Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has praised a decision to remove any doubt over the future of the ferry service between Mallaig and Armadale.

This guarantee and several other assurances were given by Alex Neil, the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, during a meeting at Holyrood with the local MSP. Fears for the future of the service had been raised with the publication in December of the Ferries Review consultation document, which stated that Transport Scotland no longer viewed the service as “absolutely essential” to the local community.

After weeks of encouraging local organisations and residents to submit their response to the consultation document, Mr Thompson was able to secure a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to make the case in person for the retention of this service and several others in his constituency.

“I had a very successful meeting with the Cabinet Secretary in Parliament this morning to discuss a number of serious issues regarding the Ferries Review,” Mr Thompson said.

“Following my attendance at a public meeting in Mallaig on Monday evening, I had detailed discussions of the Mallaig / Armadale service with the cs.

“I put forward various points about the importance of this service to the local community in terms of its economic and social impact and through tourism.

“These were well received by the Cabinet Secretary and he gave a guarantee that there is no threat to the Mallaig / Armadale service. When the contract is renewed, the service will continue with no threat whatsoever, no increase in fares and no reduction in the level of service.

“He also said that, before the end of the current Parliament, the service will benefit from the introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff, which will offer a substantial decrease in fares.

Mr Thompson noted that Mr Neil had reiterated the fact that the purpose of the Ferries Review was to improve provision of ferry services and had been published as a consultation paper.

“Alex confirmed that he will listen when a strong case is made,” the MSP added.

“That was clear when I also raised concerns expressed by some about the Kilchoan / Tobermory car ferry, which is very important to West Ardnamurchan in terms of access to Mull for veterinary and building services and also for tourism.

“This link allows tourists to travel from Oban to Mull, across west Ardnamurchan and on to Skye. I brought this to his attention and he accepted that there is a strong case which he will listen to.

“I was particularly pleased that he offered to arrange for Transport Minister Keith Brown to visit West Ardnamurchan over the next few months and speak to local people and see the importance of this issue for himself.

Other subjects raised by Mr Thompson during the meeting included local concern among residents of the Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna – about a suggestion that their islands could be served by a single weekly visit by a car ferry.

“The Cabinet Secretary understood and agreed to ask Keith Brown to also meet the communities and hear their concerns for himself before any final decision is taken.

“I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary was prepared to take on board the issues I raised and offer assurances that many areas of concern are unfounded.”