Who can we believe?

On Tuesday (13 Nov) another council funded consultation on a ferries review will take place in Whalsay, this time on proposals for cuts to our lifeline service.

I find it amazing that only two years ago infrastructure department officers were in Whalsay trying to convince islanders that they could build a Yell Sound type ferry, new terminals at Laxo and Vidlin and a whole new harbour and terminal in the North Voe of Symbister, all for a price of £26,305,170.

Many people believed this to be an actual build cost.

After making enquiries, I recently received an email from a senior member of the SIC confirming that the figure of £26,305,170 was not an actual build cost; it was the result of a desktop exercise done in 2008 which was then backdated to 2002 prices for comparison with other projects around Scotland.

These details were also confirmed to be 2002 prices by a very reliable source outside the council. 

After receiving these details I am left wondering, who in the council do we believe? How can we believe?

William Polson
Whalsay