LOCAL NEWS 15 MARCH 2023

Audit Scotland has raised concerns over bonus payments of more than £87,000 paid to senior managers at the Ferguson Marine Post Glasgow.

The port is overseeing the construction of two delayed lifeline ferries, the Glen Sannox (801) and vessel 802.

The first phase of major works at Uig harbour to accommodate the arrival of one of the new ferries which will serve Skye, Lochmaddy and Tarbert is currently taking place.

The performance bonus payments were made to senior FMPG managers during 2021/22.

In a review published on Tuesday afternoon, auditors said is not clear how their performance was assessed, nor were appropriate frameworks and governance in place.

The added that FMPG should have sought Scottish Government approval for the payments.

The report stated that the two vessels are currently estimated to cost £293 million, with delivery already five years late. Despite additional Scottish Government funding in 2022/23 and 2023/24,

The latest estimates suggest there is around £9.5m of funding required for the ferries beyond the amount already approved.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said it was deeply concerned that the costs to complete these ferries have continued to escalate, whilst the island communities these boats are meant to serve remain significantly impacted.

And added that despite substantial sums of public money being invested, there is still no certainty over how much the ferries will cost, when they will be ready or whether the shipyard has a viable future.

He went on to say: “It is unacceptable that performance bonuses were awarded to senior managers at the shipyard, without proper governance for such payments. The Scottish Government needs to make sure its rules over pay are followed by this public body.

Ongoing works at Uig harbour include the dredging the existing berth, installation of new fender pile sockets, demolition of part of the existing pier slab, extraction of piles, and piling of new linkspan dolphins and bankseat.

Stage one of the redevelopment was scheduled to concluded by 13th March but are running 10 days later than planned due to adverse weather conditions. Uig harbour is set to reopen on 23rd March.

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The ongoing closure of the Portree Post Office is having a big impact according to fellow island services trying to bridge the gap since it shut on 9th February.

Gillian Brown owns and runs Rankin Supermarket in Uig where she also acts as the resident postmistress.

She told Radio Skye that the north Skye shop is experiencing levels of custom like that seen at Christmas time.

Megan and Adam MacDonald run the Post Office in Broadford they told Radio Skye that the closure of the Portree Post Office has had a big impact on their shop with their custom having increased five-fold.

They said customers were both concerned and frustrated at the closure.

But both Skye services commended the Post Office hierarchy for its support and understanding of the situation they faced.

A Post Office spokesperson told Radio Skye they are working hard to try to restore Post Office services to Portree as soon as possible but added that plans are not yet finalised.

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The Skye and Lochalsh CAB is encouraging people in the area who are worried about falling into debt to seek advice as part of a new campaign.

Analysis by Citizens Advice Scotland of polling by YouGov has found that an estimated 460,000 people expected to go into debt across the country, while 644,000 anticipate an increase in their existing debt.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is part of the nationwide “Debt Happens” campaign being run by the Citizens Advice network across Scotland.

Skye and Lochalsh CAB manager, Morag Hannah said: “We have seen the worst cost of living crisis in living memory with soaring energy bills, prices rising in the shops with inflation and higher interest rates and as a result of that, lots of people here in Skye and Lochalsh will have had no choice but to go into debt to pay for everyday essentials.

“That is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. If you are worried about money, then seek advice from your local CAB as soon as possible.

“We can provide specialist debt advice which can perhaps restructure or reduce your repayments, and advisers can also look at ways to maximise your income.

She said it was crucial that people didn’t let money and debt worries become overwhelming.

“Our advice is free, impartial, and confidential. We never charge anyone for advice, and we are for everyone, whether you are in work or not. Debt happens, the Citizens Advice can help you through it,” she added.

For help and information, you can the Skye and Lochalsh CAB directly on 01478 612032 or cas.org.uk/debt-happens

Local news by Adam Gordon