McArthur presses government on timeline for replacement of internal ferries

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has pressed the Scottish Government on the timetable for replacing Orkney’s internal ferry fleet.

During General Questions in parliament, Mr. McArthur welcomed the additional funding secured in the budget this year to facilitate the process of procuring new vessels but highlighted the growing frustration of islanders at the lack of a timeframe for this process to get underway.

Since 2022, Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Government have been working jointly through the Ferries Taskforce on developing a strategy for vessel replacement.

Speaking during General Questions, Mr. McArthur asked:

“There is growing frustration at the lack of a timetable for the replacement process to get under way.

“Can the cabinet secretary advise when the Taskforce is next due to meet and what indication she has as the likely timeframe for this process?”

Responding to Mr. McArthur, the cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, did not confirm whether the Scottish Government had approved a timeframe for rolling out the new ferry fleet.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“While there has been clear progress over recent times, it is widely accepted that the vessels operating these lifeline routes are no longer fit for purpose. They are more unreliable, costly to operate and unable to meet the needs of the island communities they serve.

“Islanders recognise it will take time to procure new vessels, so are desperate to know when this process will get underway. This will require the work of the Ferries Taskforce to be stepped up and greater momentum created.

“I look forward to receiving more details from the Finance Secretary and hopefully greater clarity on next steps”.