Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, as well as CalMac, regarding the impact of vessel deployment decisions on the ability of passengers in Barra and in South Uist to travel to and from the mainland.
Engine problems are delaying MV Isle of Lewis returning from her annual overhaul leaving Castlebay and Lochboisdale lumbered with a very poor shared service to Oban. Relief vessel MV Isle of Mull is limited to carrying a maximum of 45 passengers due to condemned lifesaving equipment.
But ferry bookings for this week have been accepted based on the large capacity of MV Isle of Lewis, and now many of those passengers who had bought tickets are unable to travel.
Alasdair Allan said: “I appreciate the deeply challenging situation in which CalMac have found themselves in recent weeks with a number of their key major vessels out of action, whether planned or unexpectedly.
“However, it is simply inequitable and untenable that one island is left with no ferry capacity for any passengers to travel to the mainland, while other islands in the network maintain two vessel provision. Route prioritisation mechanisms do not seem to be working as they should.”
He added: “The total lack of capacity available between Castlebay/Lochboisdale and Oban this week is detrimentally affecting those needing to travel for medical appointments, school trips and family holidays, for example.
“Islanders recognise that there will regularly be issues with travelling to the mainland, whether as a result of weather or technical issues with an aging fleet.
“But residents are understandably angry about the way in which the vessel deployment decisions taken by CalMac have led to the current predicament.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland, the department which oversees the Scottish Government’s ferry division said: “Under the CHFS contract we expect CalMac to deliver essential services and provide connectivity to our island communities.
“Technical issues and the annual overhaul schedule have led to the need for further
re-deployment across the network to ensure this is maintained.
“We recognise the impact that delays and disruption have regrettably had on our island communities and we are committed to investing in our ferry services. In the coming year, we will invest over £530 million maintaining and enhancing our networks and strengthening resilience of services on the west coast and northern isles.”
MSP Alasdair Allan complains to transport secretary over inadequate ferry service for Barra and South Uist
25 March 2025
