Road Equivalent Tariff (R.E.T.) meeting in Oban 19th April 08  
report by A Parker (Federation of Small Businesses rep )

A meeting was called by interested parties in the Argyll regional area, about the introduction of R.E.T.   The venue was the Corran Halls in Oban and about 50 people attended, including the press.  Participants came from as far as Gigha in the south and Mull and Lismore in the North.   In general, the meeting was called to discuss the concerns raised by those islands not in the R.E.T. projected trial area (Western Isles and Tiree) and, although not designed as a political meeting, it had a political edge at times as two opposition ministers were present.  Jamie MacGriggor for the Conservative and Unionist party and MP Alan Reid for the Lib dems.   Councillor Walsh of Argyll and Bute Council chaired the meeting.

The meeting first of all was shown the 'PowerPoint Presentation' which had previously been shown to A&B Council.  This is the first time that many of us had seen the details of how the Consultants were advising the Parliament to proceed, and it made interesting reading.  I don't mean that in a cynical way, as it really was very informative.  Clearly, there were some areas of the scheme that we would disagree with, but on the whole, it was well worked out.

The big problem with the trial is that it only includes the Western Isles and Tiree.  This is the area that has created the most comment,  some of it very strongly put.  The basic criticism is that the other islands will very badly loose out for a full three years, whilst the Western Isles will have an advantage, particularly in tourism.  Several of the delegates felt that there businesses were already on the edge of viability, and this last factor may tip them over the edge.  Colonsay was particularly noted, as they already have a very poor ferry service, which is also very expensive.  Strong comments were also forthcoming from residents of the Isle of Gigha.

Alan Reid M.P. and Jamie MacGriggor M.P. gave their opinions and referred particularly to the 30% discount 'across the board' proposals that the Lib/Lab pact in the Scottish Parliament had proposed.  The meeting agreed that an 'across the board' scheme, R.E.T. or other, would certainly have been preferable to the current plans. 

Some delegates thought that legal action could be considered, others that a concerted political effort was required.  I personally fell that this is going to happen regardless of any other presentations.  It may be possible for the parliament to open the scheme to all islands, or, shorten the experiment to a period that will have less impact on those not included.  Either way, we need to observe closely the progress of R.E.T.   The idea is wonderful, and would have a huge impact on the economies of the islands is informally introduced.