Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 24 May 2000 For Use: Immediately

Convener Seeks Intervention From First Minister

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is urging people to remain calm in the face of likely strike action on lifeline ferry services from midnight tomorrow until midnight on Monday.

The Comhairle has been in talks with the Scottish Executive on various options and contingency plans are being discussed in the event of protracted action. Additional loads of perishable goods will be brought in on Thursday.

The Comhairle has also been in close liaison with Caledonian MacBrayne and is continuing to closely monitor any changes in the situation.

The Comhairle has urged local retailers to front load perishable goods to take account of people stocking up on supplies but today the Convener of the Comhairle, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said today:

"Whilst it makes sense to ensure you have necessary supplies, it does not help if people embark on a panic buying spree and I would appeal to people to stay calm."

The Convener is also making a last minute appeal to Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace to intervene in the dispute and asks that he uses his influence to avoid this damaging action.

Speaking today, the Convener said:

"Representing an island constituency, Mr. Wallace well knows the likely impact of this type of action on the people and economy of an island area. Whilst we realise that there may be a reluctance to intervene in negotiations, we are now moving into a different phase and strike action looks likely to go ahead. We would appeal first of all to Mr. Wallace to use his influence to prevent such action but in the event of the worst happening we would ask Mr. Wallace to ensure that the Scottish Executive provides every assistance possible to the people of these islands to minimise disruption."

Transportation Chairman Norman A. Macdonald, said:

"It looks as if we are going to have to face the effects of this strike action but we are working on plans to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. We will use what influence we have to mitigate the effects on the people of the Western Isles. If there is any window of opportunity I would again urge those involved to consider the impact this will have on the people of the islands and the damage it will do, not only to the economy of the Western Isles, but to the reputation of Caledonian MacBrayne".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer