Labour in the Western Isles has demanded an urgent statement from the transport minister on the “current shambles of island ferry services.”
Alison MacCorquodale, the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate, called on Michael Matheson to explain what plans Scottish Government has to relieve the present situation.
She said: “This week again, the islands are suffering massive disruption and loss
of business due to CalMac break-
“With the recent news of further delays to the delivery of a new vessel for the Tarbert-
“In current circumstances, it is beyond belief that CalMac were forced to hand £6 million back to the Scottish Government because they performed to such high standards.
“Mr Matheson should come to Tarbert, Lochboisdale, Lochmaddy and Stornoway to explain this in person to the stranded drivers, locals and visitors who have been forced into long detours and to the businesses which have no certainty about when or whether ferries will sail.”
Ms MacCorquodale added: “Much of this stems from the failure of the Scottish Government to plan for anticipated demand, to pursue a reliable procurement policy and to react with any sense of urgency as the problems developed.”
She also called for an islands’ summit on ferry services to which the MSP and MP should be invited with “empty chairs” if required.
Labour criticises “shambles” of island ferry services
6 September 2018