Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has won an assurance from the Scottish Government that it will engage positively with proposals for an improved ferry service for Islay.

The Scottish Conservative MSP questioned Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Thursday 19th September) following a ferry summit held on Islay earlier in the week, which Mr Cameron also attended. The proposals agreed by those present at the summit will be published shortly in the Ileach newspaper.

Mr Cameron said: “I was pleased that the minister responded positively to my questions.

“Nothing could be more important to the people of Islay than a ferry service with increased capacity which is resilient and reliable. Demand is growing all the time with increasing visitor numbers and the success of Islay’s whisky industry.

“I look forward to working with all interested parties in Islay, especially the Islay community council, to ensure that the necessary investment takes place so we can look forward to a service which really meets the needs of everyone on the island.”