Tunnel vision

Western Isles MP Angus Brendan Macneil is once more afflicted with tunnel vision. Rather than rely on ageing ferries, we dig a hole in the ground. 

Well, ABM, do you honestly think that you can build a 22 mile tunnel between Skye and the Outer Hebrides for 150 to 250 million pounds? Look at the Channel Tunnel, similar distance, which cost £13 billion, back in the 1990s. 

But what is really scarifying is the question from the Qataris whether tunnels are a 'bankable proposition'. How much money would they get out of it? Let's get some facts. The Channel Tunnel charges £143 to take your car from France to England or vice-versa. Current Calmac fare for a single trip from Stornoway to Ullapool is roughly £70 for a car and one person. To double that fare would be unacceptable, I'd say. But if the Qataris want their pound of flesh, we'll get fleeced for the privilege. I'm sorry, but ABM doesn't have a clue what he is talking about.