CalMac: an apology

Sir, I share the frustration of Arran residents who are seeing disruptions to their service because of technical problems with the MV Caledonian Isles.

The vessel is now 27 years old and sourcing parts to repair problems that arise is a huge challenge for us. It is well documented that we were expected to have a new vessel on this route two years ago.

While we were working on an original lead-time of six weeks from Europe for a replacement mooring winch for the Caledonian Isles, we now believe this will be much shorter and we can bring the vessel back into full service earlier.

However, the suggestion that there are suitable vessels somewhere in the world ready to be leased or bought and take over the Arran run is unfortunately not true.

There are no second-hand ferries available which meet the unusually shallow draft requirements on the west coast, interface into our port infrastructure and which can operate in our challenging waters.

We have continually searched the market along with CMAL in the last six years and brokers are fully alert to our needs.

While a number of vessels have been put forward, they have either not met the demanding requirements of UK class or the work required to get them to a class level would be uneconomic or unachievable.

In the meantime, I can only apologise to the Arran community for the disruptions that are taking place, pledge that we are working with all partners to ensure the ferry is fully operational as soon as possible and assure you that we engage with communities on a daily basis around the disruption that occurs.

Yours,

Robbie Drummond, Managing Director, CalMac Ferries Ltd, Gourock.