News
Farmers encouraged to attend ferry review seminars
20/02/2009 10:46:00
NFU Scotland is encouraging all its members who rely on ferry services throughout northern and western Scotland to attend Scottish Government seminars on the Scottish Ferries Review.
The seminars, which will run initially throughout February and March,
will comprise a panel question and answer session, followed by
afternoon workshops.
NFU Scotland's Argyll and the Islands Regional Manager, Lisa Roberts,
said: "In Spring 2008 the European Commission announced they were to
investigate Scottish ferry services for the Scottish Government's
apparent failure to define and justify the Public Services Obligation
clearly and to comply with the Altmark criteria.
"It is also widely understood that the Commission has been advising
that the Scottish Government should appoint an independent ferries
regulator. Scottish Ferry services to the Islands provide a lifeline to
farmers and local communities, transporting livestock, feed, equipment
in addition to other goods necessary for living on or visiting the
islands."
Seminars have already been confirmed at various venues with the Orkney
one taking place on Wednesday March 18 at the Pickaquoy Centre, in
Kirkwall.
All seminars will run from 11.00am to 3.15pm, with lunch provided. For
more information or to register for the seminars, please call Bob
Watson on 0131 244 1627.