Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has said that the SNP Government’s refusal to heed recommendations from CalMac on how many new ferries the operator required to service its routes has led directly to the crisis that has overtaken Scotland’s ferry service.
No fewer than 16 of CalMac’s 31 active vessels are now more than 25 years old, which is the recommended operational lifespan of a ferry. Mr Cameron made his comments after participating in a debate on the ongoing ferry crisis that took place this week at the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “It was very telling that those SNP members who took part in the debate were quite unable, or unwilling, to launch a defence of their own government’s record when it comes to the crisis affecting our ferry service. They know, as we all do, that SNP ministers have failed in their duty of care to our island communities and that excuses will no longer cut it."
“Nicola Sturgeon now needs to admit her government’s 15-year failure to protect our lifeline ferry service, and then actually do something about it, and quickly.”
The debate can be viewed here: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/members-business-s6m-01137-jamie-halcro-johnston-recognising-the-importance-of-scotlands-ferry-services-october-27-2021
Donald Cameron’s contribution begins at 17.59.25 and the text of his full speech can be accessed here: http://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=13370&i=121323&c=2351906&s=