The islands’ MSP is coming under pressure by the group representing local commerce to help protect island families and businesses from the swingeing charges in ferry fares which the SNP Government plans to impose next March.

After a meeting in Stornoway this week, Outer Hebrides Commerce Group chairman Calum Campbell said island businesses have already had to cope with the impact of a 50% increase on commercial traffic fares this year.

Mr Campbell, the boss of Polybox Ltd, said: “The SNP Government are set to impose a further 50% on fares in March next year and we are now demanding that Alasdair Allan MSP represents the interests of all businesses and families by urging the SNP Government to drop the irresponsible plans for a further 50% increase.  
“Whilst we were encouraged by Mr Allan’s warm words – it’s evidence of a major shift in Government policy we need.”  

Supporting the chairman’s statement, Ronnie Scott, of Islander Shellfish, said that talk of 50% increases on ferry fares was seriously worrying and he claimed it was an increase that island businesses couldn’t absorb.

“Island businesses and families need support and any further increase will have devastating consequences for many in our communities.  Mr Allan has an opportunity to stand up for his constituents and secure a zero-rated increase,” said Mr Scott.