Contact newsdesk on:  info@hebridesnews.co.uk

Classified adverts   I   Jobs                               

 Local Services     

 

Hebrides News

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, is “extremely puzzled” winter sailings on the trial Lochboisdale - Mallaig route suffer higher rates of cancellations compared to neighbouring Hebridean routes.

 

She says a summer trial must be sanctioned immediately.

 

Mrs Grant was recently told by Transport Minister, Derek Mackay, that a lack of ships prevented a summer pilot on the route.

 

She was advised Cal Mac’s overall vessel deployment programme is “extremely complex and includes consideration of a large number of factors including capacity, demand, reliability, weather, length of crossing, shore infrastructure and vessel suitability.”

 

Figures show the MV Lord of the Isles did not sail the open water route nearly 60% of the time over the winter.

 

This is a 10% increase since last year - compared to a almost 1% rise in the more sheltered, inter-island Barra to Eriskay timetable.

 

Mrs Grant said: “The level of disquiet and ridicule about the farcical winter trial is escalating. Demand for the Lochboisdale – Mallaig service cannot be accurately gauged with so many cancellations.

 

“There has to be a year round trial. Anything short of a commitment from the SNP Minister this week will amount to another snub for the community and a wasted journey to South Uist.

 

Mrs Grant continued: “My colleague, David Stewart, was recently advised that the Lochboisdale – Mallaig route will not be included in the 2016 tender document which is being drawn up.

 

“Derek Mackay is called the Islands Minister as well as Transport - if he is serious about either he must address this issue and give the green light for a summer trial for this year.”

 

MSP “puzzled” over ferry service cancellations

15  April 2015