Labour has suggested there is a case for building a new ferry for the Stornoway route.
Richard Leonard highlighted he is “alarmed” at the way the Scottish Government chose to fund the MV Loch Seaforth.
The £45 million vessel was constructed -
Mr Leonard -
He told Hebrides News Labour was opposed to the private ownership of the ship and
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He was aware of concerns over a “diminution in service” with the move from two vessels
to one on the Stornoway -
“We’ve been hearing from people who live here and run businesses who have difficulty in getting to the mainland to get supplies.
“That is a fundamental flaw in the system as it stands.”
“We’ve (also) heard of a call for RET to be available for hauliers.”
He stressed there is a “compelling case for change” in the way decisions are made over how Caledonian MacBrayne provide services to the Western Isles
At a meeting in Stornoway last night, he cited the example of Lothian Buses which is owned by a consortium of local councils.
The transport company has the “best rolling stock because the money doesn’t leak out” to private shareholders.
He said: “That’s why public ownership is so important -
And, if the ferry “system isn’t working” for the Western Isles it may be time to “look at the accountability of Cal Mac.”
Labour suggest building new ferry for Stornoway route to resolve capacity issues
24 August 2018
