During the Budget setting in 2013 when the option to cut
the air services between Stornoway and the Southern Isles was considered, the
SNP Group fought to save these air services
and moved to save all the flights. Despite their efforts the Council did not support them and reduced
the flights to 3 days a week to Benbecula, and cancelled all flights to
Barra.
Having voted against the SNP Group motion 3 years ago it
seems incredible that the Council is now employing consultants, at a cost of
£10000 apparently,to advise them on supplying a 5 day air service between
Stornoway and Benbecula.
Note. When the SNP group representatives spoke to the Scottish Parliament petition committee it was pointed out that the Western Isles Council -practically at their inception-nearly 40 years earlier, had made it a priority to ensure that ALL the islands were linked by air and that this link was being broken for the first time.
Despite the agreement at Transportation in March, it appears that the consultation relates ONLY to Benebcula and does not include Barra contrary to the decision.
