In what is thought to be a first for CalMac, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan will be holding an advice surgery onboard the MV Loch Seaforth this Saturday afternoon.

Passengers aboard the 15.30 sailing from Stornoway to Ullapool will be able to raise any issues they wish with their local Member of the Scottish Parliament at a specified area of the vessel.

MSPs often hold surgeries within their constituency to give people an opportunity to meet with them and discuss matters of concern. This is thought to be the first time a sitting MSP has held an advice surgery onboard a CalMac vessel.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“Since being elected MSP for the Western Isles, I have tried to be as open and accessible to my constituents as possible. I do hold regular surgeries at my constituency office and will, especially in Uist and Barra, advertise my willingness to visit and meet with people when I am in a particular area.

“However, the geography of the Western Isles often makes this difficult so I’m always open to trying new ways of engaging with my constituents. I am grateful to CalMac for allowing me the opportunity to hold a surgery while onboard the MV Loch Seaforth.

“The aspect of being an MSP that I find most rewarding is meeting with people and taking up issues on their behalf. I would encourage any of my constituents travelling on this Saturday’s afternoon sailing to make use of me or to raise with me any issues of concern that they have.”