The Isle of Harris is about to lose its lifeline CalMac ferry service from Tarbert to Uig in Skye. This closure will span a minimum of 6 months from October 2022 to approximately April 2023.

Harris residents will be forced to use the already oversubscribed Stornoway - Ullapool Route, for some Harris residents this is an hour and a half journey and will mean leaving at 03:30 on potentially ungritted roads in winter months.

Despite numerous meetings and consultations Transport Scotland are continuing with this closure.

According to the 2018 Islands Act it is a statutory requirement that an Islands Communities Impact Assessment is carried out to measure the economic impact of such a drastic action.

The economic impact will be devastating and will deeply affect all areas of our community - businesses, hauliers, shellfish export and personal transport - all elements of our fragile island which is still recovering from the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.

We are seeking a reversal of this closure by utilising alternative solutions or a delay in the closure until a sensible solution is proposed.

The Isle of Harris would value your support and your signature.