Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil is writing to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar following the decision to axe the inter-island flight from Barra to Benbecula and reduce the service between Benbecula and Stornoway.

Mr MacNeil is asking the Comhairle to confirm what arrangements are in place to ensure that ferry services, buses and flights connect.

Angus MacNeil said:

“I am writing to the Comhairle to ask what plans are in place to catch the morning plane from Benbecula to Stornoway from the 0925 ferry leaving Barra.  I would hope that the Comhairle would at least have bus connections in place to link with the plane departing from Benbecula on the three days of the week  that there are planes between Benbecula, Stornoway and Inverness.

“I am also asking what plans the Comhairle has made for those travelling from North to South on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to catch the 1015 ferry to Barra.  In addition, what plans are in place in the afternoon for those returning from Barra to Stornoway and also for those travelling from Stornoway to Barra, will the flight connect with the 1630 ferry?

“We would imagine that the Comhairle, if it was being responsible, will have put some thought into the movement of people throughout the council area, and it will have buses in place to connect with scheduled flights with responsible and thoughtful intentions for the movement of people.

“It is bad enough that the Comhairle have wielded the axe on the air service between Barra and Benbecula, now they must make sure that passengers are not left hanging around for hours, waiting for connecting flights.

“I am writing to the Comhairle for confirmation on what steps have been taken to ensure that ferry timetables, bus timetables and flights connect appropriately.  I am sure our councillors will want to pursue this actively for the good of their voters.”

ENDS