*EDIT* This petition has received a lot more attention than I ever imagined it would, and of course there are mixed views on the topic. To be clear, the main point this petition hopes to tackle is to have CalMac reserve perhaps a few spaces per day on their vessels for island residents to be able to ensure they have travel should they find themselves needing to make a last minute, yet essential trip to the mainland. The logistics as to how this could be put in place whilst not having a negative effect on tourism and that unused emergency spaces are not left empty are way past my capabilities of knowing, this would be best figured out by CalMac staff on each ferry route, the DfT and perhaps a case study from residents on different Scottish Islands. My final clarification is that this is no way intended to be anti-tourist, the economies of our islands thrive of tourism, it would just be nice that should we need it, we know that there would be a guaranteed space for us on the ferry.

Thank you for the support you have shown this petition, I will soon be getting in contact with local councillors, MSP's, MP's etc to see their opinions and the ideas they may have as to how this could be efficiently put into place.

With the new update from CalMac that bookings can only be made on a two week rolling basis, it is more essential than ever for island residents to be given access to a priority system - especially as ferries will not be running to anywhere near their full capacity.

It is no secret that our islands are a hotspot for tourism, and in previous years it has been increasingly difficult for island residents to secure last minute essential spots on the ferry during the summer months and judging from social media posts, it is looking increasingly likely that this will be the case once again.

An example of this is that in the coming months as the tourism sector sets to reopen and holiday makers start to once again come onto our islands, many young people will also be needing ferry travel to move to the mainland for university. With the two week rolling basis booking system, this makes it an almost bigger race to get the ferry spaces they need, and prospect that these people may not get them, is an added stress that they should not face. 

In an ideal world, CalMac would hold a percentage of their capacity as a reserve for island residents who may need to make an essential, but unexpected trip to the mainland. 

On being in touch with CalMac, they have explained that this is a matter that it is outwith their control and is a matter of the Scottish Government. This is a call to action for all levels of Government, from our Community Councillors right through to Fiona Hyslop, Michael Matheson and the Department for Transport.

Please sign and share to help give our island residents the access to their services that they quite simply, should get.