Minister for Housing and Transport Keith Brown has visited Shetland for a series of transport and housing engagements.

Mr Brown met with representatives from Shetland Islands Council and other transport stakeholders to discuss local transport issues, in particular external and internal ferry services.

He also visited the Hjaltland Housing Association development and toured Lerwick Power Station.

Mr Brown said: "There are a number of ongoing matters relating to ferry services between Shetland and the mainland, including the 2012 drydock timetable, ferry fares and the Northern Isles ferry tender. I recognise that there are also concerns about the removal of the Air Discount Scheme (ADS) for business users.

"I was keen to come here in person to speak directly with the stakeholders involved in the provision and use of these services and we have had some very productive discussions this morning.

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"The long term future of ferry services in Scotland is vital not only for Scotland’s economic wellbeing but also for the people in our island and remote communities.

"Spending on ferry services is at record levels and we are determined to deliver the best possible ferry service for communities in the Northern Isles. In the last five years, we have provided 168.5m pounds in grants for the delivery of ferry services to the Northern Isles and our subsidy has increased by 28.3 per cent during the lifetime of the current Northlink contract."

"Last month we published the draft Ferries Plan and I am keen to hear Shetlanders’ views on the opinions and conclusions we have reached," he continued.

"More immediately, we are continuing our discussions with Shetland and Orkney Councils regarding the drydock arrangements for 2012 and whether there is anything that can be done to reduce the impact of this year’s extended drydock period.

"I am keen that we adopt a partnership approach to this issue, working together with both Orkney and Shetland Councils to find a solution. The Scottish Government will make money available but we are looking for a contribution from the council to help procure a replacement vessel.

"We also discussed the Air Discount Scheme in detail and I was able to give reassurance that I am looking into whether an arrangement could be made for the third sector and possibly parts of the public sector."

(GK)