Cllr Uisdean Robertson Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee called for Scottish Government clarity on the continuation of RETs in a public statement issued on 11 July.  

In a letter to Alasdair Allan MSP, the First Minister wrote: “Last month at First Minister’s Questions on 19 June, I set out my clear position that I have no plans to remove road equivalent (RET) tariff tickets from island visitors. This firmly remains my position.”

Cllr Uisdean Robertson said:

 “The continuation of RET ensures services remain sustainable for both islanders and visitors and gives the reassurance we were looking for after a spell of uncertainty. The Islands Connectivity Plan Strategic Approach must now be updated to reflect this commitment. Our ferry services are a lifeline, and the Comhairle hopes to work closely with Government and others in future to see how our ferry services can be better facilitated and governed.”