The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for the Scottish Parliament to be urgently recalled to address what they describe as a “crisis” on the west coast ferry network. Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said MSPs must return to Holyrood to “sort out this mess”. The Parliament entered recess last week ahead of the May election but can be recalled until April 8.
Eight CalMac ferries are currently out of action, with four undergoing planned maintenance and the others facing technical issues. The situation worsened over the weekend when MV Lord of the Isles, serving Coll, Tiree and Colonsay, reported an engine problem. Other vessels, including the MV Glen Sannox, MV Isle of Islay, and MV Isle of Arran, are also out of service due to unplanned technical issues.
Speaking in Bishopbriggs, Mr Cole-Hamilton blamed the SNP for the crisis, saying: “This is a crisis of the SNP’s creation and it is engulfing our island and coastal communities. We need parliamentarians to come back to the Scottish Parliament, sort out this mess and immediately get compensation to everyone affected.” He also proposed a new ferries Bill to ensure a rolling 30-year procurement programme centred on communities.
Scottish Labour’s transport spokesperson Daniel Johnson said: “Islanders don’t need more warm words from politicians – they need a change in government. The chaos in our ferry system is the result of years of SNP neglect.” Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Sue Webber added: “The meltdown in the network at one of the busiest times of year is the direct result of years of nationalist mismanagement.”
An SNP spokesperson responded: “This is an unprecedented situation, but rightly the focus is on bringing ferries back into service and progress is being made. Our island communities need action, not political soundbites.” They noted that MV Isle of Islay, one of four new ferries built in Turkey, carried passengers for the first time on Tuesday, departing Port Askaig at 12.30pm.
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison described the situation as “critical” and warned that services will continue to be amended in the coming days. The Scottish Government said it is working “urgently” with CalMac to address the shortages.
