McArthur comments on funding for ferries business case

Commenting on news that the Scottish Government has offered in principle funding to OIC to develop the business case for replacement of ferries on Orkney’s inter isles routes, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur said:

“It’s welcome to see agreement reached on funding of the business case for replacement vessels on Orkney’s internal routes. However, the loss of momentum earlier in the year means we are not as forward as we should be given the commitments made by the former Deputy First Minister, John Swinney when he established the ferries task force back in January.

“Making an approach to the UK Government is certainly sensible, but Orkney’s urgent need for new ferries cannot be turned into yet another constitutional fight. Our island communities that rely on these lifeline routes need, expect and deserve better than that.”