Living in Orkney, my partner and I rely heavily on the ferry services for our daily necessities. Everything from groceries to healthcare services necessitates travel, as our island has nothing and the costs can quickly accumulate. This reliance is not unique to us; countless residents, particularly older adults, experience the burden of these travel expenses.

Recently, it's come to light that the Scottish Government has not allocated necessary funds to support travel for Orkney's older adults on the boats. Which is necessary before we can get on the free buses.This situation has left many residents, who are dependent on the ferry services, in a difficult position. Without financial assistance, these individuals face challenges in accessing essential services outside their immediate vicinity.

The lack of funding for Orkney's elderly travel not only impacts individuals but also threatens the social and economic well-being of our community as a whole. The older adult population, who have contributed significantly to our society, deserve better support. Their mobility should be prioritized to ensure they remain connected and can access necessary services effortlessly.

I have reached out to Orkney Ferries and Liam McArthur to address this pressing issue, but more voices are needed to bring about change. I urge you to email the Cabinet Secretary for Transport at CabSecfortransport@gov.scot to express your concerns. If emailing is a challenge, feel free to direct message me your name and location, and I will include your voice in my communications.

By coming together and advocating for government intervention, we can provide the necessary financial relief for Orkney's older adults. Let's stand in solidarity to ensure our elders are not left in isolation or financial strain due to insufficient transport funding. Your signature and support can make a difference. Please sign this petition and help us secure the funding needed to lift the travel burden off the shoulders of Orkney's older population.