What the Chairman wrote.....
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Peter Timms CBE
Our ref: PKT/JAS
14 May 2009
Mr Malcolm Burr
Chief Executive
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
STORNOWAY, Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Dear Malcolm
EQUALITIES ACT 2006
I am sorry that you and your colleagues are not able to meet us during our visit to Stornoway, when we hoped to set out the position in which CalMac now finds itself with regard to the possible introduction of Sunday ferry services.
We would have preferred to explain this issue face to face, but I accept that notice of our visit was short, although I think you will appreciate the urgency once I explain our predicament.
Earlier this year we received correspondence from the Equality & Human Rights Commission stating that several residents of Lewis and Harris had approached the Commission, concerned that CalMac does not offer mainland Sunday sailings. The Commission referred specifically to the Equalities Act 2006, and in light of this potential challenge we considered that we had no option but to seek an opinion from Senior Counsel.
His opinion is that our policy of withholding ferry services, out of respect for the beliefs of a section of the population of Lewis and Harris, is indeed unlawful, and we feel we therefore have no option but to seek a way of complying with the terms of the Act, while at the same time acknowledging the sensitivities which exist.
We have therefore begun to consult with the relevant communities, as required by the terms of the CHFS contract, as to how a Sunday service might operate.
No decision will be taken on when any Sunday service might commence until the consultation is completed and the implications for ferry operations have been fully assessed.
In addition, no details of any possible timetables will be published until the consultation process is completed and the Board of CalMac Ferries Ltd has formally approved the introduction of any Sunday sailings between Lewis and Harris and Skye and the mainland. There are then a number of procedural matters which must be gone through before any service can commence.
The views of CNES are clearly important to us, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss our options with the Comhairle at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely
P K Timms
Chairman
Peter Timms CBE
Our ref: PKT/JAS
14 May 2009
Mr Malcolm Burr
Chief Executive
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Sandwick Road
STORNOWAY, Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Dear Malcolm
EQUALITIES ACT 2006
I am sorry that you and your colleagues are not able to meet us during our visit to Stornoway, when we hoped to set out the position in which CalMac now finds itself with regard to the possible introduction of Sunday ferry services.
We would have preferred to explain this issue face to face, but I accept that notice of our visit was short, although I think you will appreciate the urgency once I explain our predicament.
Earlier this year we received correspondence from the Equality & Human Rights Commission stating that several residents of Lewis and Harris had approached the Commission, concerned that CalMac does not offer mainland Sunday sailings. The Commission referred specifically to the Equalities Act 2006, and in light of this potential challenge we considered that we had no option but to seek an opinion from Senior Counsel.
His opinion is that our policy of withholding ferry services, out of respect for the beliefs of a section of the population of Lewis and Harris, is indeed unlawful, and we feel we therefore have no option but to seek a way of complying with the terms of the Act, while at the same time acknowledging the sensitivities which exist.
We have therefore begun to consult with the relevant communities, as required by the terms of the CHFS contract, as to how a Sunday service might operate.
No decision will be taken on when any Sunday service might commence until the consultation is completed and the implications for ferry operations have been fully assessed.
In addition, no details of any possible timetables will be published until the consultation process is completed and the Board of CalMac Ferries Ltd has formally approved the introduction of any Sunday sailings between Lewis and Harris and Skye and the mainland. There are then a number of procedural matters which must be gone through before any service can commence.
The views of CNES are clearly important to us, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss our options with the Comhairle at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely
P K Timms
Chairman
8 comments:
Not rocket science. A late afternoon ferry which allows visitors to leave the island after a leisurely morning on the islands, with good time to get to their homes. Then a ferry back to Lewis for those who have been to the mainland for the weekend.
Won't it be marvellous, I cant wait, and cheap with the car now too. Shares in Engebret might take a bit of a hit though
What about the guys who will have to work on the pier to tie up the ferry. Any opinions on them having to give up a day off on sunday.
I would hope that those who are Christian will not be forced to work. Otherwise it will not be the case that they will have to give up a day off, the WTD is king after all. Rather manning the pier will have to be re-organised and may involve taking on additional staff in order to cover the additional man-hours requirements. More work is surely a good thing.
The port authority employees already work on Sundays, and have done for years. However the harbourmaster has issues incompatible with his contract of employment, and all who work there hope he will do the honourable thing....
This will be a blessing to these islands when it commences. It just makes me wonder if the same Act can be used in reference to the sports centre and if so to whom do I write?
Staffing can surely be done on a rota system off those who wish to be available.My life as a resident will be enhanced by Sunday sailing as will many.Tourism can only be helped by this as people planning long weekend touring break probably NEED to back on Mainland for work/school on Monday
Wonder when the supermarkets will open? After all, if the ferries are rolling..........{;-)
Post a Comment