Politicians Seek Information On Future Of Barra Air Services

15 May, 2009 - 09:30 — admin

Island Politicians Seek Information On Future Of Barra Air Services    

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, MP, Angus MacNeil, and Barra councillor, Donald Manford, have today approached Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson, to ask when a clear timetable is expected to be in place for the replacement of aircraft serving Barra. Dr Allan commented: “The air routes to Barra are a lifeline service for the island and are crucial for tourism.  They are vitally important connections to the mainland and to Uist for the many islanders who use the service. That's why we have approached the Minister for Transport to ask him what stage the Scottish Government has reached in its consideration of any new aircraft for this route.  The Government has already given serious attention to this question, and now islanders are understandably keen to know what the timetable is likely to be for a decision.”
 
Mr MacNeil said: “We have to remember that seven years ago there was a big campaign to keep the Barra Air Service, as it was in danger of being cut by the then Labour government.  The situation is now secure and I know that the current Scottish Transport Minister is committed to the service,  however, users of the air service rightly want to know the next steps for the years ahead.” Cllr Manford, Chairman of the Transportation Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, concluded: “I know that the Minister for Transport is listening carefully to the views of people on Barra about this issue and appreciates why people are keen to know what plans are in place for when the existing aircraft reach the end of their commercial lives. I welcome this opportunity to raise the issue within the Scottish Government again and look forward to progress on this issue.”