Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership meets in Stromness

Members of HITRANS (The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership) met in Stromness today.

HITRANS is the statutory regional transport partnership covering Eilean Siar (Western Isles), Orkney, Highland, Moray and most of the Argyll and Bute area.

Chaired by OIC councillor James Stockan, HITRANS works with councils, the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, HIE, transport operators and other stakeholders to improve transport services and infrastructure in the north of Scotland and on routes to the Highlands and Islands.

Those attending the meeting discussed the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) study for the Orkney Outer North Isles, as well as a regional transport strategy and active travel.

HITRANS is currently helping fund a number of projects in Orkney, including a study into the possibility of a Stromness to Kirkwall cycling route, real-time public transport information at Kirkwall Airport and new bus shelters on Berstane Road and at Tesco.

Councillor Stockan said: “I am delighted that HITRANS have come to Stromness for their meeting. The support we get from the partnership allows us to carry out some bigger pieces of work like the ferry services strategy, but it’s also important to the more tangible things like bus shelters and cycle routes.

“Today’s meeting focussed on a number of future opportunities and I look forward to working with HITRANS to bring these opportunities to fruition.”