No link between fuel and fares, says transport minister

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has expressed his disappointment after confirmation that the Scottish Government will not to reduce ferry fares on the back of recent dramatic falls in the price of fuel.

Mr McArthur wrote to the transport and islands minister, Derek Mackay making the case for reducing fares, but Mr Mackay has responded by insisting that “there is no contractual interlinking between the price of fuel and fares.”

Commenting on the response, Mr McArthur said: “In the past, ministers have sought to justify increases in ferry fares, at least in part, on the basis of higher fuel costs. One would be forgiven for assuming, therefore, that the reverse would also be the case.

“It appears, however, that despite oil prices having halved over recent months, SNP ministers see no case for a reduction in fares. Clearly this is a case of heads we win, tails you lose.”