“£9m to time charter a vessel for 9 months that cost £14m five years ago is an appalling deal for the taxpayer, let alone the long-term threat this creates to jobs, terms and conditions, pension rights and the stability of lifeline ferry services in the west of Scotland.” Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary
Ferries Subject of Urgent Question in Scottish Parliament
The withdrawal of the CalMac Service Mallaig, Oban and Lochboisdale in South Uist, from 5 April to 13 May was the subject of a heated exchange between MSPs from Scotland’s political parties and the new Junior Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart.
Pentalina Returns to Serve Orkney
The MV Pentalina will be back serving the route from St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney, to Gills Bay on the Scottish mainland from the 18th of April
Future Ferries: It’s Not Plain Sailing
Scotland has a complex mix of ferry provision. No other country has such a system. Is our current method of ferry provision the most suitable for our needs and what can we learn from other countries?
Budget Good News For Orkney’s Ferries
“The Government gave a commitment some years ago to fully fund those services so the second commitment is that that is a commitment we will honour. ” John Swinney Deputy FM Scotland
Working Together to Address Ferries Issues
“We have embarked on the work that is necessary to explore those issues, and we look forward to sustaining that work with Orkney Islands Council.” John Swinney Deputy First Minister of Scotland
Reliable Ferries & Fixed Links: Scotland’s Future Transport Needs
The main issue for people was cancellations which can happen very quickly and cause immense disruption to personal and business plans.
The Scottish Budget
39% of Scottish adults (1.8 million individuals) are not affected by the 2023-24 policy changes as their income is below the UK-wide Personal Allowance.
Orkney’s Ferries in the Spotlight
“Hearing first-hand the hopes and aspirations of the people of Orkney will provide valuable evidence and context to help us inform Scottish Government policies and strategies and to secure a positive outcome for islanders across Scotland.” Edward Mountain MSP
Future Ferries: A View From The Islands
Scotland has a complex mixture of ferries and providers – let’s look at Orkney.