THE Scottish Government has provided an update after further delays to a key ferry service were announced.
On Tuesday, ferry operator CalMac said that MV Caledonian Isles could be out of action until March, causing further disruption to its winter sailing schedule.
The ferry is one of the largest vessels in the fleet and is the main ferry serving Arran, used typically on the Ardrossan-Brodick route.
It has been out of action since February and was originally due to be back on the water by November 20 following planned repairs.
An urgent question in Holyrood on Wednesday afternoon tabled by SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson saw Scottish Government ministers questioned on what action it is taking to ensure resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network this winter in light of the announcement.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed there are currently three alternative options being considered, with a final decision set to be issued next week.
“It is deeply frustrating and concerning that the community of Arran are facing a further delay to the return of MV Caledonian Isles,” Hyslop (below) told MSPs.
“CalMac are now looking at what that means in terms of deployment across the network.
“Three detailed planned options using the route prioritisation matrix have been shared with communities today, and final deployment details will be issued next week.”
Yet Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North – which includes Arran – said the winter will now be even more challenging for his constituents, who “have borne the brunt of this year’s disruption”.
Hyslop responded: “I recognise the veracity in which Kenneth Gibson asked that question, and how active he has been in pursuing them.
“I can understand the frustration that his constituents feel about this issue and the importance of that provision.
“We always knew that the MV Caledonian Isles would be an integral part of this winter going forward, so I will work with CalMac to ensure that we can provide Arran the services it needs, but also recognise their responsibilities across the network.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Green (above) said “it takes a huge amount of brass neck” to ask the SNP Government to explain CalMac’s failures.
“Let me tell you where the failures lie in this entire ferry scandal, it’s right there on the SNP benches,” he told MSPs.
“They are completely out of vessels and they are completely out of options, and that palpable anger on places like Arran is very real.”
Hyslop accused Greene of “politicising” the situation, adding: “The member said we are completely out of vessels and completely out of options, which is not true.”
