Help Talking-up Scotland keep going

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Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421

From the Isle of Wight County Press last week:

Joe Robertson MP says regulating Isle of Wight ferries is the ‘absolute minimum’ and has pledged to continue to work across party lines after Prime Minister Andy Burnham asked him to bring a cross-Solent travel proposal to the Commons. The Isle of Wight East MP said it was “hugely positive” that the Prime Minister was willing to consider regulating Island ferries, calling the cross-party moment a “real opportunity” to work together.

https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/26516650.mp-says-isle-wight-ferry-regulation-now-absolute-minimum/

Will they, we wonder, look north to see if they can learn lessons from the Scottish Government’s ownership of CalMac?

I can hear the opposition parties spluttering with indignation but here’s one reason why the islanders there might think it a demn good idea?

Travelling to Scotland’s West Coast islands with Calmac typically costs between £0.20 to £0.70 per nautical mile. For example, Ardrossan to Brodick one way, 19nm, 55 min, for a foot passenger – £5-10¹ Similarly subsidised, the Northern Isles pay the same rate.

Isle of Wight with Wightlink typically costs £1.50 to £2.50 per nm. For example, Plymouth to Fishbourne, one-way for a foot passenger, 10nm – £14-£22. ² Twice the rate!

Channel Isles – £1.50 to £3+ per nm, Jersey to Guernsey 30nm, one-way foot passenger £32 to £50 .³ Three times the rate!

The Isle of Wight is a popular destination for mainland retirees at more than twice the level pro rata felt in Scotland.

Sources:

1. https://ferrygogo.co.uk/scotland/isle-of-arran/
2. https://www.wightlink.co.uk/tickets
3. https://www.condorferries.co.uk/ferry-routes-ports/ferries-to-guernsey/jersey-to-guernsey-ferry

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going

Crowdfunder at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-talking-up-scotland-keep-going

Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421