Information Bulletin
7 February 2005
Regional Transport
Shetland Islands Council has responded to the latest letter from Nicol Stephen to the islands MSP Tavish Scott in relation to the Executive's proposed Transport Authority.
Sandy Cluness, Convener, says that he has no doubts as to the minister and Tavish's sincerity in this case, and can readily see the value of regional management when mainland authorities are contiguous or have indistinguishable transport systems. However, Shetland has only two relevant means of connection with mainland transport systems, sea and air. Mr Cluness understands why the Executive does not intend to involve the new authority in the shipping service, and cannot see why air transport should be any different. -"Shetland is perfectly capable of dealing directly with the Executive and the Airlines in all aspects of these services", said Mr Cluness, "We have done so fairly successfully for many years".
"Shetland Islands Council never anticipated or would tolerate any regional interference in local transport operations", said Mr Cluness. "We do however have very real concerns that in the future the proposed authority could become national as in Scottish Water, and there are signs that the regional Fire Service could easily follow suit. What happens is that these bodies develop their own staff, in central offices, and eventually can also be responsible for expenditure within their area. These are two examples of services which could easily be provided locally. A more recent example is the Executive's insistence that Shetland's hoteliers have found it necessary to set up their own organisation. The Minister's letter indicates that 'once a partnership has accrued a relevant set of functions and established an adequate delivery' this would enable 'the devolution of functions from the Executive to the transport partnerships'. This is exactly the situation which concerns Shetland Islands Council and we believe that national politicians should accept that there are occasions when Shetland does not fall neatly into some regional or national package, and legislate accordingly".