Changes in Scottish transport proposed
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• Changes in the pattern of traditional transport to Islay were announced at a public inquiry in Glasgow on Monday, when David McBrayne Ltd. applied for an A licence for five vehicles conditioned: "General goods between Glasgow and Islay, Jura, Gigna and Colonsay''.
Mr. John R. Cameron, representing McBrayne, said that this was a straight switch from its traditional sea route to a road route and would merely continue a century of service to the island. it was planned to take off the m.v. Locheil and to operate a ferry service from West Loch Tarbert, to the island. The cargo steamer from Glasgow to the same area was also being withdrawn.
It was proposed to introduce in the place of these sea links five Bedford 16-tonners doing two journeys each day. The programme had been timed precisely to suit the ferry sailings and the number of vehicles had been assessed on the known tonnage carried over the past year. It was proposed to start the new ferry service on December 8, working Mondays to Fridays and handling an average of 18 tons of goods from Glasgow each day.
BRS Ltd. withdrew its objection prior to the hearing but Mr. James Mundell, objecting, said that the application was in excess of need as there were already three McBrayne vehicles on Islay. Malt was being carried in bulk haulage units, so this would eliminate 121 per cent of the tonnage stated in support of the application. He said his own rate by Western Ferries to Islay, from Glasgow. was approximately E7. McBrayne could not do this journey for less than £10, he claimed.
In reserving his decision, Mr. Birnie, the Scottish LA, said he would need to check the relevant legislation covering the McBrayne subsidy and under' what authority a subsidy would be granted. He said he could not remember any mention of subsidies to the Scottish Transport Group, which he thought was supposed to stand on its own feet.