Organisation of transport in an independent Scotland

Transport has one of the most uncertain futures.  It is nearly certain that a high proportion of road and marine vehicles are likely to be battery-electric powered, or use hydrogen fuel cells. Making this happen will require planning the essential transitional work to carbon zero.  It will require installing the core charging and re-fuelling infrastructure.  Investment to replace or retrofit existing public transport to be zero-carbon. Replacement of the existing ferry fleet is needed for hydrogen fueled vessels is required.  Development of  a strategy for air transport may be the most difficult.

APD Cut: A Flighty Economic Case

The case for the Scottish Government’s proposal to half and then eliminate Air Passenger Duty with the stated goal of boosting tourism in Scotland is examined and found to be counter-productive.

Type of Resource
Policy Paper
Primary Author or Creator
Craig Dalzell
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Common Weal

Air Departure Tax: A Post-Brexit Analysis

This report forms a response to a request for opinion on the Scottish Government’s plan to cut Air Departure Tax (formerly Air Passenger Duty) by 50% starting in 2018 and to eliminate it entirely at an unspecified future date. There is significant evidence that the economic impacts of the cut will not be as great or as beneficial as has been claimed.

Type of Resource
Policy Paper
Primary Author or Creator
Craig Dalzell
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Common Weal