Western Isles MP seeks RET extension

“While the success of the project is being assessed”

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has written to both the Cabinet Seretary for Finance John Swinney MSP, and to the Transport Minister in the Scottish Government Stewart Stevenson MSP, asking if the Scottish Government would indicate, at the very least, an extension of the current RET scheme for another year.

Angus MacNeil

The pilot study is due to finish in March 2011, but given that the evaluation scheme will only occur at the end of this period, many in the tourism and haulage business need indications soon that we shall see another year of RET, while the success of the project is being assessed.

Mr MacNeil commented:

“RET has been an undoubted success since its introduction by the Scottish Government on all ferry routes linking the Western Isles with mainland ferry ports in October 2008. A number of economic benefits are beginning to emerge and it may well be that RET is the most successful SNP policy in Scotland, although I would, of course, have to say that competition is stiff on that front.

“Given that we currently have a pilot scheme from the SNP government and that we will have to work hard to ensure the continuation of RET with the backdrop of cuts fromWestminster.  Whether it is the threatened cuts from the Tories or the cuts we have had so far from Labour.

“Transport and tourism businesses need stability”

“The pilot scheme has to run its course for full and proper economic evaluation.  The political efforts between myself and Alasdair Allan MSP will of course continue to ensure this long cherished SNP policy becomes fully permanent.  But meantime, I am writing to our Government in Edinburgh in an attempt to get the stability of knowing that the RET pilot will continue beyond the initial period, into summer 2011 and beyond.

“Transport and tourism businesses need stability and certainly of what fare structure will be operating in just over a year’s time.  Cal Mac also needs to know in the preparation for printing their general fares and timetables in the 2011 explorer magazine which has to go to the printers in summer 2010.   All businesses, as well as the community generally, need an indication of the travel situation going into the 2011 tourist season.”

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