Letter from John Swinney is ‘extremely promising’ says OIC Leader

Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan has described the latest communication from the Scottish Government on their intentions around the funding of a replacement internal ferry fleet for Orkney as ‘extremely promising’.

John Swinney wrote to Councillor Stockan immediately following yesterday’s Scottish Government’s budget statement to say he is committed to ‘a process to address the renewal of the Orkney internal ferry fleet’.

Mr Swinney has said he will convene a taskforce to look at the issue alongside the Council, with the findings of that taskforce feeding into Scottish Government budget setting in late 2023.

The taskforce will consider the business case for new ferries and explore the funding sources available.

Speaking after receipt of the letter, Councillor Stockan said: “I would say that our robust discussions with the Scottish Government have helped this issue turn a corner and that the latest developments are extremely promising. 

“The letter from John Swinney, coming so soon after the budget statement, gives me confidence that our messaging on this is getting through to them and that they have a good grasp now on the challenges we are facing and the role that the Scottish Government could, and should, play in meeting those challenges.

“2023 will bring a great deal of work for the Scottish Government and our officials as we plot a course forward – and I look forward to keeping our isles communities,  for whom these lifeline services are so vital, updated on progress.”