The £4.4 million scheme, administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, will provide compensation to businesses, on specified islands, who have been financially impacted by ferry cancellations.

The islands covered by the scheme are Arran, Benbecula, Berneray, Colonsay, Eriskay, Grimsay, North Uist and South Uist.

Full details of the fund were published by HIE on 2 July.

Speaking following the launch of the scheme Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said: 

“This fund is a clear acknowledgement from Scottish Government that continuous disruption to ferry services are having serious financial impacts to island businesses. The scheme will provide some compensation to those impacted by disruption and its introduction should be welcomed.”

While welcoming the scheme Cllr Robertson has emphasised that this is not a complete solution to the challenges facing island businesses caused by ferry disruption.

Cllr Robertson said: 

“No compensation fund of this type can fully address the economic impact of ferry disruptions. The only way to ensure that the island economy is protected from continued financial losses is to provide a ferry fleet that is fit for purpose and make timetable decisions that prioritise the needs of island communities. Compensation will help in the short term but in the long-term island businesses and their customers need a ferry service that they can rely upon.”

On 19 May 2025 Cllr Uisdean Robertson highlighted priorities that CalMac must address to provide an improved ferry service to communities in the Western Isles.