Government to review ferry services

THE SCOTTISH government has embarked on a comprehensive review of ferry services across the country including a detailed examination of lifeline services to the northern isles.

Review documents, published yesterday (Friday), invite communities to consider a range of changes and improvements.

This includes how ferries should be funded and procured; the setting of fares; what kind of services should be supported with public money and who should be responsible for providing these services.

The review will help in the preparation of a long-term ferries plan for lifeline services to 2022.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: “This government is committed to delivering essential ferry services that support the needs of our island communities.

“Scotland’s ferries play a key role in providing access to vital services and enabling economic development in our island communities, and ferry links to these communities must be an integral part of Scotland’s transport network.

“As a government, we recognise there will be a range of views in local communities about the future of ferry services and we want those views to be heard as part of this review.

“We will be carrying out an extensive programme of consultation events around the country and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part as local opinion will be vital in designing the ferry services of the future.

“We are determined to improve transport links across Scotland so that communities and individuals can make the fullest possible contribution to economic recovery and help secure future sustainable economic growth.”

The ferries review documents is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/ferries-ports-canals/14342/Review