Ferries – politicians are fired up about them, and if you look at comments on social media (health warning – not advisable to do so regularly) it seems the public are too. Then where were the people when Project Neptune came to Orkney?
“I’m delighted to open the Ferries Accessibility Fund for an eighth round of applications, as it’s proved a hugely successful initiative in recent years.” Kevin Stewart, Scottish Transport Minister
“It has been a time of firsts for me in my ministerial role, with last week seeing my first speech as a minister as I closed the debate on the UK Government’s so-called Illegal Migration Bill. The Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the aims of this legislation and the harm it seeks to cause to the most marginalised people.”
“We await detail from Pentland Ferries on the length of any outage. Transport Scotland met NorthLink over the weekend to discuss what increases in capacity may be needed on services to Orkney. We also await the outcome of any investigation and actions to prevent any reoccurrence, and we need those answers as soon as possible.” Kevin Stewart Transport Minister, Scottish Government
“Good quality affordable housing is essential to attract and retain people in rural communities, particularly in areas where key workers are needed. That’s why we are making up to £25 million available in a dedicated fund to make affordable homes for key workers, such as those working in the public sector and emergency services.” Paul McLennan Scottish Housing MInister
“£9m to time charter a vessel for 9 months that cost £14m five years ago is an appalling deal for the taxpayer, let alone the long-term threat this creates to jobs, terms and conditions, pension rights and the stability of lifeline ferry services in the west of Scotland.” Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary
VisitScotland is launching a series of new online resources to help tourism businesses in Orkney consider how they can tackle climate change and meet consumer needs.
£3,566,935 has been awarded to 11 organisations throughout Scotland to support the work they do in promoting history and heritage.
“To move forward with certainty, the UK Government must stop delaying the long overdue exclusion from the Internal Market Act. This damaging Act was imposed on the Scottish Parliament after Brexit without its consent and creates confusion and uncertainty for businesses.” Lorna Slater
“The song encapsulates the fury that is felt by rural communities. It is imperative that this SNP-Green Government listen and re-think the policy and I look forward to debating it in the Chamber.”
