Ferry strike compensation call

The Western Isles tourism industry has renewed demands for compensation to be paid to hundreds of businesses badly hit by the RMT ferry industrial action.

Thousands of tourists have cancelled holidays to the Hebrides or been forced to cut short their trip due to threats of strikes.

B&Bs and hotels report a noticeable drop in bookings for what should be the busiest time of year.

At the height of the summer season accommodation providers have plenty of empty rooms - this time last year they were packed out.

12 July 2015

Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) - which represents the islands’ industry operators - says a settlement is urgently required.

The body said the travel turmoil has already caused massive disruption to visitors to the Outer Hebrides and “continues to cause financial and reputation damage to this fragile tourism economy.”

The suspension of last Friday’s planned strike was just a “temporary respite. It does not mean a return to business as usual - hundreds of people have already been forced to change or cancel their holiday plans, resulting in cancelled accommodation, restaurant bookings, excursions and losses for shops.”

Ian Fordham, chairman of Outer Hebrides Tourism highlighted: “It is totally unacceptable that hundreds of local tourism businesses, and thousands of our visitors are suffering as a result of this dispute.

“The uncertainty has had a serious negative impact on tourism businesses across the Outer Hebrides which will be unable to recoup financial losses.

“We are seeing none of the promised action from any agency to try and help mitigate that impact.”

OHT said the Scottish Government and Cal Mac must respond to “our call for compensation for local businesses who are losing considerable income due to both the previous strike and the continued uncertainty during the Hebrides’ peak visitor season, as well as proper compensation to be paid to visitors who are having to cancel or change their travel plans.”