In a debate this afternoon in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Labour will highlight the “economic and social damage” caused by the SNP’s “ferry fiasco.”
The party criticises “notorious” delays and cost overruns to the two new ferries, the frequent cancellation of services, a 10% fare hike that operators didn’t ask for, and this week’s decision to send a contract for seven new ferries overseas.
Scottish Labour’s motion calls for a “fundamental reform” of governance structures, which the party says must improve accountability and strengthen the voice of islanders and workers.
As it stands, responsibilities for procuring and running ferries is split between CalMac, CMAL and Transport Scotland – a situation Scottish Labour has branded “overcrowded and confused”, warning that it has allowed SNP Ministers to pass the buck for its failures.
Scottish Labour transport spokesperson Claire Baker said “The SNP’s disastrous record of failure on ferries has caused misery for island communities, cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds, and damaged our economy and shipbuilding industry.
“As our ferry fleet rusts waiting for new ships to be delivered, we have seen disruptive cancellations and expensive repairs.
“Island communities have been effectively cut off at times due to ferry chaos – people separated from friends and families, businesses missing out on stock and customers, healthcare appointments and school trips missed.
“The SNP is depriving Scotland’s iconic shipbuilding industry of sorely needed jobs and investment by sending contracts for new Scottish ferries overseas.
“Meanwhile, Ministers get to pass the buck and hide behind overcrowded and confused governance structures to avoid taking responsibility for their failures.
“It’s time for a fundamental reform of how we procure and run ferries in Scotland – we need a system that ends SNP incompetence, restores accountability, and has the voices of islanders and workers at its heart.”
The party wants the Scottish Government to reconsider its decision to impose a 10 % increase in fares on CalMac and Northlink services.
It also calls for the award of a new Clyde and Hebrides ferry contract to be accompanied by a fundamental reform of governance, with island communities and workers at the heart of decision making and accountability.
Transport minister, Fiona Hyslop said the government recognises the “challenges” that have faced a number of island communities with ferry service disruptions.
She welcomed the provision of over £530 million for 2025-26 to maintain and improve
ferry services, replacing vessels, upgrading ports and harbours, and investing further
in low-carbon inter-island ferries.
Ms Hyslop said the delivery of six new large vessels, providing fleet resilience,
and the procurement of seven new small vessels, which is currently in the 10-day
'standstill period', and the planned replacement for the MV Lord of the Isles, will
provide 37% of the total fleet with new vessels creating “more sustainability, resilience
and reliability for residents, businesses and communities.”
Conservative MSP, Sue Webber, believes that the social and economic impact of ferry disruption is causing existential harm to Scotland’s islands.
She points out the increasing maintenance repair bill for CalMac’s ageing fleet has hit £98 million in the last decade, which compromises the ability to invest in new infrastructure and maintain affordable ticket prices.
The Conservative Party calls on the Scottish Government to be clear about its long-term
intentions for Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow, and the future of Scottish shipbuilding,
“in light of an apparent lack of faith in it shown to date.”
Scottish Parliament to debate state of ferry services
19 March 2025
