McArthur pushes for ferries decarbonisation

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur once again pressed the case for new ferries on Orkney’s internal routes.

Mr McArthur used a debate in parliament this afternoon on the Carbon Neutral Islands Project to make clear the "compelling case" for lifeline transport services being "fully factored" into plans for the project.

Orkney's MSP went onto warn that the transition to net-zero for lifeline transport links and homes in island communities will need to be led by the communities themselves but with sustained support by Scottish and UK Government. He also argued that more creative funding models will need to be developed to help plug the gap in funds being made available by government if households and businesses are not to be left with an unsustainable financial burden.

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, offered support for Mr McArthur's amendment during the debate but it did not reach a vote at decision time.

Commenting after the debate, Mr McArthur said:

"Scotland's island communities have been leading the way in meeting the challenges of climate change. Across the chamber today, there was cross-party recognition of Orkney’s pioneering role in the development of renewables and innovation in areas such as transport and heat.

"The ambition to create carbon neutral islands is very welcome and I congratulate Hoy on being one of the six islands selected for this project. It is an exciting opportunity and one that I am sure the whole community will embrace.  

"It is particularly pleasing to see Aisling Phillips appointed as Hoy's new carbon neutral development officer. As the Cabinet Secretary rightly said, Aisling and the other developments officers bring real passion, enthusiasm and talent to the roles and it’s great that they will be leading this work in their local communities, supported by Community Energy Scotland and other partners. I look forward to working with those involved to help ensure the project delivers not just for Hoy but other islands across Orkney.

"However, no island can be deemed to be carbon neutral when its lifeline ferry links are delivered by ageing, polluting and inefficient vessels. I'm pleased the Cabinet Secretary accepted my amendment on the need to decarbonise lifeline ferry services across all island routes. Hopefully, therefore, this project will add impetus to the work of John Swinney’s Ferries Task Force and lead to the delivery of the new ferries that Hoy and Orkney’s other islands so desperately need."