Isles council calls for more rural members on transport boards

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on the Scottish government to increase the number of Highlands and islands board members on "lifeline" transport organisations.

It claimed there was an "ongoing pattern of insufficient regional or island representation" on public bodies such as CalMac, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial).

Leaders of the Western Isles local authority have written to First Minister John Swinney requesting that boards reflect the communities they served.

Scottish government agency Transport Scotland said ministers were aware of the calls, adding that it encouraged experienced people to apply as board members.

Uisdean Robertson, the comhairle's transportation and infrastructure chairman, said: "Our transport links are not optional extras, they are the foundation of community sustainability, economic resilience, and access to essential services.

"Governance must reflect that reality."

Previously a row broke out after it emerged that the sole islander on ferries agency board CMAL had been ousted after a fallout over who would launch new ships.

Transport Scotland said appointments were made on merit, with applications encouraged from those who could bring "lived experience" to boards.

A spokesperson said: "Both CalMac and Hial have board members who are based in the Highlands and islands.

"CMAL are currently recruiting for a new non-executive director who must be a Gaelic speaker and should currently be residing in an island community."

CalMac is the largest ferry operator in the UK, operating 35 vessels to over 50 destinations.

CMAL own the ferries, ports and harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving Scotland.

Government-owned Hial is responsible for the management and operation of 11 regional airports including at Barra, Islay, Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick.