Wishart responds to the draft Islands Connectivity Plan

“I welcome sight of this delayed draft but much like the document itself islanders face a delay for replacement passenger and freight vessels.

“While the earliest date for delivery of new ‘freight plus’ vessels is 2028-2029, the document outlines that the latest date for replacement passenger vessels on the Northern Isles route is 2036.

“If the Scottish Government can be trusted with ferry replacement timelines that is.

“The draft raises more questions than it answers for the Northern Isles route such as, with five years to wait for freight vessel replacements, how are additional freight capacity needs going to be served meantime?

“And with twelve years to wait for passenger vessel replacement, how does the Scottish Government think that will impact islanders who already struggle to book a cabin and a car during peak seasons like school holidays?

“Twelve summers of pinch points and packed ferries will do little to fulfil the lifeline needs the service is there to provide, let alone encourage the growing tourism sector in the isles.

“I will be responding to the consultation, and I would urge others to do so as well.

“We need a lifeline service that lives up to its name.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The draft for consultation can be found at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/kytd2muk/islands-connectivity-plan-long-term-plan-for-vessels-and-ports-draft-for-consultation.pdf

The consultation webpage can be found at: https://consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/islands-connectivity-plan/