McArthur supports petition to introduce free inter-island ferry travel for over 60s

Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur spoke in favour of petition PE2188: Extend the National Entitlement Card scheme to include ferry travel for people aged 60 and over during the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee’s evidence session in parliament today.  

The committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop to raise the proposal.  

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:  

“For many living in island communities across Scotland, access to healthcare and other essential services is only made possible through ferry travel. Indeed, for many islanders ferries perform the same role as buses do in other parts of the country.  

“Having extended the under-22 concessionary scheme to cover inter-island ferry travel, it seems only appropriate that the Scottish Government applies the same principle to people over 60, which would ensure that older islanders are treated equitably, as well as improving access to services and community connections.

“I welcome the committee's commitment to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to raise these points and look forward to engaging on the matter further.”