Outer Hebrides islands’ ferry services to be studied

A STUDY into the future of ferry services for the Outer Hebrides will take place this year.

The outcome of the study will decide which areas need to be improved the most. New vessels, upgrading harbours, adjusting timetables and re-deploying existing ferries to other routes are listed to be examined.

Humza Yousaf MSP, minister for transport and the islands, said: ‘This study will look at potential options for the future of the network serving the Outer Hebrides.

‘Our consultants will speak with local stakeholders and the public to hear their views and help identify and assess options for the long-term provision of ferry services. I would encourage people to take part in this process.

‘Our ferry services play a crucial role for the communities of the Clyde and the Hebrides and we want to progressively renew the fleet operating on these routes and ensure the provision of suitable services to meet the needs of island communities and businesses, in line with available funding.’

On hearing that the Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan (VRDP) identifies the Outer Hebrides as a priority area, one social media user commented on an Argyll-based group: ‘They may have decided it’s a priority area, but it is hard to look at a section of the CalMac routes in isolation as anything they do will impact the other islands that don’t form part of this review. I love the Western Isles, and the MV Hebrides and probably some of the smaller inter-island vessels are pretty old now, but they are nowhere near as cut off as at least seven other inhabited islands. If money has to be invested, ensuring continuity of lifeline services must be the priority.’

In the updated VRDP it was noted: ‘A number of loch class vessels are approaching age expiry and a programme of likefor-like replacements will feature in our future investments, subject to affordability.’