Almost £100 million has been spent over the past decade on repairs for eight of the largest publicly owned ferries in Scotland, according to data obtained from operator CalMac. The figure has been described as 'eye-watering' by Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Sue Webber, who criticised the Scottish government for running the ferry network 'into the ground'.
The MV Caledonian Isles, which serves the Ardrossan to Brodick route on the Isle of Arran, cost the most to repair at over £22 million, including £7 million for work that kept the ferry out of service for most of last year. It is not due to return until March. Other vessels with high repair costs include the MV Isle of Lewis (£15.2 million), MV Lord of the Isles (£14.6 million), and MV Isle of Mull (£14.4 million).
The disclosure adds to the controversy surrounding Scotland's 'ferry fiasco', which has caused major disruption to island transport links. Replacement vessels have faced huge delays and cost quadrupling. Webber accused ministers of betraying islanders 'at every turn' and leaving them 'relying on out-of-date vessels'.
CalMac's fleet is undergoing a revamp, with six new vessels, including the delayed and over-budget MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa, due to enter service in the coming years. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said the replacement programme would provide 'more reliability of service', while a CalMac spokesperson noted that a third of the fleet is operating beyond its life expectancy, driving up repair costs.
