Cal Mac praised for ferry wi-fi plans 8/3/13
MSP Alasdair Allan and MP Angus MacNeil have welcomed the announcement from Caledonian
MacBrayne that wi-fi will be available on all ferries between the Western Isles and
the mainland by the end of 2013.
The members of the Barra Youth Council have been actively campaigning on this issue
for the last few years and successfully secured a pilot on the MV Lord of the Isles.
Having wi-fi on ferries to and from the Western Isles will be hugely beneficial for
travellers.
Alasdair Allan commented: It’s great to hear that Cal Mac have accepted the need
for wi-fi on their vessels, and this will certainly make the travel experience a
better one for everyone who wants to work or communicate while on the move.
“Having met with the Barra Youth Council, it is clear that their campaign for this
service has been a successful one and I congratulate them for this. It’s a great
example of young people being persistent and making a real difference.
Angus MacNeil said: “I am delighted to hear that wi-fi is to be available on Western
Isles Ferries.
“Barra Youth Council led the way on this issue and successfully secured a pilot on
the MV Lord of the Isles and lodged a petition to the Scottish Parliament.
“Access to wi-fi will make travel more enjoyable and crucially people will be able
to work while travelling.
“Credit to Cal Mac who have seen the wisdom of this and who have not shied away from
difficult economic times but showed that they understand the needs of islands when
travelling.
“Perhaps Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar could learn from Cal Mac who are enhancing the
service available to travellers, at a time when Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar are vandalising
air services.”