Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Scottish Government on improving transport connectivity between the mainland of Scotland and the islands.

Connectivity between the Scottish mainland and islands is essential to the livelihoods and well-being of our island communities.

The Scotland Office routinely engages with stakeholders on this and other matters impacting our islands. Indeed, my Ministerial colleague, Lord Offord, attended the first Islands Forum last year.

I am confident that continued collaboration will help island communities tackle shared challenges and unlock their full potential.