« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Foreword by Transport Minister
Our National Transport Strategy identifies what we want to achieve for Scotland's transport system over the next 20 years: improved journey times and connections, reduced emissions and a transport system that is high quality, accessible and affordable to use. This Freight Action Plan has been developed to achieve these objectives.
The everyday products we take for granted - cornflakes, shoes and soap - have all at some point moved as freight. Industry stakeholders - both suppliers and users of freight transport - have told us that to compete effectively Scottish businesses need to have reliable and efficient routes to local, national and global markets. The efficient and competitive movement of goods through the entire supply chain is therefore a key element in meeting consumer demand and supporting and enabling economic growth. At the same time, the impact of the movement of freight on congestion and the environment cannot be ignored.
We recognise that the public and private sectors have to work in partnership if Scotland is to develop the flexible and sustainable distribution network needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. That is why we adopted a partnership approach to developing the Freight Action Plan from the start: working with the Enterprise Networks and consulting stakeholders throughout the process.
I am grateful to all those who contributed their time and in-depth experience to help us understand the current and future trends of freight and logistics. By working in partnership we have identified the key issues affecting the movement of freight in Scotland today and in the future. We have also identified the actions needed to address these issues and prepare for the challenges ahead. Only by continuing to work in partnership can we deliver these actions.
However, the Freight Action Plan is only the beginning. If we are to achieve a sustainable freight transport system, our Action Plan also has to be flexible. I see the Action Plan as a live document: as such we will review progress on the actions annually. In this way we can ensure that what we do achieves the outcomes we want in the light of rapidly changing trends.
I look forward to continuing to work in partnership as we deliver the Freight Action Plan and to seeing the benefits delivered to our industry, to our economy and to Scotland.
Tavish Scott
Transport Minister
Foreword from Scottish Enterprise
The challenges facing companies in moving their people, goods and services around the country and rest of the world come up again and again whenever the hurdles facing Scotland's businesses are discussed.
No-one pretends there are any easy solutions, but one thing is clear - that reliable, effective transport services and infrastructure are vital if Scotland is to compete in global markets and achieve meaningful economic growth.
I therefore welcome the Freight Action Plan and am grateful for the opportunity afforded to Scottish Enterprise to play a major part in its development.
I wholeheartedly support the Minister's view that its aims can only be delivered by a strong public and private sector partnership and can assure him of Scottish Enterprise's commitment to playing its part in this.
Jack Perry
Chief Executive
Scottish Enterprise
Foreword from Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Highlands and Islands Enterprise welcomes the development of the Freight Action Plan. This is an initiative we have been keen to support from its inception, given the strategic importance of freight transport links for our region's economy.
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands face a range of transport challenges that impact upon their ability to compete nationally and internationally. Many of these will not be easily or quickly addressed, but will require long-term investments in road, ferry and rail networks.
I fully support both the Plan's vision of achieving an efficient and sustainable freight transport system, and the Minister's commitment to deliver this by working in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders. I also look forward to working alongside our colleagues in the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise, and the Regional Transport Partnerships to deliver the actions set out in the Plan.
Sandy Cumming
Chief Executive
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
« Previous | Contents | Next »