	138.4	185.3	184.0
Motorways and Trunk Roads	967.0	831.5	833.1
Ferry Services	181.0	240.5	233.1
Air Services	59.3	59.8	67.7
Total Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity	2,627.5	2,647.5	2,910.2
of which:
Total Fiscal Resource	1,087.3	1,017.0	1,000.0
of which Operating Costs*	–	–	10.6
Non-cash	107.0	152.6	155.6
Capital	1,414.2	1,419.4	1,718.1
Financial Transactions	19.0	58.5	36.5
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

* In 2019-20, there is a change to the way that Scottish Government staffing budgets are presented and total operating costs are now included within portfolio budgets. This is set out in more detail in the Annex on operating costs.

Presentational Adjustments for Scottish Parliament Approval

Level 2	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
HIAL (NDPB Non-cash)	(9.5)	(9.5)	(9.5)
PPP/PFI Adjustments	(28.1)	(17.5)	(17.8)
Grants to Local Authorities	27.5	36.9	42.5
Total Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity	2,617.4	2,657.4	2,925.4

Total Limit on Income (accruing resources)

100.0

What the Digital Connectivity budget does

This budget supports activity to enhance Scotland's digital infrastructure and extend connectivity across the country. Although telecoms is reserved to the UK Parliament, the lack of targeted investment from the UK Government to address infrastructure gaps in Scotland has resulted in the Scottish Government developing and funding its own digital infrastructure investment. Our approach is focused on three large-scale, multi-year investment programmes – the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme, the Reaching 100 per cent (R100) programme; and the Scottish 4G Infill Programme.

Collectively, these programmes will drive a step change in the quality of digital infrastructure, future proofing connectivity, extending networks and services into areas not reached by commercial deployment and enabling sustainable economic growth.

Table 10.02: Digital Connectivity Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Digital Connectivity Capital	112.1	34.2	28.2
Digital Connectivity Resource	2.5	2.5	4.7
Total Digital Connectivity	114.6	36.7	32.9
of which:
Fiscal Resource	2.5	2.5	4.7
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	112.1	22.2	28.2
Financial Transactions	–	12.0	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

See footnote on operating costs in Table 10.01.

What the Energy budget does

The budget supports the Energy Strategy vision of a flourishing competitive local and national energy sector, delivering secure, affordable, clean energy for Scotland's households, communities and businesses through investment in energy efficiency measures for domestic and industrial buildings; renewable energy projects; widening community ownership of renewable energy projects; investment in low carbon infrastructure; support to the oil and gas supply chain and looking to new opportunities from decommissioning projects.

Table 10.03: Energy Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Energy	80.1	93.6	105.1
Total Energy	80.1	93.6	105.1
of which:
Fiscal Resource	21.6	21.6	28.6
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	44.5	45.5	50.0
Financial Transactions	14.0	26.5	26.5
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

See footnote on operating costs in Table 10.01.

What the Cities Investment and Strategy budget does

The budget supports all the City Region Deals that have been agreed: Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh. It supports progress for the City Region and Growth Deals in development for Stirling, Tay, the Ayrshires and the Borderlands and progression for Moray, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and the Islands.

Table 10.04: Cities Investment and Strategy Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Cities Investment and Strategy	56.9	122.2	192.4
Total Cities	56.9	122.2	192.4
of which:
Fiscal Resource	0.3	0.3	4.6
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	56.6	121.9	187.8
Financial Transactions	–	–	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

See footnote on operating costs in Table 10.01.

What the Rail Services budget does

The budget supports the delivery of passenger rail services through the ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper franchise contracts, including procurement of new trains, and Network Rail's operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the rail infrastructure in Scotland. Rail infrastructure funding comprises the grant paid to Network Rail, determined independently by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) towards operation, maintenance and renewal with Major Public Transport Projects funding enhancement.

Fixed Track Access charges are paid through Rail Franchise operators to Network Rail. These were classified within the Rail Infrastructure line in 2018-19 but are now classified within the Rail Franchise Line in 2019-20. The total of these two lines is therefore more comparable across these years.

Table 10.05: Rail Services Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Rail Franchise	310.7	183.4	417.0
Rail Infrastructure	426.5	587.6	362.0
Major Public Transport Projects	35.6	31.6	207.0
Rail Development	3.0	6.2	3.0
Total Rail Services	775.8	808.8	989.0
of which:
Fiscal Resource	313.7	189.6	153.0
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	462.1	619.2	836.0
Financial Transactions	–	–	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

What the Concessionary Fares and Bus Services budget does

The budget provides support for bus services across Scotland, primarily through Bus Service Operators' Grant, which is paid to operators based on mileage and includes incentives to encourage the use of greener buses; funds national concessionary travel schemes for older, disabled and young people; and supports multi-modal smart and integrated ticketing, including the smartcards used to access concessionary travel. This budget also provides funding for a number of organisations working to improve public transport, including Bus Users Scotland and the Community Transport Association Scotland.

