McArthur calls for strong leadership on island transport

Speaking in a debate on rural transport, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has today called for progress to improve island transport networks to go further and faster.

Mr McArthur highlighted the many challenges islanders face in relation to transport, from the cost of air travel and the consolidation of key lifeline routes to the availability of overnight accommodation on Northlink ferries and the absence of a Road Equivalent Tariff. 

Mr McArthur also commented on the cross-party meeting held earlier this week by the Transport Secretary, which provided an opportunity for MSPs to discuss the summit convened last month on the development of a regional aviation strategy for the Highlands and Islands.  

Speaking after the debate, Mr McArthur said:

"There's a reason that we use the word lifeline when we talk about the air and ferry networks serving our islands. These routes are absolutely essential to islanders, whether in allowing patients to attend health appointments; pupils to access schooling; businesses to remain viable; or allowing our economies to grow.  

"Too often, however, these services do not adequately reflect the needs of the communities relying on them, whether that's a lack of affordability, physical accessibility or timetabling decisions.

"I welcome that initial steps have been taken to develop a regional aviation strategy for the Highlands and Islands. The cross-party meeting hosted by the Transport Secretary yesterday reflected on a positive roundtable last month with stakeholders.

“If any strategy is going to be successful in delivering real improvements, however, the Transport Secretary must continue to lead from the front and put in place a clear framework, process and timeframes for taking forward this work at pace.

"I can think of few other issues that have been raised with me as frequently as transport in all my time as Orkney's MSP. There is an opportunity now to make meaningful improvements to the transport links upon which islanders depend.  It’s an opportunity government and politicians from all parties must grasp."