Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
PRESS RELEASE
23 October 2001
For Use: Immediately
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 23 October 2001 For Use: Immediately |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warmly welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Sarah Boyack of a new, larger vessel for the Sound Of Harris ferry service.
Chairman of Transportation Norman A. Macdonald said: "This is excellent
news and is particularly welcome coming on top of yesterday's announcement of
£2.5m for transport infrastructure on Eriskay and Barra. This latest announcement
will allow Caledonian-MacBrayne to move the Loch Bhrusda onto a new service
for the Sound Of Barra, opening up the length of the islands for vehicular access
for the first time in our history.
The Sound of Harris service has been an outstanding success story and I am
confident that this new service will provide similar benefits for business and
the travelling public when it comes into operation in 2003. The Comhairle and
the Scottish Executive have been working together to provide this final link
in the islands transportation network and today's announcement marks a historic
achievement.
The introduction of the new sheltered water vessel also offers opportunities
for improvements to the services out of Lochboisdale and Castlebay but the details
of any changes will obviously be subject to wider consultation."
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk