People Urged to Respond to Ferry Online Surveys

Online surveys are being undertaken as part of research into the social and economic impacts of introducing additional sailings on the Sound of Harris (Berneray-Leverburgh) and Sound of Barra (Ardmhor-Eriskay) ferry services.

The research has been commissioned by HITRANS (the transport partnership covering most of the Highlands and Islands), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It is being undertaken by Reference Economic Consultants, in conjunction with Scotinform Limited.

The surveys are collecting detailed information about the ways in which people currently use the ferry services, how that may change if the number of sailings was increased-and the impacts on communities and the economy. This information will form an important part of the evidence for the case for additional sailings that will be put to Transport Scotland.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chair of the Comhairle’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, welcomed the Sound Of Harris/Sound Of Barra  studies and said: “This is an important piece of research which could lead to good outcomes in terms of improved local transport connectivity and I would urge all interested parties to respond to the online surveys. “