Ferry services focus of talks with minister

Representatives from the Western Isles have held talks with transport minister Jenny Gilruth. Angus MacNeil MP and MSP Alasdair Allan, raised concerns about the reliability and affordability of ferry services.

It comes after sailings to Uist were suspended last week, with Western Isles Council urging the government to take action now.

In a meeting yesterday with Ms Gilruth, Mr

MacNeil and Mr Allan made it clear island communities have concerns, with the summer season now approaching.

It is not only the ferry services that concern island residents, but other issues such as the closure of Uig Harbour in October and the capacity of flights to Barra.

Mr Allan said: “We discussed the situation with the MV Lord of the Isles, CalMac’s booking policies, cancellation charges, the upcoming closure of Uig Harbour, the pressing need for more capacity on CalMac’s network, and capacity on summer flights to Barra

“These services aren’t a luxury for islanders, they are lifeline services, which impact and affect virtually every facet of island life.

“We need to see improvements, and yesterday’s meeting was a good chance to make that case.”

Mr MacNeil added: “I thought she listened to the suggestion of introducing

booking windows on ferries and the wisdom of having those.

“She was also looking for further information on CalMac’s plans to introduce levies on cancelled ferry bookings.

“The idea of penalising people who make bookings and don’t travel will cause all sorts of problems for oil workers, and many other people have to change plans at short notice.”

Transport Scotland has been approached for comment.

HOT TOPIC: There is concern about disruption to ferry services, as holidays loom.

Capacity on Barra flights was also raised at the meeting.