Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has added his support to a request from shopkeepers on Islay and Jura for a more reliable supply of newspapers which have been disrupted in recent months.

Representatives of seven businesses from the islands wrote to a number of elected representatives including Argyll and Bute councillor, Alastair Redman, a resident of Islay, who, in turn, sought the support of Mr Cameron.

Mr Cameron said: “The Islay and Jura Retailers make a compelling case for a delivery mechanism that allows them to receive a supply of newspapers at a reasonable time during the day.

“Quite apart from the loss of business that the late and irregular deliveries are having, and the impact on the finances of the businesses concerned, many local people who may not have internet access are losing contact with what is happening in their communities.

“Our local newspapers play an invaluable part in the life or communities, particularly in areas like Islay and Jura, which now, more than ever, need a reliable and trustworthy news service.

“I do hope that they can persuade the powers-that-be to adjust their routines to ensure regular deliveries are restored.”

Councillor Redman added: “The newsagents have taken a real financial knock as a result of the pandemic.

“We really cannot do without them here in Islay and Jura where they provide a crucial range of services which extends well beyond the supply of newspapers.

“But as the loss of  newspaper trade may impact on their financial viability, I fear they may be put at risk.

“Our communities are already losing out from the failure of the Scottish Government to fix the A83 which is, in itself, causing problems to the supply chain, so we definitely need help in those parts of it which can be improved and which are separate from the A83.”

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