McArthur comments on ferry funding announcement

Commenting following the news that the Scottish Government will be providing a significant uplift in funding for ferries and island connectivity as well as additional flexibility, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur said:

"This welcome flexibility in ferry funding arrangements, combined with the significant uplift in overall support, represents real progress. It will enable Orkney Islands Council to finalise the crucial business case needed ahead of new vessel procurement.

“This issue was always a key priority for me and my Scottish Liberal Democrat colleagues in our negotiations with the government over the budget. Working closely with OIC, it was possible to make positive progress in those discussions with Finance Ministers.

“While the ferries task force must maintain momentum in the immediate term, we also recognise that delivering the modern, reliable ferry service our island communities deserve will require sustained commitment over the coming years. That is something I am determined to see happen”.