Sunday ferries?
The Gazette are reporting that the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee are to undertake a complete review of "tendering, funding, routes, frequency and timetables, capacity, fares, freight travel, accessibility and Sunday serivces (sic) among others".
Just what are the others that aren't listed above. Tunnels and other fixed links, one hopes.
I think that it is a worthwhile exercise if the Committee are actually prepared to ask the difficult questions, and propose the difficult solutions. Hopefully the consultation will be wide-spread and public submissions will be welcomed, and I am sure that the Comhairle will not pull any punches in making our aspirations clear.
Except on the issue of Sunday ferry services, where no-one wants to be seen to take any kind stance for fear of upsetting someone.
Stuff that.
I'm in favour of Sunday ferries, for the simple reasons that: I now believe that the economic future of these islands is going to depend on allowing those want to live here and work elsewhere to have that choice, and to allow the tourist trade to develop; and, because I think that the only way we are going to get the best infrastructure is if the community are prepared to compromise in the interests of the majority.
That doesn't mean that those who don't want to work should have to work. Quite the contrary. But it also doesn't mean that those who want to (say) go away by ferry for the weekend should be prevented from doing so.
I ask again, WHEN DID SUNDAY FERRIES STOP RUNNING? And why?
Just what are the others that aren't listed above. Tunnels and other fixed links, one hopes.
I think that it is a worthwhile exercise if the Committee are actually prepared to ask the difficult questions, and propose the difficult solutions. Hopefully the consultation will be wide-spread and public submissions will be welcomed, and I am sure that the Comhairle will not pull any punches in making our aspirations clear.
Except on the issue of Sunday ferry services, where no-one wants to be seen to take any kind stance for fear of upsetting someone.
Stuff that.
I'm in favour of Sunday ferries, for the simple reasons that: I now believe that the economic future of these islands is going to depend on allowing those want to live here and work elsewhere to have that choice, and to allow the tourist trade to develop; and, because I think that the only way we are going to get the best infrastructure is if the community are prepared to compromise in the interests of the majority.
That doesn't mean that those who don't want to work should have to work. Quite the contrary. But it also doesn't mean that those who want to (say) go away by ferry for the weekend should be prevented from doing so.
I ask again, WHEN DID SUNDAY FERRIES STOP RUNNING? And why?
3 comments:
Angus,
If anyone were to mount a legal challenge against the opposition to Sunday services on the Ullapool to Stornoway route, they'd win hands down. Ferry services operate (to the mainland from elsewhere) within the Western Isles. Lochmaddy to Uig (Skye), Lochboisdale to Oban, Berneray to Leverburgh and Eriskay to Barra. So, with all respect to the Lewis way of life, Sunday ferries are practically an inevitability.
Angus,
This shouldn't need to come to a legal challenge - we're talking about a no-brainer, a clearly beneficial change, a win win. Who exactly would be the losers? Ask the people of Skye, North Uist or Harris if they want their isolation back! The latest ploy is a blatant delaying tactic by SNP as they realise cost of the RET promise - kick it around for a bit, throw in Sunday ferries in a key marginal seat. The Greysheet coverage is a joke, except its not funny. The alliance between local SNP and Gazette 'editors' becomes more obvious by the week. Story about late Saturday Salings is just the latest example. SNP are backing the wrong horse here - or maybe the right one if you're with the other party.
Yes.... I am afraid that is what it looks like... the question I wd be asking if I were in the SNP headquarters is where is the wolf in sheeps clothing.
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