During First Minister’s Questions in Parliament today (09.10.2025) I raised the issue of Murdo Maclennan, the only islander on the Board of CMAL, not having his membership renewed.
I said to the First Minster “This is a snub to our island communities who are left, yet again, with no islander on the Board. I asked the First Minister what he is going to do to increase the number of islanders on the Board of CMAL and ensure that islanders are represented on boards that are crucial to their survival.”
“The First Minister appeared sympathetic to the issue however he missed the basic point I was making. He said Boards should consult with islanders and listen to their legitimate issues but islanders should be on the Boards, in the driving seat, as they live with the issues and know what needs to be resolved and improved upon.”
I concluded “Given the chaos that goes on repeatedly with our ferry fleet and the damage that is being done to islanders and island businesses as a result, it is imperative that island representation is reinstated on this Board and I will continue to push for this to happen.”
A link to the recording of my question and the FM’s inadequate response is here