MSP mocked over claim Skye is not a real island because of bridge

MARTIN WILLIAMS

And the legislation defines an island as “a naturally formed area of land which is surrounded on all sides by the sea (ignoring artificial structures such as bridges) and above water at high tide”. The 2011 census also listed Skye as an inhabited island.

But Mr Mason has echoed similar views expressed during a debate on island communities last year in which he said Skye “cannot be an island because it now has a bridge to the mainland”.

Skye SNP MSP Kate Forbes was among those who dismissed his utterance, saying: “I am sure that John knows that Skye is a real island, just as Glasgow is a real city. I certainly cross water to get there. Otherwise we would have to rewrite the Skye Boat Song.

“Ferry and transport problems are the tip of the iceberg, and there is a huge amount of work to do on the roads infrastructure for tourism, not to mention affordable housing and connectivity.

“That’s why I’m so pleased the Scottish Government is bringing forward the Islands Bill, as it will make a huge difference to places like Skye.”

Portree resident Ronald MacDonald, who is an independent Highland councillor, added: “To paraphrase a well-known aphorism: if it looks like an island, has an effective endless coastline as its perimeter and half a million tourists visit every year because of its iconic status then it surely must be an island.

“More seriously, Skye folk are steeped in mythology and recognise a new myth at first sight. The astronomical distribution rates that both business and families pay on Skye for the delivery of goods and services are island rates.

“If our status as an island has somehow mythically changed perhaps Mr Mason would kindly let the distribution companies know since their rates are such an important drag on the local economy.”

Fellow Highland councillor John Finlayson, who also lives on Skye, was “surprised” by Mr Mason’s comments, saying: “A piece of infrastructure does not take away the intrinsic and historical culture that has always made Skye an island.

“If the principle Mr Mason uses, suggest that a bridge means taking away an island’s status, then Scandinavia will have very few islands left in terms of his criteria.”

Skye resident, SNP Highland councillor Calum MacLeod worked on the Skye ferry before the bridge was built connecting the mainland village of Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on Skye in 1995.

VisitScotland was clear on its position. Chris Taylor, the tourism agency’s regional partnerships director said: “As has been well documented lately, the Isle of Skye is hugely popular among visitors and has often been cited as one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, if not the world.

“The fact Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge in no way detracts from its status as an island, and a jewel in the Scottish tourism crown.”

Rosemary and Donald Ferguson are delighted.