Emma Roddick MSP welcomes £115 million funding for new ferries

Emma Roddick, SNP MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has this morning welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has allocated an additional £115 million of funding to the replacement of vessels for the Calmac fleet.

In response to a question from Ms Roddick, the Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, announced that the funding has been allocated to allow Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to construct two additional vessels.

With the intention to deploy these new vessels on the Skye triangle routes to Lochmaddy and Tarbert, the Minister expressed that services would be dedicated to these communities in peak season, rather than the shared vessel operation currently in place.

Commenting on the news, Ms Roddick said:

“I am thrilled to see the Government further committing to the improvement of our vital ferry services and ensuring that the needs of our island communities are met.

“This additional funding is such welcome news for our island communities. It cannot be understated just how important it is that we get it right for them, so, to see the Government commit to giving residents, businesses, and communities a role in detailing how vessels should be deployed is really encouraging.

“Since the current Government was elected in May 2021, it has made significant progress both in deploying and constructing new vessels and investing in harbour infrastructure, and this morning’s news further illustrates the strong commitment to our island communities.”

ENDS

Notes

Full Question & Answer: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-11744