Pensioners in Uist and Barra are pleading with Western Isles Council not to slash vital services in vulnerable communities to save cash.
Savage budgets cuts are being proposed to help meet a £6 million deficit.
Elderly, infirm and disabled people reliant on a community minibus on Uist voiced opposition against a proposal to take £170,000 away from such services.
Mary Anne Maclennan lives in the far-
She said she is “gutted” about the threat.
“I don’t know what we’ll do without it. This is a lifeline service for people without own transport. This is a very aging population here.”
There is no suitable public transport service, she said
Murdina Naylor, transport manager at voluntary group Tagsa Uibhist (Uist Support) highlighted the service is extremely vital in Uist and Barra.
She said: “People will struggle without it. The minibus is very important for a lot of people in Uist and Barra. We deal with people who live in isolated communities.”
A hugely significant bonus is the social element of the service which also helps the elderly keep their independence.
She said: “They see other people at the same time and catch up with what’s going on in the community.”
At a consultation meeting in North Uist on Thurs, Western Isles Council convenor Norman Macdonald reminded islanders that the council is now minded not to hit the minibus services as heavy as initially proposed.
However, he also stressed that “nothing is off the table.” He stressed any proposed cut that gets spared would have to be replaced with an alternative reduction to make savings.
Medics thwarted plans by Rev Donald Strachan, hospitalised with a broken hip, to discharge himself from hospital to confront the council representatives in Cairnish Hall.
In a letter read out at the start of the meeting, the 78-
