Holyrood must do more to lower isles cost of living, says McArthur

The high cost of living in Orkney was highlighted during a debate in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, when Orkney MSP Liam McArthur reminded ministers that people in the isles face some of the highest costs in the UK.

He said:  “Nowhere is the cost of living higher than in the islands.  As those in Orkney are only too well aware, fuel, food and travel are all more expensive than on the mainland.”

Mr McArthur highlighted some positive steps that have been taken, such as the introduction of the 5p cut to fuel duty, but called on the Scottish Government to do more.

Citing the removal of business travel from the Air Discount Scheme and the Northern Isles’ exclusion from the RET cheap ferry fare scheme, which focuses solely on west coast routes, Mr McArthur said: “To people in Orkney, this lacks fairness and suggests a lack of awareness within the Scottish Government of the additional costs for those living and working in islands.”