Intra-island ferries

It was a brilliantly simple, but moderately expensive, scheme by the Comhairle to subsidise inter-island ferries and encourage the economic development within the islands. The philosophy was to have businesses looking north or south, rather than across the Minch, and this was achieved by the simple creation of a 40% discount for commercial vehicles.

It was working too, with a huge increase in trading between the islands.

But with the next round of budget cuts required, something had to give and this subsidy has been removed.

Now RET makes it cheaper to go to and from the mainland, and you know what is going to happen.

Best of luck in trying to persuade the Government to extend the RET scheme to these ferries, but I suspect that there will be nothing more than vague promises ahead of the election. Along with a proper RET scheme, this must be made a major campaigning issue for the candidates - let's see which party promises what, and vote accordingly.

Whilst giving plaudits to the Council, HIE deserve a very special mention for their interest in inter-island economic development. I really, really, hope HIE Area Manager Archie MacDonald was reading from a press statement when he made the following comment:

"Our role today is focused on supporting businesses and social enterprises with growth potential, strengthening communities, especially in fragile areas, and investing in transformational projects which are aimed at adding to the economic output of the Outer Hebrides."

Seriously, WTF does that mean? Other than, "thanks to budget cuts, we don't have the money".