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Western Isles call for crisis meeting of ferry capacity

Transport Minister Keith Brown
Transport Minister Keith Brown

Western Isles Council has written to Transport Minister, Keith Brown, to reiterate growing concern over the anticipated shortfall in capacity following the introduction of the new ferry Loch Seaforth in September.

Council leader Angus Campbell and transport chairman Councillor John Mackay have called for a meeting with Mr Brown and all relevant stakeholders.

A meeting of the Outer Hebrides Ferries Task Group has agreed to the establishment of a multi-agency project working group, to manage the undertaking of an economic study on current and foreseeable demand for ferry services.

In the letter to Mr Brown the council bosses say: “The full study will seek to provide the necessary information and data for all Western Isles services. However, in the shorter-term, given the very imminent timescale associated with the development of the summer 2015 timetable for the Stornoway Ullapool route and, we strongly feel, the very real need for the proposed capacity at that time to be augmented by a dedicated freight vessel, the task group will seek to carry out a short piece of work, the aim of which is to demonstrate need and the implications to the island communities and business sectors should it not be provided.

“In the spirit of continuing collaboration, we would request your participation in a meeting as soon as possible here in the Western Isles involving all relevant stakeholders, including Transport Scotland, CalMac, CMAL, HIE, Hitrans, the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association, the Outer Hebrides Commerce Group, local representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses, the Stornoway Port Authority, the Ullapool Harbour Trust, local hauliers and the council.”

The letter ends: “The strength of feeling about this matter should not be underestimated by anybody and we would wish to make you aware of the very real concerns expressed at the recent meetings of the task group and the Hebrides Ferry Users Group that Transport Scotland and CalMac are simply not understanding the views and concerns of the communities served by these lifeline ferry services.

“For example, although there is an estimated 42% increase in car capacity, the addition of freight takes that advantage away and indeed at busy times could mean a reduction of car spaces when we need them most.

“It is therefore very important that this meeting, involving you and those agencies accountable to you for the delivery of these services to the islands, be held as soon as possible and certainly in advance of the development of a timetable for summer 2015.”