Table 10.06: Concessionary Fares and Bus Services Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Concessionary Fares	198.3	201.6	210.5
Smartcard Programme	1.9	3.3	5.2
Support for Bus Services	54.2	64.2	57.2
Total Concessionary Fares	254.4	269.1	272.9
of which:
Fiscal Resource	252.4	257.1	266.7
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	2.0	2.0	6.2
Financial Transactions	–	10.0	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

What the Other Transport Policy, Projects and Agency Administration budget does

The budget provides support for: sustainable transport and encouraging behaviour change, including infrastructure projects for safe walking and cycling; infrastructure and incentives to promote the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles; the provision of impartial travel information services; road safety; accessible travel; freight industry reduction of emissions; the Future Transport Fund; Scottish Canals operation and maintenance; Transport Scotland Administration and Regional Transport Partnerships.

Table 10.07: Other Transport Policy, Projects and Agency Administration Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Support for Sustainable and Active Travel	33.9	79.0	79.0
Support for Freight Industry	1.3	1.0	0.7
Transport Information	1.2	1.2	1.2
Future Transport Fund	25.3	60.2	60.3
Travel Strategy and Innovation	40.1	5.3	5.1
Agency Administration Costs	17.4	17.4	15.8
Road Safety	3.0	2.9	3.2
Scottish Canals	11.1	11.6	15.0
Strategic Transport Projects Review	3.6	5.2	3.5
Edinburgh Tram Inquiry	1.5	1.5	0.2
Total Other Transport Policy, Projects and Agency Administration	138.4	185.3	184.0
of which:
Fiscal Resource	54.1	55.6	51.2
Non-cash	0.6	0.6	0.6
Capital	78.7	119.1	122.2
Financial Transactions	5.0	10.0	10.0
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

What the Motorways and Trunk Roads budget does

In addition to major roads construction projects and other road improvements, the budget delivers routine, cyclical and winter maintenance to maintain the safety, environment and amenity of the trunk road network. It includes road safety improvement programmes, information for road travellers and an emergency response facility to deal with emergencies and incidents on the network.

Table 10.08: Motorways and Trunk Roads Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Capital Land and Works	425.6	249.0	212.1
Forth and Tay Bridge Authorities	30.6	26.0	21.5
Queensferry Crossing	77.0	7.2	8.1
Motorways and Trunk Roads Other Current Expenditure	10.0	13.6	15.7
Network Strengthening	56.0	57.8	70.9
Roads Depreciation	96.9	142.5	145.5
Roads Improvements	16.3	39.2	58.8
Routine and Winter Maintenance	85.1	89.9	91.8
Structural Repairs	27.9	34.0	44.7
Motorway and Trunk Roads – Private Finance Payments	141.6	172.3	164.0
Total Motorways and Trunk Roads	967.0	831.5	833.1
of which:
Fiscal Resource	243.5	282.6	278.4
Non-cash	96.9	142.5	145.5
Capital	626.6	406.4	409.2
Financial Transactions	–	–	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

What the Ferry Services budget does

The budget supports the Scottish Government's Ferries Plan, published in December 2012 and provides subsidy for the Clyde and Hebrides and Northern Isles Ferry Services contracts and resilience funding on the Clyde and Hebrides routes. It also provides for loans to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd for vessels used on these networks and grants to ports for improvement works to piers and harbours that support lifeline ferry services and it will also deliver actions under an action plan being developed to support improved reliability of services.

Table 10.09: Ferry Services Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Support for Ferry Services	165.8	173.7	178.1
Vessels and Piers	15.2	66.8	55.0
Total Ferry Services	181.0	240.5	233.1
of which:
Fiscal Resource	165.8	173.7	178.1
Non-cash	–	–	–
Capital	15.2	66.8	55.0
Financial Transactions	–	–	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

What the Air Services budget does

The budget supports Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) to enable the operation of commercial air services ensuring that Scotland's remote and rural areas remain connected. It includes resources for capital investment and operation and development of airport services. The budget provides for loan funding to support the continued operation of Prestwick Airport.

It also supports the Air Discount Scheme which provides discounted fares for eligible residents on eligible routes; the provision of lifeline air services from Glasgow to Campbeltown; Tiree and Barra, which cannot be provided commercially; and international route development.

Table 10.10: Air Services Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited	35.1	36.5	45.9
Support for Prestwick Airport	9.4	6.5	6.0
Support for Air Services	14.8	16.8	15.8
Total Air Services	59.3	59.8	67.7
of which:
Fiscal Resource	33.4	34.0	34.7
Non-cash	9.5	9.5	9.5
Capital	16.4	16.3	23.5
Financial Transactions	–	–	–
UK Funded AME	–	–	–

Table 10.11: Central Government Grants to Local Authorities Spending Plans (Level 3)

Level 3	2017-18 Budget £m	2018-19 Budget £m	2019-20 Budget £m
Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes	7.4	7.4	8.9
Support for Inter-Island Ferries	–	10.5	10.5
Regional Transport Partnership	20.1	19.0	23.1
	27.5	36.9	42.5

Footnotes

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-energy-strategy-future-energy-scotland-9781788515276/