MSP demands answers from CalMac

CALMAC officials will be quizzed by a Scottish Parliament committee this week after MSPs agreed to recall the ferry operator to Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee (RECC) for further evidence.

Skye MSP Kate Forbes said she will be ‘looking for answers’ following the recent disruption across the ferry network – and particularly on the Mallaig to Armadale route, which clocked up more than 100 cancellations in less than a month of this year’s summer timetable.

It is understood the RECC was due to take oral evidence from CalMac representatives at its meeting on Wednesday May 30.

Ms Forbes, a member of the committee, said: ‘I am pleased that, as of last Wednesday, MV Lord of the Isles has returned to the Mallaig-Armadale route and the network has returned to normal. It has been an exceptionally long period of disruption for ferry users right across the West Coast.

‘That is why it is important that senior CalMac managers are pressed for answers about what caused this extended disruption and how they intend to ensure it won’t happen again.

‘Of course, it is clear more vessels are required, which is why the Scottish Government is building two new vessels at Ferguson’s shipyard just now.

‘I hope we will get ample opportunity with CalMac management in front of the RECC to find answers.’