Lochboisdale ferry route

Call for Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry 26/7/11

The Scottish Government is being pressed to test ferry sailings on a proposed shorter ferry route between South Uist and the mainland.

Islanders have long campaigned for a direct service between Lochboisdale and the west coast port saying it would create a much need economic boost and help the tourism and fish-farming sectors.

SNP MP Angus MacNeil says it would help counter the high 7.6% unemployment rate in the islands which is double the Scottish average, by regenerating the economy and attract exiles back to live on Uist.

The recent introduction of the new MV Finlaggan for Islay means Cal Mac now has a spare vessel to try out a pilot timetable between Lochboisdale and Mallaig.

The shorter voyage would only take three hours compared to double that to the present route to Oban.

SNP MP Angus MacNeil urges transport minister Keith Brown to “look seriously at setting up a pilot.”

He said: “This would give people living in the Southern Hebrides further options in terms of ferry timings, routes and costs. Such a route would be cheaper and may give two direct sailings a day of around three hours, meaning 14 return sailings a week.

“I realise that budgets are tight and that RET is being rolled out elsewhere too which is adding extra strain to the Scottish transport budget but I would stress the importance better transport links make to the overall Hebridean economy.

“RET has had a noticeable difference by lowering the cost barrier and arguably as a result of this, the current recession has seen the Hebrides with lower unemployment than the national average, which has been the reverse of past recessions where the Hebrides were really hammered.

“Many people who have left the islands for work would love to move back if the economy was stronger.

“As time is also money, my argument that providing quicker and shorter mainland links will further strengthen the fundamentals of the Hebridean economy and help people who want to return and live here, do so.

“I believe that a ferry pilot on the route is essential, this way a proper examination of the viability of the route can be determined. Ferry reviews and opinion can only go so far, a trial is what is needed.”

Plans by South Uist landord Storas Uibhist to privately charter a ship for the route fell through after the only vessel it selected was the aging MV Claymore.

Stòras Uibhist wanted 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.

In any case, the 30-year-old Claymore was not available and unlikely to pass the tougher passenger safety standards certificates. If she had gone on the route, risked being withdrawn almost immediately.

A separate bid to use her on a Shetland route was rejected for the same reason. She can no longer carry passengers and has been sold abroad.