Council convener’s concerns over RET extension

The convener of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Stephen Hagan, has expressed concern over the Scottish Government’s decision to extend Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) for the Western Isles until 2015.

“This was supposed to be a pilot project, to test the potential for RET to cut ferry fares on routes to the Scottish islands,” Councillor Hagan said.

“It seems incredible that this ‘pilot’ will now last for seven years – with no move to extend RET to Orkney as well.

“Many in Orkney will share my worries about the impact this could have on our own community.

“There is already anecdotal evidence that some visitors are choosing to visit the Western Isles rather than Orkney because RET had reduced the cost of travel on west coast routes.

“I strongly support any measure that results in cheaper ferry fares for Scottish island communities. But it is unfair that Orkney is being placed at a competitive disadvantage and I will be contacting the Government to express my concern.”