Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has expressed concern after the Scottish Government said it is considering increasing peak time fares on west coast ferry routes.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, chairman of the transportation and infrastructure committee, says it shows a lack of understanding for the needs and aspirations of island communities. ‘What we continue to look for from CalMac and Transport Scotland is an increase in capacity on the various routes, not an increase in fares’, he said. ‘Increasing prices on certain days of the week or certain times of the year would not solve the underlying problem of lack of capacity which is a result of a number of factors, including the delay in delivery of the two new vessels currently being built by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd – the MV Glen Sannox and Vessel 802. ‘I am now seeking an early meeting withMichael Matheson MSP to discuss these issues.’