Systemic problem needs urgently addressed

The fact that an elderly couple have taken the decision to leave the island because of the vagaries of the ferry service is worrying indeed – and they are not the only ones.

It has been a frustrating time for everyone during the pandemic due to limited ferry capacity – and subsequently limited booking space – to get to and from the island.

But this sounds like a more systemic problem and needs a serious review by the management of CalMac. For too long they have been papering over a few cracks.

Not being able to get a booking, or being pushed from pillar to post, is upsetting for everyone, but must hit the elderly and the infirm, as well as those with loved ones in hospital, the hardest as they are the ones who need priority bookings, which to all intents and purposes are simply not available.

Three other elderly couples have also recently left the island because of their medical needs and while this obviously cannot be all blamed on CalMac, there clearly is a serious issue that must be tackled head on.

The island may have a ageing population but it needs all the residents it has. Who is to say if the situation does not improve that other, younger, residents may also feel the need to leave.

That would be dire indeed.