Islands’ Minister Paul Wheelhouse has agreed to visit the Western Isles to discuss the shortage of ferry space on routes.
MSP Alasdair Allan invited the minister to a summit over ferry service problems after the issue were raised in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Allan said: “The minister will be aware that the need for additional capacity
is the most pressing ferry-
“Will he commit to visiting my constituency to meet me and other stakeholders at a summit to discuss that important issue?
Mr Wheelhouse said the forum would “discuss ferry services and other connectivity issues that are important to the islands.”
He added: “I agree that capacity during peak periods is one of the greatest challenges that our ferry services face, particularly given the welcome increase in the number of the visitors to the Western Isles.
“I recognise that service reliability and fleet resilience are issues of great importance to the island communities.”
Mr Wheelhouse continued: “In recognising that, we have added sailings to Lochboisdale, and the Tarbert and Lochmaddy service.
“There is a new route between Mallaig and Lochboisdale and a significantly larger vessel on the service to Barra.
“The government is investing in services to the Western Isles, but I would be more than happy to meet Dr Allan and his constituents.”
Islands Minister invited to ferry service summit
10 September 2018