News / New ferry service will be delivered on time – Swinney
THE SCOTTISH government has reiterated its confidence that the new contracts for the lifeline northern isles ferry services will be in place by July 2012 as planned.
Responding to a challenge from Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, finance minister John Swinney told the Scottish parliament on Wednesday afternoon that the government had timetabled “to deliver on that”.
Mr Scott had raised the issue in response to growing concern from the northern isles as to the time it takes the government to publish the tender specifications.
Mr Swinney said: “I hope this will reassure Mr Scott. I understand that the minister of housing and transport has already expressed that view to Mr Scott, but I hope he will take some reassurance from the reiteration of that point.”
Current ferry operator NorthLink has now stopped accepting any booking beyond July 2012 as the envisaged timetable as well as fare structure is unknown yet.
NorthLink has also said it would not attend the World Trade Market fair to sell Orkney and Shetland to tour operators.
Islanders in the northern isles are also concerned about the implications of the government’s intentions to tender the Pentland First crossing separate from the Shetland to Orkney to Aberdeen route.
Mr Scott said he will discuss these issues with representatives from the aquaculture industry who gather at the Shetland Hotel on Thursday for a conference on how climate change affects coastal communities and economies.
Speaking after the debate in the parliament, Mr Scott said the tight timetable for the retendering would mean that both island communities would only have a very short period of time to be consulted on the new service.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
