Committee’s ferry recommendations are welcomed

A series of recommendations made by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services as part of a pre-budget scrutiny has been welcomed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

In a recent letter to the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, the committee stressed it was essential that lifeline ferry services delivered services that were truly fit for purpose and that fully met the needs of island communities, business needs and tourism.

The letter addresses issues of the investment strategy for the fleet; road equivalent tariff (RET); current procurement and EU State Aid rules and community engagement in procurement and investment decisions.

The comhairle contributed significantly to the committee’s deliberations and the chairman of transportation and infrastructure Councillor Uisdean Robertson welcomed the recommendations.

‘I particularly welcome the committee’s recognition that recent consideration of The Islands (Scotland) Act highlighted the value and contribution our island communities make and that the committee is aware of the vital importance of ferries as a lifeline service and a linchpin for the ongoing sustainability of island communities and economies.

‘It is also of significant import that the committee is seeking confirmation from the Scottish Government on whether it intends to complete an Islands Impact Assessment on this year’s budget.’