Scottish Government Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP has today announced increased revenue funding to enable Shetland Islands Council to maintain the existing lifeline inter-island ferry services.
Shetland Islands Council operates twelve ferries, serving nine remote islands and carrying around 750,000 passengers every year, however there is a funding shortfall of around £5.5m per year. That shortfall was filled today by Ms Forbes in her Scottish Budget.
Councillor Steven Coutts, Leader of Shetland Islands Council: “The inter-island ferry service is the social and economic backbone of our islands, and as well as being a lifeline for our people, it represents a significant economic opportunity for Shetland and Scotland.
“We are delighted at the Finance Secretary’s announcement that our annual revenue deficit will be filled.
“We have made our case to the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Government has listened and acted. That is all we can ask.
“We still face a significant capital challenge - almost half of our ferries are over 30 years old, and two need replaced urgently - but we will be creative and constructive in our efforts to meet that challenge"