‘What does a modern and sustainable ferry service for Scotland look like?’
The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, has launched its inquiry into current and future ferry provision in Scotland.
Within the inquiry, the Committee will consider areas such as;
‘What do island residents, businesses, and other ferry users need from Scottish Government-supported ferry services?’
‘What institutional and funding arrangements would meet the needs of current and future ferry users?’
‘What vessel size, type, deployment and crewing arrangements would best satisfy the infrastructure?’
The committee is keen to hear from island and mainland residents, individuals and businesses impacted by ferry services, those involved with the industry, operators and asset holders.
Committee Convener, Dean Lockhart MSP, said;
“Scotland needs a reliable ferry service that is future-proofed, compatible with Scotland’s net zero goals and meets the needs of all service users. Without this, the stark reality is that the long-term sustainability of island communities and businesses is at risk.
“We’re keen to hear many different perspectives on what a modern ferry service should look like. These views will help us inform Scottish Government policies and strategies with a view to securing a positive outcome for the future of ferries and island connectivity in Scotland.”
Your views – read the questions and respond to the Committee’s call for views at – https://yourviews.parliament.scot/nzet/modern-sustainable-ferry-services
See also: Orkney Ferries Raised Again in Parliament & The Nordic Sea Saga
Categories: Local News
This Is a long overdue inquiry The Government and The O I C have done nothing to help Andrew Banks infract both have hindered his business. It needs some one like The Banks Family to run our services not pea brained politicians who never have been in any private sector work and have done nothing to aid our Island communities.
I believe Andrew Banks is on record as saying that if he got the same subsidy as Northlink, he could carry passengers across the firth for nothing! Of course, Serco probably use the bulk of the £43.5 Million they get paying out dividends
I agree with John.
But as far as vessels go we need lots of the same design, small enough to avoid extra works on harbours and with sufficient redundancy of systems on board to allow small crews (suggested target 5 per vessel)
Much better to have multiple vessels on a route giving more frequent sailing times and automatic resilience for breakdowns and refit periods.
The truth is that each island group has different issues. Shetland is quite remote and Lerwick is 225mi from Aberdeen mostly on the open ocean. In contrast many Hebridean routes cross relatively sheltered waters. One size fits all is no use. The development of CalMac ferries has been slow, piecemeal and very inefficient withe too much political interference by uninformed politicians. The Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick connection could be vastly improved perhaps also with a weekly link to Bergen.
It might be a good idea to have 2 different ferries from Shetland. One for businesses so they have the room to send away their trailers of produce for export etc. And the other for passengers with or without cars. Also to be allowed to share a cabin if you want to.