THE Scottish Government will be investing more than half a billion pounds into ferry services over the next five years, an SNP MSP has announced.
Kenneth Gibson, whose Cunninghame North constituency includes the Isle of Arran, made the announcement after meeting with other island MSPs and the newly appointed Transport Minister earlier today.
The new minister, Graeme Dey, said he had agreed to the early meeting with the three other MSPs as they had been “inundated by irate constituents” concerned about the state of ferry services.
Alasdair Allan, the MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, and Jenni Minto, who represents Argyll and Bute, were also present at the “constructive” meeting with Dey.
READ MORE: SNP plan bridge from Dunoon to Gourock to 'reduce reliance on ferries'
Following the meeting, Gibson said: “The Minister recognises communities’ frustration at the current disruption and the impact it is having. He pledged to do everything possible to support CalMac to maximise available capacity across the network and ensure the timely resolution of these ongoing issues.
“Arran Ferry Action Group has written to the Scottish Government urging investment of £500 million on ferries over the next five to 10 years. Scottish Ministers will go beyond that.
“Working with CMAL, CalMac, the three island MSPs, community representatives, the Isle of Arran Ferry Committee and others, Mr Dey will deliver major vessel and small vessel replacement to support Arran, Cumbrae and our other island communities.
“At least £580 million will be invested over the next five years, on top of resources already committed to the completion of the Glen Sannox and its sister ship at Port Glasgow.”
The Transport Minister added: “My MSP colleagues have understandably been inundated by irate constituents and sought this early meeting. I believe they took confidence from my understanding of the difficulties being endured and take such matters very seriously.
“In relation to short-term issues, we are actively exploring opportunities for chartering additional tonnage, including consideration of the suitability of the MV Pentalina and looking at other credible, affordable and viable options to improve resilience.”
The news comes after the return of CalMac's largest ferry, on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, has been delayed again.
The MV Loch Seaforth was hit with engine failure last month and a 50-hour sea trial is needed before returning to service.
While the solutions were due to be in place by this bank holiday weekend, the delay means that wider disruption to CalMac's network is likely to continue over the upcoming weekend.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel