MSP announces half-price ferry fares to promote electric car use

The isle of Mull could soon become a haven for electric car users, thanks to a new ferry fare discount scheme.

The Scottish Government-funded plan will offer half-price crossings on all routes to the island. Plug-in

“This was about busting the myth that EVs are slow, boring and will never take off”

points for electric vehicles (EVs) have already been installed at the ferry terminals at Oban and Craignure.

The new discount was announced by Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, at an electric car seminar on the island, organised by Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT). Travellers to the isle of Bute will also be eligible.

Mr Russell said: “It is great to see the appetite of the people of Mull for embracing the emergent electric car technology which will make a contribution to the environmental targets that we are pursuing.”

The seminar, held at An Rothin Craignure, featured a series of presentations from bodies including the Eco Travel Network, Nissan UK and Transport Scotland, as well as Pete Pinnington, driver of the first EV on Mull.

MICT already has two charging points funded by the Energy Saving Trust and is supporting businesses around the island to extend the network.

A Nissan Leaf is on Mull for two weeks and is available for enthusiasts or sceptics to test drive the latest in EV technology for themselves.

To book a slot before it returns to the mainland on Friday, September 27, call 01680 812900. Moray Finch, general manager of Mull and Iona Community Trust, said: “This was all about busting the myth that EVs are slow, boring and will never take off.”

He added: “MICT is deeply involved in various environmental projects and is thr i l led that the seminar has generated such a wave of enthusiasm from the residents who attended.”