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MSPs support call for direct Lochboisdale ferry 10/9/11

MSPs are supporting a call to introduce a direct ferry between Lochboisdale and Mallaig.

A much shorter sailing would only take three and a half hours compared to double that to the present route to Oban, and create an economic boost as well as helpthe tourism and fish-farming sectors.

A delegation presented the ferry case to the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday and urged a service to commence in the spring.

MSPs agreed to refer the petition to the Minister for Transport and request information as to why the service had not yet been introduced.

Alex Neil and Keith Brown, the ministers with responsibility for ferries, have been invited to visit South Uist and experience for themselves the ferry service that the community has to use.

Huw Francis, chief executive of South Uist owner Storas Uibhist said: “A commitment now from the Scottish Government to re-introduce the Lochboisdale-Mallaig service in the summer of 2012 will allow the tourism sector, businesses and local residents to maximise the benefits that can be gained from this service.

“The inclusion of this service in the Summer 2012 CalMac timetable will be a clear signal that the Scottish Government is committed to the economic development of the Scottish islands.”

Earlier efforts to establish a direct ferry ended up in a mess when Storas Uibhist strained relationships with Comhairle and Cal Mac.

In 2008, the Scottish Government agreed to a charter arrangement and Storas Uibhist said it would source a suitable vessel. But the landlord failed to nominate one which could operate for any length of time.

The only boat it came up with was the aging MV Claymore - but the 30-year-old ship was not available and unlikely to pass the tougher passenger safety standards certificates. If installed on the route, she risked being withdrawn almost immediately. It’s unclear why the Storas did not pursue the charter option.

Stòras Uibhist also sought an extra £1 million on top of transferring half the estimated £5 million Oban route subsidy from the Scottish Government - a move which was illegal under European rules without a lengthy public tendering process which would have created even more delays.