It's time to end the chaos in Scotland's ferry service
Publicly owned CalMac, which provides lifeline ferry services to many inhabited islands, is in crisis — we must centre island communities and unions in creating a new system, with the boats built here in Scotland, writes KATY CLARK MSP
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FERRIES on routes which islanders rely on for essential travel to work, for medical appointments or to see family, are frequently cancelled at short notice causing chaos.
The problems mainly result from the failure of the Scottish government to invest in new fleet over many years. Covid-related staff shortages have compounded this.
The botched contract for two ferries being constructed at the nationalised Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, intended for the Ardrossan to Arran route, one of the busiest in Scotland, has made the situation worse.
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