Commenting after challenging the First Minister about the rise in Calmac ferry fares and the impact on local business of slowing down ferries between the northern isles and the mainland, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP said:

“This SNP Government announced a 4.2% rise in Calmac ferry fares on Tuesday that will hit people in Argyll & Bute. But the £7.5million ferry fare bribe in the Western Isles remained untouched. He couldn’t explain how this was fair.

“Last week we showed that Alex Salmond’s Government was doubling the business rates for some hotels in Scotland because of the decision he’d taken not to have a transitional relief scheme.

“Hotels in Mull, on Islay, on Bute who rely on Calmac face increases in their bills of 44%, 144%, 80%. Now the SNP is doubling the increase in ferry fares to get there.

“But it’s just as bad for other businesses. The salmon and fishing industries on Shetland will be hit by an SNP decision to cut the speed of the ferries from the northern isles. Ferries will have to leave the harbour before fishermen can load the boat.

“If slowing down transport to save fuel is the future, his Ministerial BMW needs to stick to 30mph when it takes him home.”