Fair Ferry Fares campaign group want early action from new Islands Minister
Campaigners behind a new online campaign aimed at tackling the high cost of ferry travel to and from Orkney, Shetland and the mainland have written to the new Islands Minister requesting a meeting and a statement.
Ryan Thomson and James Stewart of Fair Ferry Fares for Orkney and Shetland have asked Humza Yousaf, Glasgow Pollok MP and new Transport and Islands Minister, to give an early indication of how the new Scottish Government intends of reducing the cost of ferry travel to the Northern Isles.
In their letter, they highlight a commitment made by Nicola Sturgeon on a visit to Shetland in April 2016, where she said “A re-elected SNP government will begin work immediately to look at how we can reduce fares for the Northern Isles and provide greater support to businesses and residents in Shetland and Orkney” and ask the Minister to honour these commitments. The group have also requested a meeting with the Minister in due course.”
The online petition, originally set-up by Mr Thomson, has now reached over 2,350, while the Facebook page has around 1,500 followers.
Campaign co-ordinator James Stewart said: “The First Minister herself recognised that high ferry fares were a significant problem in the Isles and committed to tackling it. Our campaign exists to ensure that these promises are kept, ensuring that Orcadians and Shetlanders receive a fair deal.
“The high cost of travel is damaging to our business community, local families and our vital tourist trade. The minimum cost of a non-islander family of five travelling to Shetland with a car is about ÂŁ750 – ÂŁ66 per hour that you’re on the ferry. When families are faced with that bill, they’ll simply choose to not visit the island.”
“I would encourage everyone in Orkney, Shetland and beyond to sign the petition and follow the page on Facebook. The experience of running the Islanders for Fair Air Fares campaign demonstrated the power of local communities rallying behind a cause.”
The link to the petition site can be found here.