Cut-price ferry scheme extended another year

THE Scottish Government is to continue a scheme ensuring cheaper ferry fares for all Western Isles routes to the mainland for a further year.

Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), introduced in 2008, has reduced ferry fares by up to half for users. The initiative was due to end next April but will now be extended until spring 2012.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Extending this pilot scheme will bring further opportunities for the island communities and businesses to maximise the benefits of this scheme.

"By continuing this scheme for a further year, we can continue to examine ways of delivering a longer-term, fairer, cheaper system for every ferry user."

Bill Lewis, chairman of Co Chomunn na Hearadh, which runs Clachan Stores in Leverburgh, Harris, said: "Last year sales were up 25 per cent since the introduction of RET, and this year they are up another 10 per cent . There is no doubt that RET has had a significant impact on visitor numbers to the islands coming from Britain and all over the continent."

Gordon Maclennan from Stornoway Plastics in Lewis said the island has been "snowed under" with visitors. "Every ferry sailing is the same - it has been very busy."