Ferry problems a ‘real threat’ to island life warns board

The Ferries Community Board has issued a damning indictment of the West Coast ferries situation, saying it now presents a real threat to island life.

The comments from board chairman Angus Campbell come in the wake of worries that island communities are now struggling to access even basic lifeline supplies and crucial services such as health and education.

Mr Campbell said it has been equally challenging for island businesses trying hard to recover or simply continue to exist.

Mr Campbell continued: ‘While we are well used to living with the effects of weather on our ferry services, and more recently Covid, the recent extent and duration of mechanical failures on multiple vessels has led to massive disruption across the network.

‘Unfortunately this is unlikely to be a one-off with such an ageing fleet in our challenging environment. This represents a real threat to our islands’ ability to retain and attract people, ensure services are sufficiently reliable and at prices that permit viable communities and thereby avoid depopulation.

‘The issue of historic lack of investment has been highlighted and recognised over many years. While some progress has recently been made in terms of identifying the first stage of a capital budget for vessels and infrastructure, including ordering two new vessels for Islay and the purchase of new tonnage for Mull, recent events have demonstrated the need to do more and to do it quicker.

‘It is essential we step up the efforts to find and buy new tonnage. This should include the sourcing of freight tonnage for appropriate routes thus alleviating pressure and freeing up conventional ferry space for passenger traffic.’

Mr Campbell urged those responsible to look at bringing the new build programme forward where possible and follow the example of ordering more than one ferry when appropriate. He also called for the development of more visible and robust contingency plans that include other bodies and services that can help

Ferries Community Board chairman, Angus Campbell said it has been challenging for island businesses trying hard to recover or simply continue to exist.

when services are at risk. And he added: ‘Island communities should have a clearer place in the decision-making process both in critical situations as they come about but also at the strategic decision-making level as we shape our services, making best use of the resources to be invested.

‘As a community board, we have long advocated tripartite decision-making involving government agencies, the ferry operator and island communities.

‘We fully recognise the efforts made to deliver some sort of service at critical times like this, particularly when there are very few options to call on. Change will take time and we intend to work positively with all the bodies involved in ferry provision to bring that necessary change forward.

‘Without a fit for purpose ferry service, all efforts to sustain and grow population, encourage new business and provide equality of opportunity will be increasingly damaged - to the detriment of our islands and our country.’

Responding, a Transport Scotland spokesperson told the Lochaber Times: ‘Ministers recognise that a lack of confidence in ferry services can impact upon people’s decision on whether to live and work on the islands and impacts upon the sustainability of the island communities.

‘These human impacts are at the heart of Scottish ministers’ commitment to supporting lifeline services through continued investment in ferry services across Scotland.

‘Ministers also fully recognise the need to address delays in investment in ferry infrastructure which is why they have committed to the £580 million in the Infrastructure

The MV Clansman.

Investment Plan. Following the recent DML recruitment, the transport minister has asked as a priority that the new DML chairman considers and takes forward measures to ensure island representatives’ views are heard more directly on our boards. In addition, CalMac, CMAL and Transport Scotland regularly engage with island communities through ferry committees, the Ferry Communities Board, local groups and local authorities.’

Responding to Mr Campbell’s comments, Highlands and

Islands MSP Donald Cameron said the statement was yet more evidence of the worry felt by island communities at the unfolding ferry crisis and what he criticised as ‘the lack of grip’ of the Scottish Government in dealing with it.

Mr Cameron added: ‘Island communities should have an opportunity to input into decisions about their lifeline services but it is the responsibility of Nicola Sturgeon and her ministers to deliver the solutions, which they have categorically failed to do.’