Issues concerning poorly maintained roads, reliability of ferries and inconsistent broadband were raised by local businesses and members of the public, following a recent visit to Islay by local MSP Donald Cameron.

Donald held constituent surgeries in Port Ellen and Bowmore, as well as visiting local businesses, including major distiller Caol Ila and the Port Ellen eaterie SeaSalt Bistro.

Local people raised concerns over the poor state of the roads which are ridden with pot holes, as well as concerns over the reliability of broadband and the local power supply.

Ferry diversions were also on the agenda, with many complaining about frequent diversions and cancellations.

Donald also met with local Councillor Alastair Redman, who highlighted many of these issues as being longstanding problems.

Donald Cameron MSP said: “I am concerned that many of the issues I have heard during my visit are the same problems that I encountered when I first ran for election in the region some eight years ago.

It is baffling that in 2018, Islay, and many other important island communities still face intermittent power cuts and have roads that are crumbling due to lack of local investment.

When I was elected, I made it my mission to ensure that our island communities are treated as equally as mainland Scotland as possible, and I will continue to that the voices of our island communities are heard by this SNP Government.”

Councillor Alastair Redman said: “I am delighted that Donald has come to Islay to see for himself the issues that many islanders face on a daily basis.

Equally, I am happy that he was able to experience the rich tapestry of Islay and meet with the island's businesses and employers, such as Caol Ila.

However, with another distillery soon to be revived in Port Ellen, further strain will be placed on our roads, ferry services and power supply, and I will continue to press for more action to ensure that our local infrastructure is fit to deal with these new challenges.