tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post223155007422392441..comments2023-10-16T08:37:22.742+00:00Comments on An incredulous eye on the isles: How to drag defeat from the jaws of victoryElectricCrofterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495260997875836669noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-11627869391274547822010-10-05T06:23:23.770+00:002010-10-05T06:23:23.770+00:00Exclusive deliriumExclusive deliriumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-57282995368452752702010-10-04T20:49:08.291+00:002010-10-04T20:49:08.291+00:00Rather the helpful informationRather the helpful informationAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-22138755024451501302010-10-02T11:09:07.700+00:002010-10-02T11:09:07.700+00:00I doubt if the average wage on Islay, Colonsay and...I doubt if the average wage on Islay, Colonsay and Mull is less than in the Western Isles. Anyway, Neil Kay is right. The key point is that there is no guarantee of this electoral bribe to the Western Isles extending beyond the Holyrood elections.That is why the "exension" is for only one year. How cheaply can we be bought?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-27604416022810532652010-09-30T16:19:11.673+00:002010-09-30T16:19:11.673+00:00It is the height of absurdity to argue that becaus...It is the height of absurdity to argue that because people in the Northern Isles earn 'on average' £60 or £70 more than those in the Western Isles, this means that those in Orkney, for instance, should not receive RET.<br /><br />These figures are easily distorted. A few millionaires who live in, say, the fish-rich island of Whalsay can alter the average earnings of a small community considerably. The fact remains is that there are single mothers or families with low income in Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stromness and Scalloway - even Port Ellen in Islay. Why should they not receive the same rights and political pay-offs as their counterparts in Stornoway? Neither logic nor justice can justify the inequalities of the present scheme.<br /><br />Besides, Mr Stevenson has done all this before, trying to cut the subsidies on the Northern routes for his party's political gain. <br /><br />In most cases, experience teaches fools.<br /><br />Not apparently in the case of the Scottish Minister of Transport.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-83239216852619998582010-09-30T12:47:01.562+00:002010-09-30T12:47:01.562+00:00Every other island group in Europe (including Orkn...Every other island group in Europe (including Orkney and Shetland) benefit from a substantial residents discount (also available to family on the mainland). <br /><br />I am pleased that the SNP recognised that our ferry fares were disproportionately high, but very disappointed they did not simply apply a residents' discount. The benefit to islanders would have been greater and the cost to the public purse would have been less. <br /><br />No matter what the cost to visitors, the residents should be entitled to a discount as is the case everywhere else. Even the visitors expect it!ferryloupernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17278382.post-28633837937606445602010-09-30T09:37:38.846+00:002010-09-30T09:37:38.846+00:00Well with the pending cut about to lay waste to ba...Well with the pending cut about to lay waste to basic services, and the withdrawal of RET after the election, looks like it might be game over. The nonsense is, of course RET will have a positive effect, thats why it is employed all over the EU, or at least some form of subsidy to make travelling affordable. It is typical of UK politicians to endlessly twiddle with deck chairs. Transport to all islands should be made affordable and kept affordable - no debate necessary, not even any brains required.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com