Free ferry travel call

Under-19s should be allowed to travel on ferries without charge says independent CalMac Community Board.

The call follows plans to introduce free bus travel to the same age group under a Holyrood budget deal between the SNP and the Greens.

But the political agreement disadvantages many young islanders who use the ferry for their connecting bus trip, says the board.

They are pressing finance secretary Kate Forbes - who struck the bus deal - to extend the scheme for island sea links in the “interest of fairness and equality for young people.”

Angus Campbell, chairman of the board said: “We believe all young people of the same age should be afforded the same rights and opportunities for free travel.

Youths should have equality of access regardless of their geography or financial status, he added.

He continued: “This also brings into focus the position for young people for The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 sets out the principle of island proofing new legislation and we would contend that a process of an islands’ community assessment would show the requirement to provide equality of opportunity.

“We also understand that positive outcomes of these assessments would be applied retrospectively but it would be a really positive signal to our young people to incorporate the extended provision in the budget process.

“We would therefore urge you to do just that and make a huge statement of commitment to our young people.”

Call for free ferry travel for under-19s

28 February 2020