Save the Glenelg - Skye ferry!

This ten minute crossing is famous around the world - and is believed to be the last turntable style ferry anywhere. It's an iconic part of Skye's history, but it's under threat thanks to a wealthy landowner - London-based corporate financier Richard Oliphant of that Ilk - forcing the community to follow archaic land laws.

These laws mean that the Glenelg to Skye ferry and tearoom - who employ 22% of the local population - have to give millionaire land owner 5% of it's annual income. But it gets worse; these outdated laws also say that the payment for each new year can't be less than the previous year.

It means that even though bad weather lowered earnings this year, Oliphant of that Ilk will still receive £10,000 because a great tourist season last year meant they had to pay him that much. It's an absolutely ridiculous situation, that is putting this amazing community asset at risk.

As a Skye resident that first used this ferry back in 1958 I'm apalled that these historic laws are putting it at risk. I'm calling for Scottish politicians to step in and change the rules to support this incredible ferry.




Image credit: Mike McBey, used under licence Attribution 2.0 Generic