McGrigor calls for support for Argyll timber trade shipping service.

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has urged the Scottish Government to give its continued support to the timberLINK shipping service that ships timber daily by sea on a daily basis between ports in Argyll and Troon in Ayrshire. Concerns have been raised over the future of the service which receives government grant support that is only guaranteed until March 2011.

Commenting today at Holyrood, Jamie McGrigor MSP said:

“ The funding package for the Timberlink service has greatly encouraged the transport of timber by sea between Argyll & Bute and Ayrshire and elsewhere in recent years. In anticipation of the funding package ending in March 2011, I have written to the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham telling her of the importance of this package to the forestry sector and those shipping companies which transport the logs.

“ Forestry is a vital primary industry on the west coast and it is therefore of huge importance that its long term future is assured. The funding package has not increased in value in many years and I also hope that the Minister will look at the appropriate level of funding needed to continue a service which not only helps the forestry industry and the ports, but also helps to keep heavy timber lorries from making long journeys on the west coast’s road network. This important issue has also been raised with me Argyll & Bute Councillor Donald Kelly and by hauliers Peter McKerral and company and I am grateful to them for raising the matter.”