Dear everyone 

Some argue that living on an island means accepting extra costs — but for many older residents, the island isn’t a lifestyle choice. It’s their lifelong home. It’s where they worked, paid taxes, raised families, and built their communities.

Now retired, they rely on public transport for basic needs: GP visits, hospital appointments, shopping, and staying connected. On the mainland, they can use their National Entitlement Card for free bus travel. But to get there, they still have to pay for the ferry — often the most expensive part of the journey.

Even with a discount, these regular trips take a financial toll. And unlike mainland residents, they have no alternative. The ferry is their bus.

Is it fair that they’re penalised just because of where they live?

Older islanders deserve the same travel rights as anyone else in Scotland. We’re simply asking for equality — fair, free ferry travel as part of the National Concessionary Scheme.

Thank you for your time and support.

Kind regards,
Claire Sparrow