Focus of work
This project aims to make the case for reliable, affordable and sustainable water transport as a basic right and lifeline for people living on islands across the UK, as well as an essential mechanism for tourism and the movement of goods. Historically, making a compelling case for greater levels of investment has been difficult, as high infrastructure costs are often weighed against relatively low population figures. Compounding the issue are weather and mechanical-related service disruptions that can significantly affect tourism and local economies – especially during peak season – and contribute to wider issues like social isolation.
To address this, the project will take a more connected, holistic approach to assessing value – moving beyond traditional economic measures. It will adopt a “social return on investment” (social value) assessment model, which assigns monetary value to non-financial outcomes such as improved wellbeing, health and community cohesion. Through the project, an examination of the latest national (UK) and international approaches to social value will be undertaken to understand the degree to which this way of assessing value should play a larger role in policy and investment decisions.
Impact
The key learnings and conclusions from the project will be shared through the Scottish Rural & Islands Transport Community’s (SRITC) network and beyond to support and shape transport policy across the UK. Most immediately, the outcomes will feed into the development of the Scottish Government’s 2026 Rural Delivery Plan in the lead up to the Scottish Elections in 2026. Transport is a strategic pillar of the plan, with ferries and waterborne vessels providing lifeline services to rural and island communities. More widely, briefing papers will be created that will benefit policy development at Westminster and the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments, particularly in relation to the Levelling Up strategy and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).