Benbecula and the Uists
Scottish Ferries Review Public Consultation Event held in Lionacleit
School Theatre, Lionacleit, Benbecula on Tuesday 29 June at 7.00 pm
In attendance: David Notman, Scottish Government.
Bob Watson, Scottish Government.
Cllr Donald Manford, Western Isles Council
The meeting was attended by 24 local residents.
David Notman welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for
attending. He introduced Bob Watson from the Scottish Government and then
gave a presentation on the Scottish Ferries Review Consultation Document. A
copy of the presentation is attached. In summary, the presentation provided a
general overview of the Review process and provided residents with
information about the Scottish Government’s proposed methodology for
determining the priority need attached to different uses of the ferry in each
community and how we can determine what a ferry service would look like to
meet those needs. We shared our initial findings and analysis with those
attending the meeting.
Our methodology found:
Our initial findings suggested that in order of priority, Benbecula and the Uists
need the ferry for:


Personal, Supply Chain and Export/Import were equally important,
Followed by Tourism then Commuting.
In defining a service to meet those needs, we consider that:




An increased number of sailings per day were required.
A longer operating day.
And no change to the crossing time or days per week the service is
provided.
However, we will take account of consultation responses and Steps 5
and 6 yet to be applied
Meeting attendees thought:
After a discussion where a number of views were put forward it was generally
agreed that the initial findings were correct.
Question and Answer Session
A Q and A session followed the presentation and the following comments
and/or points were made.












It was felt that the document was not a consultation document. The
public were not in a position to answer questions on fares and vessels
– this is for the Scottish Government (SG) to determine. The public
were not in a position to say how much subsidy should be put into the
ferry system. If the SG are asking for the opinion of the islanders, this
has been made clear on a number of occasions – they wanted a twice
daily ferry service between Mallaig and Lochboisdale.
In response David Notman said that he understood the point being
made but in completing the consultation questionnaire people should
answer the questions relevant to them. Others in the community may
wish to respond.
It was a question of listening to the islanders when meetings were
being held regarding ferry services. Fishermen had to get their product
to the market quickly to maximise the price obtained. There should also
be a system set up by CalMac to produce figures on how many people
try to book a ferry journey but are unsuccessful.
The comment on the number of people not able to book a ferry journey
was echoed. Airlines can do it successfully. Generally, with airlines,
when the load factor exceeds 75% a second service is considered.
The number of unsuccessful bookings was important to establish. In
previous surveys, consultants said they could not get the information.
Very disturbing that the exact demand for ferry services cannot be
established.
It was pointed out that Calmac can provide figures when ferries are
cancelled.
Comment was made on the comparison between the costs to run the
Isle of Lewis and the costs of a private operator. In response David
Notman said that efforts were being made to drive out inefficiencies
through the tendering process.
There should be a rethink on having two large bundles (CHFS and
Northern Isles). It could be preferable to have smaller bundles.
Ports should be self supporting – money raised in the port should be
used to support it.
If a Mallaig – Lochboisdale service was set up, it could carry freight
overnight to the Uists and Benbecula.
It was queried whether the use of catamarans had been considered.
David Notman said boat provision was important and that nothing was
ruled in or out. Provided a vessel was safe and reliable for the route all
options would be considered. Where average utilisation was low, this
could lead to smaller boats and more sailings.
Although tourism on Benbecula and the Uists was not as important as
in other areas, it was felt that over time it will become number one
rather than fishing.






The rationale for fare setting should be to firstly to sustain communities.
In terms of the time taken and timetabling things have not moved
quickly enough over the last 20 years. We are locked into the past and
the service is not good enough for the present day.
Money from renewable energy from offshore marine activity should be
ring fenced for community benefit schemes to assist and improve
services for island communities including ferries. Innovative schemes
should be explored.
In North Uist new business has been restricted in growth due in part to
the current ferry service in Lochmaddy being inadequate.
David Notman explained that from the household survey it was
apparent that there were gaps in satisfaction levels between North Uist
and South Uist/Benbecula. In North Uist the satisfaction level was 78%
whereas in South Uist/Benbecula it was 58%.
Safety issues were highlighted on ferries – the number of vehicle lanes
should be looked at – not enough deck area.
Bob Watson
June 2010