“MUCH NEEDED MOVE TO SUPPORT ESSENTIAL ISLAND BUSINESSES”

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan has welcomed a decision by CalMac to hold off planned fare rises. The move comes after essential island businesses, hit by the impact of Coronavirus restrictions approached the local MSP about the extreme stress on businesses such as hauliers at this time.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Freight and haulage companies are among the main users of island ferries, now that ferry timetables have been cut back and sailings have been restricted to essential travel only. Many local businesses face huge financial strains at the moment, while they carry out the essential task of providing food and medicines to island shops and health providers.

“A number of businesses have approached me in recent days to ask what can be done to ensure the planned fair rises for this month are held back until after the present crisis, to ensure that we do not risk further pressures during a fragile situation. These are issues I have been raising with Government.

“I was very pleased to hear the announcement from ferries minister Paul Wheelhouse that the fare rises planned have now been held back, and hope this provides some breathing space for businesses providing essential public services.”