Scotland’s islanders face weeks of disruption and delays as a beleaguered ferry service struggles to cope.
Virtually every Scottish island has been cut off in recent weeks as state-owned operator CalMac warns of further disruption to the beleaguered and ageing ferry fleet.
The delays and disruption alongside planned maintenance of vessels have seen the issue dominate the political agenda, becoming a major election issue as voters prepare to head to the polls in the Holyrood elections next month.
The Isle of Arran is nestled off the west coast of Scotland. The ferry is a lifeline service for islanders and the thousands of visitors who help to support the island’s economy.
Everything from food and fuel to healthcare and tourism is tied to a reliable connection to mainland Scotland. But that connection is becoming increasingly fragile.
The Glen Sannox, the delayed and over-budget ferry that services the Arran route, has been plagued with technical issues and breakdowns after being in service for little more than a year.
Islanders are still waiting for its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, to join the fleet.
An ageing fleet, repeated cancellations and delays to long-promised upgrades have left many cut off – not just from the mainland, but from decision-makers in Holyrood.
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