We were due to hold a networking event towards the end of last year, but had to cancel because of the weather.

We now plan to hold meetings in North Uist, South Uist and Barra next week on Wednesday 18^th February 2015.

The main focus of the meeting will be ferry services provision to the Southern Isles but you will also be able to learn more about the work we are doing to promote the Outer Hebrides, how Outer Hebrides Tourism membership can support your business and you can share your ideas on how we can continue to work for the benefit of all our tourism businesses across the islands.

While much of the focus in recent weeks has necessarily been on ferry provision into Lewis, OHT is aware of the equally significant problems affecting capacity and frequency of service to Uist and Barra.

We want to give anyone with tourism related businesses in Uist and Barra the opportunity to voice their concerns about current ferry provision, and in particular about how it should be improved. It is critical that the voice of the industry is heard at this time. We are looking for constructive industry input and motivated individuals who can help take forward the message to both Calmac and the Scottish Government.

To ensure your voice is heard on this issue which is fundamental to the success of the tourism sector in Uist and Barra, please come along to one of the following events being held next week.

North Uist – 11.00am Wednesday 18^th February 2015, Claddach Kirkibost
South Uist – 3:00pm Wednesday 18^th February 2015, Stoneybridge Hall
Barra – 7:30pm Wednesday 18^th February 2015, (Venue tbc)

We want to help each island/area to organise a coordinated and focused campaign that will highlight the inadequate level of ferry service we all experience.

The biggest frustration is that there is great potential for Tourism to grow in the Outer Hebrides but the lack of focus on our transport infrastructure has led to the current situation where visitors want to come, beds are available but there is no space on the ferries for them to get here.

Each event will kick off with a presentation by OHT Director Donald MacArthur on the ferry availability research project. The data from this research has been key to OHT’s campaign for increased ferry capacity. It has highlighted the huge pressure our ferries services are under during the summer.  Click here to view the report.

OHT local Directors will also be present and available to take forward your views and comments at any time: Guy Adams (Barra), Alan Graham (South Uist & Benbecula), Andrew Ross (North Uist), Mairi Thomson (Industry Support Officer).

This is your opportunity to get involved and join us in our campaign to radically improve the ferry services to the Outer Hebrides.

Please confirm attendance by emailing Mairi@tourism-hebrides.co.uk