Uist ferry disruption ‘worse’ than lockdown impact – BBC News

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Ferry disruption is having a worse economic impact on parts of the Western Isles than lockdowns during the Covid pandemic, it has been claimed.

South Uist is currently without its usual service between Lochboisdale and Mallaig due to delays to routine overhauls of CalMac’s fleet.

But there has been previous disruption to sailings already this year.

Local business leader John Daniel Peterana said during the pandemic financial help was available.

But Transport Minister Kevin Stewart, who visited the isles to hear concerns, said Scottish government funds would be better spent on improving ferry services than compensating businesses.

outh Uist, along with the rest of the Western Isles, remains open for business. However, concerns have been raised about the effect disruption has had some business, including the tourist trade.

Mr Peterana said: “The current situation in Uist is that we were better off during Covid than we are at the moment, because we had grants and loans available to keep us functioning through that horrendous period.

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