Wishart quizzes Islands Cabinet Secretary on transport needs

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, today quizzed the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Islands and Land Reform, Mairi Gougeon MSP, on transport and housing needs to tackle depopulation in Scotland’s islands. During a session of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee,  Ms Wishart pressed the Cabinet Secretary as to whether the Scottish Government understand just how critical it is to get transport right for island communities.

During the committee session, Wishart spoke of the inability of passengers to book onto the NorthLink Northern Isles ferry route, which is closed to bookings beyond the 30^th September 2023. Wishart also highlighted her online NorthLink booking survey. During its first 24 hours, the survey received 200 responses, demonstrating the scale of the issue for islanders.

Ms Wishart commented:

“Many, many people have spoken to me in person about their struggle with booking the ferry to Aberdeen. The interaction with my online survey is proving this is a widespread issue with a big impact on people’s lives.

“The long term impact is on islanders’ confidence. People are saying that they can no longer continue to live here because they can't get away at a time of their choosing.

“I want to thank everyone who has raised capacity and booking issues with me and taken part in the survey. The evidence they have provided will help in my representations to the Scottish Government on their behalf to demonstrate to ministers the scale and effects of current policies.

“We need our lifeline ferry services to be fit for the 21^st century with a booking system that caters to modern lifestyles.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

You can watch Ms Wishart’s contribution here.

Ms Wishart’s survey can be found here.