Allan takes up Barra ferry problem with calmac

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has written to Calmac urgently to raise the repeated failures of service on the Oban to Barra route. This comes after the MV Clansman broke down again on Saturday night stranding a number of passengers trying to leave the island following Barrafest.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“I can imagine the immense frustration of many people in Barra at this time. When everyone expected the Clansman to be functioning normally following a prolonged absence it broke down once more during the busiest time of the year for travel to and from the island.

“Individual islanders”

“I have written to Calmac urgently today to raise the concerns of my constituents that no contingency plans were put into place should another problem like this hit the Clansman, particularly as it was just back in service. I have also asked whether there are now plans in place should anymore problems hit the Barra ferry service.

“This is more than just a ferry for Barra, it is a lifeline link. When there are major problems like this it has a huge effect on the economy of the island, particularly on tourism which much of the island depends on during the summer.

“I am also currently in the process of setting up a meeting with Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson, to discuss this situation with the MV Clansman and to ask if there any ways of avoiding similar situations in the future.

“I am happy to take up the concerns of any individual islanders on this matter should they wish to contact me and continue to press home to Calmac the need for a resolution to this ongoing problem.”

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