| Comhairle Calls On First Minister To Support Ferry Fares Discount Scheme | 11 December 2006 |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is asking for the First Minister’s support in establishing a discount scheme for ferry travel to and from the Islands. The Transportation Committee agreed at a meeting this week to call on the Scottish Executive to establish a discount scheme similar to the one in place for air travel. The Comhairle and Western Isles Enterprise are also to carry out research to demonstrate the economic and social benefits resulting from the air scheme and the likely similar benefits from a ferry fares discount scheme. The latest moves follow a meeting between the Comhairle’s Ferry Fares Working Group and Alasdair Morrison MSP. Transportation Chairman Donald Manford said: “Transportation is so important to everyone living in the Western Isles and it was very welcome news when the Scottish Executive listened to the case that the Comhairle and others outlined with regard to the air fares discount scheme. Since then the Executive, to their credit, has actively and vigorously promoted the scheme which has brought great benefits to many people living in the Islands. The same principles apply to ferry travel and it would be a tremendous step forward if we could further reduce the cost burden of travel for people living in the Islands. I am pleased that our MSP Alasdair Morrison has already raised this matter with the First Minister who welcomed the idea. I would like to thank Mr. Morrison for his continuing efforts on this and urge the Scottish Executive to take this to the next stage. The Comhairle has consistently kept this campaign at the forefront of its priorities and will continue to do so with the current administration at Holyrood and with the next, whatever their political hue”. The Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr Angus Campbell, has written to the First Minister urging him to support such a scheme. In his letter Mr Campbell said: “I think there is a real opportunity over the next few months to think innovatively and radically in regard to developing new fare structures that will positively impact on some of the most peripheral and vulnerable parts of the Highlands and Islands. I trust that you, your Ministers and officials can work positively with the Comhairle and the Enterprise Network over the next period to deliver a Ferry Discount Scheme to the benefit of all in the Islands.” The regional transport partnership HITRANS are also to be asked to support a ferry fares discount scheme at their next meeting on the 8 December. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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