A LABOUR MSP has called on the Scottish Government to set out an immediate plan to invest in Calmac ferry services after it failed to reach a deal to hire a catamaran to support its lifeline West Coast network.
West Scotland list member Katy Clark has written to Holyrood Transport Minister Graeme Dey urging him to intervene after she claimed there would be a “race to the bottom” regarding safety and ferry workers’ terms and conditions had the deal gone ahead.
Calmac wanted to charter the MV Pentalina, owned by Orkney-based Pentland Ferries, to provide “additional resilience” to its own fleet, following the breakdown of MV Loch Seaforth, which led to weeks of disruption.
However, Pentland Ferries decided not to go ahead with the charter over concerns about the contract.
Clark demanded an explanation from the Scottish Government, adding: “The long term failure of the Scottish Government to have an adequate ferry plan to commission new vessels since 2007 has led to this crisis in West Coast routes and to lifeline services.
“In the 14 years since 2007, 12 ferries have been commissioned compared to 26 ferries of similar tonnage in the 14 years prior to 2007.
“As a result, we are now in a situation where we don’t have enough ferries for the network which has been compounded by the problems with the delayed two new ferries from Ferguson Marina.”
She added: “I am asking for an explanation from the Scottish Government on the safety concerns about the Pentland ferries vessel which I raised with them following concerns from the unions, and for the Scottish Government to come forward with a ferry plan to invest in lifeline services.
“The current situation is unacceptable for those who rely on ferry services.”
Trials to identify where the Pentalina could safely berth on the West Coast established that it could operate on services to Arran and Mull.
CalMac had to divert ferries from their usual routes when engine repair work had to be carried out in April on the MV Loch Seaforth, which runs between Stornoway and Ullapool. The work was completed last month.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It’s extremely disappointing that, following weeks of detailed work by Calmac, Transport Scotland and Pentland Ferries, the company have now taken a business decision not to make the MV Pentalina available for charter.
“This news will be particularly frustrating for the communities who took part in the consultation around the potential chartering of the vessel. The Scottish Government shares that frustration.
“Whilst this is ultimately a decision for Pentland Ferries, we would support Calmac re-engaging with them on the option of a time charter should the company review its position in the coming weeks.
“The Government will continue to work with Calmac and CMAL to actively explore opportunities for chartering alternative additional tonnage for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Network.”
“In the longer term, we are working with CMAL, CalMac and others to develop investment programmes for major vessels and small vessels. This work will look to deliver improvements, building on the substantial investment which has been made across these services in recent years.
“The investment programme for the next five years was set out in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan and is supported by a commitment of at least £580 million.”
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 here