Lochboisdale-Mallaig single route and different operator

“Shorter sea crossings”

Western Isles  MP Angus MacNeil has written to the Minister for Transport Stewart Stevenson MSP, asking that consideration be given to classing the Lochboisdale – Mallaig route as a single route which crucially could be operated by another company.

Lochboisdale to Mallaig would seem to fit the growing pattern of shorter ferry routes, making it a natural option, but for many reasons, including a refusal by the previous Scottish Executive, this has not been established.

Mr MacNeil commented:

“For years much has been tried to get a Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry route operating, which I have to say given the transport patterns of previous decades with shorter sea crossings whether it be on the Sounds of Harris or Barra, or Stornoway moving from Kyle to Ullapool, would indicate that shorter sea crossings seem to be the most successful way of operating ferry routes.

“Ongoing ferry issues”

“However, with the ongoing ferries review, I have written to the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson MSP, and asked that consideration be given to allowing a Mallaig to Lochboisdale service being included in the review, as it is a new route. It should not be included in a bundle with other routes, a step which would allow another company to come on the scene. I have also received clarification from the Minister that such an arrangement would qualify for RET. Therefore, I am sure that companies like Cal Mac and Western Ferries will be watching this development with interest.

“Lochboisdale this winter has had some difficulties with Oban as a port, last week I arranged a meeting between Cal Mac and the local community in Uist. However, due to Parliamentary commitments and the likelihood of many votes on the Thursday, I was unable to attend the meeting, but I did send my apologies. I hope that the community were satisfied with the answers they received from Cal Mac, in respect of the ongoing ferry issues between Lochboisdale and the mainland.

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