Assurances sought for cheaper Northern Isles ferry fares
Adam GuestAssurances have been sought from Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf that ferry fares on lifeline services to and from the isles will be cut.
Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd along with Northern Isles MSPs Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur have called for the reduction in fees to Orkney and Shetland, following an announcement by the minister today.
Mr Yousaf said there would be a review of the tendering policy for government contracts.
The existing contract for Serco NorthLink is due to expire next year. But speaking after the announcement today, Mr Scott highlighted comments by Mr Yousaf who said it was highly likely that the current deal would be extended to 2019.
Ms Todd asked the minister to assure passengers that the continued provision of the Northern Isles ferry services and continuity in service delivery was a top priority.
“I’m glad that the minister committed to the continuity of provision and delivery of Northern Isles ferry services,” said Ms Todd.
“I think it was important to ensure that the best service for passengers remained the government’s priority through this review – so it is good to have that assurance.
“I am also very pleased that the minister has made it clear that local communities will be given a say on whether or not their local ferry service is tendered or not.”
She added: “During the budget process, I have asked the government once again to take action on reducing ferry fares for Orkney and Shetland.
“That is something that was in our manifesto, it is something that the people of Orkney and Shetland voted for me to deliver and it is something that I will work hard to ensure that it is delivered.
“Lower ferry fares would mean a better deal for the hundreds of customers and businesses that depend on the ferry service in the Northern Isles and I am hopeful that we will see lower fares sooner rather than later.”
Mr Scott said: “Islanders have been promised substantial reductions in the ferry fares we pay. The Scottish government cut west coast fares by 50 per cent.
“The Northern Isles want our fares to fall in line with those reductions to boost the islands economy and help local people, families and businesses with the cost of travelling on our lifeline routes.
“We want the transport minister to press ahead with these reductions no matter what happens to the re-tendering of the shipping contract.
“We look forward to meeting with Humza Yousaf in the coming days to reiterate this case. We also want to ensure that this review does not lead to disruption on existing services and we will be meeting Serco NorthLink to discuss that, as well as the position of the local staff who work for the company.”
Mr Scott also asked the government what would happen to European tender rules if the UK leaves the EU, arguing “if we leave the EU and single market then there will not be a tendering procedure to follow”.
He said the transport minister confirmed the review would consider that.
David Spence
So, the contract review and tendering has been extended to 2019?
Will the Tendering Process incorporating EU countries or will it just be UK companies after Brexit?
Is there a connection between this and the time the UK leaves the EU?
What will Brexit really mean for the islands, and is it likely that Ferry Fares will increase rather than reduce under Brexit?
What will be the situation if there is a second Scottish Independence Referendum and the people of Scotland vote for Independence?
John Jamieson
It’s a pity that the Labour/Lib Dem government didn’t take it up with the EU before they put the routes out to tender in the first place, could maybe have years of problems and a lot of money.
David Spence
John, I suspect Serco (since they are in bed with the Tories) under Brexit, will get the contract for an indefinite period to which the public will not be told.
I also predict, under Brexit again, the cost of fares will go up as the monies going to Scotland from Westminster goes down thus the Scottish Government unable to fully subsidise the ferry, thus price increases in all sphere’s, travelling, freight etc etc.
I fear Brexit will cause tremendous damage to the islands because the cost of living will go up so much, people will leave, tourism will suffer and Local Authority Services will be drastically cut or privatised.
Under Brexit, the future of the islands looks pretty grim.
I must really thank those lot who voted for Brexit. Thank you for the future damage you will cause to Shetland.