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Wave of queries over new ferry      28/2/13

Western Isles councillors met with representatives from Cmal and CalMac this week to be briefed on the new ferry due to go into service on the Stornoway to Ullapool run next summer.

In a meeting chaired by transport chairman John Mackay, councillors also offered views on the several issues raised in discussions with constituents.

Cllr Charlie Nicolson expressed disappointment with the proposed speed of the new ferry resulting in a reduction of only 15 minutes in the sea crossing. He said that he expected in this day and age the journey to be no more than two hours.

Mr Nicolson said: "This is entirely unacceptable and given that we're going to have this ferry for at least 20 years let’s try and get a much quicker journey - they're doing this in many other ports around the UK."

No details were available regarding timetabling or whether the boarding times would be increased due to different loading times.

The meeting was told that the fuel costs would be significantly increased if a speedier crossing was to be achieved.

However, Cllr Roddie Mackay was told that this added cost would not affect the ferry operator’s profits as the entire fuel cost is currently funded by the government.

Instead of enclosed lifeboats,  the vessel will install the modern rescue facility of a Marine Evacuation System where passengers slide down a chute into liferafts - similar to an airplane evacuation procedure.

Mr Mackay was assured that the actual capability of the system was up to Force 8 and eight metre waves. He was told the system was commonly used throughout the shipping industry in large vessels in more exposed waters.

Cllr Angus McCormack raised the issues of disabled access and luggage carriage for the elderly.

He pointed out a 12-seat  “quiet room” was far to small and would also have a play area located next to it.

Cllr Rae Mackenzie agreed with Cllr McCormack’s concerns and Cllr Iain Morrison suggested a conveyor belt system for the luggage.

Cmal civil engineer Ruth Macdonald accepted that there were challenges for the disabled access at Stornoway with legislation insisting on certain gradient of ramp meaning a fairly lengthy walk to board the vessel.

Cllr Donald Crichton sought confirmation that talks with the Stornoway Port Authority were active and ongoing and that the various shore based issues were being addressed given that the service date for the new vessel was not far away.