Minister must stop ducking responsibility on lifeline ferries – MSP

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called on the transport minister to “respond positively” to a joint statement from the OIC and SIC earlier today.

Mr McArthur said: “These ferry services represent a lifeline to the communities in both Orkney and Shetland.  That is why the divisive and secretive approach taken by the minister and his officials over recent weeks has caused so much anger.

“I cannot understand why the minister felt it appropriate to exclude Orkney representatives from these vital talks.  For Orkney then to be offered a vessel that may be forced to spend much of the time tied up in port, due to adverse weather, and for this to be part funded by Shetland Islands Council, is simply unacceptable.

“The minister insists he does not want to play one community off against the other.  That is hard to believe given recent events.  I hope Keith Brown will now stop ducking his responsibilities and respond positively to this united front presented by both islands councils.”