Transport minister Humza Yousaf has been urged to intervene over Cal Mac’s decision to take ferries away from Western Isles routes to cover shortages elsewhere.
Outer Hebrides Tourism has slammed Cal Mac’s for “sacrificing” Western Isles services
The organisation hit out at short notice “juggling” of ships which leaves Western Isles communities worse off.
Two ships were transferred to cover Inner Isles routes at Easter.
Cal Mac decided to put an additional ship on the Islay route so the MV Hebrides was sent south to cover a gap in the Inner Hebrides over the busy Easter weekend.
The smaller MV Hebridean Isles was despatched to Lochmaddy and Tarbert, resulting in widespread chaos. Bookings were unavailable for two weeks ahead and traffic diverted.
The MV Lord of the Isles is still in Tiree meaning there has been virtually no South Uist to Mallaig service for months.
Ian Fordham, chairman of Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) said: “Tourism is a key growth sector in our islands’ economy.”
He added: “Negative tourism impacts follow ferry capacity issues.
“The removal of the Lord of the Isles from the Mallaig -
OHT called on Humza Yousaf, to intervene for the “urgent reinstatement” of the Mallaig crossing.
Mr Yousaf is invited as a “matter of priority” to a meeting in the Outer Hebrides over “growing concerns” around Cal Mac’s ageing fleet and its “inability to commit publicly” to ongoing service reliability.
Also on the agenda is the general pressure on most Outer Hebrides ferry routes.
The organisation is also concerned about construction delays to two new ferries against a backdrop of increased visitor numbers to the islands.
OHT said it is “extremely concerned” over Cal Mac’s warnings that its ships are too old to guarantee a reliable service.
Transport minister urged to intervene in Western Isles ferry services
17 April 2018
