There has been considerable – and understandable – frustration over transport matters in the Lochaber area. The concern is not limited to any single issue but covers the whole remit of transport, including roads, rail services and ferries.
As a result, we must seek to take positives from the visit by the transport minister, Humza Yousaf, to Fort William this week. Mr Yousaf’s presence at a transport forum was welcome and he seems to have engaged well with the other stakeholders. Mr Yousaf appears to have been commendably honest – yet also realistic – in his assessment of the problems affecting Lochaber and the likelihood of solutions and money being found.
There is, unfortunately, no quick fix to the many transport-related shortcomings. As ever, these problems will require funding, and Mr Yousaf was open about the difficulties he faces in finding money. However, transport is crucial to the Lochaber economy and we urge the Scottish Government to do all it can to improve our transport links.