Dave Thompson MSP

MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Dave Thompson, has confirmed that there is no threat to the Mallaig/ Armadale ferry service.

This follows in the wake of a meeting in Mallaig two weeks ago when Mr Thompson promised local residents that there would be no reduction in services or increase in fares. Mr Thompson said: “The purpose of the Ferries Review is to see how we can improve the ferry services.

The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Alex Neil, has given a guarantee that there is no threat to the Mallaig / Armadale ferry service and that there will be no reduction in level of service or increase in fares. Indeed, fares will substantially decrease when RET is introduced.

The subsidy level on the Mallaig to Armadale ferry will be dependent on what comes in from those who decide to tender for the next set of contracts in 2013.

It is hoped that the subsidy will be less because of the success of the route and the fact that interested bidders will “sharpen their pencils

A spokeswoman in Transport Scotland confirmed Mr Thompson’s promise.

“The cabinet secretary was happy to confirm for Mr Thompson that the draft plan recognised the importance of the Mallaig service and ruled out any prospect of removing it.

“In repeating this position to Mr Thompson the Cabinet Secretary also emphasised that the extension of RET to services in the West Coast over the term of this Parliament would bring down fares for passengers, cars (including small commercial vehicles) and coaches between Mallaig and Armadale.

“The future procurement of services on this route will look for bidders to come forward with proposals that will minimise the subsidy involved for the summer period. The level of subsidy will depend on what comes forward during the tender.  However, it has always been our position that this will have no impact on services or on fares.

In light of this guarantee, Mr Thompson commented:

“The bottom line is that the service is safe and we have an absolute guarantee from the Cabinet Secretary. What could be clearer?”