Tourism and local business on Scotland’s west coast islands are to benefit from lower ferry fares after the SNP Government extended Road Equivalent Tariff.

The move has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands MSP Mike MacKenzie and MSP for Cunninghame North,which includes Arran and Cumbrae, Kenneth Gibson.

The RET pilot in the Western Isles has boosted journeys by up to 31 per cent.

Today’s announcement includes:
• Continuing RET as a permanent feature on the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree for passengers and cars, including small commercial vehicles and coaches
• Enhancing the discounts for hauliers on ferry routes.
• Rolling out a further RET pilot to Colonsay, Islay and Gigha
• Rolling out a further RET pilot to Arran
• Rolling out RET to other West Coast and Clyde islands

Mr MacKenzie, SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands, said:

“This is a fantastic announcement from the Scottish Government that will further boost tourism and local business.

“This goes above and beyond the SNP’s commitment to continue RET on the current routes as even more remote and island communities will now benefit from this scheme.

“The lower fares have had a major impact, boosting travel, tourism and business in the Western Isles.

“Anyone who has used a ferry to the Western Isles or who runs a tourist business knows what difference lower prices have made. Passenger numbers are up 20%, car journeys up by 31% and there has been a 24% increase in room occupancy in the Western Isles.

Spreading the benefits of RET to other West Coast islands will be a boost not only to the local economies, but also to our national economy, so it is extremely welcome that we will now see more affordable ferry fares across Scotland’s islands.

Kenneth Gibson, SNP MSP for Cunninghame North, said:

“I am delighted a pilot has been confirmed to extend RET from Arran in 2014. This will allow us to increase capacity on the routes which will help bring huge economic benefits for this community and the surrounding areas.

“This will bring cheaper fares for ferries to Arran and Cumbrae, putting them on equal terms with fares to other islands in Scotland.”