Outer Hebrides Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) Study – Public Exhibitions

Island communities will have the opportunity to input into the Outer Hebrides Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) study commissioned by Transport Scotland in late 2017.

The consultants leading the study, Peter Brett Associates LLP (PBA), will be hosting public drop-in sessions at the following times and locations

• North Uist & Benbecula: Tuesday 15th May, 16:00-20:00, Carinish Hall, Carinish
• South Uist & Eriskay: Wednesday 16th May, 16:00-20:00, Southend Community Hall, Daliburgh
• Barra & Vatersay: Thursday 17th May, 16:00-20:00, Castlebay Community Hall
• Harris: Wednesday 23rd May, 16:00-20:00, Tarbert Community Centre, Tarbert
• Lewis: Thursday 24th May, 16:00-20:00, – Caladh Inn, Stornoway.

Members of the public are invited to come along, find out about the study and have an informal discussion with our team at any point between 16:00-20:00.

A transport appraisal of the long-term options for the ferry routes to, from and within the Outer Hebrides, including the Sounds, was a commitment made in the Vessel Replacement & Deployment Plan (VRDP) annual report for 2015. The appraisal will identify and evaluate options for the long-term (i.e. for the next 30 years) provision of services to, from and within the Outer Hebrides to assess potential changes to the current network of routes and services and how appropriate and cost-effective vessels and shoreside infrastructure could be provided.

At this stage of the study, the focus is on gathering views and factual information on the problems and opportunities associated with all aspects of the ferry service including (but not limited to) vessels; ports; capacity; punctuality & reliability; timetables; booking; and connecting public transport.

The team would also welcome any initial thoughts on options to be considered in the subsequent appraisal.

The public exhibition information boards can be accessed through the HITRANS website here. There is one set of exhibition slides covering each route to / from and within the Outer Hebrides. At the events, the material for the ‘local’ route (i.e. Stornoway – Ullapool for Lewis) will be displayed, with all other sets of slides available for viewing in a booklet form.

PBA Project Manager Stephen Canning said:

“The early stages this study are focused on collecting evidence of the problems & opportunities with the current ferry services to, from and within the Outer Hebrides. We are eager to speak with residents across the isles to ensure that we capture the full range of views on all aspects of the ferry services. The drop-in sessions are informal, allowing people to come along at a time of their choosing and input as they see fit to the study. We strongly encourage island residents to attend and share their views on the ferry services with us.”

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, HITRANS Board Member and Chair of the Comhairle’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee added:

“It is vital that Western Isles communities make their views known on the issues surrounding ferry services to, from and within the Islands. These lifeline services not only contribute to the needs of travellers to and from the islands but are also vital for the economy and the sustainable growth of the islands. We have seen significant disruptions to some services this year and there is already anticipation that there will be serious capacity issues over the summer. It is therefore incumbent on us all to feed into this survey and to shape the future of ferry services for the islands.”