Question reference: S4W-26188
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 18 June 2015
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Current status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 6 July 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-25968 by Derek MacKay on 11 June 2015, whether it is aware (a) that the population of Lismore is below 200, (b) of the number of vehicles on the island and that the majority of those vehicles run on diesel, (c) that there is a lack of secure storage for 12,000 litres of petrol on the island and (d) how long it would take to use up 12,000 litres of petrol on the island.
Answer
The Scottish Government is aware of the unique challenges facing those who live, work and do business in Scotland’s remote and island communities. That is why we continue to support and improve ferry services to those communities. Transport Scotland meets regularly with CalMac to discuss a range of issues under the terms of the Public Service Contract between Scottish Ministers and CalMac. CalMac has been in discussion with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for a number of months with regards to the fitting of a suitable secure petrol can stowage facility onboard the MV Loch Striven. This design was approved by the MCA on 19 June 2015 and fitted on 22 June 2015. This will allow Lismore residents to transport petrol safely on the MV Loch Striven in line with the previous practice on the MV Eigg as soon as the final installation is approved by the MCA which is anticipated shortly.