Ferries, planes and tunnels
External Transport Forum
I was able to attend the External Transport Forum this week highlighting concerns constituents have raised with me to leaders of Loganair and Serco NorthLink. Issues with delays, lack of cabin and car deck space can be extremely disruptive to the daily lives of islanders who depend on the lifeline service. I continued to press for a rolling booking system as well as redressing impacts on concessionary vouchers after the pandemic. I also highlighted the need for freight capacity expansion.
Inter-Islands Transport Connectivity Survey
Open now for six weeks, from 9th December, Shetland Islands Council (SIC) is gathering responses of travel in and around Shetland’s islands. The survey can be completed online or contact IITCShetland@stantec.com or 0131 335 4200 to receive a paper version. This will help to develop future plans to connect islands including the possibility of tunnels between islands. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have your say. Responses are welcome from everyone, businesses, those living in the isles and Mainland Shetland. The survey asks about travel behaviour, views of the existing ferry services and day-to-day transport challenges and is the first stage of the consultation on SIC’s Inter-island Transport Connectivity Programme. Please share the survey far and wide to ensure the all views are taken into account.
Cross Party Group (CPG) meetings
On Wednesday morning I convened the Cross Party Group on Islands, hearing from speakers about island housing. The Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, attended and took part in the Q&A that following presentations. We know that a lack of housing is a persistent problem in island and rural areas driving up costs and depopulation. I was also re-elected as Co-Convener of the Cross Party Group on Crofting and as the Depute Convener of the Cross Party Group on Poverty.
Seabird conservation
With great concern about the decline in Scottish seabirds following a recent seabird census, thought to be due to environmental changes and other threats including avian influenza, the Scottish Government has launched a consultation on its proposed action plan to reverse the trend. The consultation will run until 5th March 2025.