LEWIS FERRY FIASCO: TRANSPORT MINISTER BLAMES ISLANDERS

Parliamentary candidate, Alasdair Morrison said he was “disgusted” to read comments by Derek MacKay the Islands and Transport Minister where he blamed islanders for the shambles surrounding the procurement of the ferry the Loch Seaforth.

Speaking in Stornoway, Alasdair Morrison said:

“It’s shameful that the Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, flies to Benbecula to blame islanders for his Government’s shambolic procurement of the Loch Seaforth. Why he launched this attack about islanders on Lewis on a visit to Uist is difficult to fathom. Uist has many ferry issues which need resolving without Mr MacKay wasting time berating people on a neighbouring island. It’s hugely revealing that Mr MacKay criticised Harbour Trusts, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, CalMac and CMAL but did not apportion any blame to the MP and MSP. Mr MacKay should apologise for his Government’s neglect and the absence of our MP and MSP. They are to blame not innocent bystanders.

I also hope that the leadership of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will rebut this slur immediately and remind the Minister that they, and many others, told the SNP Government that Lewis needed a two-ferry solution not the half baked solution they are inflicting on our communities”.