In a response to the Little Minch Ferry Consultation Comhairle nan Eilean Siar called on CalMac to expand the Lochmaddy to Uig timetable to 3 daily return sailings. The Comhairle noted the benefit an expansion of the service would bring to businesses and individuals.

HiTrans announced last week that its Director Ranald Robertson has written to CalMac to communicate the same view that 3 daily return sailings on the route would provide a significant improvement to the current ferry service.

CalMac is in the process of reviewing the timetables for the service in preparation for the arrival of new vessels on the route.

HiTrans’ letter and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s response echoes the views shared by the Uist Economic Partnership at a meeting last month.

At the meeting Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and partners made the case for the need for improvements to the operation of the route and encouraged strong responses to the HiTrans consultation.

The Uist Economic Partnership has been established to respond to economic challenges and opportunities, promote collaboration to align efforts and resources, and to lobby for change for the benefit of Uist.

The meeting of the partnership also discussed other key issues impacting Uist including the need to progress the full rollout of R100.

Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:

“As a community Uist has been hit hard by timetable disruption and unreliable ferry services. Discussions at the Uist Economic Partnership meeting focused on Little Minch timetabling proposals and all partners agreed to make strong representations on the business need for improved service provision as a result of the future introduction of the new vessels on the route. It is welcome to see HiTrans act on the strong community view and outline the case for 3 daily return trips to Uist.

“Representatives at the meeting also emphasised the wealth of investment and activity taking place in Uist and the willingness of partners to communicate and work together. As anticipated, there was a focus on the severe impact of current levels of infrastructure and connectivity provision for Uist, particularly in respect of transport, but also looking to housing, grid connections and digital.”