Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, was highly critical of the Scottish Government after he received a letter from Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, saying the Scottish Government would not carry out the work required to enable the new Islay ferry to use Port Ellen when it comes into service next year.

Mr Reid said, “This news is a disaster for Port Ellen. The local economy will suffer greatly with the new ferry not being able to use the linkspan. The whole of Islay will also suffer because Port Ellen is required when weather conditions prevent the ferry using Port Askaig.

“This is terrible planning by the SNP Government. They should have planned properly and ensured that the new ferry could use both Port Ellen and Port Askaig.

“With the SNP planning to make the Dunoon-Gourock service passenger-only next year, 2011 will see Dunoon with a linkspan and no ferry and Port Ellen with a ferry but no suitable linkspan – what an awful way to run a ferry service!

“I hope that the SNP Government will think again before it’s too late and carry out the work required at Port Ellen.”