Halcro Johnston welcomes debate on fair ferry funding
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston will again challenge Ministers on the Scottish Government’s commitment to fair ferry funding during a debate in the Scottish Parliament this week.
While inter-island ferry services are fully funded by the Scottish Government in the Western Isles, councils in Orkney and Shetland are expected to contribute millions of pounds a year from their own funds to provide services in their islands.
The SNP committed several years ago to bring forward “fair funding” for ferries in Orkney and Shetland, but have yet to outline how this pledge will be brought forward.
Speaking before the debate, Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“Above all, Orkney and Shetland need clarity over the SNP’s commitment to ‘fair funding’ for our internal ferries. I have challenged Ministers on this pledge several times and no details have been forthcoming.
“This debate is an opportunity for opposition parties to demand answers from the Scottish Government on their future intentions. Island council leaders have warned that internal ferry services will not be sustainable if no action is taken.
“Scottish Conservatives will also be pressing the Scottish Government to examine the wider social and economic benefits of these services.”