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Scottish parliament reception held in Holyrood

The BPA held its annual Scottish Parliamentary reception yesterday in Holyrood.

The BPA held its annual Scottish Parliamentary reception yesterday in Holyrood.

Together with our colleagues at the Chamber of Shipping the annual reception has become a staple event in the Scottish maritime calendar.

Sponsored by Liam McArthur MSP there were over 160 guests in attendance including a large number of MSP’s and port representatives. Attendees included the Scottish Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP.

Speaking at the reception the Chair of the Scottish Ports Committee, Lorna Spencer welcomed the new Transport Minister and said:

“We have already had a very positive initial meeting with Mr Yousaf and look forward to continuing our constructive relationship with him and his officials. We were particularly pleased to see the interest he has shown in a number of issues we raised such as improving hinterland connections to ports and ensuring that the imminent Special Protection Area marine designations do not place unworkable conditions on Scotland’s ports.

We were particularly pleased to see the interest he has shown in a number of issues we raised such as improving hinterland connections to ports and ensuring that the imminent Special Protection Area marine designations do not place unworkable conditions on Scotland’s ports.”

She then went on to discuss Brexit and warned against an outcome which might lead to increased government interventions at the border.

She said…

“Ports provide hubs of regional and national economic activity as well as important clusters of coastal employment in Scotland. It is therefore vital that any future proposals take into account our ports and avoid agreements which introduce additional border disruptions and costs that might impact the Scottish freight and tourism sectors.”

Notes:

  • The Annual Scottish Parliamentary Maritime Reception is an opportunity for MSPs and Government officials to meet representatives of the Scottish ports and shipping sectors.
  • 31,500 people are directly employed by the ports sector in Scotland, 27% of the UK’s total port employment.
  • Ports in Scotland generate £2bn for the Scottish economy each year.
  • The BPA represents 35 port members in Scotland who between them own and manage over 250 ports and harbours of all sizes across Scotland.
  • 95% of UK imports and exports pass through our ports.