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One of the most important and developing industries in the Western Isles faces a catastrophic future because of the 'SNP government's mismanagement and neglect' according to Labour's prospective Westminster candidate, Alasdair Morrison.


Speaking after meeting with representatives of the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association Alasdair Morrison said: “I was dismayed to learn that the debacle that is the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry saga has already resulted in losses for island tourism businesses.”

 

He added: “Tourism industry leaders told me that they they fear that the months of April and May will cause economic hardship for many of their businesses because of the delay and uncertainty surrounding ferry services to Lewis this year. The withdrawal of the ferry from 20 April for five weeks is shameful.”

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Mr Morrison continued: 'It's clear that the SNP government has no real appreciation of the importance of fit for purpose ferry services for our islands. If they had, they wouldn't be scrambling around at the beginning of 2015 creating a task force to expedite the arrival of the Loch Seaforth, a ferry that should have been in service in October 2013.

 

“I have today written to the Minister for the Islands Derek Mackay asking him to immediately organise a meeting in the islands, with tourism representatives, hauliers and others involved in business and wider community. I sincerely hope that our MSP and MP will support me in this matter. The time for politics is over - we now need immediate action.”