Scottish Labour has criticised the SNP for failing to deliver the full £10 million ferry fund it promised in the election.

During the election, the SNP promised to set up a £10 million fund for island businesses within the first 20 days of government – a deadline later moved to the first 100 days.

The pledge came as severe ferry disruption wreaked havoc with island businesses over Easter.

However, today John Swinney has revealed the fund will only be worth £3 million this year, with the remaining budget held back for future disruption over the next five years.

Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Donald MacKinnon said “It has been a matter of months since the election and John Swinney has already starting breaking promises.

“The SNP’s ferry crisis has pushed island businesses and communities to breaking point, and this u-turn adds insult to injury.

“Our islands have been let down by the SNP time and time again and the SNP’s decision to hold back funding suggests they are expecting more disruption.

“John Swinney needs to deliver the funding he promised our community and make sure all businesses affected by this crisis can access it.”

ENDS

Notes

An SNP press release issued on Tuesday 7 April, embargo 00.01 said: “Ahead of visiting Na h-Eileanan an Iar, the First Minister will confirm that in the first 20 days of a re-elected SNP Government, he would bring forward a £10 million Island’s Operational Resilience Fund to support impacted businesses and organisations across Scotland’s islands.”

The SNP’s 100 days plan said: “In our first 100 days we will […] Implement the £10 million Islands Resilience Fund.” https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/www.snp.org/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-25-SNP-100-Days-document-NO-CROPS.pdf

Today’s press release said: “Financial support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption will be made available through the first phase of the £10 million Islands Resilience Fund. This will provide a further £3 million in 2026-27 to help mitigate the disproportionate impact faced by people and businesses living and operating in Scotland’s islands.” https://www.gov.scot/news/strengthening-islands-resilience/