The Western Isles could become “challenged” once tourism and travel kickstarts next month, a charity boss has claimed.
The region has escaped the worst of the pandemic with just eight confirmed cases to date and no deaths from the virus.
However, following confirmation that the hotel and hospitality sector will be back up and running by mid-July, concerns have been raised that the islands could be moving into a “different phase”.
Speaking during a virtual meeting of the local government and communities committee on Friday, Hector Macleod, chair of the Western Isles third sector interface, said the region is in the “fortunate position” of having not experienced the first wave yet.
He added: “We have only had eight cases to date and no deaths thankfully but it’s obvious we’re moving into a different phase. The island communities are in a different place.
“We are opening the islands up to transport and tourism in the middle of July and in conversation with public health officials we may be, end of July into August, challenged first at this time.”
Call for priority scheme on ferries
CalMac, the ferry operator running vessels to the Hebridean Isles, said earlier this week that the suppression of coronavirus has enabled it to bring forward a new timetable for increased sailings next month in preparation for holidaymakers planning island trips.
The requirement for individuals to stay two metres apart has resulted in CalMac ferries only being able to operate at 17% passenger capacity.
Western Isles authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is in “discussions” with Scottish Government, CalMac and Transport Scotland regarding ferries.
They are seeking clarification on eligibility for travel as restrictions are gradually eased with a preference for island residents and essential travellers being the priority in the initial stages.
Roddie Mackay, leader of the local authority, said people do have “fear” from “increased exposure” once ferry services increase to the islands.
However, he believes families, who in some cases have not seen each other in months, and key workers should get “priority” access on ferries.
He added: “The advice is still not to travel here at the moment.”
Transport spokesman at the local authority, Uisdean Robertson, said some people in the islands want to carry on lockdown and others would “open up tomorrow”.
“There’s a genuine fear because of the demographics of course and there’s the people that worry about the state of our economy”, he added.
“It’s a difficult one. We need to try and have a wide-ranging discussion on this.”
John Finnie, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said he believes a priority scheme should be introduced for islanders to access ferry services.
He added: “I accept that it may appear challenging and comes with issues of enforcement but it would seem entirely wrong to me that we have a more liberalised travel regime which islanders may not be able to take advantage of.”
CalMac’s Managing Director, Robbie Drummond said: “People have continued to behave responsibly and within the Scottish Government guidelines on travel, and we thank them for that.
“This has meant even within current tight restraints there has always been space on the vessels
“Our new timetable which comes in on July 2 will increase available services and we will further increase the number of sailings in the middle of next month.
“This means that capacity is increasing as the weeks progress.
“Our staff on the ground are used to dealing with situations where journeys are essential and they manage that extremely effectively.”
NHS Western Isles have been approached for comment.
