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Inverness
Wednesday, December 11, 2024

MSP Calls for Accountability on Ferries

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Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has called for “democratic accountability” to be introduced into how west coast ferry services are governed.

Ms Grant, who has long called for island representation on the boards of CalMac and CMAL, said even more “fundamental change” is now necessary.

Tabling a series of questions which arise from recent appointments by Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, Rhoda Grant said:

“The depth of resistance to meaningful involvement of local communities is shocking and calls for fundamental change rather than window-dressing.

“The current set-up has proved disastrous for ferry procurement and island communities that depend on it.

“The SNP’s resistance to democratic accountability must be overcome.

“Talking about an advisory board is not enough.

“We need direct island representation, through local authorities and other community bodies, at the top tables of these organisations”.

Mrs Grant has asked Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop:

“If she will make it her policy that no individual will be appointed to the board of David MacBrayne Ltd or CMAL without being able to demonstrate experience of island communities and conditions”.

The Labour MSP has also asked Ms Hyslop:

“When she expects to announce proposals for future governance arrangements for Hebrides and Clyde ferry services and if these will be subject to consultation?”

Mrs Grant added:

“We do not want to be presented with a done deal which preserves the controlling role of Transport Scotland through a couple of tame boards but without any meaningful input from the islands which depend on these organisations”.

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