Minister backs down over Northern Isles ferry cuts
Ferry Online Travel News 09/09/2010
The Scottish Transport Minister has relented on plans aimed at saving money.
Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Transport Minister, has made an about-turn over controversial plans to axe ferry services to the Northern Isles. The cuts were intended to help the government save a million pounds but locals were upset at plans to also extend cheaper Western Isles fares.
The minister said the cuts would no longer be necessary, after ferry operator Northlink had managed to cut its running costs. The good news for local residents and business operators came following a meeting held Monday with the conveners of the Orkney and Shetland Island Council.
Tavish Scott, Shetland MSP, said he was delighted that the SNP had found the sense to change course. He said people on Shetland depend on these lifeline ferry links and it was shameful of the SNP to use them for political gain. Orkney MSP Liam McArthur welcomed the U-turn but said it raised major questions about the transport minister’s competence.
He went on to highlight how, over the last six months, the transport minister had attempted to restrict the Aberdeen ferry service. Mr McArthur said Mr Stevenson had eradicated a lifeline service by diverting the Hannavoe to Bergen ferry and had for weeks vigorously called for a budget cut now deemed unnecessary.
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