Labour candidate Alasdair Morrison has accused MSP Alasdair Allan of “ignoring” calls to get the Scottish transport minister to Lewis to explain “why the island would be without a (car) ferry service from April to June.”
Mr Morrison said: “I wrote to Alasdair Allan last week expressing the urgency of this matter and he has decided to ignore my call for his support.”
He added: “Major industries in the islands have already voiced concern and silence and inaction from the SNP will not satisfy them."
But SNP MSP Alasdair Allan challenged Mr Morrison’s allegation.
The MSP said: “In the recent past, and much of this weekend, I have been in touch with the transport minister and others.
“I have indicated the widespread feeling that a visit by the minister would be helpful now that he has committed to action through the taskforce.”
Mr Allan continued: “It is very clear that there has been a lack of coordination over the work at both Ullapool and Stornoway.
“I think everyone acknowledges the need for big decisions about ferry services to involve the community much more effectively than has happened in the past.”
Political spat over ferry infrastructure delays
19 January 2015