Surveys launched to examine demand for extra ferry sailings on Barra and Harris services

Residents and businesses, who use ferry services serving the Sounds of Barra (between Ardmhor in Barra and Eriskay) and Harris (between Berneray and Leverburgh on Harris),  are being invited to have their say on the potential economic and social impacts of increasing the number of sailings on the ferry services across the two Sounds.

Surveys are being undertaken on behalf of HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to collect information about the ways in which people use each ferry service and how that may change if the number of sailings was increased.

As an incentive to residents to participate in the research, those responding can enter a prize draw to win an e-voucher worth £100 for a retailer of their choice.

The surveys are available online and can be accessed at the following link www.hie.co.uk/outerhebrides 

The closing date for responses is Friday 18 March 2022.

Councillor Uisdean Robertson, HITRANS Board Member and the Comhairle’s Chair of Transportation, said: “We know how important the ferry services across the Sounds are and are aware of requests in recent years for there to be more sailings. We want to hear from residents and businesses who use these lifeline services to identify demand for increasing the number of sailings to these island destinations.  A strong response will be a great help in our attempts to secure enhanced services.”

Joanna Peteranna, area manager for HIE’s Outer Hebrides team, said: “We are really keen to hear from local people and businesses about their views on increased ferry sailings across the Barra and Harris Sounds. This survey will assist us, and our partners, in making the case for communities in the Outer Hebrides to have increased ferry provision that would expand social and economic benefits across the islands.”

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