Newspaper Articles (3)
Scalpay Welcome has Blair smitten and bitten (3)
The
main structure of the bridge was started in April 1996
and paid for by Western Isles Council with the help
of a £4.2 million grant form the European Union's Objective
One programme. The improved access to Lewis and Harris
means that Stornoway is less than an hour away by car
and the island has noticed a significant increase in
the number of visitors. Four families have also returned
to the island since the bridge was started. The opening
also marked the completion of the first stage of an
ambitious transport programme aimed in the Western Isles.
Later this year Berneray will be joined to North Uist
by a causeway and a campaign is continuing to win a
similar link for Eriskay. Later yesterday, Mr Blair
hosted a lunch for business leaders in Glasgow. Guests
included Sir Ron Garrick, chief executive of Weir Group,
Brian Souter, executive chairman of Stagecoach, and
David Murray, chairman of Murray International Holdings.
Arriving for the meeting, Mr Blair was asked if the
Labour Party could turn the tide which appeared to be
following in favour of the Scottish parliament next
May. He replied: "I think the tide is turning." He also
said that the business community would be convinced
of the importance of keeping a devolved Scotland within
the Union. He said: "People first of all recognise the
economic policy and consequences of separatism would
be disastrous for Scotland in terms of instability,
in terms of living standards."
JOHN ROSS
Publication: The Scotsman Date: 29/08/1998
