Carmichael recognises Fair Isle ferry funding in Parliament

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Whatever concerns there may be about the process as a whole I can only welcome in the warmest possible terms the announcement of funding for the new Fair Isle ferry. The minister in that announcement has given hope for the future for one of the most economically and socially fragile communities in the country and I am enormously grateful for that, as are the people of Fair Isle and Shetland as a whole.

“This of course does come at the second time of asking, so I pay tribute to council officials and officials in the department who have worked together to learn from the experience of the first time. Can she give me an assurance that if Orkney Islands Council now comes back for their very worthy project, that they will also be give the same help and support?”

Responding for the government, Lucy Frazer MP said:

“What this does show is that funding is being spread not just across the country but across parties. Serious and considered work with feedback does make a difference. I can’t make any particular assurances about future funds, but that will be announced in due course.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“The investment for Fair Isle is great news for the community and I hope that the Orkney Islands Council will now be allowed to engage with officials in Whitehall in the way that Shetland Islands Council has done.

“Lifeline infrastructure has a particular importance to smaller island communities and just because our communities should not mean that they always go to the back of the queue. This is true of public money wherever it is coming from.”