Confusion over ferry dates

Sir,

Councillor Ronnie Mackinnon states that, regarding the Mallaig-Lochboisdale ferry, "no such service existed at the time to be axed" in 2001.

The website "Ships of Calmac: The History of the Fleet Online" (www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/crossing_mbl.asp) says that the Mallaig-Lochboisdale-Castlebay route was plied by MV Lord of the Isles between 1998 and 2001 when the route was axed by the Labour Government - and when the Minister for the Highlands and Islands was Alasdair Morrison.

CalMac themselves say that "CalMac proposed re-introducing the Lochboisdale-Mallaig service as a variation to its bid for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract in 2006/7 but this was rejected by the Labour Government at the time."

Councillor Mackinnon should get his facts right before he accuses other people of "misrepresentations."

Dr David Wilson

Press Officer,

SNP Lewis branch

Letter: Confusion over ferry dates

10 March 2015