No cuts to ferry service funding minister says

THE Scottish Government will not cut funding to ferry services to the Northern Isles this year, the transport minister confirmed yesterday.

Stewart Stevenson met representatives from Orkney and Shetland island councils, who had rejected proposals to cut 1 million from Northlink services.

The government had also been accused of political favouritism after it announced an extension of a road equivalent tariff (RET) scheme which cut ferry fares to the Western Isles.

After yesterday's meeting, Mr Stevenson said the government was committed to supporting lifeline ferry services in all remote and island communities.

He said: "We are looking for further improvements in the performance of the contract which will allow us to maintain efficient ferry services, as well as respond to the challenges on public spending. We've been providing substantial funding to NorthLink Ferries Ltd and will have further discussions with both councils before any decisions are taken."