EXCLUSIVE Ferries review draft causes concerns
SHOULD any community have access to more than one ferry service?
This was one of the questions raised in draft reports which came before councillors today (Wednesday) as part of the Scottish Government's Ferries Review.
Councillors attending Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Transportation Committee expressed concern at some of the suggestions made.
One of the main concerns was the suggestion that there be only one port for the island group of Lewis and Harris.
"This is just not a go-er," said Harris councillor Morag Munro. "I don't think that is even practically possible."
She said that the draft reports had been written by people sitting at their desks with very little practical knowledge of the Western Isles.
Murdo Gray, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Director of Technical Services, who made the presentation to the Transportation Committee, stated: "I am not sure if that will appear in the final report."
Chairman of the Committee, Donald Manford of Barra emphasised that the reports before them were only drafts.
"When the papers are properly finalised, they will be coming before interested parties for formal consultation," said Mr Manford.
Convener Alex Macdonald said the issue was far too important to debate for an hour or an hour-and-a-half at the Transportation Committee.
"We will have to come back to it. It is very important to the economy of the Western Isles," said Mr Macdonald.
Regarding the suggestion of a single port for the whole of Uist, the Convener stated: "That should be strangled at birth."
There was also a mention of possibly moving Caledonian MacBrayne premises into the Scottish Government offices in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
"Moving CalMac from Gourock is fine – but not to Glasgow or Edinburgh," added the Convener.
November 18 is the date that comments have to be received from groups on the final draft reports. The comments are expected to be collated by the Scottish Government and passed to consultants by November 24.
Councillors were told that a formal presentation would be held for members in due course, and there would also be consultations in Barra, Benbecula, Tarbert and Stornoway.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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