Wishart calls for extension to ferry consultation due to internet disruption

Shetland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat, Beatrice Wishart, has called on the Scottish Government to extend its Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4) contract consultation beyond Monday 13th October due to internet disruption experienced in Shetland because of damage to the SHEFA-2 cable. Wishart wrote to the Minister for Connectivity highlighting the unfairness of islanders missing out on sending an online response because of issues outhwith their control.

The consultation asks for views on the new contract for the NorthLink service which is periodically put out to contract for operators to bid to run the service on behalf of Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government using the government owned vessels.

Ms Wishart previously asked the Scottish Government in July to provide paper copies highlighting due to then ongoing mobile broadband signal and internet outages. Subsequently damage to the SHEFA-2 cable caused further interruption which Ms Wishart raised in the Scottish Parliament earlier in the week.

The consultation opened on the 22nd of July and is set to close on Monday 13th October.

Ms Wishart said:

“The consultation has been open for a number of weeks though for many of those weeks island residents have had disrupted internet access impacting the chance for everyone to have their say.

“It would be hugely unfair if those who wished to have their say were unable due to internet disruption outwith their control.

“I would urge anyone interested to take part in this important consultation. I fear the Scottish Government will use a lack of engagement as an excuse not to implement the changes on the service passengers have been crying out for.”