Comhairle meets with UK Government on Connectivity

29 June 2021 at 14:59:06

The Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Roddie Mackay, today met with Mr Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to discuss a range of issues around connectivity and the challenges facing the Western Isles.

Speaking after a two hour meeting in Stornoway, Mr Mackay said: "We had a useful and productive meeting discussing issues around connectivity. I recently wrote to the Prime Minister outlining the challenges that the Islands face and this was a follow up to that correspondence. Mr Gove certainly recognized the importance of connectivity to the islands and discussed possible ways forward with the challenges we face. We discussed the potential of the Levelling Up Fund which covers local transport. We also discussed the Union Connectivity Review and the importance of decent transport links that sustain businesses, employment and social interaction for friends and family.

"We agreed to continue to work together and to maintain an ongoing dialogue over the weeks and months ahead. We will continue to work with both the Scottish and UK Governments to promote the interests of our communities."